From a spa on an organic Cotswolds farm to a retreat in Arizona Gwyneth Paltrow loves: The world’s most scenic (and luxurious) yoga and wellness escapes
- Nestled in the Himalayan foothills close to Rishikesh, Ananda is one of India’s most luxurious wellness retreats
- Artah in Spain offers transformative programmes combining yoga, hikes and detox massages
- A favourite of wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow, Mii Amo is a luxury spa and spiritual retreat in Arizona
You’re stressed – you need some yoga. Preferably somewhere exotic. Here MailOnline Travel writer – and yoga teacher – Samantha Lewis will guide you around some of the world’s most scenic and luxurious yoga retreats, from the Himalayas to Arizona via the Maldives and the Cotswolds countryside.
Here is her pick of places where you can sun salutation in style…
Bamford Wellness Spa, Daylesford Organic Farm, Gloucestershire
Ahh-some: Accommodation options for the Bamford Wellness Spa include luxury cottages, pictured, on the Daylesford Organic Farm estate
Bamford Wellness Spa offers everything you need for the lowering of blood pressure. Yoga is taught by resident teacher Cristina Chandika in a light and airy studio
Pictured left is a chic bedroom in a Daylesford estate cottage. On the right is the Bamford Wellness Spa entrance
Bamford Wellness Spa sits within the renowned Daylesford Organic Farm estate – a veritable theme park for organic food lovers and tranquillity-seekers that also comprises a cookery school, farm shop and, a half-hour walk away, a boutique pub with rooms called The Wild Rabbit.
The spa offers everything you need for the lowering of blood pressure from crystal sound healing to bespoke facials and massages – plus yoga classes with resident teacher Cristina Chandika in a light and airy studio.
Daylesford runs several wellness retreats throughout the year and accommodation is top-notch – luxurious ‘Cotswold cottages’ on the farm, which can also be booked on an ad-hoc basis.
Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Namaste: Ananda specialises in traditional Indian healing practices, including Ayurveda, yoga and meditation
The retreat stands in a 100-acre estate surrounding a maharaja’s palace with views over the sacred town of Rishikesh
Guests can enjoy wandering around the beautifully manicured grounds or go for a treatment in the award-winning spa. Pictured is the enticing outdoor heated pool
Nestled in Himalayan foothills close to the sacred town of Rishikesh, Ananda is one of India’s most luxurious wellness retreats. It stands in a 100-acre estate surrounding a maharaja’s palace and specialises in traditional Indian healing practices.
Packages include Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation immersions for between seven and 21 days. It also offers retreats that can be tailored to suit specific health goals such as weight loss and stress management.
Plus, there’s an award-winning spa with 24 treatment rooms, an outdoor heated pool and hydrotherapy facilities.
Artah Retreats, villa Can Terrades, Spain
Switch off: Artah is a transformative wellness retreat nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees
The stunning 12-bedroom villa has an outdoor pool where guests can lap up the sprawling mountain views
Stressed-out souls are invited to stay for four or seven days and a typical day includes vigorous hikes, yoga, detox massages, and wholesome plant-based meals
Artah is the passion project of Rhian Stephenson – a nutritionist and CEO of Beckham-approved spin studio Psycle London – offering transformative programmes designed to help you reset your mind and reconnect with your body.
Guests are invited to stay for four or seven days and a typical day includes vigorous hikes, yoga, detox massages, LED treatments and wholesome plant-based meals.
There is also plenty of relaxation time scheduled for enjoying the stunning 12-bedroom villa – Can Terrades – which is tucked away in the foothills of the Pyrenees about 45 minutes from Girona. Sprawling mountain views come as standard.
Mii Amo, Arizona
Mii Amo, which translates as ‘journey’ in the Native American language, is said to be a favourite of wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow
Awe-inspiring: This spa and spiritual retreat is set amid the soaring Red Rocks of Sedona in Arizona
The 16 rooms and suites are decorated in desert-inspired tones and have their own private patio or balcony. Pictured is the Luxury Suite
A favourite of wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow, Mii Amo is a spa and spiritual retreat set amid the soaring Red Rocks of Sedona in Arizona.
Mii Amo translates as ‘journey’ in the Native American language – and that’s precisely what it asks you to go on for three, four or seven days. Bespoke itineraries feature spa treatments, yoga classes, lectures and intention setting ceremonies.
The 16 rooms and suites are decorated in desert-inspired tones and have their own private patio or balcony.
The Cliffs of Moher Retreat, Ireland
Peaceful: The glass-fronted yoga studio at The Cliffs of Moher Retreat has spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean
And breathe: Guests can relax in the outdoor wood burning hot tub or sauna after class
There are retreats all year ranging from weekend breaks to longer four or five-night stays, including full yoga immersions and women-only retreats. Pictured are the Cliffs of Moher
For a break that will fill you with energy and leave you feeling brand new, head to The Cliffs of Moher Retreat on the west coast of Ireland.
It’s a family-run business that hosts yoga holidays where you can downward dog against the backdrop of the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Ocean.
There are retreats all year ranging from weekend breaks to longer four or five-night stays, including full yoga immersions and women-only retreats.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Dream destination: Landaa Giraavaru is a Four Seasons resort located in the Baa Atoll Unesco Biosphere Reserve
The resort runs a three or five-day yoga therapy programme under the leadership of Ayurvedic guru Dr Shylesh Subramanya
Wow-factor: There are 103 thatched beach and water villas on the island. Pictured is a Sunrise Water Villa with private pool
Fancy going on a yogi adventure to the picture-perfect Maldives? Landaa Giraavaru, located on a private island in the Baa Atoll Unesco Biosphere Reserve, runs a unique three or five-day yoga therapy programme.
Under the leadership of Ayurvedic guru Dr Shylesh Subramanya, each course is tailored to individual needs and can be used to treat modern-day ailments such as stress and poor posture.
Other highlights include anti-gravity yoga classes and a yoga energy trail.
- Samantha is a 200-hour qualified yoga instructor and journalist based in London. She teaches weekly vinyasa flow classes at Frame and is currently hosting online classes via Zoom. For more information visit @samlewis400.
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