The Best Yoga Destinations Around The World (2026)
From its ancient roots in India, yoga has spread all around the world and these days you’ll find incredible yoga retreats in nearly every country on earth! So it’s fair to say that yoga travellers are spoilt for choice with the sheer amount of amazing yoga destinations around the world these days!
Whether you’re dreaming of treating yourself to a luxury wellness vacation, a fun and active yoga holiday, or even considering joining a yoga teacher training course to become a certified yoga teacher – there’s no shortage of inspiring places to practice yoga around the world.
Why Take a Yoga Retreat
Taking a yoga vacation or yoga holiday offers many more benefits that a regular trip. Retreat holidays are not just about becoming fitter and more flexible, they also offer relaxation and a much needed escape from the stresses and strains of daily life.
From levelling up your yoga practice and de-stressing your mind, body and soul, to disconnecting from your everyday responsibilities, reconnecting with yourself and nature and meeting a new group of like minded people in a safe space. Yoga trips are the perfect opportunity for practicing mindfulness and taking time out for self care and personal growth.
If you need anymore convincing read my post on the 7 life changing reasons to take a yoga holiday.
The World’s Best Yoga Destinations
While you can find amazing retreats in almost every country around the world, there are certainly some yoga destinations that really stand out due to their distinctive culture, profound spirituality, natural beauty, world-class retreat centres and top teachers. Unsurprisingly, these places are also home to many of the best yoga retreats in the world.
India is the birthplace of yoga, but yoga travelers have much more choice these days with yoga retreats being held everywhere from to the Himalayan mountains to the Amazon jungle and even the Sahara desert.
But don’t worry if you’re not feeling so adventurous, even if you just want to combine a beach vacation in Mexico or a sunny yoga holiday in Spain, nothing beats exploring a new country and culture when you combine it with yoga, pampering and being surrounded by like minded people.
Did you know that many places popular for yoga are located on healing energy vortexes in the world’s most spiritual places. These sacred areas have always been a magnet for spiritual seekers and are where you’ll find some of the best yoga and meditation retreats. This is where a yoga retreat becomes so much more than just fitness and relaxation – it’s a transformative spiritual journey!
Many of these places have become yoga hotspots offering a huge array of yoga studios and spas, workshops and holistic healing therapies, vegan cafes and other things to do that will complement your yoga journey.
There’s so much choice, it can actually get a little overwhelming deciding where to go for your yoga holiday. So whether your perfect yoga vacation involves saluting the sun overlooking the rice terraces of Bali, finding inner peace on a sacred mountain in India, detoxing while basking on a beach in Thailand, or exploring ancient ruins after your yoga session in Mexico, here’s my pick of the very best yoga retreat locations in 2026.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in most of these places myself so I’ve put this list together from my own experience as well as recommendations from friends. I hope you find it useful and that it inspires your own yoga adventures!
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The Best Places For Yoga Retreats in 2026
Best in Asia
Bali, Indonesia
The stunning island of Bali in Indonesia is also known as ‘the Island of the God’s‘. Bali is a deeply spiritual Hindu island with a rich cultural heritage that makes it the best yoga and wellness destinations in the world.
The popularity of the movie ‘Eat Pray Love’ placed Bali firmly as one of the worlds top yoga hotspots – but Ubud actually has a much longer history of healing and spiritual practice. It’s Balinese name ‘Ubad‘ even means medicine due to it being a centre for healing and wellness. Even though it can get busy with tourists these days, Ubud is still the spiritual heart of Bali.
Aside from practicing asanas in beautiful open air yoga shalas overlooking the rice terraces, and relaxing in the luxurious spas, you can also explore Bali’s ancient Hindu temples, walk through the luscious rice fields, discover rainforests and waterfalls, hike Mount Agung at sunrise and dive or surf in the warm tropical waters.
While Bali is a Hindu island, and follows similar spiritual practices to India, it is a safer, cleaner, option – perfect for solo female travellers. There’s a friendly yoga community here with lots going on to compliment your yoga practice from kirtans to ecstatic dance and, as many people go on a retreat solo here, it’s a great place to meet like minded people.
The best places for yoga in Bali include Ubud, Canggu and Ulu Watu, where you will find a plethora of luxurious and affordable yoga studios, retreat centers, spas and raw vegan cafes, but wherever you go on the island you’ll never be too far away from a yoga shala.
