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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 weren’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”. Practising 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.
These are the best luxury yoga retreats in India
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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.
Ananda, The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar Tehri – Garhwal, Uttarakhand – 249175, India, +91 124 4516650
If you’re not a yoga purist and would like to try a different interpretation of the spiritual practice, head over to Osho International Meditation Resort. The techniques taught and displayed here are different from the traditional yoga styles you may be used to, but the results are equally effective. The luxury ashram is a modern paradise, and you’ll leave it feeling refreshed.
Osho International Meditation Resort, 17, Koregaon Park Road, Vasani Nagar, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001, India, +91 20 6601 9999
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.
Shreyas Retreat, Santoshima Farm, Gollahalli Gate, Nelamangala, 562123, Bangalore, India, +91 99161 17773
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.
Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram- 695501, Kerala, India, +91-471-2268101
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 on 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.
The Oberoi Wildflower Hall, Chharabra, Shimla – 171 012, Himachal Pradesh, India, +91 177 2648585
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.
Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Jayendraganj, Lashkar Gwalior Madhya Pradesh, India, +91 751 2444000
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 well-being. 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.
Vana, Mussoorie Road, Dehradun – 248001, India, +91-135 3911111
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This article first appeared on Lifestyleasia Kuala Lumpur
