Location: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been called the gem of the Indian Ocean, and Tangalle does nothing to remove that glistening title. Settled near Colombo, Tangalle is one of the most versatile spots along the coast that allows you to enjoy both the serenity of being quiet and contemplative, and the bustling culture of the surrounding areas. In town, an easy-going pace bubbles up from its Dutch heritage, and white sands on the beaches and bays erase all time and place from existence. Tangalle was hit hard by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, and Medeketiya Beach was nearly washed away with its gorgeous beach homes. The storm devastated the area and its people, who depended on the location for livelihood. Rebuilding has been slow and unsteady, but a strong will to bring it back to its heyday has surfaced and catapulted an effort to recreate. Rich in history, both recent and ancient, and steeped in colorful culture and breath-taking scenery, it’s easy to settle in and focus on the simplicity of life in Tangalle.
Retreat: Ashtanga Lanka
Yoga retreats are all about eliciting an alternative pace of life and deepening your practice. At Ashtanga Lanka, you’ll find yourself in the tropical rural setting that surrounds the senses with natural beauty and stunning wildlife. Set on Rocky Point, the center is positioned so that from it, you can see the sun rise on the Indian Ocean. It’s located on a secluded cove in a small fishing village, where swimming, body surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking are all part of daily outdoor life.
The yoga shala holds 30 students and is bordered by banana and papaya trees. You’ll wake each morning to the sound of ocean waves and wild birds, and compliment your daily ashtanga class with meditation, pranayama, philosophy, and even partner yoga. The on-site restaurant serves fresh and local Sri Lankan cuisine, and has modern amenities like an ATM and the internet to keep you in contact when necessary. Under the guidance of Kathy Cooper, the program and center creator, some students stay for more than a month, finding a release in their physical bodies and unwinding emotionally.
Location: India
India is a massive country with a massive history. Each city holds a story of its own, and each region envelopes years of tradition and unraveling. The diversity here is one of the most complex in the world, and in just a day’s span you can spend time in the mountains, experience a lively festival, and feel the solemnity of sacred temples. Eat local food from crowded cafes and sip a “cuppa” Darjeeling tea and walk down a winding road in a dimly lit village to get the true local feel. Explore the gritty sophistication of Jaipur, where camel carts and cows mosey passed business men and world-class hotels. Dig in to Delhi, India’s capital, where the old world and the new world seamlessly collide at traditional bazaars and trendy cafes. India is plethora of tales, and the birth place of yoga, and undoubtedly and inspirational place to strengthen your yoga practice.
Retreat: Universal Yoga Tours
A yoga retreat through Universal Yoga Tours will give you so much more than practice. India’s undeniable connection with yoga resonates through many of its cities and landmarks. Because it has so much to offer, Universal Yoga brings you not only deeper in your practice, but also through some of the most spiritually significant parts of the country. If you choose an eight-day package through Northern India, you’ll visit the holiest city in the country – Rishikesh – which is a vegetarian town nestled at the foot of the Himalayas. See Haridwar, located on the banks of the River Ganga, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The Mansa Devi Temple and the Chandi Devi Temple are just a few of the magnificent pieces of architecture you’ll see on your way.
On a longer tour, lasting 17 days, you’ll see and experience yoga at the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Applying your yoga dedication to the divinity of these places is an experience that cannot be replicated on any other land. Trailing through the Golden Triangle, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, you’ll understand the true essence of yoga and its origins.
Travel tip: Although typical yoga clothes are appropriate for class, more conservative cover-ups are expected in all public areas in India.
Location: Bali
For such a tiny island, Bali certainly knows how to pack a punch. You can drive around the entire island in one day, but that doesn’t stop this compact place from being rich in culture, cuisine, and heritage. There’s more diversity here than one might expect, but it’s easy to see its multi-faceted appeal as soon as you arrive. Elaborate terraces, pounding waves, astounding temples, and intense dance performances are all part of a standard picture of Bali. Spend time hiking in Kuta or exploring the area near volcanoes in Ubud. Enjoy visitor-friendly Lovina, or get a massage on the beach before having a decadent dinner at a world-class restaurant. There’s more to Bali than size alone.
Retreat: Yoga bound
The only thing better than staying in Bali, is spending those two weeks relaxing, meditating, and benefitting from powerful yoga practice. To top it off, your practice takes place at the Shangri La Resort and Spa, which is heaven in itself. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, you’re still able to get the mind-opening experience that yoga offers, no matter what degree you are comfortable with. Included in the package are seven nights of accommodation, three meals daily, and the encouragement and guidance needed to cultivate a healthier lifestyle. While you’re here, you’ll learn to free your spirit, build greater strength and movement, and unburden the body.
The focus here is to free yourself from the mind, since it can get distracted with the past and future. The ideal focus on this retreat is to connect with your breathing, which can only happen in the present. Through workshops on posture and savasana, you’ll take a spiritual journey that helps you center yourself in the moment.
