CSN-CommunityPost-11 Yoga Retreats That Are Totally Worth It

Grab a mat and book your flight.

By Meg Lappe, C.P.T.

Year after year, wellness travel continues to grow, and yoga studios are ready to help you take advantage of it. Even if you can't experience the trendiest yoga class, the instructors want you to be able to try it out somewhere else, whether that's in Nicaragua, Ireland, or Thailand. The more exotic, the better.

From SurfYogaBeer to Yoga for Bad People, there's no shortage of amazing-sounding retreats. Everyone wants to get in on the trend. Wellness tourism rose 14 percent in the last two years, according to the Global Wellness Institute. And private yoga instruction for an individual or group more than doubled in the first few weeks of January, according to the online-professionals marketplace Thumbtack.

Going away and cutting yourself off from technology for a little, practicing yoga two to three to four times a day, meditating, and journaling can help open up something inside of you that you might not get with a class.

As with any trip, it's a bit of a splurge, but we tried to find some budget-friendly options that can work for you no matter where you live. You don't have to go on a retreat to deepen your practice, of course. But if a yoga retreat is on your bucket list—or if you're in need of some serious daydreaming inspiration—check out these trips, which will expand your mind, body, and worldview.

1. Yoga for Bad People: Praia Do Rosa, Brazil

What's included: You'll enjoy twice-daily yoga classes, morning meditation, a seven-night stay at the Posada Casa do Ceo, and breakfast every morning and four dinners, all of which are vegetarian.

What else you can do: There are options (and free time scheduled) for you to go surfing, hiking, horseback riding, SUPing, biking, hang gliding, swimming, and dancing, as well as relaxing on the beach.

Why it's awesome: Go if you want to have a solid couple of yoga classes every day but also want to have time to relax and bond with everyone else on the trip.

 2. SurfYogaBeer: Roatan, Honduras

What's included: Five nights of partying with new friends, airport transfers to and from the retreat, four yoga classes, snorkeling, three morning beach boot camps, local breakfast and smoothies daily, three nights of dinner and drinks, an SYB tank top—plus lots of photos and videos full of Instagram potential.

What else you can do: You'll have the time to eat in town on your own two of those nights, plus you can elect to go on a daytime snorkeling tour or horseback riding.

Why it's awesome: The team at SYB is all about sweating together and going out together afterward. They want you to leave the retreat with insane stories, incredible memories, and a casual 20-plus new friends.

 3. Sky Ting Yoga: Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

What's included: You'll practice yoga twice a day at the Cliffs of Moher Retreat, chow down on a vegetarian brunch and dinner from the organic garden, and enjoy early-morning breakfast, tea, and coffee. Make sure to take time to just stop, look, and listen to the Atlantic Ocean, right outside your window.

What else you can do: There's only one room in the retreat where you can access Wi-Fi, so feel free to disconnect. You can also book a massage, enjoy the sauna and hot tub, or get outside and walk the many paths surrounding the cliffs. Day trips to Doolan, the Aran Islands, Burren, and Galway are all easy, plus you can golf, bike, visit the beach, and shop.

Why it's awesome: The retreat is located just steps away from the cliffs, meaning you're able to enjoy the vista for your entire trip. Plus, if you really want to try something new, surfing is picking up in popularity near the cliffs. Wherever your comfort zone lies, you'll be sure to step out of it on this retreat.

 4. Finger Lakes Yogascapes: Ithaca, New York

What's included: Glamp this summer just off the trailhead at Buttermilk Falls State Park for three days and two nights in a fabulous tent with all the amenities you will need (a real bed, chairs, tables, and even a trunk for your gear). You'll take one restorative yoga class and three vinyasa classes, eat locally inspired meals, enjoy a glass of local wine, relax in the on-property sauna and steam room, and hike in the state park. There's also a bathhouse complete with hot showers and toilets, so you'll be far from roughing it. End each night around the campfire and roast some s'mores.

What else you can do: The Finger Lakes are known for their wineries, and there are three within an easy distance from where you'll stay.

Why it's awesome: You're staying out in nature but still enjoying life's everyday comforts. This is one of the more affordable retreats we found. Plus, it's on a weekend, so you would barely have to burn any PTO days.

 5. Flowtastic Yoga: Sayulita, Mexico

What's included: You'll spend seven days and nights at the Haramara Retreat Center, where you'll have your own cabana or share one overlooking the ocean. Choose from vegetarian or fish meals sourced from local farms, practice yoga twice daily, and learn about martial arts and groundwork (a type of movement meditation). Spend your free time in the infinity pool or at the private beach, and relax under the stars next to a bonfire every night. The property will also handle your transportation to and from the airport.