If you want to escape the crowds, head to the nearby islands like Nusa Lembongan or up north to the beaches near Lovina. And, if you also fancy learning to surf there’s also many surf camps in Bali many also offer yoga classes in their packages.
Bali is also one of the best places in the world to do yoga teacher training, with many incredible YTTC courses to choose from held at beautiful retreat centres with amazing teachers from all over the world.
The Best Yoga Retreats in Bali
The Best Yoga Teacher Training in Bali
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India
As the origin of the ancient yogic practice, no article about the world’s best yoga destinations could fail to mention India! A country with a long and deeply spiritual heritage where you’ll find some of the most spiritual places in the world.
India is the birthplace to a multitude of religions, home to both yoga and Ayurveda, an ancient life science which focuses on holistic well-being by balancing the mind, body, and spirit through personalized diet, lifestyle, yoga, and meditation, and many yoga centers in India include Ayurvedic treatments in their packages.
Many yogi’s dream of making a pilgrimage to the birthplace of yoga and while there’s no shortage of affordable yoga schools and ashrams in India picking a good one can be tricky. Don’t expect much luxury and always, always thoroughly check the reviews to make sure you choose a reputable yoga school – especially if you are a solo female traveller in India.
It can be tricky to find real reviews so one website I like to use is bookyogaretreats.com and bookyogateacher training.com. On these sites you can see yoga retreats and teacher training programs all over the world and check reviews from previous guests so that you know to expect and don’t fall for a scam or worse – Me Too is yoga is sadly a thing so I wouldn’t risk booking a yoga program in India without reading real reviews first.
Having said that, if you pick the right yoga school, India is the best place for yoga if you want an authentic experience, to participate in ashram life, learn about ayurveda, undertake one of the world’s most affordable yoga teacher training courses, and just have the amazing adventure that comes with visiting this incredible country.
Traveling in India can be challenging and quite a culture shock – but it’s great for your personal growth and part of what makes it such an exciting and transformative experience. Check out my backpacking India guide for tips on where to explore.
The best places for yoga in India include Rishikesh, ‘the Yoga capital of the world,’ Mysore, the home of ashtanga yoga, and Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, home to to Tibetan government in exile. If you fancy combining a beach break with yoga head to South India where you’ll find beach yoga holidays in Goa or and authentic yoga and ayurvedic retreats in Kerala.
The Best Yoga Retreats in India
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Top Tip – If you’re a solo female traveller worried about visiting India, or you’re looking for a more relaxing or luxurious yoga retreat, you might be better off considering neighboring Sri Lanka for an easier experience. Or if mountains are more your thing, how about a refreshing yoga and meditation retreat in Nepal in the mighty Himalayas.
Sri Lanka
With a stunning, tropical coastline, lush hill country, and a huge array of historical sights, cultural gems and wildlife experiences packed into a small island, Sri Lanka is a great choice for a yoga holiday.
Sri Lanka offers a much more relaxed and luxurious experience than its neighbor India, but still has many of the ingredients that make this area of the world so magical and captivating to explore – just in a smaller, cleaner, easier package.
Sri Lanka is also a top surf destination and some of the best beach retreats in Sri Lanka often include surf lessons, while the best inland wellness retreats include cultural excursions around the island. As the island isn’t too big you can see all the highlights with a 2 week loop around Sri Lanka, before or after your yoga retreat.
After your yoga classes, you can explore the ancient Buddhist stupas, enjoy one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys through the tea plantations, or marvel at the sight of hundreds of elephants in the national parks – whatever you decide you’re sure to fall in love with Sri Lanka!
The best places for yoga retreats in Sri Lanka are on the beaches in the south near to the historic Galle Fort, the popular beaches of Ahangama, Mirissa and Weligama and the horseshoe shaped bay of Hiriketiya. There’s also some fantastic retreats inland and the the hill country, especially near the cultural capital of Kandy and in the cute hill town of Ella.
Sri Lanka is a year round destination, as each side of the island experiences different monsoon periods. Go to the south west coast between December and April for the best weather or switch to the east coast from April till October when the surf’s up in Arugam Bay, a surfer’s paradise which offers some fantastic yoga and surf retreats.
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Nepal
Nestled in the Himalayas above India, Nepal has a deep spiritual history, rich culture, and magnificent mountains that draw adventurers from across the globe to connect with and conquer the elements.
