Asanas at Sea? The Best Places for Yoga Around the World Are Also the Most Unconventional

The best places for yoga are at once picturesque and contemplative, whether it be pranayama in Ladakh’s austere landscape, dhanurasana in the thick of Thailand’s jungles, or shavasana beside an Alpine lake in New Zealand. These experiences offer as much external peace as they do internal, and even long after the session and trip have ended, it’s those stirring, outdoor moments that endure.

They feel like they’ve stopped time and are worth going out of the way for—planned or spontaneous. And what’s better than practicing your asanas in a phenomenal natural setting? With these 10 best places for yoga, grab your go-to mat and embrace your inner yogini. Lux* South Ari Atoll, Maldives
The middle of the Indian Ocean is possibly the most unique spot one can find to do yoga.

Practice asanas while sailing on a traditional wooden dhow at this Maldien hour with an instructor guiding you on Tibetan Sound Bowl therapy, breathwork, and yoga. Sip on a refreshing drink, inhale a mood-enhancing oil blend, and float on the waves as you meditate and feel your mind reset. The Kyagar, Nubra Valley, India
This boutique hotel is located on the ancient Silk Route in Ladakh’s stunning but stark landscape

Sitting on the sandy banks of the Siachen

Sitting on the sandy banks of the Siachen River and surrounded by the icy Karakoram peaks, it has a very special location that owner Rinchen Kalon believes furthers your yoga practice. To that end, she hosts a retreat at the property every season, and when the weather permits, outdoor classes are held on a river trail surrounded by wildflowers and sea buckthorn bushes. The Kyagar’s regular yoga classes are free of charge for guests and last 30 to 90 minutes.

Haritha Villas and Spa, Sri Lanka
This luxury villa property in Hikkaduwa has an open-air jungle yoga pavilion nestled amidst lush tropical greenery, overlooking the serene canopy of the surrounding forest. Haritha offers hour-long, private lessons in Hatha Yoga, which are apt for beginners. Guests love the serene jungle setting with sweet birdsong in the background and a gentle wind rustling through the trees.

Many cite the yoga lesson as one of the most memorable parts of their stay here. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Oman
This rocky mountain resort is one of the highest hotels in the world and has a spectacular deck which can be booked for a yoga session (based on weather and availability). Diana’s Point is a platform where Diana, Princess of Wales, once stood back in 1986 and has a breathtaking canyon view of the fabled Green Mountain.

Anantara offers hatha, sarvanga, meditation, and monthly full-moon

Anantara offers hatha, sarvanga, meditation, and monthly full-moon yoga classes, but this spot is not for the fainthearted, as it juts out into a valley with a steep drop-off. March to May is rose season in this region, and the entire valley below erupts into unbelievably fragrant Damask roses. The Kumaon, India
The exquisitely-designed Kumaon is located in a remote part of the Himalayas, and its most magical setting for yoga is the rooftop terrace located at the highest point of the property.

Views extend to the valley of the Kosi River on one side and the Binsar Forest on the other, all under the watchful gaze of the upper Himalayas, including the divine Nanda Devi peak. With reclaimed Himalayan slate as the cooling floor of the terrace, a wispy breeze scented with pine and carrying birdsong, Kumaon’s yoga space feels magical. It offers traditional hatha yoga along with basic pranayama, and guests describe them as rejuvenating and peaceful.

Qasr Al Sarab, Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
Doing yoga surrounded by vast sand dunes is certainly an unusual proposition. The wellness and meditation center at Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara is nestled on the edge of the resort, a sanctuary that opens to an uninterrupted panorama of the golden Liwa Desert. Guests can practice in the midst of raw nature as the sun rises or sets; in the early morning, the desert sky turns pink and gold, while at twilight, it twinkles with stars.

Yoga instruction is available year-round, and the resort

Yoga instruction is available year-round, and the resort also collaborates with yoga gurus specializing in yin yoga, immersive sound healing, and yoga nidra from October to April. Those looking for silence and stillness to escape a chaotic lifestyle will truly appreciate this setting. Keemala Resort and Spa, Thailand
This luxury jungle resort in Phuket has a special focus on wellness with a tropical spa, healthy cuisine, and eco-friendly operations.

Keemala has two outdoor yoga spaces, one intimate wedding venue nestled within the forest, and the other on a rooftop, offering scenic views. The forest yoga takes place amid lush foliage under a 300-year-old Takian tree; guests are encouraged to practice barefoot so that they can ground themselves directly to the earth for a soulful experience. The resort also has a meditation cave with a waterfall designed to help guests heighten their focus and fully immerse in the present moment.

Group classes are complimentary, and private instruction is available at an additional charge. Aro Hā Wellness Retreat, New Zealand
A world-famous retreat in the Southern Alps, Aro Hā is located on serene Lake Wakatipu, just 40 minutes from Queenstown. Its yoga classes take place in the Aro Hā Room, which is well known for its striking views of the alpine lake. It offers a range of hatha styles that cater to a wide range of skill level, and all classes are complimentary.

Yoga is a key element of their larger

Yoga is a key element of their larger program, which also includes subalpine hikes, daily massages and spa time, and a variety of wellness workshops. Jumeirah Olhahali Island, Maldives
You may have done yoga on a beach, but have you ever done yoga on a private sandbank? Jumeirah Olhahali Island takes guests on a five-minute speedboat ride to reach a private sandbank at sunrise or sunset.

Its Oceanic Balance Retreat is an all-encompassing yoga experience tailored to its surroundings, whether energizing at dawn or grounding at sunset. Pleasant ocean breezes, uninterrupted horizons, and the sense of pure seclusion create space for profound clarity and calm. Acro Suites, Greece
Located on the cliffs of Crete, Acro Suites describes itself as a restorative retreat. Its asana wellness studios are sleekly designed with bamboo and local stone, overlooking the Aegean Sea and dramatic cliffs of Mononaftis Bay.

The studios offer a variety of yoga styles, including hatha, vinyasa, yin, and yoga nidra, all guided by certified instructors. In addition to complimentary daily practices, guests can also partake in intimate couples sessions, healing circles, and sound healing journeys, each designed to deepen connection. A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller India.

Source: www.cntraveler.com