Yoga

Overlooking the beautiful Monchique hills and coastline, I knew Longevity Wellness Resort in Portugal would be the perfect setting for us to hold our own yoga & Pilates retreat with renowned health expert and Fitness TV Presenter Angie Newson. The exclusive five night retreat started on 5th September at this luxurious health and wellness retreat with a full itinerary of daily yoga and Pilates classes and other added activities which included; Cardio box, Aqua fit, power hiking, sunset walks, cookery lessons, wellness workshops and more.

Up the ante this Father’s Day and treat the world’s greatest Dad to a healthy activity break. There’s nothing quite like bonding in the great outdoors with a range of active holidays from tennis in Portugal and golf in Cyprus to a yoga retreat in Turkey and a fitness sports break in Tenerife. Choose a tailor-made health and fitness holiday designed around his favourite pastimes and give your father a fun filled break, to make this the best Father’s Day.

If you are in search of a tranquil setting for a re-energising yoga retreat in a far flung destination, then look no further than our exclusive selection of yogi holidays concealed within picturesque mountain regions across the globe. From the secluded beach setting of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula secluded by a rocky mountain terrain, to the tranquil calmness of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, each mountain yoga retreat seeks to connect your inner well-being with its stunning mountainous surroundings. Open your mind and body to the beautiful scenery as you enhance your practice during highly personalised yoga sessions and the group classes on offer at these unique mountain yoga retreats.

Fly to the exotic locales of Thailand and experience the benefits of going on a yoga retreat where you can rebalance your mind, body and soul. Nurture your health to peak wellness as you find peace and serenity in any of our luxury Thai yoga retreats. Learn from the pros on how to master yoga poses as you focus on your posture, breathing and mindfulness and let the powers of yoga take over. Absorb the tranquillity and soak up the cultural atmospheres of the yoga retreats that are surrounded by the beautiful and peaceful landscapes, leaving you rejuvenated, revitalised and reenergised on departure.

Yoga calms the mind and revitalises the body; nothing helps this more than a yoga retreat with a spectacular view and beautiful surroundings to melt your troubles away. Whether you want to practice yoga with a sea view or surround yourself with beautiful Tuscan countryside; discover a number of breath-taking locations around the world to enhance your practice on our relaxing and invigorating yoga holidays.

As well as being an established practice to improve strength, mobility and overall physical health, yoga aids 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 most amazing yoga retreats for singles, from Europe to Asia, and combine your love for travel with your passion for yoga.

If you find yourself struggling to shift those extra pounds, take the time to re-assess and learn a healthier lifestyle in the lap of luxury with our 8 best spas for weight loss. Through a combination of indulgent spa treatments, fitness classes, nutrition and educational lectures, our healthy spa holidays will help you learn not only how to achieve, but how to maintain your ideal weight long-term.

The Easter break is the best time to emerge from winter hibernation and venture abroad on a fitness holiday. Reconnect to your passion and purpose by embarking on a R&R getaway to make sustainable changes along with like-minded people. Discover our best Spring fitness retreats for self-improvement. From local too long haul, and from the affordable to the luxurious, ditch the Easter eggs in favour of one of our exclusive Fusion Fitness™ Holidays. It’s never too late to set your wellness goals.

We’ve all heard about the wonderful health benefits of yoga, but there are so many different variations that it’s sometimes difficult to know what each one entails and which one would best suit your body. It’s important to have an understanding of what each style offers, so that you can choose one which will most benefit your fitness regime. So whether you are looking to embark on a revitalising yoga holiday to a far-flung location or simply want to get involved with a local class; here is a breakdown of eight different types of yoga.

Our luxury yoga holidays and retreats feature different types of yoga, so you’ll be able to practise the style you enjoy the most if you’re an experienced yogi, or have a go at all of them and find the best one for you. You’ll benefit from expert yoga teaching and guidance, in exotic destinations spanning from St. Lucia, Spain and Italy to India, Thailand and Bali. You’ll return home feeling reinvigorated with a desire to get back on your yoga mat.

1. Vinyasa yoga

Get flowing with Vinyasa yoga at Kamalaya

This type of yoga is often referred to as Vinyasa flow yoga, as it consists of different poses linked together with movement, and synchronised with breathing. Your yoga teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to another whilst inhaling or exhaling; generally when moving upwards you’ll inhale, and when moving downwards you’ll exhale. A Vinyasa yoga class can be fast-paced or slow, and allows a lot of room for the personality of the individual teacher who is taking the class. So, it’s important to find a yoga teacher whose style you enjoy, and be ready for something different when you begin a new class.

