Whether you’re an expert yogi, or you’ve just started attending classes, we’re sure you’ll agree that yoga is a relaxing practice and incredible for boosting mindfulness.
If you’ve considered heading away to a yoga retreat in the past, but dismissed it as being a little too intense for your tastes, the good news is that there are many quirky options to consider. By complementing your favourite pastime with an activity - be it skiing, scuba, sailing, or ‘beer’ - you can get much more out of your annual leave, while still getting to enjoying some yoga practice.
Read on to get the Flexicover team’s top picks on the five yoga retreats worth travelling for – and remember, we’ve chosen these independently, with only your enjoyment in mind.
Snowshoeing, skiing, and yoga in Austria
Yoga retreats are most commonly associated with sunny, tropical destinations - why not buck this trend by heading to a snow-dusted Austrian destination. This super-chic winter yoga retreat takes place amidst the stunning, serene, snowy Austrian Alps. Attend daily yoga classes in a tranquil mountain chalet and spend the rest of the day partaking in winter sport activities – like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing - before warming up with a spot of après-ski. If you’re not keen on hitting the slopes, rejuvenating winter walks through the alpine scenery also complements your relaxing yoga practice.
Scuba and yoga in the Maldives
If you’re a yogi with a penchant for all things aquatic, why not take the plunge in this dreamy Maldives retreat? While scuba and yoga are usually thought of separately, the practices actually complement each other, as they both require a focus on breathing and a heightened sense of self-awareness. Picture it: a day of swimming amidst the Indian Ocean’s colourful flora and fauna before a chilled-out yoga session. The retreat takes place on the tranquil local island of Haa Alif, which is beautifully free of other divers or boat traffic, allowing the ocean life to thrive.
Surf, yoga and beer in various locations
If you enjoy surfing, yoga and beer, but aren’t quite set on a destination that will bring all three passions together, Surf Yoga Beer definitely has the answer. This organisation hosts trips to a plethora of destinations as diverse as Nicaragua, Ibiza and Morocco, where the focus is on surfing, yoga and enjoying yourself. It offers a number of variations on the theme too - such as ‘eat, drink, sweat’ and ‘surf, yoga, boxing’ - and most of them involve a heady balance of exercise and partying. If you’re looking for a super soothing yoga retreat then this probably isn’t for you, but if you’re after a high-octane holiday where you’re encouraged to make the most of every single moment, this could be the perfect option.
Sailing and yoga in Croatia
Croatia’s sparkling Dalmatian Coast is one of the most stunning destinations in the world – it’s where turquoise waves lap at white pebble beaches and terracotta topped homes cluster around peaceful bays. Happily Yoga Sailing Holidays offers yoga retreats on sailing holidays in this incredible destination. Daily yoga practice is held by an onboard yoga instructor, against a backdrop of ever-changing beautiful coastal locations. Island-hop in the Adriatic and stop regularly in the most stunning places, and round the day off with evening meditation. Vitally, there’s a high crew-to-guest ratio, with a maximum of seven guests and three crew, ensuring impeccable service and the chance to seriously improve your yoga skills.
Yoga and hill walking in Spain
Indulge in this yoga-heavy holiday which intersperses classes with sublime hikes through Spain’s Alpujarra region, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its Moorish villages and waterfalls. Every morning kicks off with a guided half-hour meditation followed by a two-hour yoga class and ends with 90 minutes of yoga in the evenings. Everyone is welcome here, whether novice or expert; the resort works on the principle of yoga as mindfulness rather than exercise. As well as the invigorating walks, guided horse-riding is another option. If you don’t fancy either you can chill out by the pool or indulge in a massage or holistic therapy session. Delicious gourmet vegetarian dishes are served at mealtimes too.
Wherever you’re planning on heading away to this year it’s good to know that Flexicover Travel Insurance is committed to providing you with the highest level of protection to ensure you are safe and secure 24 hours a day when away.
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