International Yoga Day: Retreats to start or deepen your practice

The 21st of June marks International Yoga Day! This day was officially recognised on December 11, 2014 by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate and increase awareness to the benefits of yoga.

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of our ancient tradition. It is not about exercise, but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.”

To celebrate International Yoga Day, here’s our recommended retreats you can book to start or deepen your practice in a beautiful setting!.

Yoga retreats suitable for intermediate to advanced

10-day Advanced Yoga Immersion in Evia, Greece

In this ten day advanced 75-Hour Yoga Teaching Methodology & Sequencing Training course you will learn from experienced and passionate teachers.

The course is registered with with the Yoga Alliance USA​. The course covers teaching methodology, refining alignment and how to adjust students in different postural categories. Refine your skills as a teacher while enjoying being a student.

It has become very common to get adjusted in yoga classes, with many students expecting to get adjusted. Since there are infinite possibilities of how to adjust different body types in a posture, adjusting has become an art.

While some students respond to verbal instructions, others respond to hands-on adjustments. That makes adjustments a very effective way of communicating with your students. Often the best way to understand something is not through information but through experience. You will learn different types and techniques of adjusting approximately 20 poses in a safe, supportive environment.

Book advanced to intermediate yoga retreats

yoga-for-all-levels

Yoga retreats suitable for beginners

Classic Hatha Yoga Retreat, Vale da Lama Portugal

On this classic yoga retreat in Portugal, all the elements of the yoga practice will be explained and explored in a simple yet profound way. The retreat will cover Hatha flow, alignment, yin yoga, pranayama, meditation and yoga psychology, providing an overview of all that yoga has to offer.

It can be considered a crash course for the beginner or curious new comer or also an opportunity to develop depth for the seasoned practitioner. You will have two daily practices, morning and evening, where asana, meditation and breath are explained slowly and thoroughly, both in moving and still sessions, giving you the perfect chance to establish a solid foundation for your future practice.

Assisted self practice sessions are also offered along the week to help you design your routine for when you are back home.

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Yoga retreats with mindfulness and meditation

Yoga, Mindfulness and Meditation Retreat in a French Chateau

A 5 day Yoga, Mindfulness and Embodied Mediation Retreat in a French Chateau to re-establish a rich, soulful connection to your yoga and meditation practice. Located in a picturesque medieval village in the southern French Pyrenees, the house feels like a temple, the rooms are large and stylish.

This retreat is intended for all those in need of rejuvenation, rest and relaxation, and those who are seeking a more mystical connection to their existing yoga and meditation practice.

Retreat facilitator Gertrud shares her practice of Embodied Meditation, which is the yoga of breath, mindfulness and movement. Without excessive effort, the practice strengthens your core, legs and hips, tones your parasympathetic nervous system and sets alight your inner space.

The gourmet vegan food has been described as sensational, outrageous, alchemical, the best ever, and more. It is often raw, always free from dairy, meats, gluten, and sugar.

There will be periods of free time each day, which gives you opportunity to just relax in the walled garden, pamper yourself or explore wild swimming in nearby lakes and rivers. You will be held within a clear daily structure. You are welcome to add additional nights to the end of your stay.

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Yoga retreats for all levels

Vale de Moses Yoga Retreat in the Portuguese Mountains

Dates: Open March to October

Spend a week or more practicing yoga, receiving massage and acupuncture treatments, walking in forests, swimming in natural river pools and eating delicious nutritious food. Stay in one of the beautifully restored stone cottages, Soulpads or in a Tipi.

This yoga retreat in the Portuguese mountains is perfect for those in need of a break, rest and relaxation. Surrounded by nature and forests, peace and tranquility – all the necessary ingredients to restore your body and mind.

The combination of good food and sleep, clean mountain air and water, therapeutic massage and acupuncture, hill walking and river swimming, all create a highly restorative context in which to begin, or to deepen, your yoga practice.

Soulfully reconnect with our planet and with your own body. This warm invitation to deepen your love affair with yoga, is open for everyone, travelling alone or with friends, new to yoga or practicing for decades.

Most of the weekly retreats include morning and afternoon classes, a health consultation, massage/acupuncture treatment, three nourishing daily meals and a trip to the nearby Rio Zêzere.

Book advanced to intermediate yoga retreats

Beach Yoga Retreats

7 night Summer Yoga Holiday in Corfu

Join us for a 7 night summer beach yoga holiday in Corfu! Offering a beautiful yet tranquil alternative to the bustling, cosmopolitan beach of Acharavi, Almyros is a peaceful paradise escape, perfect for those looking to take a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We welcome couples; solo travellers and friends who’d like to combine their love of yoga with a sunshine holiday.

Located within the stunning Greek island of Corfu, our experienced and inspiring yoga teachers will challenge your mind and body, encouraging you to enhance your overall wellbeing through daily practice of yoga techniques.

With its rich, mountainous landscape, Corfu offers a beautiful view to its visitors. The northern area of the island has preserved its natural and architectural environment, making it popular with visitors and locals alike. Dominated by mountains, the island has a never ending expanse of rolling hills and blossoming trees, bursting with lush vegetation. Coastal areas offer tranquil white sandy beaches, while the shimmering blue sea provides a perfect backdrop to the green Corfiot countryside.

Corfu’s climate is another endearing feature of the island. Warm summers are relatively dry, with blue skies and a tranquil sea breeze, while winters remain mild with little rainfall. On average there are 3000 hours of sun per year on the island of Corfu, with an average daily sunshine amount of 8.5 hours.

The house is located right on the beach where you can spend your days chilling out in between the meals and yoga. The walk to the nearest town is about half an hour away, or an easy 10 minute cycle with the bikes we provide for free. In the town there is a supermarket, cafes and restaurants.

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Surya Retreat – Rejuvenating Yoga and Pilates in Fuerteventura

Join us year round at our Surya retreat, on the sun-blessed island of Fuerteventura. An Island with epic sand dunes rolling down into the turquoise ocean, breathtaking white-sand beaches and dramatic volcanic sunsets.

More than just a holiday, we are here to support you in your wellbeing journey, making you feel at ease from the moment you arrive. Stretch and strengthen your body and mind and bring yourself back into balance with a unique blend of yoga, pilates and meditation. Enjoy mouthwatering vegetarian meals, holistic massages and stunning sunsets over the volcanoes.

Our seven night yoga and Pilates retreats run every week from Saturday to Saturday. They are designed to help reduce stress, improve fitness and most importantly take time for you.

Perfect for all levels from beginner to advanced practitioners, we are here to support you and your goals every step of the way.

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Follow our wellness travel inspiration on instagram @soulseedtravel. Get in touch with one of our wellbeing travel advisors at [email protected] to enquire about any of our yoga retreats.