Great Places to Travel for a Yoga Retreat
This guest blog was written by Polly, a full-time blogger who loves traveling, yoga and meditation.
Who does not love a nice, relaxing vacation but majority of us usually feel stressed after going on vacation. Have you ever heard the term “I need a vacation from my vacation”. So if that sounds like you why not try a yoga retreat? I love all aspects of Yoga and with its increasing popularity, people of all backgrounds are learning its benefits. Yoga is great either at home by yourself or in a class with friends. The term ‘Yoga’ means to align your mind, body and soul. It helps with flexibility, it helps the body get rid of toxins and it is a great way to relieve stress.
What is a Yoga retreat?
A yoga retreat is simply a vacation geared towards unwinding and getting back to balancing your mind, body and soul. It does not have to be anything fancy. The great thing about retreats are that you can find one to match your personality and your budget. It is like giving yourself a present. You will be connecting with like minded people and you never know, you may learn something you did not know before or you may make a lifelong friend!
Are Yoga Retreats for Everyone?
Yes and no. Yes anyone can do yoga, old and young alike, but if you do not have any interest in yoga then a retreat is probably not for you. Also if you are thinking about incorporating yoga into your routine it is best not to start at a retreat as this could be overwhelming to someone just starting out.
Where should I go for a Yoga Retreat?
Well that depends on what you are looking for and what your budget is. Would you like to stay close to home or travel to an exotic place? Any change of scenery is good. It can help you focus and find clarity. Check out power places for some facts about the Earth’s energy and this may help you decide where you would like to go. Here are some retreats I found that are really interesting.
1. Museflower Retreat and Spa Yoga Retreats in Chiang Rai, Thailand
This retreat is year-round so you can choose whichever season you’d like to experience from monsoon season tospring time with its beautiful green fields. If you cannot decide when is a good time to visit, you might want to visit the Life Festival (October 5–8), a holistic healing event that gives 5 percent of the weekend retreat proceeds to Emoto Peace Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating children all around the world on water. Reading the “about” section on their website is so inspiring. The story of how this retreat was started is beautiful and inspiring. There is only nature at this retreat. There is not even a telephone. For more information visit [2]
2. The Art of Living Happiness Retreat in Boone, North Carolina
This is also a year-round retreat. This retreat is set in the pristine natural setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a wonderful Ayurveda spa on the 380 acre property, along with great food and a wide variety of activities. Everything here is designed toward getting you back to yourself and feeling whole mind, body and soul. The weekend course is designed to teach you meditation and breathing practices to help you focus on the present. You will learn Sudarshan Kriya, a breathing technique that will help you align with your body’s natural rhythm to eliminate stress, fatigue, and other negative emotions you may be experiencing. For more information visit [3]
3. Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise
I find this one very interesting. This cruise has yoga, meditation, vegan cuisine, lectures from holistic practitioners and so much more. It is almost two weeks of everything holistic while traveling to the islands, from Jamaica, Aruba, Mexico and so much more. This would be great for someone who loves cruises! [4]
Final Thought
Yoga is not for everyone but everyone can do it whether you practice yoga in the privacy of your own home or at a retreat. Yoga helps heal the mind, body and soul. It is a great way to feel less stressed and get in tune with your body. One thing I love about yoga retreats is it is not just about yoga. They offer so many services geared towards a more balanced, holistic lifestyle. “To keep our body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” Buddha