With majestic landscapes, ethereal energies, and famously warm people – yogis and spiritual seekers are spoilt for choice when it comes to yoga and meditation retreats in Nepal.
Where could be a better setting for yoga and meditation than in the lap of the mighty Himalayan mountains? The energy here is just incredible, refreshing and inspiring – perfect for spiritual practices, a yoga retreat or yoga teacher training.
From ashrams and monastery stays in historic Kathmandu, to yoga classes on the banks of the Pewa Lake in Pokhara and even yoga treks to Mount Everest, Nepal is a great destination not just for trekkers but also for yoga and meditation.
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Thailand
Thailand offers more than just some of the best beaches and tropical islands in the world. ‘The Land of Smiles’ is also a hotspot for wellness retreats, from yoga and meditation to detox and fitness – Thailand has it all!
From blissful each yoga holidays on the islands, to yoga and meditation retreats in the mountains of the north, there is no shortage of yoga vacations in Thailand. Plus, most retreats include traditional Thai massages and spa treatments and some of the fitness programs also offer training in Muay Thai (Thai boxing) which is a great workout!
There’s also plenty to do off the mat in Thailand, from island hopping to exploring the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok with it’s Grand Palace, reclining Buddhas and floating markets, and not forgetting the elephant sanctuaries and ancient temples in the steamy jungles and mountains near the northern city of Chiang Mai.
The best places for yoga in Thailand include the popular islands of Koh Samui and Phuket which offer numerous luxury yoga, wellness, detox and fitness retreats. If you’re on a budget, or just want to be more immersed in more authentic Thai culture, the northern city of Chiang Mai and the surrounding jungle is home to some excellent and very affordable retreats.
The island of Koh Phangan, most famous for the full moon party, has become Thailand’s biggest hotspot to combine healing and hedonism. The island offers all kinds of yoga practices, holistic healing, breathwork sessions, tantra workshops and yoga teacher training courses.
Wherever you decide to take a retreat in Thailand, why not also spend some time exploring the rest of this ever popular destination. Travel in Thailand is easy, safe, fun, convenient and affordable, even for solo female travellers. Check out my 2 Week Thailand Itinerary to know how to fit the best of both north and south into just 2 weeks.
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Best in Europe
Spain
Sunny Spain has the largest number of yoga holidays in Europe and is a beautiful and fascinating country to explore with incredible food, beaches and history.
From artsy and hip Barcelona to flamboyant Andalucía, yoga holidays can be found all over Spain. It’s also one of the best places for yoga teacher training in Europe.
Even the hedonistic party island of Ibiza also has a relaxed, spiritual side and is home to many luxurious wellness retreats. The Canary Islands are also popular for yoga and surf holidays. With year round sunshine and warm weather, the Canaries are known as ‘the Hawaii of Europe’ and are the best destination for winter sun in Europe. Wherever you go in Spain you’re pretty much guaranteed a good food, good weather and a good time.
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Greece
The spectacular Greek islands are a great place for a yoga holiday with an increasing number of stunning retreat centers opening each year.
Magical Greece is also home to impressive ancient monuments, myths and legends. Make time to visit the capital Athens for a dose of history and culture and to see the might Acropolis.
Yoga vacations can be found all over Greece but the best ones are on the idyllic islands. Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands, Corfu, Kos and Crete also have many options. You can even take private retreats n secluded island locations for the perfect escape to really get away from it all.
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Portugal
Portugal’s yoga scene has exploded in recent years with yoga centers popping up everywhere from the picturesque historic towns, to the spectacular beaches and even in off the beaten path eco communities in the mountains.
Portugal also offers the best surfing in Europe and there are many fun yoga and surf camps where you can combine the two activities into one unforgettable trip with experienced instructors surrounded by a fun group of like minded people which quickly become new friends.
Another highlight of visiting Portugal is the colorful and charismatic capital of Lisbon, one of the most beautiful and unique European cities, and Sintra’s enchanting castles, palaces and national park – easily done as a day trip from Lisbon but is also a good location for a retreat in itself.
The best places for yoga in Portugal include the Algarve in the south, the surf towns of Peniche and Ericeira and the charming historic towns of Sintra and Cascais, just a short train ride from Lisbon. Why not spend a few days in Lisbon before or after your retreat and experience the magic of the Portuguese capital for yourself.