Try Vinyasa yoga at Kamalaya in Thailand

2. Kundalini Yoga

Experience "the mother of all yoga" at SwaSwara

This style of yoga has been described as “the mother of all yoga” as it is one of the oldest recognised forms. Kundalini is the word used to describe the untapped potential inside all of us, which this yoga practice seeks to target and release. It’s a very active form of yoga which includes common poses, as well as some of its own unique poses, chanting, meditation and sounds to stimulate your creative energy. People who practise it are said to finish their session feeling extreme happiness and tranquillity.

Try Kundalini yoga at SwaSwara in India

3. Ashtanga Yoga

Improve your circulation with Ashtanga at The BodyHoliday

Ashtanga is a form of moving meditation and a more vigorous type of yoga, perfect for people looking for a more fast-paced workout whilst on a fitness holiday. Breathing is synchronised with movement, producing an intense heat to sweat out toxins and improve your circulation. This type strictly follows a particular order of eight steps, each with a fixed number of breaths and movement which help maintain a healthy heart and stabilise the mind. Strength, sweat and stamina are the three main aspects of this form, which is said with your body’s natural detoxification process and leave you feeling restored.

Try Ashtanga yoga at The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia

4. Hot Yoga

Detox your body with hot yoga at Absolute Sanctuary

Otherwise known as Bikram yoga, this type is made up of a series of 26 poses and two breathing exercises carried out in a specific order in an extremely hot room. Steam is pumped into the studio to create a sauna-like environment, with temperatures reaching around 40°C, which is said to benefit joints, reduce the risk of injury and increase your flexibility. Also, due to the extreme heat, you’ll be sweating profusely meaning it’s a great component to a detox holiday. Also your heart rate will be elevated more than usual, making your body work harder and allowing you to see better results.

Try hot yoga at Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand

5. Iyengar Yoga

Try Iyengar yoga to encourage good posture at SHA

This style of yoga focuses on breath control and detail, precision and alignment when carrying out the different poses, to encourage relaxation, good posture and balance. It features hundreds of different yoga poses and fourteen types of breathing, so you can progress gradually from the easier forms to the more advanced movements. Often props are used, such as belts and blocks, to support the body in certain poses, reducing the risk of injury. This makes it a perfect form of yoga for people looking for rehabilitation on a healing holiday or those who need a gentle and very supportive exercise.

Try Iyengar yoga at SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain

6. Restorative Yoga

De-stress with restorative yoga at The Farm

Learn to reach deep relaxation and detach yourself from the stresses of daily life with restorative yoga. This will improve the functioning of your immune system and aid with specific wellness issues like digestion, insomnia, fertility and general fatigue, to name but a few. Props, like blankets and blocks, are used to support the body so you’re able to hold certain positions for longer and gain the utmost benefits of each stretch. It is a very gentle class which doesn’t see the body temperature rise as much as in other yoga classes, and is a perfect accompaniment to more cardio exercises.

Try restorative yoga at The Farm in the Philippines
 

7. Pranayama breathing

Experience different types of Pranayama at Ananda

This is a traditional practice of breath control used in yoga, which has been found to relieve stress and even improve respiratory conditions, such as asthma. There are several different types of Pranayama breathing, including inhaling and exhaling through alternate nostrils, chanting whilst exhaling and slow inhales then quick exhales. It is said to purify the mind and soul, strengthen your heart, enhance the proper functioning of your organs, remove toxins from your body, reduce blood pressure and get rid of any negative emotions that you feel, like anger, arrogance and greed.

Try Pranayama at Ananda in India

8. Hatha

Learn the basics at Marbella Club
Hatha is one of the more common types of yoga, and is great for learning the basics and reconnecting your body and mind. It describes gentle and basic yoga classes with no flow between poses, unlike Vinyasa yoga. It consists of six slow movements, breathing exercises and meditation, so it’s a brilliant place to start for beginner yogis. It’s also a great choice for people looking to learn effective relaxation techniques whilst on a spa holiday. It is designed to open up the body and allow the free flow of energy, to create balance and harmony.

Enjoy Hatha yoga at Marbella Club

Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect yoga holiday.

Yoga is still very new in our society. However, India has been reaping the benefits of this practice for over 5000 years. Drawing inspiration from nature and animals, yoga has been adapted to maximise our bodies’ potential for overall emotional, physical and spiritual balance. Whether you’re a veteran or beginner, we are sharing some of the health benefits behind this practice you have grown to love.

