If you’re new to the world of yoga, the idea of a yoga retreat may seem a little intimidating. However, the best way to grasp the practice and learn the basics is in an immersive way, like on a yoga vacation. There are plenty of incredible yoga retreats for beginners that specifically cater to people new to yoga.
Yoga and meditation retreats for beginners don’t require performing handstands or spending hours chanting and meditating. Yoga breaks for beginners are very easy-going, so it feels like a vacation with some yoga classes sprinkled in. The only concern you’ll have is deciding which beginner yoga retreat to choose!
Bali Yoga Retreats for Beginners
On a yoga vacation in Bali, you can spend your free time surfing the waves, visiting temples, and indulging in spa treatments.
3 Days Beginner Yoga and Meditation Retreat with Cultural Activities in Bali, Indonesia
Starting from: $140
This short and sweet retreat will introduce you to Balinese Watukaru yoga and meditation and allow you to explore Balinese culture and village life. You’ll have a 90-minute yoga and meditation practice on the two mornings, then you’ll spend the rest of the time participating in cultural activities like a cooking class, oil-making lesson, and a rice farming class.
You’ll also take a trip to the local waterfall, visit a Balinese shaman healer for a blessing ritual, and enjoy a traditional Balinese massage. This Bali trip is ideal for beginners who want to combine wellness with travel and learn about the local culture. You’ll stay at a homestay or guesthouse in Sesandan Megati Village, where you can choose a shared or private room.
4 Day Purification and Yoga Holiday in Ubud, Bali
Starting from: $330
This 4-day purification yoga holiday is one of the best yoga retreats for beginners, offering a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. You’ll have Hatha yoga classes every day along with a Balinese massage, a visit to a rice field, and a purification ceremony. Plus, with just one yoga session and activity a day, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island.
Your accommodation is a luxurious private pool villa at Purana Boutique Resort. Along with an infinity pool, you’ll have a sundeck, king-sized bed, and marble bathtub. This retreat is perfect for couples who are looking to unwind in style. You’ll also enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea at the resort, along with a free shuttle service to Ubud center.
READ MORE: Top Retreats in Bali
India Yoga Retreats for Beginners
Beginner yoga retreats in India allow you to learn the practice in an authentic yet relaxed way.
7 Day Beginner Yoga Retreat with Rishikesh Yog Shiksha in Rishikesh
Starting from: $329
This 7-day retreat in Rishikesh is one of the most affordable yoga holidays for beginners. You’ll have a whole week to study the postures, learn simple breathing techniques, and discover how to create a healthier life. The instructors at Rishikesh Yog Shiksha are super patient and welcome everyone, including those who have never stepped onto a yoga mat before.
The schedule includes daily Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, meditation and Pranayama classes, and a mid-morning excursion where you’ll visit the local sights. In addition, you’ll stay at the retreat center and will have three freshly made vegetarian meals provided every day.
3 Day Himalayan Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh
Starting from: $99
If you don’t want to commit to a week at a yoga center, join this 3-day retreat at Yoga Vidya Mandiram School in Rishikesh. You’ll learn Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga as well as pranayama breathing techniques and meditation. You’ll also have classes in basic anatomy and philosophy to deepen (or begin!) your knowledge about what you’re doing and how it benefits you.
In between the classes, you’ll explore the sights of Rishikesh as a group and visit a local attraction, such as the Vasishtha Cave or Neergaddu Waterfall. During your stay, you’ll sleep in a shared or private room with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a hot shower.
READ MORE: Top Retreats in India
Thailand Yoga Retreats for Beginners
Combine a tropical beach getaway with a relaxing yoga vacation on a blissful Thai island.
8 Day Yoga-Lifestyle Immersion Yoga Retreat in Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga
Starting from: $540
On the small, peaceful island of Koh Yao Noi, you can spend three days practicing yoga with an ocean view and meditating as the sun comes up. You’ll stay in a rustic wooden bungalow by the ocean with air-conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and a balcony with a hammock.
Your days will start with a gentle Tai Chi meditation followed by an energizing yoga class before tucking into a healthy buffet breakfast. Then, you’ll have a meditation workshop before free time to explore the island or go snorkelling or kayaking. Then, in the late afternoon, you’ll wind down with a restorative yoga class and meditation.
4 Day Vitalize Program and Yoga Holiday in Phuket
Starting from: $459
This 4-day program at Mangosteen in Phuket is the ultimate wellness and pampering retreat to enjoy with your partner. It includes twice-daily yoga for couples who are beginners, along with a body treatment such as a massage, scrub, or wrap, and the use of the herbal steam sauna.
Mangosteen wellness resort offers various luxury accommodation options, including villas with private jacuzzis, perfect for getting some quality time with your significant other. The package includes all meals, including a daily breakfast buffet full of delicious vegan dishes.
READ MORE: Top Retreats in Thailand
USA Yoga Retreats for Beginners
The vast landscapes and abundance of nature found throughout the states make the USA an ideal spot for yoga.
4 Days Meditation, Pilates and Yoga Retreat in California
Starting from: $1,424
Learn three key wellness practices over four days on this meditation, pilates, and yoga retreat for beginners in California by Sagrada Wellness. The vacation includes vinyasa and restorative yoga styles, basic pilates, and guided meditation walks. You’ll also get free time to journal and reflect on your life experiences in the peaceful San Luis Obispo County.
