Top yoga destinations and wellness retreats
Top yoga destinations and wellness retreats
Peaceful yoga centres and meditation retreats
A serious yoga destination offers more than a studio with a view: it has the teachers, the tradition and often the climate to support a practice that goes deeper than a holiday class. Some of these places have been training centres for decades. Others have built reputations more recently around a particular style or lineage.
The retreats on this list range from ashram-style centres rooted in specific spiritual traditions to resort-based retreats that pair practice with comfort. Some require real commitment, including early mornings, silence and structured schedules, while others are built around flexibility and choice.
Matching the retreat to the goal matters more than picking the most photogenic option, since deep practice and relaxation can look similar in photos and feel completely different in person.
Lists by region
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
Retreat centres across this island often pair daily yoga sessions with Balinese Hindu purification ceremonies. Temples like Tirta Empul let visitors combine a class with a traditional water blessing. Instructors can lead sessions overlooking rice terraces or ocean cliffs depending on the region. Teacher training courses here draw students from around the world each year.
City in United States
Los Angeles
The city of stars, beaches and dreams
This city holds one of the densest concentrations of yoga studios found anywhere in the country. Griffith Park hosts sunrise outdoor classes with views across the city skyline. Visitors can join a free community class in the park on weekend mornings. Studios throughout the city range from traditional Ashtanga lineages to modern fusion styles.
City in India
Palitana
Majestic temple complex amid desert serenity
Jain pilgrims climb thousands of stone steps up Shatrunjaya hill to reach temples at its summit. Some begin the climb before dawn to avoid the heat of the day. Travellers can join pilgrims on the ascent, pausing at shaded points along the way. Marble temples cover much of the hilltop once climbers reach the top.
National Park in India
Ranthambore National Park
Majestic Tigers Roam Ancient Fort’s Shadow
Wildlife lodges bordering this park sometimes offer sunrise yoga before a tiger safari. Sightings of Bengal tigers draw visitors from around the world each season. Guests can practice yoga in the lodge gardens as the jungle wakes up outside the fence. Ruins of an old fort inside the park add another stop on longer visits.
Region in India
Goa
Beaches, Culture and Portuguese Heritage
Arambol Beach has hosted a sunset drum circle since travellers began arriving along the hippie trail decades ago. Yoga classes now run alongside the same beach all day. Visitors can join a session on the sand before catching the evening drum circle. Many long-term retreat centres here trace their roots to that original travel scene.
Town in Australia
Byron Bay
Bohemian Beaches and Laid-Back Vibes
This coastal town became a magnet for yoga teachers and wellness seekers starting in the 1970s. Beachfront studios here often schedule sunrise classes timed to the tide. Visitors can join a session on the sand before the beach crowds arrive. The annual Byron Spirit Festival draws instructors and practitioners from across the country.
Island in Thailand
Ko Samui
Tropical Vibes and Relaxed Luxury
Yoga Thailand, a well-known teacher training centre, operates from the island's quieter southern coast. Students travel here to complete certification courses that can run for several weeks. Visitors can also join shorter drop-in classes without committing to a full course. The island's beaches offer a place to unwind after a long training day.
Town in India
Rishikesh
Yoga capital meets adventure haven
An International Yoga Festival draws thousands of participants to this city's riverbank each March. Ashrams throughout town host workshops during the week-long event alongside their regular programmes. Visitors can attend sessions led by teachers from multiple traditions during the same visit. The Ganges River runs through the middle of nearly every retreat schedule here.
City in India
Mysore
Royal gardens and timeless palace charm
The Ashtanga Yoga Institute founded by K. Pattabhi Jois still operates here under his grandson's guidance. Students travel to this city specifically to study the method taught at its source. Visitors can join a class following the structured sequence Jois developed decades ago. Mysore's palace grounds offer a quiet spot to unwind after a session.