What else you can do: Horseback riding, jungle-canopy zip lining, snorkeling, SUPing, surfing, cooking, massages, and acupuncture are all available at an extra cost.

Why it's awesome: The name of the retreat, Chill'asana, comes from the Sanskrit word asana, meaning pose or posture. The team encourages you to meet new people, experience their combo of yoga and martial arts, try your hand at something new, and leave feeling rejuvenated.

 6. Yoga in the Wild: North Cascade Mountains, Washington

What's included: A retreat doesn't have to be multiple days or a huge getaway. This single-day outing will have you out hiking up the North Cascade Mountains to practice yoga above sea level. Lunch and snacks, plus everything you'll need to climb the mountain, are provided.

What else you can do: If just one day doesn't cut it, the group also offers multiday tours and camping excursions.

Why it's awesome: For those who love yoga and nature, this short and sweet retreat is a great way to combine both.

 7. Asha NYC: Chiang Rai, Thailand

What's included: Start each day with meditation and yoga practice while you stay at the Museflower Retreat and Spa. Chow down on vegetarian meals, let them set up your airport transfer, and schedule your 60-minute spa treatment before you head home. You'll also enjoy an hour-long cycling tour, access to a Himalayan salt pool, and a mini photo session so you can take home an image of you striking your favorite pose among the scenery.

What else you can do: Be sure to check out the night bazaar, the Doi Chaang Mountains (ideal for coffee lovers), the historic Golden Triangle (where three countries meet), river cruises, and more.

Why it's awesome: Asha was founded by women to help people grow through travel and exploration, so yogis (and aspiring ones too) can gain access to a world they might not tap into on their own.

 8. Retreat in the Pines: Tyler, Texas

What's included: You'll likely share accommodations with fellow yogis at this two-night, three-day retreat, as well as most meals (and wine is included with dinner!). Enjoy coffee, tea, juice, and milk all day to keep you alert through the candlelight renewing gentle yoga, morning flow, and freedom flow, as well as the meditation workshops. Don't forget to grab a tank or tee before you leave.

What else you can do: You can fly into Dallas and check out the culture and vibe there, then continue on the two-hour drive east. Or just book a massage at the resort and stay put relaxing.

Why it's awesome: The property is open for you to explore, meaning you can lounge in the hammocks, journal from a quiet spot on the porch, or hike the surrounding areas. Retreats are capped at 16 to make sure you get individual attention.

 9. Big Sky Yoga Retreats: Clyde Park, Montana

What's included: You'll practice yoga daily, focusing on your back, hips, and core to help prep the body for horseback riding. Try your hand at cowgirl yoga, where you'll learn grooming and safety and spend time on and off the horse. You'll also do in-saddle yoga exercises to help center yourself and learn how to ride or advance your riding skills. Eat up three times a day and imbibe with fine wines from local sellers.

What else you can do: Add on a bonus day, which is a full-day ride through the nearby mountain ranges with a picnic lunch.

Why it's awesome: Horseback riding and yoga complement each other and make for a unique combination on this four-day, three-night retreat. You'll leave with a greater knowledge of vinyasa yoga and riding skills and have unforgettable memories.

 10. For the Love of Travel: Isla Holbox, Mexico

What's included: As soon as you touch down on the Yucatan Peninsula, your transportation is all covered. You'll spend four nights in a shared hotel room and enjoy four breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. Set your intentions at the four guided meditations and four yoga sessions. There are also two special sessions with Kelsey Patel, certified reiki master, yoga instructor, and meditation teacher. Head out on a boat for a fishing trip, visit the surrounding islands, take a trip to Yalaha Cenote (a large natural pool), learn how to make ceviche, tour the island, and snap amazing pictures on the nighttime bioluminescence kayak trip.

What else you can do: You'll have free time to mingle with locals and enjoy the local food out on the town. Kite-surfing lessons, dolphin and whale watching, and paddle boarding are all additional options during your last full day.

Why it's awesome: Indulge in some tequila (margaritas, anyone?), relax, and immerse yourself in the beach vibes of the island. After five days, the goal is for you to leave with energy-enhancing tricks that you can take back with you to real life.

 11. Kripalu: Stockbridge, Massachusetts

What's included: You can take part in yoga classes, hiking, yoga dance, barre yoga, and workshops ranging from visualization to chanting to perfecting posture to sound healing. Also, be sure to take some me-time: Enjoy the sauna, all-natural meals, and the fitness room. Depending on the time of year, you can hit the private lakefront beach or head out on the walking and hiking trails.

What else you can do: Book a massage to really find some ultimate relaxation.

Why it's awesome: Since you can pick and choose what days work best for you, it's easy to go for a long weekend, a week, or just a day or two. Find the classes that speak to you and plan your trip around that.