10 Best Yoga Retreats in the US
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Guest post by Lucile Hernandez Rodriguez
The practice of yoga as part of a daily routine has increasingly become much easier, thanks to online classes and the availability of yoga studios and retreats everywhere in the US. Yoga has many mental and physical benefits from lowered stress to increased fitness levels or even personal development.
If you want to change your life and come back as a whole new person, going on a yoga retreat in the United States might just be what you need. Seeing things in a new light, experiencing thoughts and emotions that are unfamiliar, and new scenery might help you with your journey to self-discovery and personal growth.
I believe going on a yoga retreat is a transformative experience that will be totally worth it. It can help you find the healing you need. It can also connect you with like-minded people. If you have the opportunity, sign up for the many yoga retreats in the country. Pack lightly with comfortable yoga clothing and your own yoga mat. Click here for a guide of the best non-toxic yoga mats to bring to your next yoga retreats.
Here are the best destinations for yoga retreats in the US:
Luxury Cowboy Retreat at Big Sky Yoga Retreats, Montana
Need a unique kind of adventure that will rejuvenate your mind and body? Go on a wild yoga retreat at the Big Sky Yoga Retreats in Bozeman. What makes the retreat special in this part of Montana is the luxury equestrian-themed yoga holiday.
The views in Montana are breathtaking – and so is the experience of getting up close with horses. If horseback riding is your cup of tea or if you simply want to try it during your stay, then experiencing the country living in Big Sky Yoga Retreats might just be what you need to come back as a whole new, refreshed person.
Retreat website: Big Sky Yoga Retreats
Silent Retreat at Yogaville, Virginia
Virginia is also a perfect place to begin a self-discovery journey. When you join Yogaville, you get to enjoy your experience with a view of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. This yoga-centric retreat helps you deepen your connection to your true self. Step back and focus on yourself and your wellness and join their 4-day silent retreat.
Whether a beginner or an experienced retreat participant, Yogaville can cater to your needs. Activities in the silent retreat include meditation, deep relaxation, as well as classes to develop breathing techniques, and yoga postures and philosophy.
If you’d rather have a different program, Yogaville also offers a yoga weekend retreat specially designed for those who are experiencing back pains. There is also a Welcome Weekend yoga retreat intended for beginners or those who have not had any yoga practice at all.
Currently, Yogaville offers tons of online retreats. Do check them out here.
4-Day Self-Love Yoga Retreat in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona in Arizona is a spiritual mecca, so you might not want to miss visiting this part of the country for a truly transformative experience. While there are plenty of retreats offered in Sedona, do check out Surya Sedona Yoga & Hiking if you need to realign yourself, focus on self-growth, learn how to appreciate yourself more, and learn self-care tools that you can use daily.
Surya can cater to you on dates that work for you. You can book private accommodation at the guest house and participate in yoga and healing sessions that are customized to fit your needs.
Suitable for all levels, Surya Sedona Yoga & Hiking also offers healing massage, sound healing, emotional healing, and private yoga. Just because the program focuses on individual growth, it doesn’t mean you only have to go solo. Surya Sedona Yoga & Hiking also has programs perfect for groups or families and couples.
Retreat website: Surya Sedona Yoga & Hiking
Waikiki Beach Yoga and Yoga Hikes in Honolulu, Hawaii
You don’t have to travel to Bali if you’re looking for a tropical paradise feel when in the U.S. Book your next yoga retreat in Hawaii, where there are plenty of opportunities to renew yourself. Just imagine doing morning yoga to the calming sound of beach waves and birds singing. It sounds like a dream but definitely an experience you can enjoy in Hawaii.
Waikiki Beach Yoga and Yoga Hikes will be one of the great retreat choices. You can take plenty of mindful nature hikes during your stay, so mindfulness or mindful living is pretty much what you will learn by joining this retreat. Not to mention, the idea of doing morning and sunset yoga by the beach is already enticing enough.
Retreat website: Waikiki Beach Yoga and Yoga Hikes
Yoga and Healing at Sewall House, Island Falls, Maine
A fun fact about Sewall House is that it was once a retreat house where a young, sickly Teddy Roosevelt visited and learned about the healing properties of nature. Now, Sewall House operates as a wellness facility that has been offering yoga retreats since 1997. Other than the different types of yoga offered and tailored to the participant’s specific needs, the retreat center is also praised for its tasty gluten-free and vegan dishes.
The Sewall House is perfectly situated near the beautiful Baxter State Park. During your stay, you can enjoy mindful nature hikes, and have some fun kayaking and swimming in nearby lakes. If you’re looking for yoga retreat center options sans the crowds found in bigger retreat facilities, then Sewall House would be an excellent choice.
