A yoga retreat is a space that lets a yogi concentrate on improving their yoga, engage in meditation in calm, peaceful environments at an unhurried pace. They are meant to rejuvenate and refresh a person; giving them a break from the hurly-burly of the everyday routine. Going to a yoga retreat gives one the time to reconnect to their inner self and with other like-minded people as well. Yoga retreats could cater to students, instructors or both. These yoga retreats are now dotted all over the world, but some of the most highly rated are right here in India – I have chosen different types of retreats based on the recommendations of highly regarded publications:
Anahata Retreat in Goa
This is the highest rated yoga retreat as per the Conde Nast Traveler. Located right on the Ashvem beach, the Anahat Retreat is where yogis can engage in meditation classes and practice yoga by the waves; enjoy live musical performances and experience the essential Goan concept of ‘Sussegad’. Suitable for advanced practitioners and beginners, guests can opt for ten day programmes at the eco cottages and suites. Apart from yoga and meditation, guests can also experience shiatsu, hot stone therapy, shirodara, spa treatments, Reiki and more.
Rishikul Yogshala, Rishikesh
Some people call Rishikesh the yoga capital of the world. One of the top recommended yoga retreats here is the Rishikul Yogshala where yoga practitioners as well as yoga instructors get the chance to hone their skills on the banks of river Ganga. The yogashala has branches in Kerala, Nepal, Thailand, Mozambique, Vietnam and other locations. Surya Namaskar, hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga, chakra and colour healing are all available here.
Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamshala
Located in the hilly area above McLeod Ganj (the seat of the Dalai Lama), in Dharamshala, Himachal, this is a centre of the study and practice of Buddhism of the Tibetian Mahyana tradition rather than a yoga retreat. At the Tushita Meditation Centre, one can receive an introduction to Buddhism and Buddhist practices, attend public teachings of the Dalai Lama, participate in mindfulness meditation and more. There are both residential and nonresidential courses offered here.
Hinterland Village Resort, Kochi
This yoga retreat is in God’s Own Country, which is currently inundated in a terrible flood situation, with the entire country praying and contributing to flood relief. However the Hinterland Village is all about ‘making up with nature’. This is a yoga and ayurvedic retreat in a lovely location nestled among paddy fields and coconut groves. Guests get a taste of ‘saatvic’ or balanced ayurvedic vegetarian food, engage in yoga classes, consult with on-site ayurvedic doctors and get steam baths and massages.
Mysore Mandala, Mysore
The Mysore Mandala Yoga Shala is a cultural centre and school for yoga registered with the Yoga Alliance. This place is best known for imparting Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga in the traditional Mysore style. It is also known as a gateway to Indian culture because of its other training facilities for music, classical dance and the arts. While this is not a residential facility, it does have a café serving saatvic food and real coffee.
Kaivalyadhama Ashram, Lonavala
Closest to home is this yoga institute in the lovely hills of Lonavala; every Mubaikar’s favourite weekend getaway! This is a yogic research centre set out in 180 acre area; set up way back in 1927. There are weeklong packages offered here at the old fashioned thickly wooded campus. They include yoga, relaxation therapy, ayurveda and naturopathy.
To my mind taking a break at a yoga retreat makes sense because they are designed around relaxation and rejuvenation; a sort of wellness holiday. Even those who are not into yoga can get an introduction to the discipline and understand a little about why so many people the world over are attracted not just to the physical exercise, but to the entire mind-body lifestyle.