The 10 Best Yoga Vacation Spots: Retreats, Classes & More!

Why do we travel? To take a break from our routines, for new experiences, to meet new people… there are lots of great reasons to discover the world, and there are as many ways to do it!

Sometimes, though, for all of its perks, travel can leave you more tired and worn out than when you left! As such, many travelers now opt for yoga retreats, wellness workshops, and culinary vacations, so that they can come back well-rested, fulfilled, and maybe even a better person!

Read on for our list of the best yoga vacation spots, including some yoga classes for you to check out. Let’s get into it!

1. Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of the World

Let’s start with the country where the ancient practice of yoga was born! Yoga can be traced back over 5,000 years, when it was first mentioned in an ancient text called the Rig Veda. Rishikesh has long celebrated a rich spiritual heritage; it truly came under the spotlight in 1968, when the Beatles visited to take part in a Transcendental Meditation course. With the popularity of the Beatles at the time, this trip received massive amounts of media attention and influenced the perception of Indian spirituality, especially in the West.

If you’re interested yoga or simply spirituality, traveling to India, and specifically to Rishikesh is a must at some point in your life. You can go on a tour of the city’s ashrams (including the Beatles Ashram, where the Fab Four stayed). You might also consider this Ganga Aarti spiritual walking tour, which will bring you to some of the city’s most important spiritual landmarks, as well as an Aarti spiritual ceremony on the banks of the Ganges River.

For more yoga-specific activities, the International Yoga Festival is held here in March each year, and is considered one of the most important yoga events in the world. Check it out!

2. Ibiza – Discover its Spiritual Side

Next up on our list of the best yoga destinations is Spain, specifically Ibiza. While you might associate Ibiza more closely with partying, this Balearic Island has gained a reputation as a spiritual paradise as well! Whether you’re looking for a modern facility, or a scenic beach, Ibiza is home to numerous world-class instructors, and all of the natural beauty you could ever want, making it a veritable yoga lover’s paradise.

Hundreds of yoga retreats are organized in Ibiza every year. Even if you only want to take a few classes during a short island getaway, you’ll find numerous yoga schools and holistic therapy centers in the most touristy areas to meet your needs.

If you’re looking for other yoga destinations in Spain, places like Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Tarifa also offer breathtaking experiences and are worth checking out!

3. Ubud – The Island of the Gods

Next stop: Bali, one of the most popular destinations for spiritual retreats in recent years. It is the Island of the Gods after all! While yoga is not traditionally part of Balinese spirituality, its serene landscapes and harmonious culture make it a perfect setting for the practice.

The town of Ubud is particularly famous among spiritual travelers. Nestled among lush rice terraces and volcanic hills, the fragrance of burning incense and the sight of traditional ceremonies taking place create a unique spiritual, meditative atmosphere. There are lots of yoga studios and wellness studios where you can practice the ancient art.

If you visit, check out this yoga class in Ubud, which is held on a terrace overlooking the beautiful jungle… a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

4. Tulum – Yoga in a Maya Paradise

For American travelers, a visit to Mexico, and more specifically Tulum, is always a solid choice. This tropical paradise nestled along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula boasts stunning beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, providing a wonderful setting for some yoga. What’s more, Tulum’s rich history and famous seaside Maya temple (which you can check out on this Tulum archeological tour) give the city a certain magical energy. This, along with plenty of vegan restaurants, yoga facilities, and general ‘zen’ vibes, makes Tulum a great choice for a yoga escape.

5. The Algarve – An Atlantic Escape

Another top destination for yoga is Portugal, especially the Algarve. This region is popular among yoga practitioners thanks to its spectacular golden beaches, dramatic Atlantic cliffs, and mild climate. What’s more, if you’re into surfing, the Algarve is about as good as it gets in Europe for good waves.

The Algarve is an expansive region and features a lot of variety. Towns like Lagos, Faro, Albufeira, and Tavira all offer a variety of retreats that will allow you to practice yoga overlooking the ocean on a quiet stretch of sand at sunrise and sunset.

• Check out tours & experiences in the Algarve with Civitatis.