If your Instagram needs a bit of sprucing up, then these insta-worthy healthy escapes are the perfect solution. From a coffee plantation in Java and mountain views in Thailand to the crystal-clear waters of Oman and the stunning animals of South Africa, a stint at any one of our paradise-like retreats will have you taking photos so good even National Geographic will be jealous. The incredible fitness activities and nutritious meals will give you the healthy glow you need to star alongside these breath-taking backdrops. So, get your cameras at the ready because these healthy escapes are most definitely worthy of the #NoEdit hashtag.

Escape the stresses of modern life and take the time to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul on one of our luxury sanctuary spa holidays in idyllic destinations worldwide. Treat yourself to a replenishing spa break while improving all aspects of your health and wellness with a vast range of luxury spa treatments and therapies, from an Ayurvedic massage to colonic hydrotherapy. With our wide variety of specialist spa holidays, from juice fasting to fitness, and weight-loss to sleep enhancement, compliment your indulgent wellness holiday with daily fitness classes, activities and healthy cuisine for your ideal sanctuary spa escape.

The crème de la crème for any yogi looking for an added touch of luxury relaxation, by combining the expert instruction of yoga retreats and the rejuvenating therapy of spa holidays, achieve optimal well-being with our 8 best yoga and spa retreats. The perfect way to rebalance body, mind and soul, spa enthusiasts can relax even further by giving their mind some love and care too. With personalised yoga sessions and heavenly spa treatments to replenish in each day, our yoga and spa retreats will help you to feel renewed both on the inside and the outside. From St Lucia to the Philippines, discover our top picks for worldwide yoga and spa retreats, which offer the perfect platform for yoga and spa enthusiasts to unite their passions.

We discover the world’s most luxurious and breathtaking yoga retreats to book around the world. From the local shores of Portugal, to the distant islands of the Maldives, grab your mat and you can practice anywhere you please, whether you are a beginner or an expert yogi. You’ll be able to gain a solid foundation and develop your personal practice on these hand-picked yoga holidays and retreats across the globe, and combine this with a variety of holistic sessions, relaxing spa facilities and beautiful backdrops, what more could you ask for in a yoga holiday?

Each yoga retreat welcomes yogis of all levels and under the guidance of expert tuition so you can choose to start learning yoga on holiday, or focus on strengthening and developing your existing practice. Whichever path you choose, you will return home re-balanced, rested, and restored.

Find your Balance in Bali – Divine Body Retreat at Bliss Body Retreat, Bali

Take yourself off on a luxury yoga retreat that immerses you in meditation and recuperation whilst surrounded by the infamous rice terraces and vast Balinese Jungle. Wash yourself of the strain and anxiety of everyday life with a healing holiday and you can immerse yourself in a world of meditation, rejuvenation and therapy. The organic approach of the Bliss Body Retreat offers a variety of yoga classes, nutritional seminars, and wellness treatments to boost your overall well-being and rediscover your inner balance among a calming Balinese backdrop.

More Information: View Divine Body Retreat at Bliss Body Retreat

Poolside Peacefulness in Costa Rica – Yoga at The Retreat, Costa Rica

Find your serenity in the magnificent mountains of the Atenas province with an Ayurveda retreat. Not just an escape from the boredom of mundane life, this yoga holiday provides you with culinary opportunities, healing massages and nature hikes, all to help you relieve stress and find direction. The organic treatments and methods of a detox retreat can help you rid your body and mind of toxic thoughts and feelings, opening you up to the calming world of meditation and the incredible abilities of the mind, body, and soul.

More information: View The Retreat

Flow with the Mediterranean – Discover Yoga at Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey

Embark on a yoga holiday and allow yourself to find your inner balance through the guided meditations, luxury spa and spectacular landscapes. Wake up to the coastline views, ocean breeze and the sparkling sea, spend your day doing personalised pranayama, and finish off the evening with a traditional Turkish treatment, to revitalise your body, mind, and soul. This yoga retreat is tailored to your personal needs, and combine it with cooking classes, water sports, exercise classes and sport to combine a fitness holiday that provides you with a journey of a lifetime, both spiritually and physically.

More information: View Six Senses Kaplankaya

Meditation in the mountains – Yoga at Ananda in the Himalayas, India

Escape to India on a luxury yoga retreat and rebalance with yoga amongst the calming landscape of this exotic yoga holiday. An ideal choice for a singles holiday, enhance your well-being 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 on a luxury spa holiday combined with aromatherapy massages and reflexology.

