It can be hard to achieve zen in a city as fast paced as ours, which is why it’s important to go on holidays that are good for your mind and body. Here are five yoga retreats happening in the coming months and there’s something for everyone. Now go forth and unwind.
Bali Spirit Festival, credit: Bali Spirit Festival
The hippie retreat
There’s still time to start planning for one of the world’s biggest yoga festivals: the Bali Spirit Festival that will be taking place in Ubud from Mar 31-Apr 5, 2015 (there’ll be a one-day break on Apr 3). Yes, that’s five full days of yoga and meditation with some of the world’s best yoga instructors including Noah Maze from America, Ronan Tang from China and Maryam Askari from France. It’ll be days of yoga and meditation workshops, seminars on healing and health, and there’s plenty of music and dancing as well. Early bird tickets for the entire festival start from US$550 ($734) and will be available until Mar 1. For a full lineup and to get your tickets, head here.
Maya Villa, Sri Lanka
The budget, off-the-grid retreat
This 10-day yoga retreat in Sri Lanka is set in the charming five-suite Maya Villa that is surrounded by greenery and sits next to the rural village of Aranwella. Translation: you’ll get to hold your poses while overlooking paddy fields, frangipanis and fruit trees. Surprisingly, it’s not too exorbitantly priced either. Their 10-day retreat starts at US$1,640 ($2,265) and covers accommodation, yoga and meals. For the less hardcore yogis, there’s also a six-night option available and will set you back US$1,065 ($1,448). This retreat is set to take place from May 1-13 and May 15-27. Six-day options available on May 1, 7, 15 or 21. More details here.
Alila Villas Soori
The luxe retreat
Check yourself into Bali’s super plush Alila Villas Soori, set along a gorgeous volcanic black sand coast and offers views of the Indian Ocean. There’s no better time to go than now; they’ve got a new seven-day yoga and wellness retreat with American nutrition expert, yoga instructor and author Shayna Hiller. There’ll be classes ranging from an energizing vinyasa flow to gentle restorative classes. The package also includes two spa treatments at Spa Alila, daily healthy brunch, daily meditation and a healthy eats session with Shayna. Happening from Mar 9-15, be prepared to fork out USD3,900 ($5,220) for single villa occupancy and USD6,300 ($8,430) for double villa occupancy. Go here to book.
Banyan Tree Phuket Spa Sanctuary
The lovers’ retreat
If you love nature, you’ll love the Banyan Tree Phuktet Spa Sanctuary and its many gardens, lotus ponds, floral trees and Thai Salas. Plus, if you’re one who likes taking trips (and exercising) with a partner, this is a great option. The package includes daily morning yoga sessions at the Orchid garden, a wellness consultation and massage lesson, a romantic couples’ massage and unlimited 90-minute massage sessions in your own villa. This Retreat For The Senses package doesn’t come cheap though, a night will set you back $1,135+ and you’ll have to stay for a minimum of three nights. There are two dates for you to pick from: Mar 26 and 28. For more info, go here.
Sharing Bali’s Bali Fitness Fusion
The active-holiday types’ retreat
For all sports lovers, health retreat specialists Sharing Bali‘s six-day Bali Fitness Fusion program is just what you need. For starters, it doesn’t just offer yoga, there will be jungle treks, workouts by the river, sunset pilates and yogalates sessions. The downtime involves spa treatments, soaks in the hot springs and a relaxing food massage as you sip on cocktails. While there, you’ll be put up in traditional Balinese bungalows nestled among rice fields and overlooking mountains. Here’s the best part, you can make it happen anytime. All it takes is four to go and it’ll cost you AUD1,650 ($1,760) per person. Book here.