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Italy
Italy is on the bucket list of many travellers, thanks to its mouth-watering food and wine, gorgeous countryside, and ancient architecture. It’s also growing in popularity as a yoga and wellness destination.
There are some fabulous retreats on the outskirts of Rome, on the gorgeous islands of Sicily and Sardinia and even in the foothills of the Dolomites. So if you dream of visiting this Mediterranean country, why not combine it with a yoga vacation?
Many Italian retreats balance daily yoga and mindfulness with culinary and cultural experiences, creating the ultimate wellness holiday.
Some of the best are held in charming Tuscan villages and combine yoga with incredible Italian food for a taste of ‘la dolce vita’ (the sweet life). Many also offer hiking in the stunning countryside to burn all that amazing food off!
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Best in the America’s
Costa Rica
For the ultimate escape in nature, experience the ‘Pura Vida’ (meaning pure or simple life) philosophy and take a yoga vacation in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is not only one of the world’s best yoga and wellness destinations, but also one of the most bio diverse, eco friendly, happiest and healthiest countries on the planet.
It is home to incredible and unspoilt natural beauty, rainforests, beaches and wildlife – you can even soak in the natural hot springs or catch a wave – Costa Rica is the perfect place for nature loving yogis.
In addition to daily yoga classes, many yoga centers in Costa Rica also offer stunning outdoor swimming pools, surf lessons and a whole host of other exciting activities like zip lining through the rainforest, horseback riding, volcano trekking, diving, snorkeling and kayaking.
The best places for yoga retreats in Costa Rica include the laid back beach towns of Tamarindo, Santa Teresa and Montezuma in the Guanacaste Province and on the Nicoya Peninsula, many of which also include the options to take surf lessons too.
There are are also many retreat centers near La Fortuna, from where you can explore the Arenal Volcano , soak in soothing hot springs and be immersed in abundant nature.
If you fancy getting a bit more off the beaten track consider a retreat in Puerto Viejo on the eastern coast where you can take a dip in the Caribbean sea to cool down after your yoga practice.
And, if you’re looking to really deepen your practice or change your career, Costa Rica is also up there with Bali and India as one of the best places in the world to do yoga teacher training.
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Mexico
Mexico is another place that has become a great destination for yoga trips with many stunning beach yoga vacations to choose from, amazing food and a lively, interesting culture to explore.
Aside from eating tacos, sipping margaritas by the pool and enjoying the beautiful beaches, there’s plenty of fascinating ancient Mayan ruins and colorful cities to explore in Mexico. Many retreats in Mexico also offer traditional temazcal (sweat lodge) and cacao ceremonies in addition to daily yoga sessions and meditation classes.
Yoga hotspots in Mexico include Tulum, Puerto Vallarta and the beach towns of Oaxaca like Mazunte and Puerto Escondido. There’s also pretty good surf in Mexico too, so this is another place where you can combine learning yoga and surfing – some even offer Spanish lessons too which is a great skill to have if you are planning to explore more of Mexico.
If you’re after something more off the beaten track, head inland to find jungle retreats or to cute towns like San Cristobal de las Casas where you can embark on a silent meditation retreat.
Even if you only have a short time to explore, the capital Mexico City is well worth a visit. Even as a solo female traveller, I felt feels quite safe in Mexico City as I stuck to the safe neighbourhoods. If you’re going to visit Mexico, why not consider recommend spending a few days in Mexico City too.
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Peru
If you’re looking for an adventurous and spiritual yoga trip, consider Peru where you can visit the town of Cusco, trek to Machu Picchu and learn about the ancient Incan culture.
Peru still retains a unique culture and this is where you can meet shammans and reconnect with the healing energy of Pachamama.
For those who really want to do deeper there are also spiritual retreats and ayahuasca retreats in Peru where you can partake in ancient plant medicine ceremonies with shamans – just make sure you do your research first and only go with a reputable retreat centre – this is powerful stuff!
From the Andes to the Amazon, from Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca, Peru has of stunning scenery and yoga retreat centers and offers a life changing adventure.
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Tips for choosing a destination and planning your yoga holiday/vacation
As you can see there’s so many inspiring destinations and excellent retreats all over the globe to choose from.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing and you’ll want to plan your trip carefully to ensure that it is the relaxing and stress free experience you’re dreaming of.
