Top 35 Places to Practice Yoga in the World

Find a comfortable position, focus on your breathing techniques and set your intention toward a visit to one of these top places to practice yoga in the world.

Much like travel, yoga is all about fueling the body, mind and soul. So, if you can combine the two, you are in for one incredible experience. Yoga is an exercise that can be practiced anywhere and everywhere, but some places around the globe lend a bit extra to the environment where yogis thrive. Some destinations have deep roots in yoga’s history, others embody the healthy yogi lifestyle and others simply offer a tranquil landscape in which to find your inner zen.

Whether or not you can jet off to these yoga destinations anytime soon, you can find inspiration from their calming atmospheres that set the stage for future savasanas. Just find a comfortable position, focus on your breathing techniques and set your intention toward a future visit to one of these top places to practice yoga in the world.

Rishikesh, India

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Your world yoga tour wouldn’t be complete without the birthplace of yoga: Rishikesh, India. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, a visit to Rishikesh is a rite of passage for yogis. Few places on Earth could compare to the spirituality that fills the air in this town flanking the holy Ganges River.

From world-renowned retreats to teacher training to soaking in the alcohol- and meat-free style of living, yogis from far and wide are drawn to the serenity of what’s been dubbed “the yoga capital of the world.”

Ubud, Indonesia

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Tucked into the jungles of central Bali, Ubud is a mecca for yogis thanks to its majestic volcanic peaks, terraced rice fields and peaceful vibes. Its quaint streets are lined with ancient Hindu temples interspersed with lush greenery.

There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan cafes to fuel yogis before and after their practices, which take place all over Ubud — most notably the world-renowned Yoga Barn studio. During downtime, yogis continue to ease their chakras at the nearby holy shrines, purification springs and Balinese spa treatments.

Kauai, Hawaii

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“Aloha” is a greeting of love, gratitude, compassion and everything positive, and these vibes extend seamlessly into the yoga culture of Hawaii. Hawaiian culture is calming and soothing, set to a background of palm trees blowing softly in the ocean breeze and the peaceful strumming of a ukulele.

This island lifestyle draws yogis from all around the world to find inner peace amongst the unspoiled elements of the Aloha State. While all of the islands offer the perfect yoga holiday, we suggest Kauai for the ultimate back-to-the-land experience, with its tropical rainforest and breathtaking Na Pali Coast.

Vancouver, Canada

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A list of the best places to do yoga in the world would be remiss not to include the birthplace of Lululemon — arguably the world’s most popular yoga attire brand. A day in the life of a yogi Vancouverite includes strolling the streets in their comfiest “Lulu” pants, stopping into one of the many boutique fitness studios to work up a mindful sweat and washing it down with a bottle of green juice.

For yogis, Vancouver is urban living at its finest, and there are even free outdoor classes in the summer — just bring your mat, mind and body, and you’re good to go!

San Marcos, Guatemala

Eagle’s Nest Atitlan

A quaint hillside town perched along the majestic Lake Atitlan, located about a four-hour drive from Antigua, San Marcos is an oasis for those seeking physical, mental and spiritual growth. Come here for delectable chocolate, coffee and, of course, yoga and meditation.

Retreat centers such as Eagle’s Nest Atitlan offer open-deck studios with sweeping vistas of the sparkling lake and its dramatic lush cliffsides — the perfect backdrop for practicing all sorts of yoga poses.

Sedona, Arizona

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Sedona is considered by the Native Americans to be a sacred locale for healing and spiritual renewal with its energy vortexes, crystal shops, medicinal spa treatments and excursions in the beautiful surrounding nature. Spiritual vibes are tangible in the atmosphere of Sedona.

The Red Rock State Park is even home to the Sedona Yoga Festival, which offers classes, performances and workshops for festival-goers to develop their practice and consciousness.

Silver Island, Greece

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OK yogis, you’re going to want to get out your bucket list for this one. Is there a more idyllic place for a retreat than a privately owned, pristine Greek island dedicated solely to yoga? Silver Island is exactly that, with its namesake yoga center hosting intimate retreats to unwind with minimal distractions.

