Explore the Best Yoga Retreats Around the World with iBestTravel
Whether you’ve recently started regular yoga classes and want to take your newfound knowledge to the next level or are a complete novice still figuring out the difference between a warrior and tree pose, a retreat can be a great way to deep-dive into this ancient practice rooted in Indian tradition.
As spiritual as it is physical, yoga styles range from slow and meditative to more dynamic, always focusing on connecting the breath to the body. The benefits are immense: improving core strength, managing stress, greater flexibility, and increased balance. From overnight bite-size tasters to bespoke one-to-one programs and relaxed itineraries that include other nature-based activities, here’s our pick of the best yoga retreats for beginners.
An India Awakening, Cabo Serai, Goa
19-27 January 2024, more retreats later in 2024
For a last-minute, rejuvenating start to the year, this nine-day escape promises a gentle introduction to yoga with a blast of Indian sunshine guaranteed to beat the winter blues – think early morning movement sessions in a shady coconut grove yoga shala, sunset hilltop meditation, and supper under the stars. Founded by wellbeing events director Lucy Hill over a decade ago, Chaya Retreats is renowned for its nourishing plant-based menus (a food workshop is included) and is taking over the Cabo Serai eco-resort on Goa’s south coast for the first time. The twice-daily yoga and movement sessions are led by Nics Bannister, whose adaptable teaching method stems from her own experience of overcoming a debilitating skiing injury and developing her practice as a tool for recovery. Other highlights include sound healing, a choice of a one-hour treatment, and a breath and cold water therapy workshop with former Royal Ballet dancer turned Wim Hof instructor Isaac Mullins. Look out for more retreat dates later in the year, too.
Price: From £2,442 per person based on two sharing a tent with ensuite
Website: chayayogaretreats.com
Petite Yoga Retreats, Billnäs Gård, Finland
Dates from January to October 2024
For those tempted to try a yoga retreat but wary of committing to a full-on weekend, bite-sized one-night retreats could be the answer. The setting is the recently repurposed Billnäs Gård, a six-room hotel and wellness space an hour’s train ride from Helsinki. Set on the Svarta River, it features a heated saltwater pool in the garden and a subterranean spa-cum-candlelit meditation space with a sauna and herbal bathtub. The concise stay – part of The Life Academy program – is led by local yoga instructor Julia Hackzell, whose classes are designed to develop mindfulness through gentle postures, breathwork, and meditation. Before arrival, participants receive three introspective open-ended questions aimed at sparking reflection and assisting in setting personal goals.
Price: From 395 euros per person, based on two sharing
Website: billnasgard.fi
Yoga Retreat, Ockenden Manor, Sussex
21-23 April and 22-24 September 2024
Resident yoga teacher at Ockenden Manor, Meg Thompson, integrates nidra yoga classes with a guided Nordic walk through the Sussex countryside and an isopod flotation session (like the Dead Sea, you float effortlessly so every muscle relaxes and the body’s metabolic balance is restored) at this twice-yearly retreat. No yoga background is necessary: Meg creates a spiritual experience through strength-building and restorative bodywork and encourages individuals to listen to their bodies to gain confidence in their practice. During downtime, relax in the spectacular indoor-outdoor pool and enjoy dinners made using locally sourced produce.
Price: From £629.50 per person based on two sharing
Website: hshotels.co.uk
Spring Serenity, Kea, Greece
21-27 April 2024
This hotel and retreat space sits in Psathi Bay on Kea, a 40-minute ferry ride from Lavrio on the Greek mainland. The season kicks off with Spring Serenity, led by Israeli dancer and multi-disciplinary artist Hagar Shachal, specializing in meditative movement and Ashtanga yoga. Twice daily sessions in the open-air shala surrounded by olive trees (including meditation and breathwork) complement other nature-based activities such as kayaking, hiking to ancient temples, and snorkeling.
Price: From around £1983 per person, based on two sharing
Website: kearetreat.com
Wylder Menorca
10-14 May 2024
Yoga teacher Charlotte Townend’s Wylder Retreats, which have taken place in Ibiza and Formentera, are now adding the Amagatay Hotel, a farm stay on Menorca. It combines daily yoga classes with outdoor adventures and creative workshops hosted by islanders, emphasizing immersion in local surroundings. Townend covers restorative and vinyasa styles, focusing on strength and mobility, and offers modifications suited to each individual’s ability.
Price: £1,750 per person based on shared occupancy of a suite
Website: wylderretreats.net
Relax and Reset, Alentejo, Portugal
11-16 May 2024
Instructor Jess Bayly runs several retreats per year in Europe and the UK, focusing on creating nurturing, restorative experiences. The Rest and Reset-themed stay at Quinta Camarena offers twice daily yoga practices (a mix of energizing vinyasa flow and soft yin) along with optional activities like coastal hikes, beach trips, and wine tasting.
Price: From £1,150 per person based on two sharing
Website: jessbaylyyoga.com
Nourish & Nurture – Spring Bank Holiday Yoga Retreat, Erth, Cornwall
24-27 May 2024
Yoga instructor Anna Taylor’s retreat at the riverside Erth Retreat focuses on mindful yoga, meditation, and walks to utilize spring’s lighter energy. Participants will enjoy a restful environment in various accommodations ranging from the main house to rustic shepherds’ huts.
Price: From £650 per person based on two sharing a cabin
Website: mindbodybalance.co.uk
Reclaim Yourself Mallorca Yoga Retreat
25-30 September 2024
This late summer retreat in a former 13th-century monastery in Mallorca features gentle yoga sessions ideal for beginners. The program is relaxed, with opportunities for a private boat trip around the island. Yoga instructor Anna Ashby focuses on helping novices delve into asana and pranayama with daily meditation and journaling.
Price: £1,595 per person sharing a twin ensuite room
Website: reclaimyourself.co.uk
Yoga Break, Another Place The Lake, Cumbria
14-16 October 2024
This two-day yoga break at Another Place the Lake focuses on restoring and replenishing energy, suitable for all abilities. Instructor Julia Poole will tailor each session to group levels, offering various yoga styles in a serene lakeside setting.
Price: From £665 per person based on two sharing
Website: another.place
Yoga Retreat, Six Senses Vana, India
Permanent retreat
Close to Rishikesh, this nurturing hotel in the Vana Forest offers curated programs for five, seven, or 14 nights. Each stay commences with a wellness consultation, aiming to cater to personal goals, whether for stress reduction, energy replenishment, or spiritual reconnection. Programs may include yoga, meditation sessions, and nutritional guidance.
Price: From 722 USD (approx. £571) per night, based on single occupancy for a minimum five-night stay. This includes wellness screening, all meals, and daily retreat programs.
Website: healingholidays.com
