Calling out all the yoga fanatics and advanced practitioners! If being cooped up in a yoga studio no longer floats your boat, then get your flow on in some tranquil sanctuaries in Asia and immerse yourself in the serene nature.
Western yoga is all about improving physiques and maintaining health whereas Eastern yoga places the focus on spiritual enlightenment and overall wellbeing. In the East, yogis are taught to disassociate themselves from the earthly possessions and adhere to the principles of minimalism in order to pursue the spiritual path.
The warm and fuzzy feeling after a short yoga class is fleeting if we refuse to adhere to the lifestyle and philosophy that traditional yoga puts forth. If you want to experience authentic yoga and take your practice up a notch, check out the following yoga retreats in Asia that surely will detox your mind more effectively than your average yoga classes. Even better, going to retreats can help you deepen your practice, meet people from all walks of life and leave you with a new way of thinking!
Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa, Bali
Nestled by the banks of Bali’s Ayung River, Fivelements is an award-winning wellness centre in Bali with the aim to guide people through a personal healing journey. Dotted with bamboo structures, shrines and peaceful gardens, Fivelements provides a sacred sanctuary for yogis to immerse themselves in the mystic culture of Bali. The yoga classes usually take place in a creative bamboo pavilion. You can even embark upon your healing journey by venturing into a rainforest to search for healing herbs with an ecologist.
Samahita Retreat, Thailand
Located on Laem Sor Beach on the south coast in Thailand, Samahita is a yoga retreat that provides a wide array of programs with the aim to help people reclaim the balance between body and mind. Samahita means being in balance, an integration of vitality, and peace in life. Samahita Retreat is a perfect sanctuary for those who feel overwhelmed by the work and life imbalance. The retreat specializes in yoga asana that is designed to help improve your digestive system, joint mobility, and long-term durability.
Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Situated at the Himalayan foothills in Northern India, Ananda is arguably the best yoga retreat in India that is surrounded by forests and overlooks the spiritual town of Rishikesh. Ananda is probably the best bet for a yoga experience with scenic views and lavish amenities. Ananda specializes in Hatha Yoga that usually takes place in a marble Pavillion. It also provides a weight management program that combines yoga with detox therapies, diet, meditation, and Western treatments.
Surf Goddess Retreats, Bali
Debating whether you should embark upon a surf or yoga retreat? Well, there’s a way to kill two birds with one stone. Surf Goddess Retreats is designed for adventurous women with unquenchable wanderlust. You can ride the waves with the Rip Curl School of Surf and unwind the pressure of life by practicing yoga in a tranquil pavilion overlooking the lush tropical gardens.