In this idyllic central Californian location, you can go hiking, drive through the scenic wine country, or enjoy some downtime at the beach. Your unique accommodation is a rustic yet modern farmhouse with a landscaped courtyard and hot tub. The all-inclusive retreat includes a purifying meal plan of clean food to revitalize your energy and remove toxin buildup.
3 Day Mindful Self-Compassion Retreat in Oregon
Starting from: $649
This weekend getaway is perfect for anyone who needs to disconnect from daily life, regardless of your yoga level. There’s no vigorous yoga practice on this retreat but gentle, restorative sessions to nurture your body. Aside from yoga, you’ll join group discussions on various wellness topics, practice breathing techniques and do journaling sessions.
This weekend retreat will give you the space to slow down, reset, and learn healthier habits to bring into your life. You’ll stay in a beautiful hilltop lodge, in a peaceful, nature-rich location, near Philomath, Oregon. All meals, snacks, and drinks are included, so you don’t need to leave the tranquil surroundings.
READ MORE: Top Retreats in the USA
Costa Rica Yoga Retreats for Beginners
With a yoga retreat in Costa Rica, you can spend your free time trekking through the lush rainforest and swimming in crystal clear waters.
5 Day Unique Yoga Retreat in Los Pargos, Guanacaste
Starting from: $679
This 5-day yoga getaway in Guanacaste is one of the most popular offerings in Costa Rica on BookYogaRetreats, allowing you to try different yoga styles from vinyasa to Ashtanga to yin. You’ll have morning and evening yoga each day, tailored to newbies, then the rest of the day, you can chill out on the beach or explore the island.
Peace Retreat offers various fun activities at an additional cost, including zip-lining, a SUP lesson, or mountain biking. Those who like the simple life can sleep in a cozy rustic cabin, or if you want some luxury, you can upgrade to the Samadhi suite with a private rooftop deck.
6 Day Self Reset Yoga Holiday in Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas
Starting from: $1,199
If you need to pause from your hectic life but have not practiced yoga before, this self reset yoga holiday in Puntarenas is for you. Vida Asana Retreat Center is tucked away in the rainforest, offering a tranquil environment to switch off. Plus, it’s less than a mile from Playa Hermosa, so you’ll get plenty of beach time, too.
The program includes beginner-level vinyasa, restorative, and Nidra yoga classes each day, along with meditation and pranayama. In addition, you’ll have the chance to join a guided tour around Rainmaker Park and swim in the waterfalls and fresh-water pools. You can also attend a Cacao ceremony to boost your immune health and detoxify your digestive system.
READ MORE: Top Retreats in Costa Rica
Spain Yoga Retreats for Beginners
Switch up your next holiday to Spain with a yoga and wellness vacation under the Mediterranean sun.
8 Day Inspiring Yoga Holiday in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Starting from: $482
This 8-day yoga getaway by See Yoga is one of BookYogaRetreat’s most popular offerings in Spain. You’ll learn beginner-level vinyasa and restorative yoga twice a day and have a yoga lab where you can ask anything you want about the practice. Moreover, there are a few special excursions, such as a volcano hike and a guided tour of Las Palmas town.
The retreat has a very relaxed pace, and you’ll have plenty of free time each day to do your own thing. Plus, there are no early starts, so you can dance the night away in town, should you wish. There are three accommodation options available, depending on your budget. These include a beachfront hostel, fully equipped apartment or a 3-star hotel, all of which are a 5-minute walk to the yoga studio.
5 Day Inclusive Luxury Yoga Villa Holiday in El Campello, Alicante
Enjoy a lavish lifestyle in Spain on this 5-day luxury yoga villa holiday in the famous beach town of Alicante. Here, you’ll stay in a stunning country manor house, two minutes from the beach. You’ll have full use of all the facilities, including a pool, jacuzzi, gym, and of course, the yoga shala and meditation dome.
Alongside Hatha yoga classes, you’ll do pilates, salsa dancing and various fitness classes, all aimed at beginners. With the diverse activities on offer, it’s a fantastic retreat for anyone looking for a wellness holiday with a mix of movement and relaxation. You’ll also get the chance to explore the nearby towns and participate in a Spanish cooking class.
READ MORE: Top Retreats in Spain
Portugal Yoga Retreats for Beginners
Yoga combined with food, wine, and nature makes Portugal a dreamy spot for a yoga retreat.
5 Day Pranayama, Meditation, and Yoga Retreat in Óbidos Lagoon, Leiria
Starting from: $873
If you’ve recently started yoga and are hooked, this retreat in Leiria will kick start your spiritual journey. The 5-day retreat by Prana Lagoon will help you connect to your senses and emotions through creative and mindful activities, like creating mandalas. Moreover, you’ll enjoy daily Hatha yoga, meditation, and pranayama classes. You can opt to camp in a bell tent to immerse yourself in the beautiful nature or stay in a hotel room for maximum comfort.
7 Day Yoga and Meditation Retreat close to Santa Cruz, Lisbon
Starting from: $811
If you’re new to yoga and want to learn more about the powerful practice, this 7-day yoga retreat in Lisbon will allow you to do just that. You’ll learn more than just the physical Hatha yoga postures with meditation, breathwork, and relaxation sessions to totally reset your nervous system and calm your mind.
Throughout the week, you’ll enjoy various excursions, too, including a visit to a local winery and a nature trek. What’s more, you’ll have your own room at the 4elements Retreat house, where you’ll feast on fresh food straight from the family farm.
READ MORE: Top Retreats in Portugal
Want more options? Check out all that’s on offer on BookYogaRetreats, which has a huge selection of yoga retreats across the globe.