Yoga

For the majority of couples beginning the search for their dream honeymoon, the image usually conjured is lounging on an exotic beach, sipping on cocktails spending a week completely horizontal. Although a little bit of this can’t do any harm, a whole week of lazing around doesn’t appeal to every couple. For those more active newlyweds, who want to get their blood-pumping and endorphins soaring on their honeymoon, our top 5 sports honeymoon destinations are for thrill-seeking newlyweds.

The benefits of yoga are endless; improve your flexibility, strength, balance, posture and breathing. Whether you are trying to relax, recuperate from an injury or tone up, yoga is very good for your mental health, overall fitness and also helps to control weight.

A recognised practice to improve strength, mobility and overall physical health, yoga also aids in mental well-being and mindfulness. Far too often we cruise through life without paying attention to the present—yoga cultivates a kind of spiritual awareness that opens the mind to a higher level of consciousness. The same could be said for travel. Taking time out of your busy day-to-day lives to travel and experience the world opens your eyes to the little beautiful things in life. Journey to the best singles yoga retreats, from Asia to Europe, and combine your love for travel with your passion for yoga.

Skip the long haul flights and spend your extra holiday time re-balancing your zen on a yoga retreat in Europe as you swap air-miles for asanas. With a myriad of beautiful yoga escapes available merely a few hours away by plane, there has never been better time for yogis to holiday closer to home. Instead of spending precious hours of your healthy holiday in flight, depart for your European holiday in the morning and you could already be moving into downward dog by the afternoon.

What better way to combine a love for animals and looking after your own well-being than with one of our inspired wellness holidays for animal lovers. Designed to keep you healthy and active whilst exploring different corners of the world in search of your favourite species; each healthy holiday features unforgettable animal encounters.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. It treats patients by inserting thin needles into acupuncture points in the skin and is based upon the same belief as reflexology; that energy, or Qi, flows through the body in channels, called meridians, and if disrupted can cause illness. When the needles are inserted into the appropriate points it is said that one's flow of energy starts to be brought back into balance and therefore relieves the patient of their illness. Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health conditions but is also used as a more general healing method.

Yoga has taken the world by storm with its mental and physical health benefits, allowing people of all ages and abilities to become more in tune with their bodies and enhance their well-being. Improve your posture, flexibility and strength, whilst also receiving essential stress relief away from your busy schedule on a holistic yoga holiday. This controlled healthy activity will help make you calmer and more focused, with increased mental and physical awareness, and a renewed spiritual and physical balance.

You’ve chosen and booked your dream yoga retreat, but now the stressful question arises; what to pack? A yoga retreat requires a little more thought than the regular beach bather holidays, with a fine line between over-packing and under-packing as you juggle for various indoor, outdoor and exploration fitness activities. You want to make sure you have what you need without lugging around stuff you have no use for whilst you’re away.

You’ve chosen and booked your dream yoga retreat, but now the stressful question arises; what to pack? A yoga retreat requires a little more thought than the regular beach bather holidays, with a fine line between over-packing and under-packing as you juggle for various indoor, outdoor and exploration fitness activities. You want to make sure you have what you need without lugging around stuff you have no use for whilst you’re away.

Undecided about where you want to escape to on your next healthy holiday? We present our month by month guide to the best health and fitness holidays in 2015, from luxury spa safaris in South Africa to surf and yoga retreats in Costa Rica. Be inspired by our recommendations of where to go; whether you'd prefer to get an adrenaline burst skiing down the Swiss slopes, indulge yourself with spa treatments in Thailand or get fit in Croatia, discover our recommended healthy holidays for 2015.

With travellers increasingly seeking health-enhancing wellness experiences around the world, our month-by-month guide of the best wellness holidays for 2015, offers a years’ worth of inspiration for the hottest trend in travel. From yoga in Morocco and losing weight in Spain, to scuba diving in the Maldives and Ayurvedic spa breaks in India, discover your dream healthy holiday with destinations and activities suitable for singles, couples, groups and families.

Unhealthy nutrition and high stress levels can build up toxins in the body, causing a number of healthy issues, from lethargy to digestive problems. Cleanse your system of these harmful toxins on one of our effective detox holidays in a stunning European destinations. Boost your immunity and improve your overall health from the inside-out with tailor-made detox programmes to suit your needs. 

