As yoga continues to grow in popularity around the world, more and more yoga destinations are emerging with an abundance of yoga retreats being created not only for the seasoned yogi but for all levels. Many sprinkle in other activities too for yoga holidays that encompass nature, surfing, meditation, detoxes and much more.
These international yoga destinations are the top places for you to start or continue your yoga practice, giving you the opportunity to let go, learn, discover more about yourself and have a great freakin’ time reconnecting to your mind, body and soul.
Top Countries for a Yoga Vacation
No matter where you live in the world, there is a yoga destination close to you or far, depending on what kind of destination you want to visit. From tropical jungles to snow-capped mountain tops, charming towns to city skyscrapers, you’ll find the perfect place for you to dive into your yoga practice by the end of this article!
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Costa Rica
Costa Rica has become a popular destination not only for travellers but also for yogis. This welcoming country is an ideal place to practice yoga, attend a retreat and get in touch with yourself not only because of its nature but also because of how the country as a whole approaches life.
Costa Rica cares deeply for its nature and land, understanding that the way forward is through sustainable renewable energy. The country’s aim is to be using 100% renewable energy by 2021, making it a top destination for conscious travellers and yogis alike.
Costa Rica has been labeled as one of the happiest countries in the world, a place where Pura Vida is not just a saying but a way of life.
It’s Costa Rica’s care for the environment and others, along with the fact that nature from the beaches to the jungles, along with it being a popular surf destination makes it one of the top yoga destinations in the world.
It’s here that you’ll find peace, serenity and plenty of yoga retreat and teacher training options.
Most Popular Places for Yoga in Costa Rica
READ MORE: 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica
Bali (Indonesia)
Bali is wildly popular for yoga retreats and beckons yogis from around the world with its enticing nature, culture and low costs.
While Bali is a multi-cultural island, the prominent religion is Hinduism, which is the religion that gave birth to yoga and yogic philosophy. Thus, finding a yoga retreat or studio on the Island of Gods is an easy task. You can expect to find an abundance of places to lay your mat to practice with teachers from around the globe.
Bali’s nature, surfing scene and welcoming people are just some of the reasons why yoga has become so popular on the Indonesian island. The fact that a yoga retreat here is so affordable compared to other countries allows yogis to practice in peace, surrounded by rice fields, without spending a fortune.
Bali itself is also known as a place where deep healing can occur as it’s a place where ley lines (lines that connect some of the greatest, most impressive places on Earth) meet, creating an energy vortex. The gravity of this island calls in many for spiritual exploration, healing, beauty and those who seek answers that they have yet to find.
This must-see island is a top destination for a yoga retreat and with some 600 retreat options, you may have some trouble picking!
Most Popular Places for Yoga in Bali
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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is yet another country that draws in visitors for its picturesque beauty from the jungles to the beaches. It’s a country rich in history and while it may not seem like the first choice for yoga, it is only a hop, skip and a jump away from India, the birthplace of yoga.
Pair Sri Lanka’s beauty, low costs, surf spots and easy to get vegetarian food and you have a paradise for yogis to practice their chaturangas in serenity.
In recent years Sri Lanka has really made a place for itself on the map for both travellers of all kinds and yogis alike. Because of this, you won’t find a shortage of yoga schools and retreats on this pretty island.
Most Popular Places for Yoga in Sri Lanka
READ MORE: Best Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
Thailand
Thailand is home to some of the best yoga retreats in the world and thus could not be left off of this round-up. This must-visit country in Southeast Asia is a great introduction to the region, especially for travellers who are feeling a bit nervous about travelling to Southeast Asia for the first time.
Thailand has a great balance of incorporating the comforts of home while still staying true to Thai culture which is mostly Buddhist. The kind people, which is one of the reasons why Thailand is often referred to as the Land of Smiles are welcoming, friendly and always ready to chat.
Thailand is not just great for yoga retreats and schools that offer views overlooking vibrant blue waters or jungle treetops, but its also a place where excursions teach you more about the culture and where you can indulge in Thai cuisine. Vegetarian food is easy to come by and the bold flavours of Thai dishes you’ll be dreaming about for months.
Most Popular Places for Yoga in Thailand
READ MORE: 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Thailand
Mexico
Mexico doesn’t disappoint when it comes to yoga options. It’s quickly becoming the Bali of North American, with many digital nomads deciding to set up base in this tropical country and this usually means even more options from cafes to gyms to yoga studios.
From luxury to budget retreats covering every kind of yoga that you could name, Mexico has a little something for everyone and is not a place to overlook when deciding on which yoga destinations are best for you.
Mexico too is another very affordable destination that is close to home for those in North America who would prefer a trip without the jetlag! In Mexico, you’ll find an abundance of yoga retreats, many incorporating activities such as surfing, jungle trekking, beach time and much more.
Most Popular Places for Yoga in Mexico
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Italy
You don’t need a beach destination and vegetarian food in order to have a fabulous yoga retreat. Italy is a stellar option for those who love to eat as much as they love to flow.
