The Best Yoga Retreats in the US and Canada | Condé Nast Traveler
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The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means to unify. A growing number of yogis have taken this pursuit to a new level by joining immersive yoga retreats that offer a deeper connection with nature, the self, and the collective consciousness. Whether you practice daily or it’s your first time on the mat, embarking on a yoga retreat can allow you to focus on your well-being in a remote or natural setting. Studies have linked yoga to reduced stress, and committing to a structured program with daily classes can help you reap those benefits—while also enjoying the stunning surroundings of your chosen destination.
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far to have an incredible wellness vacation. From the Rocky Mountains to the lush islands of Hawaii, there are countless places to enjoy a yoga retreat in North America. These programs range in length, price, and style—from intensives at rustic wilderness lodges to luxury wellness resorts with spa amenities. Whether you’re looking to deepen your yoga practice or have a transformational wellness journey, these are the best yoga retreats in the United States and Canada.
Feathered Pipe Ranch has been hosting yoga retreats in Montana since 1975 and draws top wellness experts from around the world. It’s easy to see why—the sprawling retreat center in the Rocky Mountains is surrounded by nearly a million acres of national forest, creating a spectacular setting for reflection and growth. While its retreats range in focus, from yoga to Ayurveda to shamanism, they all share Feathered Pipe Foundation’s mission of offering inclusive experiences that preserve cultural traditions and encourage mindfulness. Private and shared lodging options range from Western-style chalets to glamping tents and yurts, and rates include nutritious meals (including vegan and gluten-free options) and access to amenities like saunas and a hot tub. Between classes, grab a canoe to explore the property’s spring-fed lake, hit the hiking trails, and keep an eye out for roving wildlife, including herds of elk and deer that call this alpine paradise home.
Set on 45 acres between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Sagrada Wellness offers all-inclusive yoga retreats that immerse guests in the beauty of California’s Central Coast. The eco-conscious sanctuary was founded and designed by architect Scott Currie and his wife, Eva Inglizian, an acupuncturist. The duo has been leading yoga retreats for nearly 20 years, and their wellness center near San Luis Obispo encapsulates their passions for design, holistic health, and nature. Accommodations range from private rooms with expansive patios overlooking the Santa Margarita Mountains to two-bedroom cottages with additional features like full kitchens and outdoor patios with fireplaces. Between yoga classes, indulge in homemade meals that use the seasonal bounty, take a dip in the saltwater pool or hot tub, or unwind with a glass of wine. With Highway 1 right at the Sagrada’s doorstep, it’s ideal for those looking to pair their California yoga retreat with a scenic road trip.
If marveling at the northern lights between sun salutations sounds appealing, head to Arctic Hive, a retreat center in Alaska’s Brooks Range. Made up of four off-grid guest cabins and two geodesic domes nestled between two protected wilderness areas—Gates of the Arctic National Park and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge—the facility offers a truly remote wellness getaway for all. In fact, many of their guests have never stepped foot in a yoga studio, says owner Mollie Busby, who built the property by hand with her husband Sean. The center only hosts one retreat at a time for just six to 10 guests, which creates a highly intimate atmosphere. Since the property sits directly under an aurora oval, September through April is the most popular time to visit. Many retreats incorporate outdoor adventure activities, such as hiking, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing. Guests can also look forward to learning about one of the world’s most beautiful and fragile ecosystems.
The forested Blue Ridge Mountains serve as a serene backdrop for the Art of Living Retreat Center, a 380-acre property offering day and overnight wellness adventures. The center is known for its robust programming and skilled visiting practitioners who offer targeted retreats that address specific issues—from loneliness to chronic stress—through movement, creativity, and mindfulness exercises. Founded by spiritual teacher Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the entire premise of the Art of Living Center is based on the principles of living in a stress-free and violent-free society. And, at times, the property can feel like its own utopian community, complete with a meditation hall for up to 3,700 people and on-campus lodging that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. While a natural fit for team-building retreats, it’s also an ideal destination for solo travelers. Off the mat, you’ll find a pottery studio, natural hiking trails, and an award-winning Ayurvedic spa.
Dating back to 1865, the historic Sewall House has long been rooted in the healing power of New England’s nature. Theodore Roosevelt visited the estate in northern Maine to learn about the wonders of the nearby Mount Katahdin and the wildlife in Baxter State Park with former owner William Sewall. And now, his great-granddaughter, Donna Davidge, is continuing the tradition with yoga retreats that connect guests with nature. Retreats are customizable—guests can stay for a few days or several weeks. Daily meditation and a variety of yoga classes (including stand-up paddleboard yoga) are included in the rate, as are three vegetarian and alcohol-free meals per day. As a four-season destination, guests can hike, kayak, or go horseback riding in the summer and enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. The charming rooms make you feel like you're staying at an old family lodge. Opt for one with a deep-soaking tub to kick your post-practice relaxation up a notch.
