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The great thing about yoga is that once you’re familiar with the practice, you can whip out your mat anytime, anywhere. Having said that, there’s never a wrong time to hop on a plane to an exotic locale and immerse yourself a little deeper. While it may hold its roots in India, meditative traditions can be found across Southeast Asia, and here are five beautiful yoga retreats we recommend to those looking to find their zen and step outside of the studio.
Navutu Dreams is a boutique resort and wellness destination located in the ancient city of Siem Reap, and is the first of its kind in the area. Its five-day Yoga Mini Break Retreats offer a true taste of Cambodian hospitality, centred around a rejuvenating yoga programme. Retreats are inclusive of private and group yoga classes, relaxing spa treatments, breakfast throughout your stay, and the inclusion of either lunch or dinner at the hotel. Retreat prices start at USD$709 per person.
Bali’s bustling Seminyak district might not be the first place that springs to mind for a tranquil retreat location, but Ocean Soul has carved out a calming space all of its own. The luxurious villa boasts a spacious garden, private pool, and all the amenities of a five-star facility – the Twin Suites even come with their own plunge pools! The Women’s Yoga Retreats run for seven days and six nights, and are inclusive of accommodation, wellness and mindfulness workshops with a team of dedicated coaches, and nine yoga and guided meditation sessions. Packages are also inclusive of two massages, for those hoping for an added element of luxury. Retreats are priced at USD$2,750 per solo traveller.
In the resort region of Hua Hin in southern Thailand, Chiva Som offers its guests a luxurious spot to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate. Its Yoga for Life programme is available for either three, five, seven, 10 or 14 nights. Five-night retreats begin with a health and wellness consultation upon arrival and are inclusive of a daily restorative treatment – guests can take their pick from the resort’s extensive spa menu. Retreats are also inclusive of three wellness meals each day, three 80-minute yoga sessions, meditation and pranayama classes, and a yoga strap and mood mist to take home with you. Prices vary depending on the dates you wish to visit.
On the southern tip of Phuket island, the aptly-named Amatara Wellness Resort offers a wide range of wellness programmes for guests in search of a healthy holiday. The Amatara Yoga programme is available for either three, five, or seven nights. Retreat itineraries in this five-star facility are packed full, from private yoga sessions to Ayurvedic massages, a Thai yoga massage, an Indian head massage, yoga consultation, yoga and philosophy session, three 50-minute private yoga sessions, and more – and that’s all on top of daily yoga sessions. Prices vary depending on the dates you wish to visit.
Located just five minutes from the popular Chaweng beach in Koh Samui, Thailand, the Absolute Sanctuary property sets itself aside from the hustle and bustle of the beachfront. Its Absolute Yoga programme is available for five, seven, or 10 days. Five-day retreats are inclusive of accommodation, a private yoga class, wellness consultation, and spa cuisine throughout your stay. A massage a day is guaranteed to keep the stress at bay, while unlimited group yoga and meditation sessions are on hand to keep mind, body, and soul active. Prices range from $1,657 to $2,411 USD per solo traveller.
Following a brief and bitterly cold stint in Scotland, Amanda returned to Hong Kong—a place she’s called home for over 18 years—to begin her career as a writer. She can often be found getting lost somewhere very familiar, planning her next holiday, and enjoying a cup (or three) of good, strong coffee.
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