Location: Namibia
Settled between Kalahari and the South Atlantic, one of Africa’s youngest countries stands as a photographer’s paradise. Amid diversity of cultures, colorful landscapes and picturesque wildlife, Namibia is a composition worth framing. Rocky seascapes connect land and water, and the mountains and desert make a stark contrast of flora and fauna. Although its cities are bustling, there are national parks around every corner, and the influx of environment and metropolis happily collide. Windhoek is a city known for its optimistic outlook and starry night skies, so start your African yoga voyage in a place where day and night make the perfect partners.
Retreat: Santosha Wellness
A mix of yoga and safari, Santosha Wellness retreats are perfect for mind, body and soul. Balance your thoughtful yoga practice with nature walks and cultural experiences in Damaraland and Kaokoland, where professional guides will help you create a rejuvenating experience. At night, stay in either a luxury lodge or a nature camp site, and participate in trail walks, local cuisine and game-viewing during the day. Throughout the wilderness and the desert, your eye-opening adventure will develop into a momentous trip. While immersing yourself in the local Himba tribe culture, and realizing that desert elephants, zebras, cheetahs and leopards are part of the daily surroundings, you’ll learn how to be a responsible, mindful tourist and how to absorb a place while being both socially and environmentally conscious.
You’ll meet the Himba tribe in the Serra Kafema Camp. The tribe is one of Namibia’s oldest nomadic people, who show sincerer reverence for the land. Like yoga itself, Santosha safari retreats are about wellness, balance and contemplation. Look into the eyes of a tribe member, see inside yourself and expand your mind through a yoga retreat in Namibia.
Location: Dahab, Egypt
Egypt is not all sandy deserts, pyramids and pharaohs. In Dahab (which means “gold, sandy coastline”) you’ll find a unique balance between the lives of camels and the lives of the shoreline. Travelers from all over the world come to Dahab to dive and trek into the Red Sea, and explore its lively boardwalk on the Assalah beachfront. Engross yourself in the depths of the sea and experience the coral reef and all of its surrounding wildlife. The reef in Dahad is the second-most extensive on the planet. Other areas on your Egyptian journey include Cairo, the busiest city in the country, and Sinai, believed by many religions to be a pilgrimage point. Bringing your yoga voyage to Egypt will infuse it with history and intrigue.
Retreat: Yoga Travel
Perfect your yogic practice in some of the most stunning scenery you can possibly imagine. From the extraordinary heights of Mt. Sinai’s summit, to the rolling sands of the vast desert, your stillness and concentration are complimented by a striking connection with nature. Daily yoga trips include hikes to Mt. Sinai, camping in the desert, scuba diving, camel trekking, and riding an Arabian horse. You’ll discover the way of life for the local Bedoiun tribe, and commit to your yoga practice.
Choose from either comfort accommodations, which are comprised of a hotel room with water views, air conditioned rooms, and a restaurant, or a back-to-nature route, which provide simple rooms next to the Red Sea. In each one of your twice daily yoga sessions, you’ll experience a new way of practice in a location, and leave having learned about Egypt’s many sides, and even more about yourself.
Location: Morocco
Tagazout, Morocco used to be a haven for hippies. A type of natural paradise, saturated in quaintness and a slow, happy rhythm of sea and countryside, it attracted roaming spirits from all around the world to enjoy its wonders. Only 5,000 locals inhabit this beautiful area, and it is mostly comprised of surfers who ride the waves and fishers who make their lives off the marine life. Just north of Agadir in Southern Morocco, Tagazout is known for its traditions and heritage that revolves around the stunning stretches of beach and its easily flowing pace. When you bring your yoga practice to Morocco, you’re adding vibrancy and color to your reflective experience.
Retreat: Yoga Loft
Once you arrive at your Yoga Loft retreat in the tiny seaside village, you’ll be provided with seven nights of accommodations, daily brunch and dinner – both encompassing healthy Moroccan cuisine. With two daily yoga classes and sun salutations you’ll improve your observance and tune into complete mindfulness. Morning meditations and a moonlit prana ceremonies bring you and your group together to channel the energies you receive from the area around you, and create yourself. When you’re not delving into your vinyasa and yin practice, you can spend your days swimming in the infinity pool, laying the hammock, or walking the beach. If you need to remove yourself from the immediate environment, Yoga Loft retreats allow you to take excursions into town, or ride a camel through the Sahara with a local expert.
On the grounds, you will stay in a small oceanfront residence with modern amenities. Spend time alone on your private balcony, or become part of the community by cooking with the group, and eating meals on the terrace overlooking the water. Morocco is a very unique country, and Tagazout embodies a bold and free-spirited sampling, so whether you take refuge in the calming retreat center, or discover the treasures within surrounding towns, your distinct yoga experience awaits you.
