Is it time to sink into peace, relaxation and a yoga pose or two? A retreat might be just what you need, to wash away stress and soothe the soul. We’ve put together a list of the best yoga retreats in Australia…along with a few that are not so far away. All you need to do is pack your mat and get ready to re-energise.
Yoga Retreat NSW – Krishna Village Eco Yoga Community
Take your yoga to new heights, at Krishna Village © BookYogaRetreats
Immerse in a community of spiritual seekers from across the globe on an organic farm, at the Krishna Village. Here, you can create your own journey into bliss, by choosing classes and activities to suit your individual needs. In the retreat space, you’ll eat delectable vegetarian food, enjoy the simplicity of farm life, practise yoga, kirtan and mediation, while learning about personal development.
Located in Eungella and surrounded by a national park, the eco-village’s yoga classes focus on Vinyasa Flow. Gentle sunrise sessions allow you to settle into the day with clarity, followed by more dynamic classes in the afternoon. If you’re already a long term yoga-lover, do a six-week Yoga Teacher Training course to fully embrace your passion. Costs start from $290 for an 8-day yoga retreat in NSW.
Where: 525 Tyalgum Road, Eungella NSW
Tel: +61 2 6672 7876
Website: Krishna Village
Prema Shanti, North Queensland
Yoga in the rainforest? Yes please! © BookYogaRetreats
The sounds of the Daintree Rainforest will accompany your yoga practice, at Prema Shanti. Mix that with the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep, for the ultimate nature lover’s retreat. Your yoga holiday here is designed for flexibility, so classes are tailored your way.
Retreats include the use of yoga mats and equipment, rainforest walking tracks, a meditation room and bike hire. Cool off with a swim in a watering hole before your evening class and join a guided meditation to calm and still the mind. Costs start from $360 for a four-day retreat.
Where: 183 Turpentine Road, Cape Tribulation
Tel: +61 7 4098 9006
Website: Prema Shanti
Weltevreden Domes Retreats, Queensland
Weltvreden’s panoramic yoga class views © BookYogaRetreats
Lake Wivenhoe offers a glistening backdrop, at Weltevreden Domes Retreats. Just one hour from busy Brisbane, when you join a wellness retreat here you’ll embark on the 80/20 rule, of everything in moderation.
Yoga classes combine with daily siesta sessions, restorative massages, mediation and healthy meals. Best of all, you’ll stay in a geodesic dome with the full facilities of a modern hotel. Costs start from $1135, for a four-day retreat.
Where: 161 Glen Esk South Road, Glen Esk
Tel: +61 7 5424 1888
Website: Weltevreden
Yoga Retreat NSW – Botanica Rainforest Spa and Retreat
Get out and about in nature to increase flexibility, at Botanica © BookYogaRetreats
A travel destination long associated with hippies, health and happiness, Byron Bay is the perfect spot to grow your yoga practice. Just a short drive away, Botanica Spa gives you the privacy to get back to nature and wellness on 9 hectares of certified organic land.
Retreats include private yoga lessons, a botanical skin care pack, massages, gourmet food and accommodation fit for a yoga queen or king. When you’re not doing asana practice or having a treatment at the spa, you can swim, hike and surf nearby. Costs start from $595 for a two-day retreat.
Where: Wilsons Creek Road, Mullumbimby NSW
Tel: +61 2 6684 0120
Website: Botanica Spa
Yoga Retreat Asia – Vikasa Yoga Retreat, Thailand
Healthy meals and ocean views at Vikasa © BookYogaRetreats
With open-air yoga pavilions on clifftops with ocean views, you’ll find it easy to focus on your personal growth at Vikasa. Accommodation options include Zen bungalows and yoga caves, for added bliss.
A week long retreat for beginners starts with a meditation class in the morning, followed by yoga and a scrumptious, healthy brunch. Explore the jungles and waterfalls of Koh Samui, before returning for evening classes and a wholesome dinner. Costs start from $666 for a seven-day retreat.
Where: Moo 4, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui
Tel: +66 77 422 232
Website: Vikasa
Yoga Retreat Asia – Hariharalaya Retreat Centre, Cambodia
Stretch and smile surrounded by traditional Cambodian village life at Hariharalaya ©BookYogaRetreats
A digital detox, traditional Cambodian village life and a team of international yoga instructors will get you back on track towards holistic living. Located in jungle gardens near the mighty Angkor Wat, Hariharalaya’s spa, lounge pool, spiritual library, open air cinema, gym and free bicycles create a holistic adventure.
In the local village, you’ll see the traditional life of farmers, children playing freely on dirt pathways and fresh food markets. Onsite, the opportunity to experience the ‘real Cambodia’ continues, with accommodation huts and houses made from wood, bamboo, thatched roofing and palm leaves. Costs start from $340 for a six-day retreat.
Where: Prasat Bakong, Siem Reap Cambodia
Tel: +855 31 222 6570
Website: Hariharalaya
Yoga Retreat Asia – Serenity Eco Guesthouse and Yoga, Bali
Daily yoga in the heart of Canguu © BookYogaRetreats
Canguu has just the right type of ‘small beach town’ vibe for yoga retreats and is sure to help you reconnect to health. Energising programs include accommodation, vegetarian food, daily yoga classes, surf lessons, Balinese massage and even airport transfers.
Apart from the retreat, you can stay at the guesthouse and join in with the yogic way of life, with a varied daily class timetable. Beginners to advanced practitioners are welcome to try anything from Chakra Flow to Aerial Yoga. Costs start from $81 for a four-day retreat.
Where: Jl. Nelayan, Canggu Bali
Tel: +62 361 846 9251
Website: Serenity Eco Guest House
Yoga Retreat Asia – Soulshine, Bali
Run, relaxation and yoga blend at Soulshine © BookYogaRetreats
Co-founder and musician, Michael Franti says, “We created Soulshine Bali to be a place of happiness where you can chill in a fun, friendly atmosphere, explore the beauty of Bali, enjoy delicious organic food and let your soul soar in the sun.”
As if that’s not enough to sway you, the boutique hotel sits in the lush surrounds outside Ubud, with tropical gardens, river views and an infinity pool. A range of retreats take place throughout the year, so you can liberate your life with yoga, meditation, mindfulness and relaxation among Bali’s rice fields. Costs vary depending on the retreat.
Where: Jl. Ambarwati, Ubud
Tel: +62 085 333 499 499
Website: Soulshine
