I love yoga, but I hate that everything about it – the classes and the clothes (ahem Lululemon and Alo) are so darn expensive! Unsurprisingly, the same applies to yoga retreats, which average roughly $US2,000 each. Imagine my surprise when I found (after much time and effort) 3 quality international retreats that cost less than $1000!
1) Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Bahamas
Bring your yoga practice to a whole new level by practicing your asanas and meditating on the soft, white sands of the Bahamas surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. A focus on holistic healing means you’ll enjoy access to vegetarian buffets, seminars by guest presenters and personalized healing treatments. The program costs only $25/day in the summer/fall and $40 in the winter/spring.
2) Spiritual Yoga Meditation Retreat, India
There are few better places to do yoga than in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world. The spiritual energy of the nearby holy Ganges River and Himalayas will reinvigorate your spirits and bring your practice to new heights. The 7-day program runs all-year long with all-inclusive prices beginning at $625. The schedule varies daily, with a wide variety of activities that include hiking, biking, physiology classes and yoga and meditation sessions.
3) Vagabond Temple Meditation and Yoga Retreat, Cambodia
Get your om on in one of several retreats ranging from 5 – 56 nights, with the former priced at only $251. These prices are inclusive of daily classes, 3 vegan meals a day, unlimited water, tea and bananas, and full use of house facilities.
There is also a Yoga and Detox Retreat, which focuses on spiritual, emotional and physical healing through workshops on health and nutrition, spiritual techniques, personalized massages and meditation. This is costlier than the regular retreat however, at just $510 for 5 nights and $654 for 7 nights, it remains more affordable than most.