Guest blog: A guide to the world’s best yoga hotspots
My guest blogger has been looking at some of the world’s best places to do yoga. She writes: “There can be few holidays more relaxing than a yoga retreat somewhere beautiful. With that in mind, I’ve come up with a list of some of the best places to jet off to if you’re keen to enjoy a week of relaxation, mediation and rejuvenation.”
Great places to do yoga on holiday
Although the origins of yoga aren’t particularly clear, one thing that is agreed upon is that the practice originated in ancient India. So, where better to go on a yoga holiday than in India? I don’t think you can really beat Goa as a destination either, as it has everything you’ll need away from your yoga mat – plenty of golden beaches, for instance – to ensure you have a relaxing break.
You have two main options when it comes to practising yoga in Goa – either to join a yoga retreat or, if you’re a beginner or aren’t sure you want to dedicate your entire holiday to the pastime, to visit some drop-in classes during your holiday.
There are numerous yoga schools in the north of the state where you can try many different types of yoga, including ashtanga, vinyasa flow, hatha, sivananda, kundalini, iyengar and bihar (there are others, but these are some of the main ones). When you’re looking for a place to base yourself during a holiday in north Goa, consider the area near Mardem Beach, or around Anjuna, as there are yoga schools near both of these locations.
Many yoga retreats also boast Ayurvedic spas, so you can complement your practice with some amazing treatments during your getaway.
Dahab, Egypt
Dahab is a small town on the coast of Egypt’s Red Sea. It’s situated in the Sinai Peninsula, approximately one hour’s drive from Sharm el Sheikh. Although it’s not the biggest yoga destination in the world, it has a remarkable range of yoga classes available at various hotels within the town.
Among the kinds of yoga you can practise here are hatha, ashtanga, kundalini, hatha flow and sivananda. Most of the classes are conducted on a drop-in basis, so you can do as many or as few as you want during your break. Some of the hotels in the area also run yoga retreats, should you prefer to dedicate your holiday to the practice.
When you’re not doing yoga, you can enjoy the picturesque sea front with a wealth of small cafes and restaurants right by the sea. The reefs off the coast are teeming with life, too, so if you want to cool down from the Egyptian sun, grab a mask and snorkel to see what you can spot beneath the surface.
Bali, Indonesia
The tropical island paradise of Bali is an excellent destination to choose if you’re searching for a yoga holiday. Many of the island’s yoga schools and retreats are set amid lush tropical jungle, or close to the coast, giving you the perfect backdrop to your practice.
What’s more, the isle has positioned itself as a leading spiritual destination, where you can soothe your mind, body and soul through yoga, meditation, healthy eating and Ayurvedic treatments.
Among the types of yoga you can practice in Bali are ashtanga, hatha, iyengar, hatha flow, sivananda and acro yoga. This means there are bound to be classes that appeal to you, with options on offer for all ability levels.
Where have you enjoyed a yoga holiday?