Island in Spain
Ibiza
Mediterranean Energy, Timeless Charm
The island's quieter north side hosts a retreat scene built around sunset drum circles at Benirras Beach. Yoga classes here often time their final pose to the sunset itself. Visitors can join a beach session before the crowds gather for the evening drumming. This side of the island stays far calmer than Ibiza's club district.
Village in Costa Rica
Nosara
Serene beachside village with lush rainforest
The Nosara Yoga Institute opened here in the late 1990s as one of the earliest international teacher training schools. Students travel from around the world to complete certification programmes here. Visitors can join a drop-in class without committing to a full course. Surf breaks nearby give students an activity to pair with practice.
Town in New Zealand
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
Retreat centres here often pair yoga with recovery from the region's adventure sports rather than replacing them. Lakeside studios look out over Lake Wakatipu towards the surrounding mountains. Visitors can join a class before or after a day of hiking or skiing nearby. The dramatic scenery gives even a short session a memorable setting.
Island in Greece
Kos
Ancient Ruins, Beaches and Bougainvillea
Hippocrates, often called the father of medicine, is said to have taught at this island's ancient Asklepion healing site. Retreat centres here sometimes reference this history in their wellness programming. Visitors can walk the ruins before or after a scheduled yoga session. The island's mild climate keeps outdoor classes possible for much of the year.
State/Prefecture in India
Rajasthan
Desert palaces and vibrant cultural tapestry
Ornate merchant mansions called havelis across this state have been restored into small retreat centres. Desert camps near Jaisalmer add sunrise yoga sessions before a camel safari into the dunes. Visitors can practice on a rooftop terrace overlooking a walled city. Palaces converted into hotels often host longer retreat programmes for visiting groups.
Town in Indonesia
Ubud
Bali's Cultural and Spiritual Heart
The Yoga Barn opened here in 2007 and now anchors the town's retreat scene. Its open-air pavilions overlook rice paddies just outside the main streets. Visitors can join a drop-in class or a longer teacher training course. The annual Bali Spirit Festival draws instructors from around the world to the same venue.
City in Australia
Gold Coast
Sun, Surf and Adventure
Retreat centres up in the hinterland around Tamborine Mountain offer a quieter alternative to the coast's busy beaches. Rainforest surrounds many of these properties, muting sound from the nearby highway. Visitors can practice yoga on a deck overlooking the valley below. Waterfalls within a short walk add a stop between sessions.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
Retreat centres in the hills outside this city pair daily yoga with visits to nearby Buddhist temples. Some programmes include a monk chat, where visitors can ask questions about local practice. Instructors can lead outdoor sessions surrounded by jungle and rice fields. Many retreats last a full week to allow slower immersion in the routine.
Island in Spain
Tenerife
Volcanoes, Beaches and Endless Sun
Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and Spain's tallest peak, looms over many retreat centres here. Black sand beaches along the coast offer a contrasting setting for a sunrise class. Visitors can pair a session with a cable car ride partway up the volcano. The island's mild climate keeps outdoor yoga possible most of the year.
Island in United States
Kauai
Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches
Thick jungle and waterfalls surround many of this island's retreat centres, earning it the nickname the Garden Isle. Hanalei's north shore hosts several small yoga studios set among taro fields. Visitors can practice outdoors with views towards the Napali Coast's cliffs. Some retreats schedule a hike to a nearby waterfall as part of the week.
Country
Ecuador
Compact country, immense biodiversity
The Vilcabamba valley has long carried a reputation for unusually long-lived residents, drawing wellness retreats to the area. Its mild climate and mountain setting appeal to visitors seeking a quiet base for yoga. Guests can practice outdoors most mornings given the valley's consistent weather. Local guides sometimes lead hikes into the surrounding hills between sessions.
Region
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
Retreat centres near El Chalten sit beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Fitz Roy. Programmes here often pair a daily yoga session with multi-day trekking in the surrounding national park. Visitors can practice outdoors with the mountain visible on clear mornings. Glacial lakes within a short hike add a stop between longer trail days.
