When it comes to travel, we are so lucky to live in the UK. With Europe just on our doorstep, we are spoilt for choice for amazing destinations that are only a short flight or train journey away. The rise in the popularity of yoga has seen a new wave of travel, where groups and individuals venture out to discover a better balance and a more mindful approach to life. In response, Europe has quickly become a hot spot for yoga holidays and retreats. If you’re thinking of making your next holiday a wellbeing adventure, here are the top European destinations for yoga travel.
Why a Yoga Retreat?
Yoga can aid and benefit such a variety of people; it is no wonder that the industry has exploded in the modern age. There are several reasons why you may want to embark on a retreat. For starters, a yoga holiday is a fantastic way to improve your yoga skills or learn them from scratch as many retreats cater to all skill levels. Mindfulness is also core to many forms of yoga, and many people find that the combination of yoga and mindfulness can help to give them a fresh perspective on life and help them to deal with the ever-increasing feeling of chaos. From a scientific point of view, studies have revealed a myriad of benefits to practising mindfulness. These studies, by various esteemed institutes, including Harvard University, suggest that practising mindfulness can help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep and cognitive function.
France
Synonymous with vineyards, lavender and sunflowers, France is a beautiful location for a yoga retreat. You can expect to find retreats with a focus on nature, with striking locations offering forest bathing and lake houses. Famous for its decadence and elegance, France provides a luxury setting for a truly relaxing experience. A retreat in France offers a unique experience that is different from the usual cities and vineyard tours.
Italy
With its long Mediterranean coastline, Italy’s climate makes it a great visit regardless of the time of year. By choosing a yoga and meditation retreat in Italy, you can escape the hoards in Venice and Rome for a more unique and cultural experience. True to form, the best retreats here offer a culinary experience on top of the usual yoga. Italy’s regions all have their own speciality dishes and depending on where you choose; you are likely to come across talented local chefs cooking up a storm of locally sourced produce.
Croatia
Experience the hidden gem that is Croatia before it’s too late! Recent years have seen an explosion in Croatia’s tourism industry, but it still holds an undiscovered charm. The country boasts endless cultural diversity and vibrancy, making it a lively and explorative place to choose for a retreat. Decide on a retreat that allows for excursions so you can explore its national parks and ancient ruins. It is also an excellent opportunity to sample new cuisine; the food of Croatia stems from its ancient roots and is a delight to experience.
Switzerland
Famous for snowy mountains and fancy ski resorts, the Swiss summer is an undiscovered haven. While it may not be the first place you consider for a summer holiday, Switzerland is lovely all year round! The warmer weather brings verdant pastures and opens up the winding mountain trails for adventure and exploration. A yoga retreat here can provide you with the clean air and breathing space your body needs to become revitalised. You can even try swimming in an open mountain lake!
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