While Italy does offer a number of retreats in beach destinations along the coast, many opt to practice their asanas in picturesque spots such as Tuscany, in the hills of the Almalfi Coast or in the north around Lake Garda.
Don’t let the fact that Italy is a European country fool you into thinking that a yoga vacation in Italy will be pricey, while yes, there are many luxurious options to choose from, it is possible to find very affordable options too!
Whether you want to practice in the mountains or along the water, indoors or outdoors, dive into yoga philosophy or spend more time relaxing, I can guarantee that Italy will have the perfect yoga classes for you.
Most Popular Places for Yoga in Italy
READ MORE: 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Italy
Spain
Spain was one of the first countries in Europe to fully embrace yoga and see it popping up around the country. Now, the tradition continues in a number of spots around the country from the islands to the mainland.
This colourful country is a great place for yoga and meditation and even doing your yoga teacher training because of its nice weather year-round, making it perfect for winter getaways from chillier places.
Nature, mouthwatering cuisine, colourful cities and home to top yoga teachers, Spain is an excellent choice not just for a yoga holiday but a vacation in general so you really can’t go wrong!
Most Popular Places for Yoga in Spain
READ MORE: 11 Best Yoga Retreats in Spain
Portugal
An often overlooked destination for yoga, Portugal is an incredible place to practice your flows, chill out and get back to your truest self.
Many of the retreats incorporate surfing into their programs but even for those who prefer to stay on dry land, you’ll be happy to know that you can still find top places to do yoga by the ocean. Hiking is also popular in Portugal for scenic views, especially in spots such as the Algarve in the south, in Sintra National Park and Cascais, just outside of Lisbon.
While Portugal is easily the top destination for yoga and surf in Europe, it’s also a wonderful place for great food, wine, charming European cities and is packed with so much colour it will uplift your mood instantly. Plus, it’s a great pick as it’s a year-round destination.
Most Popular Places for Yoga in Portugal
READ MORE: 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Portugal
USA
The United States obviously has no shortage of scenic destinations to get your yoga on in. From the coast in California to the skyscrapers in New York, the red rock in Arizona to the volcanic islands in Hawaii, the US is a top spot not just because it’s home to some of the best yoga teachers in the world but also because of its healing destinations.
Spots such as Haleakalā Volcano in Hawaii, Sedona in Arizona and Mount Shasta in California are just some of the healing energy vortexes located in the US. These destinations can add a whole other level of spiritual learning and healing to your yoga trip.
But no matter how spiritual are, if you’re looking for a getaway, just to practice a bit of beginner yoga for a weekend, want to dive deep into yoga philosophy or get your yoga teacher training certification, there is certainly no shortage of options for all price ranges and yoga styles in the US.
Most Popular Places for Yoga in the USA
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United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is an amazing spot for yoga with many charming destinations beckoning visitors to their hilly and quaint towns.
Just as many of the yoga destinations listed above have powerful energy vortexes, so does the UK. Destinations such as Glastonbury and Stonehenge are spiritual places that offer a deeper level of healing for your yoga getaway.
Short weekend or long weekend trips are most popular in the UK, offering yogis the chance to escape the city, even just for a short time. Picture great food, meditation, sister circles, glamping, detoxes or even the odd surf and yoga retreat! All of this and more can be found at the top yoga holidays in the UK.
Most Popular Places for Yoga in the United Kingdom
READ MORE: 10 Best Yoga Retreats in the UK
India
Last, but certainly not least, I’ve left the most obvious destination for last. India is truly a remarkable destination to visit for a yoga vacation, yoga teacher training and deep dives into the philosophy and culture surrounding yoga.
India is the birthplace fo yoga and thus has the largest number of yoga options available for yogis to choose from. In India you’ll have the opportunity to flow alongside many other dedicated yogis and be able to learn from some of the most sought after teachers.
Whether you want to flow and go hiking in the Himalayan mountains or on the beaches in Goa, India is not only a top choice for yoga but also for food, culture, natural beauty and a place to truly immerse yourself into your yoga practice.
Be warned though, with India being the top destination for yoga I highly recommend doing a lot of research before picking a place for your yoga vacation. While many schools and ashrams are legitimate, many have popped up over the years offering false promises and luring students in just because it’s in India.
This is not to scare you, just a forewarning to do your research, as you should do with each and every destination and place for yoga.
Most Popular Places for Yoga in India
READ MORE: 10 Best Yoga Retreats in India
And there you have it! These top yoga destinations will certainly not disappoint and you’ll have your work cut out for deciding on where to go. Or you could just plan a few yoga vacations! Enjoy your yoga classes and time of relaxation and self-discovery.
Find More International Yoga Inspiration
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- Best Yoga Retreats in France
- Best Yoga Retreats in Morocco
- 9 Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Courses
- Why Yoga Teacher Training is Life-Changing (Even if You Don’t Want to Be a Teacher)
- Yoga Travel Tips
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