Guests can feel connected to themselves and the environment with the retreat’s eco-friendly power sources and natural, locally made supplies.

Ometepe, Nicaragua

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This dramatic yet serene island is made up of two volcanoes — Concepcion and Maderas. The island is spiritually rooted in the earth and its elements, with permaculture farms supplying healthy and organic local food to its inhabitants and visitors.

Ometepe is all about living in harmony with nature, and yoga centers here focus on building consciousness in every aspect from the environment to the spirit.

Pai, Thailand

Xhale Yoga with Bhud / @maggieboucherphoto / Facebook

A few hours from the tourist hub of Chiang Mai, its Pai counterpart offers chilled out vibes for relaxing and soaking in the lush landscape. Set on the banks of the Pai River, Pai is a popular spot for yogis searching for a peaceful experience, with several yoga schools and meditation retreats.

It’s a prime stop to achieve harmony between the mind, body, soul and nature.

Taghazout, Morocco

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This picturesque little surfer village boasts amazing beaches, sunsets and plenty of friendly pups. Accommodations from budget hostels to high-end resorts offer incredible spots for sun salutations, many of them situated on a rooftop to a soundtrack of the waves crashing, illuminated by the rising sun.

Taghazout is a popular spot for digital nomads, surfers, photographers and anyone looking for a little beachside R&R.

Byron Bay, Australia

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Byron Bay marches to the beat of its own drum, and that drum sounds a lot like crashing waves, live acoustic tunes and a collective “oommmm.” Australia’s quaint seaside town is teeming with yoga offerings to help master the mind and lift the spirit, along with fresh healthy eats to further bolster that healthy lifestyle.

The laid-back, free-spirited vibes here are unavoidable, and it’s hard to feel stressed out when you’re in paradise.

Ibiza, Spain

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While the island of Ibiza may conjure up images of techno music and day-to-night parties, the other side to this paradisiacal island exudes peace, relaxation and yoga goodness.

Spain was one of the first European nations to embrace the practice of yoga in the 20th century, and it remains a coveted destination for yogis due to its beautiful year-round weather, soothing sounds and delectable cuisine. (Paella makes for a top-notch, post-yoga feast.)

Montezuma, Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is a haven for yogis due to its lush jungles DJ’ed by birds and monkeys, warm weather and breathtaking sunsets. One of the top spots to escape for a yoga retreat is the idyllic seaside town of Montezuma, which comes with long stretches of white sand, soothing waves caressing the shores and a healthy yoga culture.

It’s the perfect place to find that balance you want and deserve.

Pokhara, Nepal

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Situated at the base of Phewa Lake surrounded by the Himalayas, this stunning city is a coveted spot for yoga instructors and their students. There are plenty of yoga studios, classes and retreats, complemented by beautiful temples and gardens, along with plenty of healthy vegetation and vegan food options.

Guided by traditional Tibetan and Buddhist spiritual practices, it’s not difficult to find a setting for heightened consciousness and enlightenment in Pokhara.

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

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Hikkaduwa’s perfect seaside setting makes an incredible spot for a yoga retreat, with crystal-clear warm waters, a coral sanctuary and marine life, including sea turtles you can befriend while swimming or snorkeling.

Surfers come here for the great conditions, vacationers come here for relaxation, and yogis come here for an enlightening recharge. Seaside accommodations provide sunrise or sunset sessions in gardens, terraces or anywhere the zen vibes can reach.

Sacred Valley, Peru

Samadhi Sacred Valley

Nestled in the foothills of Peru’s Andean Mountains, the Sacred Valley has an unmistakably spiritual feel to it. The mountains whisper stories of past civilizations, and the dramatic landscapes of terraced agriculture and ancient ruins create a hushed atmosphere.

