Yogis are everywhere these days (in fact, according to the latest quadrennial
Yoga Journal
study, more than 20 million people practiced yoga in 2012) – 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 also have a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond the mat. Yoga-Fusions (yoga combined with popular recreational activities):
- Horseback Yoga: The Red Mountain Resort in Utah offers a four-day retreat led by expert horsewoman Patty Arnett, internationally-certified yoga instructor Aileen Epstein-Ignadiou, and their wrangler team. Guests explore how combining the spirit of a horse with yoga, guides a powerful and deep transformation, releasing resistance and pain, to create a uniquely magical experience.
- Geothermal Standup Paddleboard Yoga: Utah’s Homestead Crater, with year-round 90-degree water temperatures and a natural dome-like structure to protect from the elements outdoors, provides the ultimate yoga-fusion with SUP paddleboard yoga sessions inside the crater’s geothermal waters.
- Backcountry Yoga: This experience, courtesy of Four Seasons Whistler, includes a helicopter ride over the Pemberton Ice Cap before arriving at a remote natural hot spring. Upon arrival, guests enjoy a private yoga session in the remote wilderness followed by a signature hot springs spa treatment. The experience includes also pool-side cuisine and cocktails prepared by Four Seasons’ Chef de Cuisine.
Yoga AND… (go beyond the mat and combine yoga with other active experiences):
- Mechanical bull-riding workouts and juicing 2.0 at Travaasa Experiential Resorts: In addition to expanded daily yoga offerings included in Travaasa Experiential Resorts' inclusive rate, guests are engulfed in the culture of the surrounding communities – Austin, Texas and Hana, Hawaii – with programing that includes mechanical bull-riding workouts, thrownet fishing, and an extensive juicing instruction program.
- Rock climbing and mountain hikes at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek: In their dedicated yoga program Allegria Spa at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort offers a variety of styles for everyone from novices to enthusiasts to enjoy. Guests can take private lessons or group classes in Vinyasa flow, Power yoga and – for adventurous practitioners – Mountain Sports yoga.
- Cultural immersion and family instruction at Hyatt Regency Tamaya: In partnership with the Santa Ana Pueblo, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, offers guests a comprehensive yoga experience with mixed-level classes for family members as young as 8, in addition to the rich cultural experiences such as Tamaya bread baking demonstrations.
- Kayak tour of Bermuda’s coves: Discover the hidden coves and crystal clear Atlantic waters surrounding the island of Bermuda with weekly kayak tours of three scenic locations in addition to beachside yoga classes offered at The Reefs Resort and Club.
And, don't miss the massive week-long yoga retreat and festival in Estes Park, Colorado.
Yoga Journal LIVE: Colorado, on September 14 – 21, offers extensive class programming, business seminars, all-day intensive workshops including yoga and rock-climbing, hiking and other high-intensity adventures as well as a yoga market featuring products and services for healthy, balanced living.
For more information about National Yoga Month offerings, contact April Ingle at
april.ingle@turnerpr.com
.