The World's Coolest Yoga Retreats

There's something undeniably therapeutic about breaking away from normal life and looking inward. Here are some of the world's most rewarding places to do just that.

Imagine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. On Landaa Giraavaru, you can dive deep into the Indian Ocean to visit manta rays in their natural habitat, reset the body and mind at their island Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat. Sign up for Panchakarma, an intensive detox program for 14 or 21 days. Ayurvedic physicians prescribe a combination of purgative therapies. The resort also offers "reconnection rituals" involving sound, massage, chakra healing, essential oils, bathing, and body therapies.

Bali's spiritual capital of Ubud may be overrun by Eat, Pray, Lovers and yoga bunnies on teacher-training courses. But away from the hub, high in the hills above the Ayung River, set in a tropical rainforest, is the island's highly rated wellness retreat. Renowned for its back-to-nature approach and promises to soothe, relax, cosset and revivify - while surrounding you in totally tranquil, thatched-pavilion, wall-to-wall luxury of course.

Utah

This isn't your typical yoga retreat. It's dry, it's hot but it's incredibly beautiful. In Moab, you will wake up every morning to cool desert air, a bright red sunrise, and an energising yoga practice to get your body ready for the day ahead. Your days will be filled with amazing yoga flows, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and rafting. Come the evening, you'll eat together around a campfire before retreating to your accommodation for the night - surprisingly luxurious tipis and safari tents with proper beds and hot showers!

Details: Moab Under Canvas

Germany

100km south of Munich tucked deep in the calm of the Bavarian Alps lies the Schloss Elmau, a pristine sanctuary. More like a resort with two hotels, there are eight restaurants, six spas (including one set on a hillside brook), plenty of pools (inside, outside, saltwater, freshwater, cold, warm and so on). The spas are enough of a reason to visit and herein lies the secret to the hotel's success; spas for adults and spas for families.

Details: Schloss Elmau Yoga Center

India

Over the past decade, multiple luxury resorts have opened in the Aravalli Hills catering to the ever-growing demand of international tourists seeking luxury accommodations for weddings and honeymoons. However, nestled in the town of Ajabgarh, Amanbagh Resort has managed to remain under the radar for the majority of travellers. Their 'Wellness Immersions' stretch from 4 to 21 night stays, during which you'll eat delicious meals, partake in relaxing Ayurvedic spa treatments; take trips to nearby sights like the Neelkanth Temple and Mansarovar Lake, and of course, do frequent yoga and candle meditation sessions in their peaceful gardens.

Details: Amanbagh, Rajasthan

Indonesia

Embark on a path of personal mastery: the journey towards continuous improvement, guided by the principles of purpose, vision, belief and commitment. Lead by four wellness specialists Mas Joko - A Javanese healer, and shaman. Pak Sugeng - A Javanese spiritual practitioner of the ancient Jawadwipa lineage as well as being a Hindu master. Patrick Vanhoebrouck - A Belgian anthropologist specialising in Javanese culture, having lived in Yogyakarta Province for nearly 15 years, he shares his passion through lectures, exhibitions and guided tours of ancient sites. Sonia Banuls - A yogi and Vipassana meditation practitioner; experience the ultimate yoga session overlooking the rice fields!

Details: Amanjiwo, Java