The ancient art of yoga has long been recognised for its health benefits, both spiritual and physical. Originating in Northern India, the practice has experienced a resurgence in recent years, soaring in popularity all over the world. Known to increase flexibility, build strength and improve posture, yoga also aids in relaxation, introspection and emotional balance. After looking through some of the most elegant, exquisite and expert-led yoga retreats in the world, here are some amazing options for your next getaway—check out our selection of some of the world’s best luxury yoga retreats for you to elevate your practice in style.
Ananda in the Himalayas
Nestled in the Himalayas of Northern India, Ananda is a quiet five-star refuge. Immersed in natural beauty, the prestigious resort’s Yoga Pavilions and Yoga Shalas offer elevated views of the beautiful Himalayan foothills. Their yoga programme uses traditional practices to provide peace and balance for your body and mind. The award-winning resort is also renowned for its comprehensive Ayurvedic spa menu and Vedanta philosophies which partner with their yoga programme to truly give you a relaxing experience.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Chiva-Som
Chiva-Som luxury wellness resort in Hua Hin, Thailand, helps guests to ‘reinvent’ their lifestyle and reform their bad habits. The ‘Yoga for Life’ programme includes 80-minute Hatha, Vinyasa or Ashtanga Yoga sessions and Pranayama meditation, in addition to access to all of Chiva-Som’s comprehensive scheduled activities like breath work, boxing and Pilates. With nourishing meals from the resort’s health-conscious Wellness Cuisine menu, its a rejuvenating experience from the inside-out.
Amatara
Amatara is a wellness retreat found on the east coast of Phuket Island in Thailand, on the idyllic island of Cape Panwa overlooking a secluded bay by the Andaman Sea. The retreat revolves around creating a balance between the body and mind by providing fitness activities, healthy diets and relaxing therapies. Their yoga programme is individual-focused and is curated for everyone from beginners to experts. Enjoy physical asana practice every day along with meditation and philosophy, which will stay with you even after the retreat is over.
Atmantan
Found in Mulshi near Pune, India, Atmantan is a wellness retreat based in detox, fitness and spa where wellness travellers and celebrities alike come for rejuvenation and relaxation. They offer well-respected traditional Indian healing practices along with international therapies and modern fitness techniques. This all aims to produce a holistic healing of the mind, body and soul. Their Journey Through Yoga retreat uses traditional Ayurvedic principles, including an array of prescribed treatments which will have you diving deeper into the rituals of yoga as you experience its many lifestyle benefits. They also provide private yoga sessions for an exclusive and personalised experience.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
COMO Uma Paro
Where better to explore the art of yoga than in Bhutan’s Buddhist heartland? The Kingdom of Bhutan has become one of the most exclusive tourist destinations, with strict sustainability policies and a ‘quality over quantity’ approach to tourism that has ensured its position as a luxurious location. COMO Uma Paro is one such stunning luxury resort in the country’s mountainous region and utilising the renowned COMO Shambhala wellness programme, you can incorporate a whole range of Ayurvedic treatments and yoga sessions into your stay. Their one-off yoga retreats welcome in expert yoga teachers from around the globe, as well as providing guests with a chance to explore the Bhutan Thimphu and Punakha valleys.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Amanoi
It’s hard to pick just one from Aman Resorts 33 luxe locations, but Amanoi’s new wellness immersion provides guests with an indulgent hybrid yoga retreat unlike any other. Located on the coast of Nui Chua National Park, one of Vietnam’s largest nature conservation sites, the tailored Hideaway Retreat aids guest in achieving their wellness goal in either detoxification, weight management, or stress relief, with a series of specialised movement sessions, spa therapies, and daily yoga classes.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Six Senses Douro Valley
Found in Portugal’s Douro Valley, this Six Senses resort has extensive yoga programmes to satisfy any wellness wanderluster. Available from three to 10 nights, each programme has a distinct experience: the introductory “Discover” programme combines gentle Hatha yoga sessions with guided meditation and breathing exercises, while the “Detox” uses yogic cleansing techniques and advanced practices of pranayama to give guests a mental and physical cleanse; for those seeking a more meditative yoga experience, the Yogic Sleep Programme utilises gentle yoga practices, yoga nidra, pranayama and relaxing spa treatments to increase the quality of relaxation and improve sleep.