Retreat website: Sewall House Yoga Retreat
Weekend Escape to the Catskills region in New York
If you’re from New York and need a break from your fast-paced life, you don’t have to travel to spiritual yoga destinations like those in Asia. Just a short drive to Catskills is all you need to enjoy views of stunning mountains and beautiful state parks. You might even want to make the Catskills region your home away from home.
There’s no need to book a trip to Thailand to go on a retreat in a monastery – just a two-hour drive northwest of the city. Somewhere in the Catskills region is an 80-acre Zen Buddhist monastery – founded by peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh – that teaches mindfulness practice and monastic living.
During your stay, there are mindful activities to do such as walking meditation, sitting meditation, and mindful eating. With mindful eating, you’ll have a new appreciation for the meals you’re eating. At the same time, it helps develop healthy eating habits.
The best thing about having retreats near NYC is that weekends will be a great opportunity to break the cycle of stress from work. The beauty of nature in Catskills should inspire you to live in the moment and appreciate the gift that is your life.
Retreat website: Blue Cliff Monastery
For More weekend getaways ideas, check out my 10 Best Weekend Getaways from New York City
Yoga and Wine Tasting in Sagrada Wellness, Santa Margarita, California
Wine and yoga – are not your typical combination but are one of the best retreat experiences for some people. Located in Central Coast California, Sagrada Wellness offers a new kind of fun in the form of a retreat, so it’s perfect for a girls’ getaway, for families, for couples, and even for solo retreaters on a personal holiday.
While doing yoga sessions, you’ll also be learning about wine and chocolate. And of course, there’ll be plenty of wine tasting, with wines sampled from the retreat center’s vineyards. Apart from wine tasting, you will also get some free time to do trail hiking, meditation, and self-discovery.
Retreat website: Sagrada Wellness
Spirit Fire Retreat Center, Massachusetts
Located in Leyden, Spirit Fire Retreat Center is ideal for unplugging as you do meditation and yin yoga during your 7-day program. Say goodbye to stress and overwhelm as you relax and calm your busy mind with gentle activities like yin yoga and reflective writing.
The retreat facility is located in a 95-acre lush forest and meadow, so it also has beautiful trails for hiking should you need more time to reflect. It’s open to everyone so it doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or an expert at yoga and meditation. Anyone who loves nature and wants to learn more about sustainable living will surely appreciate their stay in Spirit Fire.
Retreat website: Spirit Fire Retreat Center
Zen Den Yoga School, Florida
Florida is famed for its beaches and vibrant parties but it can also be a great destination to renew yourself – mind, body, and spirit. Just like in New York, if you wish to take a break from the bustling city life, Florida also has something to offer for your inner peace.
Zen Den Yoga School is one of the recommended destinations in Florida for wellness and spiritual journey. There are several types of yoga offered during your stay. These include yin yoga, stand-up paddleboard yoga, acrobatic yoga, ashtanga, and more.
Zen Den also offers yoga teacher training, if you plan to become a certified yoga teacher. This retreat facility offers a warm environment for yoga practitioners of all skill levels.
Retreat website: Zen Den Yoga School
The Yoga Lodge, Whidbey Island, Washington
The Yoga Lodge in Washington’s Whidbey Island is an ideal retreat location for the more environmentally conscious or if you simply want a relaxing retreat in the woods. Joining The Yoga Lodge gives you all the opportunity to be as close to nature as possible, so be on the lookout for interesting wildlife around.
Activities during the retreat will include meditation and yoga, breathwork, mindful and meditative walks, and kirtan-chanting, which helps release stress. Retreat participants will also be served organic food meals.
You can stay for a day or for an extended period. There are cozy rooms available if you need more time to practice self-care and reflection.
Retreat website: The Yoga Lodge
Final Thoughts
There are many factors to consider when choosing a yoga retreat. It could be the location or setting of the retreat center; for some, the style of yoga is important or the activities offered, while others would also consider the reputation of the instructors. But at the end of the day, the best yoga retreat should be one that fits your needs. That being said, know what you want to get out of a yoga retreat and from there, do your research well and ask questions to get your answers before booking.
About the Author
Lucile Hernandez Rodriguez is a Registered Yoga Teacher, Blogger, and Mindful Business Advisor. She shares actionable advice on Mindfulness, Yoga, and Travel on her blog, www.lucilehr.com. Get in touch with her on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
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Photo Credit: Woman posing handstand – rishikesh yogpeeth, Woman meditating on grass – Benjamin Child, Woman meditating on the beach – Andres Medecigo, Woman posing in the woods – Elisabeth Wales
Thanks for the many yoga retreats that have sprung up the in the US that people can now lead a happy and fit life. Adapting yoga in daily life is good to overcome stress, stay young, and keep diseases at a bay.