Renowned retreat center Samadhi Sacred Valley hosts activities including yoga teaching, meditation and outdoor adventures to empower guests to see the divine in themselves and their surroundings.

Pemuteran, Indonesia

Jeda Villa

Bali’s yoga culture isn’t limited to Ubud. The island’s northwest coast is quieter than the tourist hubs of Kuta and Seminyak and serves as an ideal setting to achieve spiritual elevation on your mat.

Resorts such as Jeda Villa offer healing retreats for yogis to immerse themselves in the serene nature and Balinese culture to deliver an authentic, strengthening, empowering experience.

Tulum, Mexico

Maya Tulum

A yogi’s paradise, this coastal town along the Riviera Maya seems straight out of a storybook. In between yoga sessions, bike from healthy taquerias to juice spots before taking a dip in the coastal waters.

There are plenty of yoga studios and retreats waiting to delight the senses. Maya Tulum is one of the top yoga spots, where you can also treat yourself to a Mayan healing ritual. Plus, the ancient ruins of Tulum are nearby for historical exploration.

Hariharalaya, Cambodia

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A 30-minute tuk-tuk ride from the bustling Siem Reap sits Hariharalaya, a small village where yoga reigns supreme. The Hariharalaya Yoga and Meditation Retreat’s campus spans over the sacred land of the Temples of Angkor and aims for guests to rediscover the magic of life.

Made up of all-natural materials, the center teaches skills to a balanced and inspired life through yoga practice and philosophy.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

The Sanctuary Thailand

Primarily drawing young backpackers adorned in neon body paint to its full moon parties, the other side of Koh Phangan serves up an incredible atmosphere for the growth and union of yogis from around the world.

The Sanctuary Thailand is one resort and spa that offers daily classes of various levels for guests to soak in the peaceful vibes from the beach and jungle and then transfer them to their chakras.

Jinja, Uganda

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Known as the adventure capital of East Africa, Jinja draws visitors for its adrenaline-rushing activities such as white water rafting, kayaking, quad biking, and horseback riding. But the best way to unwind after getting your blood pumping, or to stimulate your energy in a different way, is by practicing yoga.

Explorers River Camp offers a peaceful ambiance with sessions overlooking the Nile River, of which Jinja marks the beginning, and it’s a fantastic setting for toning, strengthening and sharpening your mind.

North Malé Atoll, Maldives

One&Only Reethi Rah

A perfect yoga experience is not complete without a serene setting with incredible views and soothing sounds — of which the Maldives certainly has no shortage. Pull up a sandbank on any one of these idyllic islands to clear and elevate your mind as you move through various postures and poses.

Or consider a resort such as One&Only Reethi Rah, which has a breathtaking over-water Yoga Pavilion to host guided meditation or one-on-one yoga sessions.

Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Shambhala Mountain Center / Miles Greenlee / Facebook

Colorado is chock-full of incredible natural landscapes in which to breed self-discovery, well-being and peace. Shambhala Mountain Center, located about an hour away from Fort Collins in Red Feather Lakes, is set on 600 acres in this rejuvenating region and provides over 100 options for retreats focussed on yoga, meditation, creativity and relationship development.

Founded by Tibetan meditation master and teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the center is a safe and immersive space for guests to develop deepened awareness, personal well being and societal transformation.

Tofo, Mozambique

Turtle Cove Lodge and Yoga Shala / Facebook

Tofo draws travelers due to its incredible underwater world, pristine seaside setting and off-the-beaten-path vibes — all of which make for a perfect setting for a yoga-centric getaway.

Turtle Cove Lodge & Yoga Shala is set between the tropical seaside village of Tofo and the surfer’s paradise Tofinho Point, and is a goldmine for the yogi that is looking to expand their horizons on one of Africa’s most rejuvenating paradises.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

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A breathtaking view makes any yoga class that much more rewarding, and it’s tough to beat the cliffside views of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

One resort that offers an incredible yoga experience with a view of that magnificent Mediterranean Sea is Amalfi Coast Yoga Retreats, which also features delectable Italian food, cooking classes, on- and off-shore excursions and more to deliver a well-rounded and rewarding experience.

