“Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better you practice, the brighter the flame.” –B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga is an invigorating exercise for the body, mind, spirit, and soul. It refreshes, relaxes, and detoxifies us gently, with a holistic approach to heal. This ancient Indian discipline is suitable for everyone, irrespective of age, activity level or even health condition. With the entire world opening up to the benefits of yoga, you do not even have to leave the country to attend a relaxing yoga retreat. Yoga vacation in the US is perfect for you if you cannot manage a long vacation or if you are on a tight budget. There are a number of amazing yoga retreats you could pick from.
1. White Lotus Foundation
Perched on a steep canyon overlooking Santa Barbara, Channel Islands and the Pacific Ocean, White Lotus Foundation is spread over 40 acres in San Marcos Pass. They have a variety of lodging choices such as indoor accommodation in their modern building, as well as outdoor yurts and campsites on the plateau, surrounded by nature. They offer excellent sessions of yoga, meditation and hikes. Participants are encouraged to explore the sprawling grounds, its trails, swimming holes, springs and to spend some secluded time contemplating.
2. Spiritual Retreat: Insight Meditation Society
Insight Meditation Society is one of the first meditation retreats, which introduced the concept to the Western world and continues to guide its participants on Buddhist meditation and philosophy. Spread over a sprawling area of 240 acres in the secluded woods, it is divided into two sections: Forest Refuge and Retreat Center. While the former has programs for advanced participants, the latter offers courses for participants of all levels.
3. Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat
Located in Oregon Cascades, BreitenbushHot Springs Retreat promises a relaxing break from the daily life, in solitude and nature. Guests are housed in rustic 1930s-era cabin, refurbished with geo-thermal heat. They offer workshops on holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, Evolutionary Spinal Maintenance or EDGU. The best thing is that you can even opt for a personal retreat or a one-day program if you cannot manage longer. They have steam sauna, hot spring pools and enchanting forest trails.
4. Shambhala Mountain Center
Spread over an immense area of 600 acres through valley meadows and pine forests of the Colorado Rockies, Shambhala Mountain Center boasts of excellent teachers. They offer more than a hundred programs on yoga, meditation, ancient wisdom, philosophical Shambhala teachings, body awareness, mindful living and more. Guests can go hiking across miles of picturesque trails or meditation in the Great Stupa, Kami shrine or simply anywhere in the lap of nature.
5. Maine Yoga Adventures
Located in Orono, Maine Yoga Adventures focuses in the healing and restorative powers of nature and hence, they make it a point to include nature as a part of their programs. Yoga enthusiasts of all levels are welcome to join their exciting and fun outdoor yoga programs, conducted in beaches, forests, mountains and anywhere that feels right for the moment. They also offer exciting activities such as hiking, rock climbing, skiing, paddleboarding, dancing, wine tasting, interaction with animals and more.
6. The Esalen Institute
Located at the coast of Big Sur, California, The Esalen Institute is perched right on the edge of land overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This is an iconic place, which is famous for its huge role in the Human Potential Movement of the Sixties. It is a holistic retreat, education center and spiritual community, which offers over 200 workshops in yoga, meditation, Qi gong, dance, singing and more. It has some amazing hot springs, spectacular views of nature and serenity where you can contemplate in solitude, working on your spiritual and emotional growth.
7. Big Sky Yoga Retreats
Spread over 9000 acres of ranch, Big Sky Yoga Retreats is nestled in the lap of gorgeous pine forests with a view of majestic snow-capped mountains, and sprightly waterfalls around. They organize amazing yoga, meditation and holistic programs all year round. Nature plays a major role in this retreat and they hold several outdoor sessions. They also offer several adventure activities such as hiking, horseback riding, Nordic skiing and other activities. Their signature Cowgirl Yoga™ program for women is the most famous.
8. The Omega Institute
Situated in Rheinbeck, Hudson Valley area, The Omega Institute is not far away from the bustle New York City. Created as an educational center for learning as well as a gathering point for spiritual teachers and yogis, they have evolved into an internationally acclaimed holistic center. They offer sessions on yoga and meditation, as well as Asian wellness treatments, shamanic healing, life coaching, acupuncture and several other services. Their classes are conducted by some of the best instructors of the world and the participants can enjoy excellent spiritual literature from their well-stocked library.
9. Rolling Meadows Yoga & Meditation Retreats
Spread over an area of 100 acres in rural Maine, Rolling Meadows Yoga & Meditation Retreats is housed in a beautiful restored 1840s New England style farmhouse, perched on a ridge. Guests can enjoy their holistic, relaxing yoga sessions with magnificent views of the rolling hills and its bucolic landscapes all around. Their property boasts of beautiful organic vegetable gardens.which provide the in-house meals, lush greens, beautiful flowers, spring-fed swimming pond, wood-fired sauna and cross-country skiing opportunities.
10. 420 Yoga Retreat –
420 Yoga Retreat is a unique retreat which lays emphasis on the healing and calming effects of cannabis and combines it with the relaxation of yoga to offer an unforgettable experience. Located in the gorgeous Aspen Canyon Ranch at Parshall, Colorado, they offer a dynamic mix of sessions comprising of yoga, meditation, movement and massage, along with controlled and monitored cannabis, which heightens the senses and enhances the effects of the holistic treatments.
Therefore, to Conclude…
Attending a yoga retreat is a relaxing experience, which not only rejuvenates you, but is also highly beneficial for your health: physical, mental and spiritual. If you are looking for a retreat vacation but don’t have the time, money or the means to go for a foreign trip, there are a number of amazing yoga retreats in US itself. They offer a wide range of amazing classes and services to choose from. So, go ahead, shed your inhibitions and book yourself a retreat vacation.
