Yoga in Incredible Places
Published on: May 9th, 2014
Last updated: June 15th, 2023
Yoga classes at the gym will never quite cut it after performing salutations in these extraordinary places. While these lodgings aren’t yoga retreats first and foremost, they offer top rate expertise and space, in an unparalleled setting.
Alto Atacama Lodge & Spa, Chile
Baked red rock of the Atacama’s Cataripe Valley is the dramatic backdrop for Alto Atacama Lodge & Spa, which is surrounded by a surreal landscape of sweeping valleys, deep canyons, colourful lagoons and geysers. The luxe hotel is inspired by local architecture and cleverly designed to blend in with the natural environment, while the interior’s warm earth tones, ethnic art and textiles create an inviting ambience. Here you can take yoga classes in the lodge’s yoga fields.
Alila Uluwatu, Bali
High up on a cliff off of Bali’s southern coast, the award winning and incredibly stylish Alila Uluwatu showcases cutting edge eco-design fused with absolute luxury. Set amongst the limestone cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, an almost iconic infinity pool and cliff-top cabana bar are the centre of attention. Morning yoga takes places each day at the pavilion, for sunrise over the Indian Ocean.
Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Costa Rica
Untouched rainforest, waterfalls and beaches, all of which are teeming with wildlife, are what Costa Rica is best known for, but it doesn’t get much more pristine than Corcovada and the Osa Peninsula. Here, Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, which can only be accessed by boat, is situated on the edge of the Golfo Dulce, in a 16-acre preserve, and crafted to be in harmony with its natural surroundings. Morning and afternoon yoga classes can be taken with the sound of the waves rolling in.
Fundu Lagoon, Zanzibar
On wild Pemba – meaning green – Island, Fundu Lagoon’s ethos of letting go and embracing barefoot living is certainly enticing. The remote resort can only be accessed by boat, and consists of traditional beach or hill-side Makuti thatch safari tents, which are connected to the main hub by wooden walkways. Alongside the infinity pool and spa you can practice your yoga poses, with the sea breeze coming in from the Indian Ocean.
Sasaab Lodge, Kenya
The arid landscape of Samburu National Park, populated by leopards, lions and cheetahs, elephants and giraffe and over 350 species of birds, is the setting for luxury safari retreat Sasaab Lodge. From its location on the edge of Ewaso River, guests can take yoga classes in the luxurious Spa Saab, while watching the sun go down over the water – look out for the crocdiles and hippos. The Moroccan-style rooms even have private plunge pools with river views.
Maia Luxury Resort & Spa, The Seychelles
In an idyllic setting amongst gardens of tropical plants and flowers, this luxe resort and spa overlooks the ocean from its clifftop vantage point. The resort’s home, Mahe Island, is covered in emerald green mountains of cloud forest, and fringed with sandy beaches and coves. Yoga classes are held in the open air Maia Spa, and personal instruction can be arranged in-villa. Private Hatha yoga classes are also on offer.
Londolozi, South Africa
Reputed to be Africa’s best game reserve for spotting the big five, Sabi Sands’ savannah bushveld landscape covers 60,000 hectares on the edge of Kruger National Park. On the banks of Sand River, the private Londolozi Reserve – consisting of five intimate camps – focuses on conservation and community, not forgetting the resident community of leopards. Practice yoga on Londolozi’s yoga deck with the safari wilderness around you.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
A speedboat ride away from mainland Cambodia, Song Saa Private Island Resort consists of two secluded islands – connected by footbridge – in the Koh Rong Archipelago. Thatched villas are located on stilts over the crystal clear water, or hidden amongst the islands virgin rainforest, with the luxury of deserted white sand beaches. The open-air yoga deck is ideal for yoga at sunrise, situated on the shoreline with an uninterrupted view of the open sea.
Laguna Lodge, Guatemala
In the country that characterised by Mayan temples, volcanic landscape, lush rainforest and the indigenous community, Lake Atitlan is popular with with travellers for its tranquil lake that’s surrounded by volcanoes. Laguna Lodge is ecologically conscious, with an intimate setting at the waterside in its own nature reserve. The lodge’s yoga pavilion overlooks the lake.