Are you yearning for a getaway that will rejuvenate your body and enhance your overall well-being? Look no further than the top health retreats in India. Nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes, combining ancient practices with modern comforts, these wellness holidays and retreats offer a holistic approach to peak relaxation, rejuvenation and well-being. Without further ado, let's explore where to go on a health retreat for a blissful and health-enhancing experience:

Carving out a much needed escape on a yoga retreat can be overwhelming and often at times next to impossible because of the demands of family life. With the never-ending list of the benefits of yoga, why not combine your sought after yoga holiday with some precious family vacation time for everyone to enjoy? Venture off to Asia or the Caribbean on a healthy family holiday and discover how it can fulfil everyone’s healthy holiday whims whilst incorporating the power of yoga into your lives. With many other family activities on offer, embrace the opportunity to try new well-being and fitness activities and bring home invaluable memories as well as re-centred minds and bodies.

A yogic enthusiast or an avid surfer need look no further for the right travel adventure than our recommended luxury yoga and surfing destinations, where you can practice your board skills or combine a love of both exercises in a warm, tranquil climate. There is no need to choose when you travel for a yoga and surfing holiday, with the best yoga and surf holidays offering the chance to strengthen your core by striking each yogic pose on a paddleboard floating on tropical blue waters.

Historically yoga was more than just a method of teaching; it was a way of life. You dedicated yourself to a lifestyle and culture that surpassed meditation techniques and included healthy eating habits, bathing habits, social interaction and work. Its philosophy is rooted in a physical culture of health and well-being that is still emphasised today at yoga retreats and explains why over 15 million people in the world now practise this ancient tradition.

Every yoga asana (pose) has a different name and includes standing postures, seated twists, backbends, arm balances, inversions and core holds. The downward facing dog for example, is in itself said to calm the brain, energise the body, improve digestion, strengthen arms and legs and be therapeutic for high blood pressure. Whilst these benefits come as a given with most postures, the practise of yoga as a whole provides many more benefits than you might think…

8 Reasons Why Yoga is So Good For You:

1. Lowers stress and improves your mood

Some yoga methods use specific meditation techniques, which focus the mind on your breathing to quieten the constant ‘mind chatter’, relieves stress and allow you to feel relaxed. Practising these breathing techniques on a yoga and meditation retreat can also boost oxygen levels to the brain, leaving you feeling happier and more content with everyday life.

2. Boosts confidence

Aside from the uplifting spiritual values, the act of meditation can actually boost your confidence. The process works by releasing tension from your mind, so that you can feel confident about your physical body. Without any forms of anxiety, you are able to establish an internal connection with yourself. This is consequently reflected in your perception of others and will help to better your relationships by improving compassion and awareness.

3. Lowers the risk of injury

Exercise such as running is usually a series of rapid, forceful movements, which means that effort is at a maximum and there is a higher risk of injury and increased muscle tension. Often, strenuous exercise also engages an imbalance of opposing muscle groups, whereas yoga concentrates on balancing this activity. Unite your body and mind on a yoga and fitness holiday which will allow to combine more intense workouts with low-impact yoga.

Practice yoga in the beach front yoga studio at Paradis Plage

4. Helps you lose weight

Being overweight is a sign that there are imbalances in your everyday life and one major contributor to weight gain is excess stress. Practising yoga enables you to bring a deep sense of relaxation to your body and your mind, helping you to de-stress and allowing you to lose weight naturally.

5. Increases flexibility

People often say that they are not flexible enough to do yoga. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how tight your muscles are as yoga asanas works by safely stretching your muscles and help you to practise it further. Moreover, yoga also stretches other soft tissue in the body such as ligaments and tendons, increasing the range of motion in the joints and allowing you to move around more freely.

6. Improves muscle tone and strength

Many yoga asanas have a profound effect on your upper body strength, such as the downward and upward dog, whilst the plank focuses on your core. Likewise, standing poses strengthen your upper leg muscles and lower back. Essentially any pose will strengthen an area of the body if it is practised in the right way, without putting too much stress on specific muscle groups.