Renowned for its geothermal pools, Castle Hot Springs is a true adults-only oasis in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert and Bradshaw Mountains. The resort dates back to 1896 and has a longstanding history as a respite for notable families, including the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Rockefellers. More than a century later, the property’s mineral-rich waters still draw wellness lovers—and activities including yoga classes, e-mountain biking, a via ferrata course, and guided meditation sessions give guests plenty to do beyond soaking. The resort offers three-night yoga retreats multiple times a year, which are all-inclusive of farm-to-table meals, activities, gratuities, and lodging in one of the 30 bungalows and cabins. Delve into the asanas of hatha yoga, the foundations of pranayama breathwork, and the sutras for a deeper understanding of the practice. Then, refuel with nourishing meals featuring local ingredients (the property grows 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and florals) and hit the hot springs to soothe your sore muscles.
One of the best yoga retreats in Canada lies on Bowen Island, a wild haven for nature lovers just a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. Nectar Yoga Retreat is best known for its signature two-night Nectar Experience Package, which includes lodging, daily meditation and movement classes, and plant-based breakfasts made with locally sourced ingredients. Longer immersive retreats, workshops, and events are also offered throughout the year. Bed down in one of the minimalistic yet cozy A-frame cabins, or pamper yourself with a stay in a deluxe cottage with additional amenities like indoor and outdoor showers, Wi-Fi, and ultra-cozy window-side reading nooks. Classes are enjoyed in a dome surrounded by pine trees, ensuring that every upward dog is accompanied by stunning views of the surrounding 20 acres of woodlands. Between classes, kayak in the protected bays, climb Mount Gardner or explore the quaint town’s artisan shops and restaurants.
Surrounded by pine-covered mountains and tropical foliage, Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, is ideal for wellness enthusiasts seeking a luxurious island haven with personalized programs. While not a traditional yoga retreat, the 5-star wellness resort in Hawaii offers a full calendar of all-inclusive activities, including yoga classes, sound baths, and floating meditations, giving guests the flexibility of planning their own wellness journey. Between classes, spa treatments in a private hale make it easy to be blissfully present. Opt for a Lomi Lomi massage, which draws on the Hawaiian traditions of bodywork and aromatherapy, or try a treatment tailored for couples or moms-to-be (the adults-only resort is ideal for honeymooners and expecting parents). Many of the 92 guest rooms face the Japanese-inspired onsen gardens, where you’ll find 10 heated tubs for post-practice soaking. The on-site restaurant, Sensei by Nobu, offers health-conscious dishes alongside Nobu classics and cocktails. Balance your zen with a dose of adrenaline at the Lanai Adventure Park’s treetop aerial course, or try equine therapy with a horseback ride through the surrounding wooded valleys.
With five schools and a sprawling campus in the Berkshires, Kripalu is one of the most well-known yoga retreats in the US. The 125-acre center in Stockbridge has been offering immersive wellness programs since the 1980s and was instrumental in the evolution of yoga in the West. Today, it’s renowned for its yoga teacher trainings and wellbeing retreats offered by visiting global thought leaders. The most popular option is the R&R (Rest & Renewal) retreat, which gives guests the freedom to create their own itinerary of movement classes, healing arts, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking (the property sits on a private lake and has miles of walking paths.) Another popular draw is the recurring Essential Kripalu Retreat based on the self-care teachings of the late kundalini yoga master Swami Kripalu. Overnight rates include three wholesome meals (including meat, fish, and vegan options) and accommodations that range from private hotel-style rooms to more budget-friendly dormitories.
Those looking to pair their mountain poses with dramatic snow-capped peaks should make a bee-line to Fairmont Banff Springs, a 135-year-old chateau-style resort in Canada’s first national park. Today, its daily outdoor and indoor yoga and exercise classes and 40,000-square-foot spa facilities allow guests (including those with kids in tow) to create their own wellness plans. Off the mat, you can sign up for forest and sound bathing sessions, golf, bike rides, and snow-shoeing adventures around the UNESCO-listed Banff National Park. Then, recover in the tranquil hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and steam rooms. The 739 guest rooms also encourage relaxation with their stunning mountain views and access to the “All Be Well” channel that provides guided yoga, mindfulness, and sleep-focused routines. A selection of 12 restaurants and bars offers plenty of dining options, but the charming town of Banff is only a few minutes away if you’re craving a change of scenery.