The popularity of yoga as a fitness form and a holistic pursuit has increased tremendously during recent times. The fast-paced nature of modern life and the stresses and strains associated with it have contributed significantly to the growth of interest in yoga and other mind, body and spirit wellness activities. As a result, hotel and resorts around the world have yoga retreats and camps that cater to the rejuvenation of tired minds, bodies, and spirits.
The Farm at San Benito, Batangas, Philippines
The Farm at San Benito is a wellness resort located at the base of Mount Malarayat on the outskirts of Lipa City in the Batangas province of the Philippines. Visitors can reach the resort via a two-hour drive from the capital city of the Philippines, Manila or then avail of the resort’s helicopter service. The resort is built around a 250-year old mango tree and is a tropical paradise that features lush coconut plantations, tumbling waterfalls and much native flora and fauna. The resort offers both individual and group yoga sessions catering to all levels of yoga enthusiasts. Accommodations at the Farm range include tastefully appointed rooms, suites, and villas. The resort also has two on-site restaurants, a fitness center, swimming pool and a spa offering several detox and beauty treatments.
SwaSara, Gokarna, Karnataka, India
The secluded temple town of Gokarna is home to the SwaSara wellness resort. The resort, which lies within easy access to the town’s pristine Om beach, offers a program that features a mix of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda treatments. These various treatments aim to provide mental, physical and spiritual benefits to participants. The resort’s restaurant serves healthy vegetarian meals prepared with the freshest local ingredients. The staff at the Swaswara resort also organizes and conducts excursions to the area’s many temples and markets for guests who enjoy soaking in the local atmosphere.
Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand
Set on the unspoiled Laem Sor beach on the south coast of the Thai island resort of Koh Samui, the Samahita Retreat is a yoga, detox and wellness center. Breathing exercises, restorative and de-stressing yoga sessions and meditation concourses are some of the many recuperative activities available at this palm tree speckled retreat surrounded by much tropical splendor. The health food restaurant at Samahita dishes up delectable Thai cuisine prepared according to the principles of “Sattva” meaning the food is made with fresh locally sourced ingredients and is pure, light and easily digestible. The resort also offers yoga, Reiki, and personal training sessions and features a therapeutic salt-water swimming pool. Aside from healing and soothing therapies and programs, Samahita also organizes island and boat tours for guests who wish to leave the premises and explore the island.
Thirty-Eight Degrees North, Ibiza
The Balearic island of Ibiza is renowned as a party capital of Europe. However, Ibiza is not only about clubs and pubs, in fact, but the island like its fellow Balearic siblings is also several stunning beaches and quaint market towns.
The Thirty-Eight Degrees North resort is located in the tranquil town of Santa Eulalia situated in the northeast half of the island within proximity to the airport, golf course and the historic town of Dalt Vila.
The Thirty-Eight Degrees North is a fitness and wellness resort that offers yoga, Pilates, meditation, detox and weight loss programs that aim to restore and balance optimal health and focus.
Florblanca, Costa Rica, America
The luxury Florblanca resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast sits in the midst of virgin beaches and dense tropical jungles of the Nicoya Peninsula. The resort overlooks the famous surfing paradise of Playa Santa Teresa and offers professionally guided Pilates and Yoga programs suitable for all levels of enthusiasts. The resort also encompasses a restaurant and has a spa that offers an assortment of beauty, detox, and cleansing therapies. Aside from yoga, this luxurious tropical heaven provides opportunities for surfing, hiking, horseback riding and even zip-lining.
Parrot Cay Yoga and Pilates, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
The stunningly beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean have in recent years become a much sought-after vacation destination. The Parrot Cay resort is located on a private island accessible via a 35-minute boat transfer from the main island of Providenciales. The resort offers restful private and group yoga and Pilates sessions along with Pranayama and meditation programs. Other amenities available at this untouched sanctuary include three swimming pools, a fitness center, an 18-hole championship golf course and facilities for tennis, biking and kayaking.