Eat Sleep Yoga Repeat

As we begin to embark on a new year many of us will take some time to recenter ourselves and think about what it is we want to achieve in 2017. For some that might be the inevitable weight loss or financial security that follows us all into each new year. But for some, there will be the need to broaden horizons further than a figure on a scale or a number on a bank balance. Inside some of us is a longing to not only feel and look physically well, but to deepen our mental and spiritual capacity too.

How many years have passed where you promised yourself you would look after you! You’d eat well, drink more water, sleep, grow, be still and be silent, and yet come February the mania of your life continues on without a second to catch your breathe. Well this year, instead of empty promises and failed resolutions, give yourself some time to truly re-focus by jetting off to spiritual Asia and booking onto a yoga retreat.

When you combine yoga and travel, you not only enjoy the benefits of a retreat, but also gain exposure to new cultures and ideas that will help you on your journey. And if you’re worried that a yoga retreat isn’t quite for you, then think again. Gone are the days when these places were only populated by vegan hippy types and the ferociously flexible. Today everyone is welcome, from the rigid novice to the intermediate yogi looking to expand their training.

The Yoga Barn

Situated amongst lush green paddy fields and rolling mountain scenery The Yoga Barn is not only a treat for the body but for the eyes. Set in quirky Ubud in Bali, this retreat is amongst one of the most popular yoga meccas for spiritual seekers and those looking to delve into the vegan lifestyle.

The on-site café, or ‘Kafe’ as they call it serves what is known as living vegan food; raw foods much more sophisticated sister. The location also means that instead of the off the grid intensity that can come with many retreats, guests can venture out to the plethora of restaurants and boutiques in the area during down time from classes. Classes here are also on the larger scale, so if you prefer a more one on one style this might not be the place for you. But if connecting with like minded people in a free and fun environment is what you’re looking for then Yoga Barn is the place.

Samahita Yoga Retreat

Koh Samui in Thailand might not seem like a place for enlightenment at first sight but look past the party scene of Chawang and make your way to Laem Sor beach on the south coast and you will find a haven in the form of the Samahita Retreat. Not for the faint hearted, the retreat take yoga and fitness very seriously and guests tend to be extremely devoted to their practice. Many of whom are gaining their yoga qualifications or learning about the deeper yoga philosophy.

This is a place to come if you know what you’re doing and wish to broaden your learning. Classes are not only focused, but intense, and if you’re booked on to one of their detox programs, your diet will be extremely limited. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted, so if your looking for a gentler start this one might have to wait till 2018!

Ananda Yoga Retreat

Set in the historic palace of the Maharaja of Teri Garwal, a short drive from the ‘world capital of yoga’, Rishikesh, Ananda Yoga Retreat is one of the world’s most expensive retreats with a client list that boasts the likes of Brad Pitt and Oprah! And it is easy to see why; peacocks and monkeys meander about the grounds and the views of the Ganges at the foot of the mountains is breathtakingly beautiful. All in all, Ananda is one of the most scenic places to unwind, ever.

Here group Hatha classes take place outside each morning so there is plenty of opportunity to connect with others during your stay, yet if you are looking for some private and reflective time you can take one-on-one lessons in the marble pavilion just outside the palace itself.