Turner | Spin Kitchen

Beyond the Mat: Celebrating National Yoga Month

Written by Caitlin Martz | July 29, 2015

Yogis are everywhere these days. In fact, more than 20 million people regularly practice yoga in the US, with another 42.1 million “aspirational yogis” who would like to try it. But gone are the days when a hotel program offering an in-room yoga mat is enough to appeal to today’s experiential traveler. In honor of National Yoga Month in September, we’ve rounded up the best hotels, resorts and destinations where enthusiasts can not only practice their yoga skills but have a one-of-a-kind experience as well that goes beyond the mat.

Albuquerque

NEW Bikes and Yoga Tours (Saturdays at 9am during the fall)

Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals

Routes has announced the launch of their new Bike and Yoga tour series this fall. This is the first professionally-led bicycle tour experience to incorporate yoga. All tour packages include bike rentals, water bottles, light snacks, Routes’ signature concierge-level service, and a 45-minute yoga session led by a local professional Yogi and set against the stunning gardens and grounds of Los Poblanos.

YogaRitas in the Park with El Pinto

Every Sunday this summer, guests can join fellow yogis in a beautiful vinyasa flow under the cottonwood trees in the park area at El Pinto Restaurant and Cantina. A $5 donation is requested and El Pinto will provide $5 off Sunday brunch and margaritas. Classes are offered at 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. And YogaRita margaritas begin flowing at 11 a.m.

Utah

Red Rock Yoga and Hiking Retreat (Goblin Valley State Park, Utah)

Combining invigorating and restorative yoga practices with canyoneering adventures, the Red Rock Yoga and Hiking Retreat offers an unforgettable experience. Located in south-central Utah, Goblin State Valley Park is inhabited by uniquely shaped stone goblins which lure visitors to join them in their desert playground (it’s like doing Yoga on Mars!). The retreat includes guided hikes through canyon country including an all day canyoneering adventure. Free time will be offered too in a land where one could easily spend days exploring the mysterious valley and its numerous intricately eroded creatures. In October, the days are typically sunny and warm with clear nights. Be prepared for spectacular stargazing at night. The retreat is open to all levels.

Homestead Crater SUP Yoga

Guests can stay warm and fit with geothermal standup paddleboard yoga in the mineral-rich, 90 degree water of the 10,000-year-old Homestead crater.  Park City Yoga Adventures offers standup boarding yoga at the crater as well as a winter snowshoe and yoga tour.

Bermuda

Yoga With Tali

Relieve stress and enhance both physical and mental health with an afternoon of SUP yoga on Bermuda’s beautiful waters. Whether an experienced yogi or a beginner, Yoga With Tali offers hour-long practices starting with pranayama (controlled breathing) and ending in savasana (rest position).

Four Seasons Whistler

Wilderness Wellness Heli-Hot Spring Experience

Four Seasons Whistler’s wellness journey begins with a helicopter ride over the Pemberton Ice Cap, BC’s largest Ice field, before arriving at a remote natural hot springs. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a master yoga instructor and a Four Seasons Spa therapist to enjoy private yoga sessions, followed by a private aqua massage treatment. The experience also includes thermal pool-side, spa-inspired cuisine and cocktails prepared by Four Seasons’ Chef-De-Cuisine. (The culinary element is completely customizable according to guests preferences.)

Four Seasons Vail Customized Wellness w/ Attitude Experience

Every guest is different; FSV’s new wellness experience is completely customizable according to each guest’s preference, whether they are yoga fanatics or hard core foodies. The experience includes 3 nights stay in luxurious accommodations; Garden-to-table culinary lesson that includes a trip to the local farmer’s market with the chef; private outdoor yoga sessions in a botanical garden; and a choice in outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, etc.

Four Seasons Jackson Hole

Summer Mountain Wellness Experience

This unique spa, fitness & wellness program draws inspiration from Jackson Hole’s renowned landscape, incorporating everything from paddle boarding and daily yoga classed to pool side mini spa treatments and make your granola.  Guests will receive daily complimentary fresh juice from the Resort’s “create-your-own-juice” fruit bar; yoga and fitness workouts; choice of adventure between Standup Paddle Boarding or biking; poolside “Rose & Rosé”; in-room wellness amenities such as make-your-own granola, housemade salt scrubs from the spa, etc.; private meditation session with in-house therapist; and a Departure Amenity kit for your trip home that promotes hydration and well-being.

The Carneros Inn

Wine Country Wellness Experience

A full spa, fitness & wellness experience inspired by the surrounding wine region that includes customized vineyard runs/walks; tailored bootcamp classes with workout stations throughout the grounds; yoga sessions overlooking the vineyards and access to complimentary bikes on-property to use throughout their stay. The experience would also include a “vinotherapy” spa treatment such as (Chardonnary Sugar Scrub, Cabernet Wrap or Rosemary Mint Grapeseed Scrub), as well as a daily spa-inspired breakfast at Hilltop or in your room (e.g. breakfast with variety of fresh, healthy dishes to choose from featuring ingredients sourced from the resort’s on-site culinary gardens). As part of the wellness experience, guests will receive a custom welcome amenity upon arrival featuring mini-spa products, a TCI robe (to take home with them), fresh fruit and juices stocked in the fridge, as well as homemade granola.