Island in Tanzania
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
Retreat centres along this island's east coast pair a morning yoga class with an afternoon dhow sailing trip. Traditional wooden boats still ferry visitors between beaches as they have for generations. Visitors can watch the sail rigging while relaxing after a session. Coral reefs just offshore add a snorkelling option to a longer stay.
City in United States
Sedona
Red Rocks, Vortexes and Starry Skies
Instructors sometimes lead sunrise classes at Airport Mesa, one of several sites here called a vortex. Believers say these locations hold a concentrated form of natural energy. Visitors can join a session and judge the setting's effect for themselves. Red rock formations surround nearly every studio in town.
City in Colombia
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
Mild year-round temperatures have earned this Colombian city the nickname the City of Eternal Spring. Retreat centres in the surrounding mountains take advantage of this climate for outdoor sessions. Visitors can pair a class with a day trip to Guatape's colourful streets. Cable cars connecting hillside neighbourhoods add an easy way to reach higher ground.
City in Nepal
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
Buddhist pilgrims circle the massive Boudhanath Stupa daily, spinning prayer wheels as they walk. Meditation retreats in the surrounding neighbourhood often centre their programmes around this same practice. Visitors can join the circumambulation before or after a scheduled sitting. Nearby monasteries also welcome guests for short teaching sessions.
City in United States
Asheville
Blue Ridge arts, brews and views
Yoga studios and teacher training programmes cluster densely in this Blue Ridge Mountain city. The surrounding mountains draw retreat centres seeking a quiet, forested setting. Visitors can join an outdoor class at one of several studios downtown. Nearby hot springs in the town of Hot Springs add a soak to a longer retreat itinerary.
Country
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
Hilltop towns like Ella pair yoga retreats with sweeping views over tea plantations. Guests can walk between rows of tea bushes before or after a scheduled class. Many programmes here source meals from the same estates visible from the yoga deck. Waterfalls within a short hike add another stop during a longer stay.
Island in Greece
Crete
A Journey Through History and Nature
Retreat centres on this island often build their menu around the traditional Cretan diet alongside daily yoga. Olive groves and mountain views surround many of these properties. Visitors can pair a morning practice with a walk through a working olive farm. Meals during a retreat here typically draw on locally grown produce and olive oil.
City in Mexico
Tulum
Ruins, reefs and boho beaches
Beachfront shalas here open onto the sand with walls left open to the breeze. A boutique retreat scene grew up along this coast starting in the early 2010s. Visitors can join a sunrise class before the beach clubs nearby start to fill up. Many studios pair a session with a visit to a nearby cenote.
City in Morocco
Essaouira
Atlantic Breeze, Blue Medina, Bohemian Vibe
Strong coastal winds have long drawn windsurfers to this Moroccan port town. Retreat centres now share the same beaches for their yoga sessions. Classes here often wrap up before the afternoon winds pick up strength. Visitors can walk the old city's stone ramparts between sessions to see the harbour.
Town in Portugal
Sagres
Where land meets sea
This windswept point marks the southwesternmost tip of mainland Europe, where Portuguese explorers once trained navigators. Cliff-top retreat centres here look straight out over the Atlantic's open water. Visitors can practice yoga at sunset as surfers ride the point's famous break below. Fortress ruins nearby add a quiet spot for a walk between sessions.
State/Prefecture in India
Kerala
Verdant backwaters and serene spice gardens
Houseboats drift slowly along this state's backwaters. Some retreat programmes hold yoga sessions right on deck while the boat moves. The state also draws large crowds each June for International Yoga Day gatherings. Many programmes pair backwater sessions with Ayurvedic treatments later in the day.
City in Colombia
Cartagena
Walled city of Caribbean color
Rooftop terraces inside the walled colonial city host sunrise yoga sessions with views over red-tiled roofs. Visiting retreat groups often book these rooftops for a week at a time. Instructors can lead a class as the old city's church bells begin to ring. The nearby Caribbean coastline adds an option for a beachfront session instead.