More Information: View Ananda in the Himalayas

Beach yoga – Yoga & Spa Premium at Paradis Plage, Morocco

Practice daily beach yoga, from sunrise to sunset on Portugal’s Atlantic coastline, for one of the best exotic yoga holidays at Paradis Plage. Keep active on your healthy adventure as you combine Manipura and aerial yoga with discovering the island through a selection of water sports, mountain biking and treks. One of the best destinations for beach yoga from our range of yoga & spa holidays, enhance your well-being after an active day in the traditional Moroccan Hammam and relax with therapeutic spa treatments.

More information: View Paradis Plage

Island yoga – Discover at COMO Maalifushi, Maldives

Find tranquility on a yoga retreat on the private island of Thaa Atoll, where work and worries are a world away. The crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches are a perfect escape, blended with group Pilates sessions, beach yoga classes, and exquisite culinary options, there is nothing to disturb your wellness practice while you are here. Find your Zen and unwind with a mindfulness retreat that also caters with optional activities to fill your day, and with this yoga holiday offering windsurfing, kayaking and mountain biking, it’s certain you’ll never want to leave.

More information: View COMO Maalifushi

Calm on the cliffs – Yoga at Pine Cliffs Resort, Portugal

Kickstart your morning an Ayurveda massage in the Serenity Spa, spend the afternoon in a guided meditation and finish off the evening watching the sun set over the cliffs, this yoga holiday allows your mind, body and soul to reset and relax. The range of sporting opportunities, wellness facilities, and breathtaking landscapes means this yoga retreat is the ideal choice for someone in need of a de-stress holiday. Not only will you watch the sun set over the water, but over your anxieties and worries too.

More information: View Pine Cliffs Resort

Sunrise yoga – Yoga Synergy at Kamalaya, Thailand

Give your body and mind the break it needs with a luxury spa holiday and jet off to align your chakras and find your balance of mind, body, and soul with this yoga retreat. On the South coast of Koh Samui this wellness holiday offers you the tropical jungle foliage and lily ponds for the perfect ambience to supplement indulgent spa treatments, calming meditations and exhilarating water sports. Whilst you succumb to your wellness wanderlust on this yoga holiday, the holistic methods and natural healing on this will prove to you how meditation and mindfulness can improve your life significantly.

More information: View Kamalaya

Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect yoga holiday.

There's nothing worse than stress getting the better of you. The endless list of things to do always seems to leave your own needs last and evokes a war zone between your mind and body. The numerous work deadlines, career dilemmas, and personal commitments generate a tolerance for migraines, bitten fingernails and bad eating habits; finding yourself indulging in too many naughty snacks or sometimes not eating at all. But don't allow stress to become a regular occurrence in your daily life, or worse the cause of bad health and unhappiness.

Take your practice one step further with our top yoga holidays to add to your travel bucket list. These yogi escapes offer the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a healthier and happier lifestyle. In combination with each of these stunning retreats is a range of luxury spa treatments to relax your muscles after a busy day of lotus positions and Kapotasana. Whether it be a body scrub in St Lucia or a Thai massage in Oman, we’ve got the run-down of the 8 best yoga retreats to check-off your list.

Whether you like Vinyasa flows or breaking a sweat with hot Bikram, take your practice to a whole new level on a yoga holiday. Satisfy your yogi wanderlust as you travel to exotic destinations that replace the four walls of your neighbourhood yoga studio with awe-inspiring panoramas of lush forests and pristine beaches.

So roll up your mat and embark on a journey to check off your yoga travel bucket list. From the shores of Costa Rica to the lush greens of Bali, combine your yoga retreat with whatever your yogi-heart desires for a life-changing trip that will transform your mind and body.

Every new beginning needs a starting point, and every pretzel bending yogi started somewhere, so if you’re tempted to discover why yoga is so good for you, join in with our beginners guide to yoga. Whether preparing to practice at home, or gearing up for an intense introduction on a yoga retreat, get your yogi journey off to the best possible start as we guide you through the beginners basics. Namaste.  

Every new beginning needs a starting point, and every pretzel bending yogi started somewhere, so if you’re tempted to discover why yoga is so good for you, join in with our beginners guide to yoga. Whether preparing to practice at home, or gearing up for an intense introduction on a yoga retreat, get your yogi journey off to the best possible start as we guide you through the beginners basics. Namaste.

We share our helpful tips on how you can stay healthy whilst flying to your healthy holiday destination; from how to prevent stress, to eating right and flight-friendly yoga poses....