The history of yoga stems far past the borders of America. Rooted in India, yoga is a practice that grew up internationally.

So it makes sense that most yogis possess some form of wanderlust, oftentimes exacerbated by incorporating the practice into their travels. After, what’s better than shavasana after a long flow? Shavasana with ocean waves in the background.

So why not turn your next yoga retreat into a vacation?

We’ve curated a list of fantastic locations that will feed your inner need for relaxation while also calling you to your higher purpose in your yoga practice.

Poolside by Absolute Sanctuary – CC BY

Thailand

Thailand is known for affordable, beautiful, tropical travel. Dazzling islands and exciting city adventures make Thailand a go-to destination for vacations.

Absolute Sanctuary Yoga boasts unlimited yoga classes and meditation sessions. Meals are provided 3 times a day, and all accommodations are covered under one set price.

Guests have the option of adding massages to their packages and can adjust their stays to 7 days or more depending on travel needs.

While on Ko Sumai island in Thailand make sure to check out Chaweng beach, a beautiful tropical hangout that will allow you to get away from the group to recharge.

Jungle Meditation by Soulshine Bali – CC BY

Indonesia

What’s better than chicken soup for the soul? Some beachfront yoga.

Soul Shine Bali is a yoga retreat oasis that matches luxury with the spiritual tranquillity of yoga practice. Breathe deep into your present moment while in Ubud, a tropical setting that transitions you into the rainforest of Bali.

This yoga retreat is famous for nourishing meals and adventure with local attractions like the Jalan Monkey Forest and the Puri Lukisan Museum.

Another great perk is that you don’t have to choose one retreat. This location offers multiple renditions that are hosted by different practitioners all focused on various aspects of yoga practice.

Yogagoa by Purple Valley Yoga – CC BY

India

Looking for a more fast-paced, urban yoga retreat but still the luxury of massages and top of the lines meals? Purple Valley Yoga is the answer to your holistic prayers.

Located in the city of Goa, this retreat is near markets and local shopping, so you don’t have to venture far to get a taste of the local community.

This yoga retreat prides itself on a quiet location that is perfect for leisure and tranquillity. After a long day dedicated to your study enjoy a body scrub and fresh fruit massage or a traditional Ayurvedic treatment.

Beachside by Jakes Hotel – CC BY

Jamaica

With raves reviews, Jakes Hotel enjoys oceans views in studio style rooms. Located in Calabash Bay, the retreat offers daily bike riding, swimming, and TRX fitness.

Your stay also includes full access to the Sports Park which has tennis courts, basketball courts, and ropes courses.

Chefs at the Jakes cook specialty foods based on your dietary needs using locally grown foods from farms no more than 25 miles from the hotel.

An added perk? Your practice works around your schedule. So if you are an early starter, you can begin your day with sunrise training or start after lunch if you can’t bend and breathe without coffee first.

Class by Blue Osa – CC BY

Costa Rica

Surf, yoga, and wildlife in Santa Teresa Costa Rica will give you your biggest bang for your buck. With huge discounts depending on the season of your travel, you could enjoy a yoga retreat with serious vacation vibes for under $1500 USD.

If you love surfing, no matter your level, you can enjoy morning surf excursions before your afternoon yoga sessions.

Experience Costa Rica wildlife with horseback riding or a canopy tour in Malpais that can easily be added to your package.

In fact, more and more athletes have begun using cannabis as a way to elevate their practices and get more out of their mind, body, and soul. Just like how yoga intended.

Take a look at how you can start using cannabis to help you recover and perform better your yoga classes.

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Cannabis use may date as far back as 3000 BC, while yoga has been practiced for nearly five-thousand years. Inevitably, the two crossed paths centuries ago, but they’re now starting to cross-pollinate once again.

If you’re a fellow yogi, you know firsthand that there is no other exercise that not only keeps you lithe and fit but can also keep your body in tune with your mind and soul.

But have you ever considered enhancing your yoga practice with cannabis?

In recent years, yoga classes integrating flower use have been sprouting up. It may seem gimmicky to some, but as it turns out, the pain-relieving and all-around-relaxing aspects of cannabis can enhance the therapeutic benefits of yoga.

Those who struggle with stiffness due to pain or reduced mobility might turn to cannabis to help them open up and ease into poses. Likewise, yogis may find that pre-practice consumption can help silence thoughts and bring them into mindfulness.

Sound intriguing? If it does, don’t go reaching for your mat and your vape pen just yet. Responsible yogis should consider a few things before using cannabis to enhance their practice.

Make sure you can handle Vegas

Balance is a key component to a fulfilling practice; not only for stabilization but doing a pose correctly ensures you’re physically getting the most out of your practice.

On that note, while your body should be your primary focus, you also want to be able to follow your instructor’s lead.

Try a few practice sessions in your elevated state at home to see if you can maintain your balance and composure. This is imperative if you go to a studio because you’ll want to make sure you can handle these enhanced sensations in a group setting.

Pair cannabis with low-intensity flows

If you’re considering using cannabis to enhance your practice, avoid high-intensity flows. Physically challenging classes like Vinyasa, power yoga and similar variations are great for getting a good workout but don’t usually focus on the mental or spiritual aspects of yoga.

High-intensity classes in an elevated state may cause more harm to your body than good.

If you’re planning on using cannabis to enhance yoga, try a Hatha or Yin class, or something similar. Low-intensity flows like these usually incorporate restorative poses with long holds, helping you achieve a deep stretch.

When dosed correctly, cannabis can ease your body into opening up and getting the most out of these sessions.

Gentle practices also emphasize the importance of breathing and mindfulness, sometimes incorporating meditation. Cannabis’s uplifting, anxiety-reducing traits help yogis with busy minds zero in on their self-awareness, bringing you closer to the ultimate state of calm within your mind, body, and soul.

Finding perfect balance

Pro-cannabis yogis should also be responsible users, which means knowing what strains and consumption methods are best for a great practice so you don’t overdo it.

If you don’t already have an idea of what strain would work best for you, here’s a few notes to keep in mind. Known for delivering “mind highs,” sativas might cause your thoughts to wander and end up distracting you.

Alternatively, indicas can deliver strong “body highs” that might demotivate you from practice altogether.

To avoid leaning too far into one or the other, you might want to try an indica-dominant hybrid or a CBD-heavy strain to achieve optimal physical relaxation, while still being able to follow my yogi’s lead.

If you’re unsure of which kind of strain is best for you, take the time to learn more about the differences between indicas, hybrids, and sativas.

Also, keep in mind that the method of ingestion counts as well. Smoking a pre-roll may make it harder to take deep breaths during the practice and edibles, if not timed right, may not kick into gear until after the session.

Try a nice easy vape pen or, for purely a body high, lather up your favorite topical and feel your joints melt and bend like butter.

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