It almost feels like superstition when we want the start of the year to go well. When it doesn’t, we take it as an omen that the rest of the year will not be as good. But don’t let that get you down. So what if you didn’t stay in the fanciest penthouse suite to watch the countdown fireworks? And so, what if your party shoes or bag wasn’t the cutest in the room? It’s okay, because you can “restart” your self all over again when you head to one of these luxury yoga retreats.
Why yoga? The spiritual practice originates from the Sanskrit word “yuj”, which means “to unite”. Practicing yoga will help unite your mind, spirit, and body with the spirit of the universe. Having that sense of peace within yourself will help you see beyond the complexities of life and realise that you don’t actually need a new year to be a new you.
If you’re thinking of which country will provide you with the best luxury yoga retreats, it definitely has to be India. Not only is it the spiritual home of yoga, it is also the birthplace of the spiritual practice. When you pair that with luxury retreats, you’re in for a real treat.
So go ahead and pamper yourself. Be one with the spirit of the universe at these luxury yoga retreats in India.
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Ananda, Uttarakhand
One of the more popular places in the country to experience an indulgent yoga retreat, Ananda is located in the Himalayas. The spa resort focuses on ancient yoga techniques and is inspired by the Bihar school of yoga. After you rejuvenate your mind with one of the five yoga programmes it offers (Gatyatmak, Hatha, Pranayama, Kriya, and Advanced Pranayama with Bandhas), spoil yourself silly with the 80 spa treatments available.
How to reach?
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport to Ananda, located at a distance of 24.3 kilometres. Ananda also regularly operates helicopter transfers to and from Delhi and other locations to the resort’s private helipad. The helicopter journey from Delhi to Ananda takes approximately two hours.
Image credit: Ananda
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Ashiyana, Goa
Located amidst the tranquility of tropical flora and fauna of North Goa’s untouched Mandrem Beach, Ashiyana is home to its frequent visitors from around the globe seeking peace and relaxation. Ashiyana has five yoga shalas set on a backdrop of serenity for mindful yoga practices. Post yoga, plunge into the luxury of Goa’s first natural swimming pool that is also a self-cleaning one without any chemicals. You can also drop in at the hammam (steam room) or any of the five treatment rooms and give yourself some much-needed pampering.
How to reach?
Mopa airport is 30.2 kilometres away, while Dabolim airport is 57.8 kilometres away.
Image credit: Ashiyana
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While Bangalore is known for its hustle and bustle, you’d be surprised to know that beyond it lies a tranquil retreat that is bound to reset not just your mind, but also your body. The comprehensive yoga programmes that range from Yogasana to Pranayama (understanding and regulating the breathing), Pratyahara (internalisation of sensory inputs), Dharana (concentration), and Dhyana (meditation) are what made Shreyas Retreat known, and the vegetarian Ayurvedic food that you are served during your retreat is bound to make you feel the healthiest version of yourself.
How to reach?
Bengaluru International Airport is less than an hour’s drive away from Shreyas Retreat.
Image credit: Shreyas Retreat
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Going on a yoga retreat at Somatheeram brings you the best of both worlds: The green tranquil forest, and the calmness of the beach. The two are never too far away when practicing yoga. Views aside, Somatheeram is in fact the first authentic Ayurveda centre in the world. Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing that originated from India, and places importance on bringing the body back into balance so that it can heal itself. It’s definitely something to consider when deciding on which yoga retreat to choose.
How to reach?
Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort is 20.9 kilometres away from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Image credit: Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort
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Wildflower Hall may look like a mysterious castle from afar, but it is in fact one of the most opulent places for you to have a yoga retreat. From the majestic architecture of the resort to the pools that overlook the forest from a vantage point, Wildflower Hall is one luxurious and scenic locale. Situated in the snowy foothills of the Himalayas, the resort provides you with an extensive yoga menu that ranges from beginner to advanced yoga experiences. The best part is that you can retreat to your outdoor jacuzzi afterwards.
How to reach?
You can get to The Oberoi Wildflower Hall from Shimla Airport that is well-connected to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi via 1 hour flight time.
Image credit: The Oberoi Wildflower Hall
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Taking into account that it’s owned by one of India’s most premium hotel chains – The Taj Group – you can expect royal treatment at the Usha Kiran Palace. The historical hotel was first built in 1880 and is decorated with ornate stone carvings and filigree details. Within the hotel is the Jiva Spa, where you can immerse yourself in the multiple Ayurvedic treatments, meditation, and yoga programmes that it offers.
How to reach?
The nearest airport, Gwalior Airport, is located at a distance of 27 kilometres from the retreat and is well connected through regular flights to and from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Image credit: Taj Usha Kiran Palace
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Just one look at Vana will already leave you with a sense of calm and peace. Perhaps it’s the expanse of space and greenery that fills the resort, or the unique architecture of the place. Nonetheless, the resort is dedicated to maintaining and resetting your sense of wellbeing. There are Tibetan healing and Ayurveda treatments available, but yoga is the main star of the resort. If the available yoga programmes are not to your liking, you can have one custom made to your preference too.
How to reach?
It takes approximately 60 minutes from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, to reach Six Senses Vana.
Image credit: Six Senses Vana
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(Hero image credit: Prasanth Inturi/Pexels; Featured image credit: Yaroslav Shuraev/Pexels)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What are some of the top luxury yoga retreats in India?
Ananda and Six Senses Vana in Uttarakhand, Ashiyana in Goa and Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort in Kerala are some of the top luxury yoga retreats in India.
– What other wellness services are typically available at luxury yoga retreats?
Spa, meditation programmes, specialised diet are some of the wellness services typically available at luxury yoga resorts.
– How long do luxury yoga retreat programmes typically last?
Luxury yoga retreat programmes typically last anywhere between a few days to two weeks.
– Are luxury yoga retreats in India suitable for beginners?
Yes, luxury yoga retreats in India are suitable for beginners as well as seasoned yoga practitioners.
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Written by
PohNee Chin
Editor, Kuala Lumpur
Poh Nee is the editor and writes about travel and drinks. When she's not living out her holiday dreams via Google Earth and sipping on an Old Fashioned down at the local bars, you can find her snug at home bingeing on Netflix and mystery fiction.