Here’s some important things to consider when planning a yoga trip:
Flights, visas and travel insurance
For flights I always use Skyscanner to compare flights and find the best dates and deals.
If you’re going on a yoga retreat overseas you should also check if you need a tourist visa or an ETA (electronic travel authority). Most destinations on this list don’t but some, like India, do – it depends on your nationality so always check first.
Wherever you go, make sure you have travel insurance that covers all of the activities you plan to do on your trip.
Consider the seasons and the weather
Before booking, do a bit of research into the weather to find out the best time to visit your preferred destination as some can have seasons that give a very different experience.
For example, a yoga holiday in Europe in winter might be uncomfortably cold, whereas if you visit Thailand during the rainy season some of the planned activities may get cancelled due to the weather.
The best time to visit a destination is usually called the high or peak season – when the weather is best but be aware that this also means prices and crowds are higher.
Often traveling outside of the high season has the advantage of lower prices and less crowds, but cold weather, monsoons or heavy rain could negatively impact your experience.
Make sure the retreat is right for you
There’s a huge variety of retreats available nowadays, from basic ashram stays to luxury yoga retreats, fun surf and yoga holidays to deeply spiritual retreats. You can join hardcore fitness bootcamps or just opt for a relaxing wellness retreat – so check that the retreat offers the experience you’re after.
Some retreat centres offer weekend escapes, but many focus on at least week long retreats to allow you to really be immersed into your yoga practice and disconnect from the stresses and strains of the outside world. I’d recommend going for as long as you can – a 7 day retreat feels much more immersive and beneficial than a 3 day retreat where you might feel like it’s time to leave just as you feel like you’ve settled into the retreats routine.
You should also check what style of yoga is taught; from traditional hatha yoga, to dynamic ashtanga or vinyasa flow, relaxing yin yoga, restorative yoga or yoga nidra, there are many different styles to explore. The top yoga retreat centers usually offer the chance to practice yoga in many different styles and will include pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) and meditation sessions, as well as spa treatments.
Check the reviews
But remember that every resort is unique, offering different yoga styles, activities and different yoga teachers. The yoga studio, accommodation, swimming pool and other facilities may also vary from the standards you’re used to at home.
It can be hard to find reviews for yoga retreats or talk to previous guests so a good way to know what to expect and to ensure the program you’re signing up for is right for you is by checking out the real reviews from previous guests on websites like www.bookyogaretreats.com
Confirm what’s included
Many yoga resorts are all inclusive. This means that in addition to daily yoga classes they often include food, accommodation, airport transfers, massages, spa services, excursions and other activities in the retreat package. Most retreats offer twice daily yoga sessions, but often all activities are optional so you can be as active or as relaxed as you choose.
All inclusive yoga vacations are great for a relaxing, stress free holiday as you know everything is included and you won’t have to leave the resort if you don’t want to. Retreats usually serve delicious healthy food, but do check if it meets your dietary requirements and be aware that some only serve vegan or vegetarian food and some may not serve alcohol.
Some of the cheaper yoga places don’t include meals but may give access to a kitchen so you can cook for yourself or you can explore the local restaurants.
It’s a good idea to confirm what is included so you know what to expect and what to budget for. Also check if yoga mats are provided or if you’ll need to bring your own.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Best Yoga Destinations
Yoga holidays are the perfect way to combine yoga and wellness with travel and adventure. They are especially great for solo travellers as you will meet new people in a safe and supportive environment, where your every need is meet from comfortable accommodation and healthy meals to yoga sessions, cultural excursions and other activities.
If you like to have a little more exploration with your daily yoga sessions, you could consider booking a Yoga Tour. These provide unique opportunities to explore bucket list destinations and combine it with regular yoga and meditation classes with a tour guide and experienced yoga teachers.
Alternatively, if you’re on a tight budget, you could do a DIY yoga trip by booking yourself into a local guesthouse and attending drop in yoga classes. Many places in Bali, India and Thailand offer this but do check first before you book. Some of the luxury yoga retreats don’t allow outside guests to join sessions but many of the more down to earth ones do so you can create your own DIY yoga retreat if you’re on a tight budget.
I hope this post has given you plenty of inspiration to plan a yoga adventure abroad. Make sure you check out some of my other blogs on travel and yoga for more tips and leave a question in the comments if there’s anything I’ve forgotten to mention.
Happy Yoga Travels x