Practise yoga at Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand

7. Benefits breathing and lowers blood pressure

If you practise yoga consistently, your lung capacity will increase as a result of the deep breathing process. This will then have a positive effect on more intense sports that you might be a part of, increasing your stamina and endurance. Furthermore, meditation and calming yoga asanas slow down your heart rate which in turn lowers blood pressure and have also been linked with improving the immune system and lowering cholesterol.

8. Improves your posture

By practising yoga you maintain a healthier weight, become more flexible and improve your muscle tone and strength. You will find that your posture will greatly improve because of this. Your abdominals and back muscles can now fully support your weight and you will be able to sit and stand tall, preventing niggling injuries, aches and pains.

The beauty of yoga is that it can be practiced pretty much anywhere, on your own or with other yoga enthusiasts. If you have been inspired to give yoga a go there is no better place to try it than on an amazing yoga holiday with destinations spanning from Thailand to St Lucia. Here we share our top 10 yoga retreats where you can enjoy a luxurious healthy holiday whilst profiting from the extraordinary health and fitness benefits yoga has to offer.

VIEW ALL OUR YOGA HOLIDAYS

Our 10 Most Popular Yoga Holidays:

Thailand: Absolute Sanctuary Yoga

Cleanse your body and feel revitalised at Absolute Sanctuary

Escape on a yogi adventure to the beautiful Thai island of Koh Samui for an exotic yoga holiday at healthy retreat, Absolute Sanctuary. Enhance your practice as you discover various types of yoga through unlimited classes including, Ashtanga, Yin-Yang, Pranayama and Hot Flow. Complement your yoga practice with detoxifying nutrition on a yoga and detox holiday which will cleanse your system with detox drinks, nutritional supplements and delicious healthy meals, to leave you feeling energised and refreshed.

More information: View Absolute Sanctuary Yoga

India: Ananda Yoga

Calm your mind, body and soul at Ananda

Escape to Ananda in the Himalayas and rebalance with yoga amongst the calming landscape of this exotic yoga retreat. Enhance the well-being of your mind, body and soul on a yoga and culture holiday when you combine personalised yoga sessions and group classes, with discovering a taste of local culture through traditional Indian music classes and dance performances. For a true sense of wellness, make the most of complimentary Pranayama and meditation classes, before relaxing at the luxury spa with aromatherapy massages and reflexology.

More information: View Ananda Yoga

St Lucia: The BodyHoliday Yoga or Pilates

Improve your balance and shake things up at The BodyHoliday

With one-to-one personal yoga lessons on this stunning Caribbean island your yoga will improve leaps and bounds on a beach yoga holiday tuned to your individual goals. With an award-winning wellness centre providing daily spa treatments, replenish and pamper yourself after each yoga session with a selection of holistic therapies. Shake things up with a host of additional land and water sports, including tennis, cycling and kayaking. With a hosted singles table each night and a variety of group fitness classes, get to know like-minded individuals on a singles yoga holiday that offers plenty of opportunities to meet fellow solo travellers.

More information: View The BodyHoliday Yoga or Pilates

Thailand: Kamalaya Yoga Synergy

Find ultimate relaxation on a luxury yoga holiday at Kamalaya

Built around an ancient cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat, escape to luxury wellness retrat, Kamalaya, nestled on the tropical Thai island of Koh Samui. With one-to-one yoga sessions tailored to suit your goals and skills, this specialist yoga retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis alike. Including instruction in asana (physical posture), pranayama (breathing) and meditation, return home feeling renewed and inspired. Alongside your daily yoga practice, continue your holistic journey into relaxation on a yoga and Ayurveda holiday with a reviving choice of Ayurveda spa therapies at the award-winning spa.

More information: View Kamalaya Yoga Synergy

Turks & Caicos: Parrot Cay Yoga and Pilates Retreat

Combine yoga and Pilates in paradise at Parrot Cay

Discover paradise on the private island of Parrot Cay and feel the soft sand between your toes as you enjoy daily practice on a yoga and Pilates holiday that will de-stress your mind and tone your muscles. Further improve your knowledge as you open your mind and calm your senses through Vedic yogic philosophy group discussions, before raising the pace with mountain biking and windsurfing or unwinding in luxury at the world renowned spa.

