You've got a line on international hotspots and beach bars as far as the eye can see, but sometimes you need a journey designed to reconnect the mind, body and soul. Somewhere with room to stretch out, no schedule to keep, and a little yoga thrown in. And you can always use a little brushup on your Downward Dog. It might be time to leave the weekly sessions behind and embark on a full-fledged yoga holiday.
We suggest a place in southern India called Goa, not too far from yoga's birthplace. Intended to relax the mind and liberate the body's energy, the yoga practiced here is a purer breed, one that attracts disciples from all corners of the world. And it's no wonder: when you're on the path to inner peace, stretching white sand beaches can bring on a whole new meaning to inner-bliss. 450 years under Portuguese rule have given the area a mix of colonial and pre-colonial treasures, so you're likely to see colonial churches, ancient Hindu sanctuaries and coconut groves all in the same afternoon. That is, if you aren't too busy in cobra position.
As for finding a good yogi, we recommend the Ashiyana center, which has the advantage of being central enough to permit a little exploration, but far enough north that the city won't disturb your tranquility. Your yoga holiday can be as short as a week or as long as a month, and the yoga center lets you drop in and out as you please, so you won't have to keep to a schedule. There's also a full set of massage and spa treatments for relaxation that's a little more passive, along with creative workshops to put your newly focused mind to work. For accommodations, you'll have your choice between carved-stone lodgings and treehouse-style eco-lodges, made from local lumber for a uniquely South Asian feeling.
By the end of the holiday, you may be feeling uniquely South Asian yourself.
Ashiyana Tropical Retreat Centre
Goa, India
http://www.ashiyana-yoga-goa.com
contact@ashiyana-yoga-goa.com