City in Morocco
Fez
Labyrinthine Medina, Living Moroccan Heritage
Traditional riads inside this city's ancient medina often centre around a quiet courtyard with a fountain. Retreat centres use these courtyards for morning meditation and yoga sessions. Visitors can hear the call to prayer echo through the medina during a practice. The city's maze of narrow streets adds a sense of stepping back in time.
City in United States
Santa Fe (New Mexico)
Ancient adobe charm meets artistic soul
Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-style spa outside this city, pairs its hot tubs with yoga classes. High desert light and nearby Native American pueblos give the area a spiritual reputation. Visitors can combine a soak with a class during the same visit. Retreats here often draw on this desert setting in their programming.
Country
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
Private island resorts here sometimes set up yoga platforms on small motus reachable only by boat. Instructors can lead a session with white sand and clear lagoon water on every side. Visitors can follow a class with a swim off the platform's edge. Many retreats pair daily yoga with traditional kava ceremonies in the evening.
City in Brazil
Florianopolis
Beaches, lagoons and island adventure
Surf culture and yoga overlap heavily in this Brazilian beach city, especially along Praia do Rosa. Retreat centres here often schedule a surf lesson alongside the daily yoga practice. Visitors can join a sunset session on the sand after a day in the water. Many programmes run through the southern hemisphere's summer season.
City in Mexico
Puerto Vallarta
Beaches, sunsets and vibrant streets
Jungle-covered hills rise directly behind this Pacific coast city, giving retreats a lush backdrop. Rooftop studios downtown often schedule sessions timed to catch the sunset over the bay. Visitors can also find retreats in nearby Sayulita, a smaller surf town up the coast. Many programmes pair a morning class with an afternoon at the beach.
City in Morocco
Chefchaouen
Blue Medina, Mountain Views, Calm Vibes
Blue-washed buildings line the streets of this mountain town in Morocco's Rif range. Retreat groups favour the town for its quiet pace and cool mountain air compared to the coast. Visitors can practice on a rooftop terrace looking out over the blue medina. Hiking trails into the surrounding hills add an activity between sessions.
City in Laos
Luang Prabang
Laid-back charm by the Mekong River
Buddhist monks walk through this Laotian city at dawn to collect alms from waiting residents. Retreat centres nearby often schedule meditation sessions timed around this daily ritual. Visitors can watch the procession quietly before returning for a morning yoga class. Temples throughout the old town add a peaceful backdrop to any retreat.
Country
Cook Islands
Tropical paradise with year-round warmth
Remote lagoons on outer islands like Aitutaki host small retreats built around ocean views and quiet. Yoga platforms are sometimes set up directly over the shallow, turquoise water. Visitors can practice at low tide when the lagoon turns almost perfectly still. Few other travellers reach these islands, keeping retreat groups small.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
Palermo's wooded parks fill with yoga practitioners each morning before the city's workday begins. An annual gathering in these same woods draws thousands of participants for International Yoga Day. Visitors can join a free outdoor class alongside local residents. Studios throughout the neighbourhood offer everything from vinyasa to kundalini practice.
Region in Italy
Tuscany
Rolling Hills, Wine and Renaissance Charm
Vineyard estates across this region increasingly pair a morning yoga class with an afternoon wine tasting. Retreat centres often set up practice space between rows of grapevines or under olive trees. Visitors can watch the harvest during a fall retreat depending on timing. Farmhouse accommodations give many of these programmes a rustic, countryside feel.
City in Portugal
Lagos
Golden Cliffs, Surf and Old Town Charm
Limestone cliffs at Ponta da Piedade drop straight into the Atlantic along this stretch of the Algarve. Retreat centres nearby schedule sunrise yoga sessions facing these same cliffs. Visitors can follow a class with a boat trip through the sea caves below. The coastal path connecting nearby beaches makes for a scenic walk between sessions.