Escape Haven
Winner of the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards for Best Luxury Wellness Retreat, Escape Haven is a highly acclaimed resort for women all around the world. It is a women’s only retreat, designed to give women a break from their busy lives to relax and renew. The retreat hosts guests in the comforting atmosphere of Bali, Indonesia where they will be met by blue skies, sand and greenery and is known as an excellent surfing and yoga retreat. They offer several kinds of yoga: Yoga Nidra, Meditation, Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga just to name a few. Join their 90-minute classes and enjoy their fresh and healthy cuisine for a peaceful adventure.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Absolute Sanctuary
Located on the ‘Island of Healing’ on the north-eastern side of Koh Samui, Absolute Sanctuary is a respite from the rest of the world. With retreat programmes focussing on fitness, wellbeing and yoga, the luxury wellness resort also host yoga teacher training with invited special guests for unique experiences. They have expertise experience with about 15 years of operation providing yoga studios through Absolute Sanctuary.
Nihi Sumba
Experience the sunset like never before by the cool waves of the Nihi Sumba in the remote Indonesian island of Sumba. Voted the world’s best hotel by Travel+Leisure for two consecutive years, and recognised in awards from Asia Spa, Conde Nast Traveller and The Telegraph, the luxury eco-hotel opened in 2012 and underwent a US$30 million renovation to transform it into the five-star paradise it is today. The yoga retreat, coordinated by wellness director Mary Tilson, offers unlimited classes in a variety of styles including Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and even Chocolate Yoga. The resort also works closely with the local community through the Sumba Foundation, which supports the people of Sumba, culture, and environment of the island, so you can enjoy your stay in good conscience.
Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
The Maldives are well known for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear expanses of ocean and breathtaking views. Four Seasons Maldives is located on Landaa Giraavaru, one of the islands within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Alongside the views, the resort offers a rejuvenating Ayurvedic retreat, which includes a selection of bespoke Ayurvedic spa therapies and expert yoga classes. The retreat provides you with resident yogis who are able to lead Anti-Gravity Yoga, Aqua Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa.
Mii Amo Sedona
Relax at one of the USA’s top luxury wellness resorts in the midst of Sedona, Arizona, at Mii Amo. The warm air, rustic-chic atmosphere, scenic views and comforting resort will make you feel like you’re in an exclusive hideaway. Mii Amo centres on each individual guest that partakes in their retreats: along with an extensive amount of activities, such as hiking and biking tours, the resort also has unique yoga experiences. To make your journey even more curated, they offer five different paths each with its own distinct focus—choose from de-stress, physical performance, spiritual exploration, or lifestyle transformations and use yoga as a tool to dig deeper.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
SwaSwara
This yoga experience is centred on rest. The Swa Well-Being retreat pampers guests with top-tier treatments and massages, with a focus on Ayurvedic body treatments, Yoga and meditation along with therapeutic art and a healthy diet. Yoga classes at SwaSwara are a beginners introduction to yogic kriyas, Asanas, Nidra, and Pranayama. Meanwhile, if you’d like an even more tailored yoga experience, there’s the option to take private classes after 7pm with a focus on yoga-influenced art and music.
Shreyas
Another community-supporting retreat, Shreyas is found in Bangladore, India and offers a personalised journey of self-discovery. Dedicated entirely to yoga, the retreat classes are based on Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa. The yoga instructors are trained in both the traditional and modern practices of these forms of yoga, giving guests a rounded experience. The luxury ashram holds yoga classes twice daily and one meditation session, in addition to optional community service for guests looking to give back to the local area and experience India beyond the retreat.
Soulshine Retreats
Soulshine Retreats, based on the island of Ibiza, Spain, is a rewarding wellness experience to bring you peace and balance. The retreat philosophy is ‘to bring a shine to one’s soul and a smile to one’s face’, which it delivers on through customised retreat packages designed with the utmost personal attention, including the option for a 45-minute one-to-one yoga session with the founder of Soulshine. They also provide complimentary gifts called ‘goodie bags’ and promise lovely hospitality. The overall focus of their retreats is to give their guests one-of-a-kind mindfulness, yoga experiences and life-coaching to create a happy and wholesome lifestyle that guests can take home.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
