The best yoga retreats for greeting sun in salutation for International Yoga Day
From the Himalayan foothills to a small town in rural Ontario, Canada, and something in between, here's a look at a few award-winning yoga retreats ahead of the UN-recognised International Yoga Day on June 21.
The selection of retreats is based on the fact that they are all winners of the Best for Yoga category at the latest edition of the Global Wellness Travel Awards.
Ananda in the Himalayas, India: Set in the foothills of northern India on a 100-acre space estate, guests find peace and serenity among graceful Sal forests. The resort's signature yoga program is the Ananda Detox program, which includes Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, meditation and Dosha-specific Ayurvedic diet to help detox, reduce stress, and improve overall health. The program runs seven, 14, and 21 days. http://www.anandaspa.com/
Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand: At the Kamalaya Koh Samui, guests can enroll in private one-to-one yoga sessions that are customised for each individual. And it's not just really bendy, expert yogis who need apply. The resort is also beginner-friendly, with sessions tailored to guests' skill levels and goals. The property itself also sets the mood, as the resort is located around a monk's cave, which once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. http://www.kamalaya.com/
St. Anne's Spa, Grafton, Ontario, Canada: About an hour and a half outside Toronto is a quaint countryside resort that offers yoga and meditation classes all day for tired city rats. While not exactly the most exotic or tropical locale, the property draws guests for its gardens, stone-built inn, and country charm. For busy yogis, who might only be able to manage a weekend getaway, the inn offers a two-day retreat that includes four yoga practices and four meditation classes. http://www.steannes.com/
Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas: In the cacophony of ringing slot machines, and bachelors and bachelorettes unleashed, yogis can find a little serenity at the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, which offers a mix of group and private yoga classes for guests of all levels. The fitness program is overseen by resident "Yogini" and personal trainer Mary Jane Kleiman and classes take place at the studio which overlooks the pool deck. ttp://www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas/
SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante, Spain: In addition to being named the best resort in Europe, the SHA Wellness Clinic was also named one of the best yoga retreats at the Wellness Travel Awards. Best known as one of the world's best medical spas, programs are designed by physicians, osteopaths, psychiatrists, and psychologists. In addition to private yoga lessons, participants can also learn meditation techniques, Tai Chi, and Pranayama breathing techniques. The resort also features pools, waterfalls, and tropical gardens spread across 4,000 square meters. http://shawellnessclinic.com/