City in Peru
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
This former Incan capital sits above eleven thousand feet, drawing retreat groups seeking a high-altitude setting. Many programmes schedule a few rest days here before continuing into the Sacred Valley. Visitors can practice yoga with views towards the surrounding Andean peaks. Local guides often pair a session with a visit to nearby Incan ruins.
Island in Greece
Lefkada
Ionian Gem with Pristine Beaches
Vasiliki Bay draws windsurfers for its steady afternoon winds each summer. Yoga retreats have grown up alongside the same beach in recent years. Morning sessions here finish before the wind picks up for the day. Pine-backed hills surround the bay on nearly every side, sheltering the water below.
Island in Spain
Formentera
Turquoise Waters and Bohemian Calm
Pine forests back many of this island's quiet beaches, a contrast to the nightlife of nearby Ibiza. Small retreat centres here favour a slower pace built around yoga and beach time. Visitors can practice under the trees before walking straight into the sea. Few large resorts operate here, keeping the island's retreat scene low-key.
City in Kenya
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
Karura Forest, a large wooded reserve within the city, hosts regular outdoor yoga meetups among its trees. Local instructors lead sessions along trails once used by activists to protect the forest. Visitors can join a class before exploring the reserve's waterfalls and caves. The forest offers a quiet break from the busy streets nearby.
Beach in Kenya
Diani Beach
Tropical Paradise with a Gentle Side
White sand and calm, reef-protected water make this stretch of Kenya's south coast a favourite for beach yoga. Some retreat centres pair a morning class with an afternoon dhow sailing trip. Visitors can practice barefoot on the sand before the day's heat sets in. Coral reefs just offshore give the water an unusually turquoise colour.
Other lists you may like
Discover
Best yoga destinations in Africa
North African desert and coastal settings have built small but genuine yoga retreat scenes, often combining practice with the kind of stillness that comes from genuine remoteness.…
Read more
Discover
Best yoga destinations in Asia
South Asia remains the spiritual home of yoga, with riverside towns built entirely around the practice's traditional roots. Southeast Asia offers a more contemporary,…
Read more
Discover
Best yoga destinations in Europe
Southern Europe's islands and Atlantic coastlines have both built strong yoga retreat scenes around Mediterranean light, often pairing practice with locally grown food and a…
Read more
Discover
Best yoga destinations in North America
Dramatic desert and coastal landscapes anchor much of North America's yoga retreat reputation, built around scenery as much as the practice itself. Warmer regions further south add…
Read more
Discover
Best yoga destinations in Oceania
Southeast Asia remains a major draw for the wider region, but Australia and New Zealand have built their own quieter retreat scenes around coastal and rainforest settings, often…
Read more
Discover
Best yoga destinations in South America
High-altitude Andean valleys combine yoga practice with serious altitude and centuries of indigenous spiritual tradition, while warmer coastlines further east offer a…
Read more
What other users say about travelfilters
“travelfilters made it easy for me to find ski areas and compare what else they offer, so that I could find the best place for my personal travel style.”
Chris
Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
“I love how transparent the data feels. There is no pushy upsell, just honest information and settings I can tune to my own travel style.”
Maria
After booking her 2027 winter escape
“The level of detail for each destination and how well those are displayed, make planning feel confident instead of overwhelming.”
Mina
Planned a week in New York City
“We used travelfilters for our planning from start to end. The trip turned out even better than expected, thanks to all their tools and customisation options.”
Allan & Etienne
Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
“Thanks to travelfilters, I found some hidden gems to see. Being able to filter for exactly your interests is a game changer for my travel planning.”
Michael
Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
“The customizable filters helped me find a quiet beach town with good wifi and low season crowds in under five minutes.”
Diego
Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
“The airport connection map saved me hours by showing good flight options from my home airport to lesser-known cities.”
Nguyen
Planning a 2027 trip to France
“The website is clean, fast and focused on the search itself, which makes travelfilters feel more like a professional tool than an ad-heavy booking site.”
Hassan
Christmas Market trip, Germany
