Vacations can be stress-inducers even when you're on holiday. If you truly want a getaway where a break from all the insane happenings of life (especially for brides-to-be in the midst of wedding preparations) is truly guaranteed, jump on the yoga bandwagon and sign up for a short yoga or detox retreat in the region. Enjoy it alone or bring along the girls – the much-needed meditation and massages will have you looking like a glowing and relaxed bride on your wedding day!
Langkawi, Malaysia
Escape to Langkawi for a short getaway at Ambong Ambong, featuring the perfect union of outdoor natural beauty and modern comfort with a stay in one of their six studio-cottages. Secluded for maximum privacy, the resort's yoga and retreat packages are designed with the busy city dweller in mind.
Ubud, Bali
Remember Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love? Her stay in Four Season Resort Sayan at Ubud, Bali was a luxurious combination of wooden tented accommodations, idyllic natural landscape and yoga exercises at dawn. Located in the center of Ubud is The Yoga Barn, where even beginners can indulge in a satisfying retreat experience with the many classes provided. Stay at one of the centre's nine guest houses as you try out an array of massages, detox regimes and healing workshops.
Denpasar, Bali
Strengthen your body and mind at Amankila on Bali's eastern coast with this cliffside resort, offering the Alignment and Awareness Group Retreat. Combining a series of yoga or qigong bodywork, specialist or meditation sessions and healing therapies to alleviate both mind and body distress each day. Aided by the resort's professional wellness therapists, get ready for a transformative experience with a 3- or 7-night trip.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Break away from traditional yoga practiced in a yoga studio at Vikasa Yoga Retreat in Thailand where seaside yoga sessions on the beach or on coastal rocks challenge guests to enhance their well-being. Or if you are searching for the authentic meditation experience, Kamalaya is a resort literally built around a cave where you can nourish your mind and soul in an immersive meditative experience.
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Head up far north of Thailand to Chiang Rai, where you can enjoy a unique yoga experience at Museflower Retreat & Spa. The lake view outside of your cottage will be a mesmerising view every morning, while your diet will consist of freshly grown vegetables and fruits at the resort's own organic farms. Also a must-try on your yoga retreat here are the Chromotherapy and Himalayan Crystal Salt Relaxation rooms — meditation with the properties of changing colours or crystal salts.
Narendra Nagar, India
Ananda Spa in India is a yoga sanctuary fit for royalties — with an unparalleled, gorgeous view of the Himalayan mountain range, this resort sits in the Himalayan foothills overlooking the river Ganga. You will have all the privacy you need to settle into the zen mode required for extensive cleansing with their Yogic Detox packages.
Negros Oriental, Philippines
Combine your yoga exercises with diving in the Bohol Sea at Atmosphere Resorts & Spa on the island of Negros Oriental. Turquoise-colored waters, three yoga sessions a day and first-class accommodation and facilities in the resort's 3- or 6-day yoga retreat package is sure to leave you feeling refreshed at the end of your trip.
Boossa, Sri Lanka
The best thing about Villa de Zoysa in Sri Lanka — that specialises in 14-day yoga retreats and an Ayurvedic course — is the way it fosters the communal spirit among yogis and the value-for-money packages. The colonial house features a yoga shala where classes are held twice a day and classes can sometimes move onto the beachfront.
