Everyone needs a little “me” time, where you can escape the day-to-day and restore the body and mind. Yoga has long been a practice of choice to help find clarity, calm and the ability to focus on your inner-self. Combine it with a little adventure, relaxation and exotic locations, and what do you get? Some of the best summer and fall wellness retreats. (Note: Retreats are listed in no specific order.)
1. Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health R&R Retreat
Looking to personalize your getaway? The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health’s R&R Retreat offers flexibility for guests to participate in activities ranging from yoga and meditation to hiking and kayaking. Starting at $166 per night, the retreat includes living and sleeping accommodations, all meals, faculty-led workshops and guided activities, daily yoga and dance class, as well as evening events. Feel free to explore the fitness room, private lakefront beach or whirlpool on your own at no extra cost.
Dates: Anytime; Price: $166 to $390 for a single, private room with bath; kripalu.org.
2. Exhale: A Kessler Wellness Experience at Mansion on Forsyth Park
Escape on a two-night stay to a restored southern boutique hotel in Savannah, Georgia for a one-of-a-kind experience. Exhale: A Kessler Wellness Experience not only allows you to practice yoga, hike and meditate; spa services and detox treatments are also available for guests. After a personalized health assessment and face and skin analysis, enjoy locally sourced meals and end your day with some wellness education guided by the pros.
Dates: September 6-8; Price: Starting at $1,500 per person, for an all-inclusive weekend; kesslercollection.com.
3. Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona
A celeb favorite, Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona focuses on wellness as a lifestyle. Use their personal program advisor to help create a vacation unique to you ahead of time, or wing it and choose from 40 different indoor and outdoor fitness activities depending on your mood that day. Attend workshops and cooking demonstrations, indulge in three gourmet meals a day, and don’t forget to stop by the sprawling 80,000-square-foot spa complex for a treatment of your choice.
Dates: Anytime; Price: Through September 15, 4-night packages begin at $3,030 for deluxe double accommodations, with a $650 service allowance each (price is per person); canyonranch.com.
4. Miami Standard Weekend Retreat
Join big name yogis Tara Stiles, Heidi Kristoffer and Mike Taylor for their spin on the practice. Start the day off with an early session of classic Strala STRONG, or take the same class late morning if you’re not an early riser. Then it’s your choice to spend a refreshing afternoon at the pool, or pamper yourself with a complementary mud-lounge treatment. Wind down the day with a RELAX flow session to help melt away any stress. And, you have the option to join Tara Friday night for an evening H2-Om session. Namaste!
Dates: August 9-12; Price: Three-night stay in single for $1,174 or shared for $854 per guest; two nights stay in single room for $783 or shared for $569 per guest; standardhotels.com.
5. Vail Vitality Center at Vail Mountain Lodge
Think of Vail as a winter sports destination? It has a softer side in the off-season. Enjoy a wellness experience complete with everything from sound therapy to acupuncture to meditation. Begin each day with complimentary breakfast from the on-site restaurant, Terra Bistro, and then continue through the day as you please. All classes on the property, including but not limited to yoga, are free for guests, so take as many or as few as you want.
Dates: Anytime; Price: Summer prices start at $199 per night; fall prices start at $179; Sunday, Monday and Tuesday arrivals get 20 percent discount on three days or more; vailvitalitycenter.com.
6. Bikram Yoga Retreat at the Lumeria Maui Retreat Center
Want to heat things up? Head to Maui’s North Shore for a five-night-stay at this six-acre resort. Rise and shine with the sun during a Bikram session, then head to the daily breakfast buffet. After enjoying your fill, soak up some rays at the beach, and though it’s not included, try your hand (or feet, rather) at surfing or paddleboarding. Head back to the retreat center to finish the day with some yoga and dinner prepared by Lumeria’s private chef.
Dates: October 26-31; Price: Single occupancy $2,400, Double occupancy $1,600/person (Hawaii taxes included); $500 non-refundable deposit due by September 1, 2013 to confirm space; bikramyogaretreats.com.
7. Sadhana Immersion Week: Living Your Yoga, Pura Vida Spa, Costa Rica
What better place to find yourself than in Costa Rica? Located in the Central Valley at an altitude of 4,900 above sea level, Pura Vida Spa is home of a seven-day physical and spiritual rejuvenation through the practice of yoga. Take part in Vinyasa each morning, and Restorative Flow Yoga every evening led by instructor Mariko Hirakawa. A journaling process is utilized to really give you a deeper look into yourself and your practice. And, you have the option to go on guided walks through the surrounding coffee plantation, resort Green House and Orchid House.
Dates: August 25-September 1; Price: $1,370 for a shared room, $1,915 for single occupancy; puravidaspa.com
8. The Art of Letting Go: A Maya Tulum Yoga Vacation
Add some historical insight to your vacation at the Maya Tulum Wellness Retreat & Spa in Riviera Maya, Mexico. This retreat includes a full–day adventure eco-tour featuring the ancient city of Coba. There you can go zip lining, canoeing, repelling or just climb the ancient pyramids. Learn more about ancient traditions as you participate in a Maya Tulum specialty ritual and spa treatment. Plus, guests also get two daily private group yoga classes and daily meditation sessions.
Dates: September 21-28; Price: Starting at $1,699 for double occupancy; mayatulum.com
9. White Lotus Labor Day Yoga Retreat with Ganga White and Tracey Rich
This Labor Day, reconnect with yourself on this annual retreat, open to students of all levels. The Santa Barbara getaway offers two yoga classes daily, pranayama (focused on moving with your breath) and meditation. Guest also have the opportunity to go on an adventurous hike, or just spend some downtime with fellow yogis enjoying the mountain air. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided as well (all vegetarian). Bonus: You’ll feel even better knowing your money is being donated back into the foundation.
Dates: August 11-18; Price: $150 deposit, $750 donation; whitelotus.org.
10. YOGASCAPES Nicaragua Yoga and Surf Trip at Maderas Village
Hang 10! If your ideal getaway includes surfing and yoga, then head to Nicaragua for a week filled with adventure. Described as a summer camp for adults, this retreat is open to all levels of experience with yoga and surf, though the clientele tend to have a passion for boarding. Utilize your two group surf lessons, and then recover with daily yoga and a one-hour massage. Meals are included and the boutique resort can accommodate most gluten-free and dairy-free requests. Dates: August 11-18; Price: $1595 per person in dorm room, $1695 per person in shared room; yogascapes.org/nicaraguayogaretreat.