8 Beautiful Yoga Retreats From Around the World

Have you been bitten by both the yoga bug and the travel bug? Then roll up your yoga mat, and take it to one of these beautiful yoga retreats from around the world.

They're worth checking out, and are sure to bring new life to your yoga practice. Just make sure to send us a postcard when you get there!

1. Yoga Rocks — Crete

The Yoga Rocks Retreat in Crete is a wonderful, peaceful retreat owned by Phil (who's father is from Crete) and Helen. They are extremely dedicated to their space, and try every day to cultivate an atmosphere of peace and acceptance.

The mountains behind the retreat center and the sea in front definitely add to the atmosphere, so you can just let your cares float away.

What makes it special?: "The peace and pressure-free accepting attitude at the retreat inspires and opens up the inner space so you can see yourself clearly as well as how to make positive changes in life. It's hard to find that perspective in the whirlpool of life and the retreat seems to have a special energy to facilitate this," Helen says.

2. Ananda Spa — India

Ananda Spa is located in the Himalayan foothills in North India on a hill overlooking the ancient spiritual town of Rishikesh. Ananda is built on a 100 acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate, and there is a wonderful sense of tranquillity from the moment you enter. With spectacular views of the Ganges and a temperate climate, you'll be comfortable and amazed all year long.

At Ananda, guests are taught a very traditional Hatha yoga, and integrate mindfulness through breathing techniques and meditation. So if you're looking for a more traditional retreat in the birthplace of yoga, get your asana on at Ananda Spa.

Why is it inspiring?: Rishikesh is considered the birthplace of yoga.

3. The Yoga Forest — Guatemala

Looking for a dramatic, tropical place to take your practice? Then try out the Yoga Forest! Perched on the edge of a cliff, and looking out to volcanoes across Lake Atitlán, you'll be immersed in nature from the moment you arrive.

Take the opportunity to connect with yourself and with the stunning area around you at this Guatemalan retreat center. Expand more than just your yoga practice, and learn more about conscious living or shamanic healing while you're at it!

What is special about The Yoga Forest?: "Practice at The Yoga Forest inspires guests to connect to the Spirit of the land and the nature that surrounds us. We share shamanic practices, yoga wisdom and Permaculture principles with passion and enthusiasm for the elements and the natural world we are immersed in," says Hayley, the founder of The Yoga Forest.

4. Big Sky Yoga Retreats — Montana, USA

Are you feeling a loss of connection, either in your practice or in your every day life? Then Big Sky Yoga Retreats in Montana may be the place for you.

Big Sky Yoga Retreats are all about bringing you back to your day-to-day life, but with more passion and connection. By going on a retreat here, you'll focus on ways to bring what you love into your daily life. Whether that's through meditation, journaling, or food, find (or re-find) what fulfills you, all while under Montana's vast blue sky.

What's special about Big Sky Yoga Retreats?: "Montana has created connection for me. Connection is the craving behind all human existence. In the words of T.S. Eliot, “Hell is a place where nothing connects with nothing.” We’re healthy when we connect with others in meaningful ways and when we connect with animals, nature, and what’s going on inside ourselves," says Margaret, the founder of Big Sky Yoga.

5. EcoCamp Yoga Dome — Chile

EcoCamp Patagonia, and their awesome Yoga Dome, is located in Chile’s Torres Del Paine national park, in the heart of an unspoiled wilderness at the southern tip of the country.

There's no WiFi at the Yoga Domes, which means you have to center in and connect to yourself, your practice, and the incredible nature around you. So if your goal is to go somewhere eco-friendly, unique, a little wilder, and a little further afield, then take your practice to EcoCamp!

What's cool about the dome?: Timothy Dhalleine, the community manager at EcoCamp says, "Domes are the perfect structure to practice Yoga. Our Yoga Dome is built in an eco-friendly way, using minimal excavation and built on a raised wooden platform so as not to disturb the underlying vegetation. The skylight windows ensure natural light and heat is utilized properly. The dome is decorated with wide curtains in a simple and elegant way. The dome is quiet and enhances the yoga experience – everyone who takes part in a Yoga class admits they feel at ease as soon as they pass the door of the dome."

6. Silver Island Yoga — Greece

Want some privacy for your next retreat? How about traveling to a 60 acre private Greek island?

That's exactly the experience you'll get at Silver Island Yoga, an amazing eco-retreat that's completely off the grid! Only taking 10 guests a week means that you get a special and calm experience worth calling home about.

The owners, sisters Lissa and Claire, inherited the island from their father on his death. With a lot of love, care, and help from their friends, they opened Silver Island Yoga in 2013. With the huge amount of dedication and care that they've put into opening their doors, you're sure to have an amazing experience from the moment you step foot on the island. And with 60 acres to explore, you'll never have a dull moment, on or off the mat.

How are people inspired by Silver Island Yoga?: "It is a very special place! Lissa and Corne (Lissa's husband) made me feel very welcome and created this friendly atmosphere helping everyone to fully relax. I can't really describe in words how great that week on Silver Island made me feel (physically and psychically). It was such a treat to my body, soul and mind! Thank you for being such a beautiful people!" — Justyna Kwiatkowska, a participant at a Silver Island Yoga retreat.

7. The Yoga Barn — Bali

Have your own Eat, Pray, Love experience at The Yoga Barn in Bali.

The Yoga Barn aims to make Bali the health and spirituality center of Asia. They're fully dedicated to giving you an unforgettable, spiritual, and health-centered yoga retreat. Try one of their Cleansing & Detox retreats for an extra boost, and come home feeling happy and healthy like never before.

What's special about The Yoga Barn?: Charley from The Yoga Barn says, "With The Yoga Barn, we have created "An Oasis of Calm in the Center of Ubud" … a place for people to gather and experience Bali; the spiritual epicenter of South East Asia. A vacation in Bali by ‘health conscious’ tourists can have lasting repercussions on each of us as individuals, and the planet at large. A movement is growing, led by each of us, spearheading the solutions to the myriad challenges facing the Earth; a future of clean water, recycled trash, pesticide-free farming, abundant food, sustainability, non-polluting vehicles, self-love, self-care and service onto others!"

8. The Cliffs of Moher Retreat — Ireland

If you want something a little wilder, take your yoga practice along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher Retreat.

Experience the magic of Ireland first hand, and practice yoga in their studio with a view directly over Liscannor Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and of course, the awe-inspiring Cliffs. The studio is a warm and comfortable place (with heated floors!), so you can practice in peace, even if a storm is raging outside.

What brought you to Western Ireland?: Owners Michael and Michelle Moroney say, "Michael’s father was from this area, but we moved here because of the beauty of the area, but also the community. It’s an amazing place with people from all over the world. People are interested in real living, real food, nature and living in peace. There is a magic in the extremely fresh air, the old stone walls and the grass growing in the middle of the road!" That sounds pretty wonderful to us!

Which yoga retreat center are you packing your bags for? Share with us in the comments below!

Title Image Credit: Silver Island Yoga