Location: Southern France
There is something separate and heavenly about Southern France. It could be the beaches, or the fact that its laissez-faire attitude is a different version than that of metropolitan Paris, but the cluster of shoreline communities in Montpelier, Nimes, and Avignon have something different going for them – and entirely new brand of relaxation. Although classical buildings erected by Romans millennia ago, stand proudly in Nimes’ center, you can’t escape the whispering modernism that seeps into the atmosphere. Students make up a lot of the population down here, giving southern French cities an unmatched vitality, rich also in history and vineyard culture. Quissac, a small village along the Vidourle is set between rocky beaches and rolling hills – a visual juxtaposition of scenery that compliments its culinary decadence.
Retreat: Villa Plantat
Yoga retreats at the Villa Plantat are geared primarily toward individual development, which makes practicing yoga here a productive and relaxing experience. More than just mental repose, yoga is also a form of physical exertion to be precisely practiced and perfected. With two daily yoga classes appropriate for all levels of experience, the Vinyasa flow at Villa Plantat is guided to connect with each individual body and mind, to uniquely and differently benefit each student.
From traditional stable postures to more complicated Pranayama breathing, and incorporation of Qi jong, Tai Chi, and restorative poses, these eight days and seven nights will fully refurbish the yoga learner inside you. Each day starts with a long and deep meditation, a light, healthy breakfast, an invigorating walk or swim, and then intense yoga practice. Each afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to sight-see and spend the evening in a special work shop. The retreat includes all meals, local wine, accommodations, yoga classes, a sauna, and aroma therapy.
Location: Vassilikos
There’s nothing quite like the Greek islands. Each one has its own distinct personality, but there’s a common thread that links each paradisiacal gem together. Zykanthos, known sometimes as Zante, is a Greek island characterized by its clear, cobalt waters of the Ionian Sea, and its blinding white beaches. Here is where sea turtles, surfers, and mountain climbers converge. Here is the sunniest island on the Mediterranean. Thousands of visitors travel from all across the globe to experience this golden patch of existence each year for a myriad of reasons. Some come to aid in the survival of Caretta-Caretta, the endangered sea turtle, others come to see old mansions that endured the earth quake of 1953, and more come simply to bask in the glow of Navagio Beach for food, sun, and atmosphere. Then there are some who come to reconnect with their bodies and minds.
Retreat: Gaia Visions
At Gaia Visions, submitting yourself to a yoga retreat is the first step in giving yourself what you desire most: serenity. Bookending each day with morning yoga and evening meditation, relaxation comes in its finest form from dusk till dawn. Indulge in a soothing back massage or branch out to try reiki, life coaching, or off-site excursions around the island.
Gaia’s focus is on spiritual development and practice, so your time here is unhindered by outside distractions, and concentrated only your specific personal and yogic growth. Following the yogic code of “Right Living,” the center encourages living in harmony with all other forms of nature, works toward purifying the mind and thoughts, and physical body. Find stillness through meditation, and realize the power of silence through guided relaxation and breath work. When you’re not expanding your practice, feel free to enjoy the beauty of Zykanthos, where you can take a sailing trip to Keri Caves, find natural, purifying clay on the beaches, or see the unspoiled nature of Vassilikos.
Location: Varberg
Sweden’s distinct culture makes it sometimes fly under the radar. Often dismissed as a blond country with a Viking-laden history, it’s actually a land of very contemporary lifestyles and scenic landscapes. Settled along the western coast of beaches, Varberg is a picturesque summer resort with a charming rocky terrain with sand and shore as far as the eye can see. Conveniently located, the beach haven is also just a bike ride away from the green countryside, where impenetrable forests lie and, idyllic red cottages sit atop verdant hills. Where there isn’t land, there’s sea. Inward, you’ll feel more of Sweden’s modern energy that aptly pairs dining and drinking establishments with wilderness and hiking spots. Sweden is the birthplace of the Nobel Peace Prize – can you think of a better place to get peace of mind?
Retreat: Inner Light Yoga
Inner Light Yoga retreats opens its students to a completely unique experience. First, it not only uses yoga as a means to challenge the body and mind, but it also introduced pilates work in order to strength the core and balance the physical exercise portion of the course. Secondly, it capitalizes on its distinct location by offering a summer solstice retreat in a luxury spa hotel on the west coast of Sweden. This kind of thing can’t be replicated.
In the five days that you’ll allow your body to surrender to the environment, you’ll absorb the elegance and tranquility of the on-site spa, and award-winning restaurant. You won’t be roughing it here – instead you’ll be pampered in first-class indulgence. From glistening beaches to complimentary therapies and meditation sessions, you’ll be able to fully and completely unwind. Choose from special additions like Ayurvedic treatments, Thai massage, Chinese detox, and seaweed treatments to truly restore your body’s needs and cravings. When you’re not increasing the flow of your yoga, enjoy gourmet meals and distinct wine, directly from the cellar. This is one retreat where you’ll want for nothing.