More information: View Parrot Cay Yoga and Pilates

Costa Rica: Florblanca Yoga or Pilates

Enhance your yoga practice on this relaxing retreat at Florblanca

Make a getaway for Costa Rica’s tropical waters and white sand for a beach yoga holiday in an exotic destination. Situated on the Nicoya Peninsula, enhance your practice with group classes and private lessons in both yoga and Pilates, including specialised classes in Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga. Unwind with a relaxing or hot stone massage at Spa Bamboo before swinging in your hammock at sunset. With two beautiful beaches renowned as great surfing spots, take the opportunity to learn to surf for an adventurous edge to your healthy holiday.

More information: View Florblanca Yoga or Pilates

Morocco: Paradis Plage Yoga

Practice yoga on the beach at Paradis Plage

Practice daily beach yoga, from sunrise to sunset on Morocco’s exotic coastline at Paradis Plage. Set on a private beach overlooking the ocean, the yoga pavilion is a breath-taking wooden construction with panoramic glass windows giving you an unparalleled view of miles of stunning coastline. Keep active on by the beach on a yoga and surf holiday as you combine Manipura and aerial yoga with discovering the island through a selection of water sports, mountain biking and treks. Enhance your well-being after an active day in the traditional Moroccan Hammam and relax with therapeutic spa treatments.

More information: View Paradis Plage Yoga

Thailand:The BARAI Spa

Reconnect your body and soul with The BARAI Spa's Bespoke Yoga Journey

The Bespoke Yoga Journey at The BARAI Spa will provide you with the perfect yoga retreat. Reconnect your body and soul to improve physical fitness, increase flexibility, calm the mind and boost immunity, as you continuously discover how invaluable the benefits of practicing yoga can be to your every day life. With outstanding wellness experts guiding you through your journey, you will be certain to reach your wellness goals, in the most beautiful of environments. Develop your yoga skills with a combination of private yoga lessons and a variety of treatments, all to leave you feeling reconnected, restored, re-energised and renewed. The BARAI Spa is a true gem of the Wellness World, and you are certain of an unforgettable stay. 

More information: View Bespoke Yoga Journey at The BARAI Spa

Vietnam: Fusion Maia Yoga

Enlighten your well-being in luxury at Fusion Maia

Located on Vietnam’s East Coast, on one of the world’s best exotic beaches, is a luxury yoga retreat dedicated to enlightening your well-being. With their own individual yoga style, Fusion Maia will immerse you in a personalised introduction to yoga through a combination of private lessons and group classes. With a guaranteed minimum of two spa treatments a day; enjoy choosing from a range of body scrubs, facials and pressure therapies, for a heavenly beach yoga holiday.

More information: View Fusion Maia Yoga

Bali: Komune Resort Yoga & Spa

Discover the ultimate beachside yoga escape at Komune Resort & Spa

Escape to Bali for a beachside yoga retreat where you can target deep muscle tension with a roll and release yoga class, learn how to continue your practise at home with a private tuition session and head out onto the ocean with paddleboard yoga. Make the most of a choice of daily activities, from a surfing session or Mt Batur volcano hike, to a traditional cooking lesson in Ubud or power spin class. Refuel with organic meals and cold pressed juices, before treating your body to a daily spa treatment and a visit to a Balinese healer on a yoga and spa holiday that will heal and nourish your body to achieve optimal well-being.

More information: View Komune Resort Yoga & Spa

If you're still in search of the right destination for you, explore our collection of worldwide yoga retreats for adventurous yogis looking to enhance their practice on holiday. Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect yoga holiday.

Despite yoga being created by men, for men, it’s still seen as predominantly a woman’s activity. It takes a brave man to walk into a class full of women but the health benefits of yoga far outweigh this initial worry. So if you are looking to escape on a dedicated yoga holiday or start small with weekly lessons, here is our comprehensive guide to why yoga is good for men.

For many Yoga is a way of life, a philosophy based on a culture of both physical health and mental well-being, a lifestyle and culture that surpassed meditation techniques. Today over 15 million people in the world now practise this ancient tradition.

Are you feeling om-verwhelmed and in need of a vacation that allows you to unwind and relax your body and mind? Look no further than a yoga holiday! It's not your typical getaway; instead, it offers a transformative experience that can revitalise your entire being. Let's delve into why booking a yoga holiday should be at the top of your bucket list and how it can bring a profound positive shift to your life.