Mysuru (Mysore), India

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One of the most popular styles of yoga — vinyasa — is derived from Ashtanga yoga, which originated in Mysuru, formerly known as Mysore. It was here that Krishnamacharya, the founder of modern yoga, began to associate yoga with health and healing.

Visiting Mysuru is a truly immersive and life-changing experience that every yogi should consider adding to their bucket list.

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

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Costa Rica continues to beckon yogis from all around the globe due to its peaceful vibes and serene nature, and the oasis of Santa Teresa is a prime spot for practicing mindfulness.

Pranamar Villas is one establishment that offers all-inclusive yoga experiences ranging from surf and yoga packages, to teacher training, to honeymoon retreats, to daily classes open to the public.

Lanzarote, Spain

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Nestled on the Canary Island of Lanzarote is Kalindi guesthouse, which grounds guests with its programs focussing on improving mood, vitality, digestion and bodily connection. The center is set in the countryside and surrounded by a unique volcanic landscape that sets the stage for an incredible retreat.

Daily yoga sessions enable guests of all skill levels to dig within themselves to foster positivity both on and off the yoga mat.

New York

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Yes, it’s hard to consider New York a place to find your inner zen, but it’s at the forefront of many yoga fitness trends. That includes everything from cutting-edge establishments like Y7 yoga (freestyle yoga to hip hop music in a candlelit room) to the Rubin Museum of Art (customized yoga experiences and other mindfulness activities set in an art museum).

And New York isn’t all hot dogs and pizza. Healthy food options from vegan to vegetarian to organic eats are around almost every corner, so yogis can continue to support their bodies off the mat.

Algarve, Portugal

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The Algarve is known for its dramatic coastline, consisting of rugged cliffs carved into secluded golden beaches and a twinkling sea.

With tourists being drawn to towns like Lagos, Faro, Alcoutim and Silves, this sun-soaked region hosts many yoga retreats, where practitioners can find their zen surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, a rich culture and infectiously cheerful locals.

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

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Located on a 150-acre sanctuary, the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health draws yogis of all experience levels for a variety of zen-filled programs.

Aspiring yogis can purchase a day pass, and those more serious about their craft can enroll in the teacher training or immerse themselves in workshops with some of the most iconic practitioners in the yoga world.

Cape Town, South Africa

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The best motivation for a strong yoga practice is an inspiring view, and Cape Town has this in spades. A prime stage for physical activities, the Mother City has plenty of options for practicing yoga, including mobile yoga service, the Om Revolution, which provides outdoor yoga sessions hosted during the summer months at beautiful locations from beaches to gardens.

Anyone is welcome to drop in, from beginners to experts, and soak in the magic that is Cape Town.

Big Sur, California

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The rugged coast of California beckons visitors for its vast seaside views and calming setting, so naturally, it makes for a prime yoga spot. There are plenty of attractions that foster rejuvenation such as healing and creative arts, hot spring baths and spa treatments.

Yogis come here to be present and in the moment, and the tone for each day is set by Mother Nature.

Nosara, Costa Rica

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Tucked into the jungle paradise of Costa Rica, Nosara is where yogis can get lost to become found. With chill vibes and a thriving surf culture, the energy here vibrates on a different level, and Nosara is known as one of the top spots for yoga in the country.

Retreats and teacher-training sessions are aplenty, and the sounds of the jungle harmonize with the “oommmm” chants of yogis to create a zen-inducing ambiance.

Goa, India

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The country where yoga originated is teeming with places to find your inner zen, and while Rishikesh is the epicenter of spirituality and holiness, Goa offers a unique and valuable experience as well. Yogis come here to connect with ancient Hindu traditions in a more modern, sophisticated, European-influenced setting.

Visit Morjim or Agona beaches for a relaxing retreat where you can find the mental, emotional and spiritual peace you’ve been craving.