Casual yoga classes in modern urban studios can sometimes be a bit confusing for beginners. There is so much to learn and memorize for basic movements, not to mention the deeper exercises related to breathing and awareness.
The best way to learn the practice is to give yourself some time, to get away for a while. Finding a comfortable and relaxing place to engage in some intense exercises can do wonders.
There was a time when a yoga vacation meant spending time in a monastery or monastery. Today, however, there are plenty of ways to combine a modern luxury vacation with a quality yoga session.
In our search for the best yoga tours for beginners, we were looking for a complete and flexible schedule with plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation, a full menu of luxury spa services and treatments, and a location that is both secluded and connected Lots of access offers convenience.
Whether you love the majesty of the Himalayas, the vast skies of the American West, or the lush beauty of a remote island paradise, we’ve handpicked the perfect luxury yoga vacation for you to learn and grow.
Here are our picks for the ten best luxury yoga retreats for beginners:
Ananda of the Himalayas (Rishikesh, India)
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India is the obvious choice for a yoga holiday. After all, that’s where yoga started. However, for those looking to combine a yoga vacation with a relaxing getaway, there aren’t many luxury options. Ananda in the Himalayas is a big exception. Nestled in 100 hectares of beautiful Himalayas, Ananda was once the palatial estate of a maharaja transformed into a luxury spa and was recently voted the number one destination spa in the world by Conde Nast.
PROJECT: Ananda offers traditional Indian Hatha Yoga inspired by techniques from the Bihar School of Yoga. Her 7-night Yoga Detox program offers 4 personal yoga sessions, 3 personal pranayama sessions and 2 personal meditation sessions, as well as Ayurvedic and international therapies.
What we like: Ananda in the Himalayas may be one of the most luxurious yoga retreats in the world. The penthouse-style Governor’s Suite, furnished with antique furniture and fittings, features a private living and dining room that opens onto a private terrace with a rooftop gazebo.
Cost: Prices vary seasonally, but generally start at $890 per night
Address: The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand 249175, India
Nihi Sumba (Sumba, Indonesia)
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While Bali may get all the attention on a yoga vacation in Indonesia, there are many islands nearby that are just as beautiful but without the crowds. Located on the remote island of Sumba, about an hour’s flight east of Bali, Nihi Sumba offers a true resort experience in luxurious surroundings. Voted Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure for two consecutive years.
The Program: A stay at Nihi Sumba is a personalized experience, tailored to each guest’s wishes and needs. Free yoga classes are held several times a day and cover a variety of styles including hatha yoga, tandem yoga, yin yoga and meditation.
What we like: Sumba is off the beaten track. You have the opportunity to discover a culture that many will never experience. The island was once only popular with particularly intrepid surfers. So if surfing is your thing, expect perfect waves with no lineups.
Cost: Prices vary seasonally. Villas start at $845 per night in low season and $1,545 per night in high season.
Address: Hoba Wawi, Wanokaka, West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Saatchi Island (Belize)
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Thatch Caye is an all-inclusive resort on a private island off the coast of Belize. With overwater bungalows and cabanas, this place is a slice of paradise. From November to May, they offer fitness and yoga retreats with various international teachers.
The Program: Her “grounded” yoga retreat with Rachel Matz lasted 5 days and 6 nights, offering two yoga sessions per day. One of the yoga classes will be an active, fitness-based class, while the other will be more relaxing or meditative. The retreat also includes three meals a day and a snorkeling trip.
What we like: Not only is Thatch Caye beautiful, but it’s also a fully sustainable eco-resort. The recent renovation used only recycled materials from the island, and they have committed to no more single-use plastics.
Cost: Doubles at The Rooted Retreat start at $2,400 and private rooms start at $3,300.
Address: Isala St, Dangriga, Belize