6. Koh Samui & Koh Pha Ngan – Yoga in Thailand’s Remote Islands

Next, we head to Thailand, more precisely to the enchanting island of Koh Samui, considered one of the world’s best yoga destinations. Among its countless charms, this island is home to various retreat spaces that offer yoga and detox programs in front of the sea. Here, you can really dive into yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, and even enjoy hydrotherapy centers and saunas.

Looking for something even more remote? Check out Koh Pha Ngan, best known for its iconic Full Moon Party. Despite its reputation for partying, this island in the Gulf of Thailand also has a spiritual side, and is an ideal place to combine a beach vacation with yoga classes!

Beyond yoga, both islands are great for exploring Thai culture or enjoying some adrenaline-filled experiences! Check out this Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Koh Samui, for example, where you can admire these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Or, in Ko Pha Ngan, enjoy the island quad bike tour, or this jet ski tour. The combination of tropical scenery and local traditions makes the Thai islands an especially enriching wellness escape.

7. Hawaii – Yoga Amidst Volcanoes

Hawaii is most certainly a spiritual land, which also features towering volcanoes, lush waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems spread across its islands. Year-round pleasant weather makes it a natural fit for outdoor yoga, and today you’ll find a plentiful supply of studios and retreats on the islands of Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island. Many of them hold classes right on the beach at sunrise, or in open-air shalas surrounded by tropical forest. The energy of active volcanoes beneath your feet and the Pacific Ocean stretching out before you creates a sense of connection to nature that’s hard to match.

If you have time, stargazing at Mauna Kea Volcano is one of our favorite activities on Hawaii island. Thanks to the lack of light pollution, and with the surroundings of the Mauna Kea Volcano, you’ll enjoy the nightsky like never before—a wonderful way to end the day after a yoga session.

8. Costa Rica – ¡Pura Vida!

Costa Rica is famous for its lush rainforests, incredible biodiversity, and strong eco-conscious culture, making it one of the top destinations for yoga worldwide. Retreat centers are scattered across the country, with many focusing on sustainable living, plant-based meals, and full immersion experiences combining yoga with meditation and nature.

One of the best spots is Santa Teresa, a laid-back surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula. Here, you’ll find beachside yoga classes, multi-day retreats, and an international community of travelers drawn by the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Whether you want to deepen your practice, learn to surf, or simply reset in a natural paradise, Costa Rica has all the ingredients for a transformative escape.

Other top yoga hubs include Nosara, known for its long beaches and jungle setting, and Montezuma, with retreats nestled by waterfalls. Many programs here also incorporate eco-tours, wildlife watching, or volunteering projects, so you can connect not only with yourself but also with the natural world around you.

9. Jhansi – Wellness & History

Jhansi, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, might not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about yoga, but it offers something unique: the chance to combine wellness with history. Known for its impressive fort and its role in India’s independence movement, Jhansi provides a quieter, more authentic backdrop compared to the country’s major yoga hubs.

Yoga sessions here often take place in peaceful gardens, heritage properties, or community centers, giving visitors a chance to connect not just with themselves, but also with the deep cultural layers of India. For travelers looking to step off the beaten path while still keeping yoga at the heart of their journey, Jhansi is a rewarding surprise.

From Delhi, you can enjoy this 4-day yoga retreat in Jhansi, which includes 3 nights of accommodation at the Shatam Jeeva Ayurveda Wellness Retreat Center, full board!

10. Sri Lanka – Yoga, Teahills, Tropical Shores

The last entry on our list, Sri Lanka is somewhat of an up-and-coming yoga retreat destination. The island’s combination of palm-fringed beaches, lush tea plantations, and ancient temples creates a zen atmosphere perfect for practicing mindfulness and losing oneself in nature. Coastal towns like Weligama and Hiriketiya host retreats where yoga flows seamlessly into surfing and beach life, while the hill country offers tranquil settings surrounded by misty mountains.

Sri Lanka is a deeply spiritual nation, with Buddhist traditions shaping its culture. Many retreats weave in meditation and mindfulness inspired by this heritage, making it a unique destination to practice yoga.

There you have it for our list of the best yoga vacation spots in the world! What did we miss? If you have any more suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments below. If you’re planning your next yoga retreat and want to supplement your itinerary with extra plans, check out more tours & experiences with Civitatis! Namaste!