In modern life, we’re always being asked to do more and do it faster. While this may be feasible for a while, this way of life can quickly lead to burn out if we’re not careful. If you’re feeling stressed, burnt out, and over-worked, a relaxing holiday may be just what you need to recharge your batteries. Instead of booking an attraction-packed holiday, you may benefit from packing your yoga top and going on a mindfulness break, instead. So, where are the best places to go? In this article, we explore the top 5 mindfulness destinations around the world.
For centuries, India has been the place people go to find themselves. If you want a break from day-to-day life, Rishikesh is a great option. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, the city is renowned for its yoga and meditation retreats and is cherished by the local Hindu community.
If you’re looking to reconnect with yourself, Yoganga Healing may suit you perfectly. The holistic healing method was developed to transform present emotional states to higher levels of consciousness. The practice has many benefits including improved physical and mental health and the essential knowledge for growth. According to their website, the Yoganga workshops are for yogis who are seeking to learn about and experience yogic techniques in a guided environment. Their mission is “To help people live lives free from limitations, derived from the mind. To help people explore the latent potential in their life, and live their life in totality, love and happiness. Seeing this potential uncovered, is a beautiful thing and extremely satisfying for me.”
If you want to stay a little closer to home, Ibiza can prove a short break of full relaxation. While some people associate Ibiza with wild parties and brightly coloured shots, there’s way more to it. The gorgeous Spanish island is one of the biggest yoga destinations in Europe. If you’re not into yoga, don’t panic. You can still take in the beautiful Mediterranean views and get pampered into a deep state of relaxation.
One of our favourite Ibiza breaks is the Yoga Pilates Ibiza Retreat. Led by experienced yogi Opale, the retreat offers personalised flow yoga classes that can be adapted to suit your needs. The foundation of the practice comes from Sukhita Yoga, the yoga of happiness. During your stay, you can participate in 3 hours of yoga each day, practised on a shaded terrace. Morning sessions will be followed by a nourishing lunch, while evening sessions induce a deep relaxation ready for sleep. All sessions include asanas, breathing exercises, and mindfulness meditation. Some classes incorporate Pilates exercises into the teachings, but you can choose whether to participate in these or stick to traditional yoga. The Pilates sequences focus on improving your core and building strength in the muscles that support the spine. If you have a longterm health condition, Opale will design an adapted program to benefit your ailments. You can’t get much better than that!
Bali is one of the top mindfulness destinations of all time. One of the most Instagrammed places in the world, Bali’s beautiful scenery is guaranteed to leave you feeling zen. If you’re heading there for a mindfulness break, you may choose to put technology away and have some much-needed downtime from social media. If you do want to post images on Instagram, set aside 15 minutes each day to do so. That way, you won’t be tempted to browse throughout the day.
While Bali is packed with yoga spots, one that stands out is Ubud Yoga House. Offering small classes in open air studios, Ubud Yoga House is a boutique yoga studio surrounded by rice terraces and jungle. The studio hosts a range of inclusive classes, selling themselves as a welcome alternative to bigger, more commercial studios. The family-run company offers personalised classes for yogis of all levels – even total beginners! As the studio is only a 15-minute walk from the centre of Ubud, you can head down to the city in-between classes if you fancy.
If beaches aren’t really your scene, head to the sky town, Zermatt, in the south of Switzerland. While some people go there for climbing and hiking, that’s not all the area offers. With a number of luxurious chalets at the bottom of the mountains, Zermatt is the perfect location to rest, relax, and recharge.
If you are interested in the mountain-top attractions, we recommend the Gornergrat excursion. During your session, you’ll be taken to a three-thousand-metre mountain ridge where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. If you prefer, the Matterhorn can also be viewed from the Rothorn. If the sun isn’t shining, there is still plenty to do in Zermatt. If museums are your thing, visit the Matterhorn Museum where you can learn about the historical development of Zermatt from a mountain village to a popular holiday resort.
Often described as heaven on earth, the Maldives is our top mindfulness destination. Offering crystal clear lagoons and white sandy beaches, we can’t think of anywhere better to relax and recharge.
If you’re looking to take your trip to the next level, we recommend visiting Duniye Spa. Founded in 2002, Duniye has become a leading spa in the Maldives and Indian Ocean region. Over the past few years, the company has won several international awards and recognition. Each award is a testimony to the quality of the spa itself and of the classes and treatments the guests are spoilt with.
So, there you have it – the top 5 mindfulness destinations around the world. If you’re looking to find yourself in serene surroundings, pack your yoga bag and book your flight today.