WELLNESS

The merits of yoga have been studied scientifically over the last several years and the verdict on this ancient practice is not only does yoga make the body physically stronger and more flexible, but it also improves mental health, soothes the spirit and relieves stress.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines quality of life as “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.” Quality of life is affected by relationships, creativity, health, learning opportunities and material comforts. The quality of your life is an important predictor of your longevity. An interesting fact? A 2019 meta-analysis shows yoga as having a promising potential to improve the quality of life in people who deal with chronic pain.

Here are some other purported positives of yoga:

• May reduce anxiety;
• May boost immunity;
• Can improve balance;
• May improve cardiovascular function and lower blood pressure;
• May help improve sleep;
• May improve self-esteem;
• May improve bone health;
• Can tone muscles, promote better posture and body awareness;
• Can improve brain functioning;
• Can help with burnout.

Both Indonesia and Thailand – especially Bali and Koh Samui, respectively, in particular – are havens for yogis and non-yogis alike. These destinations have reputations as health and wellness hubs and if you are looking to spend your vacation awash in wellness, these are areas you can submerge yourself in the yoga culture and receive lessons from well-known teachers.

We would like to share with you a little exploration we’ve done on some of the best places to experience yoga as you might have never experienced it before.

Bali High

It is crucial that yoga is practiced correctly. When traveling to Bali on a “feel better” journey, you will want to head to Bali for a complete centering experience. Canggu is one of the areas where you will find optimal yoga sessions, but also jaw-droppingly gorgeous natural ocean vistas. Canggu has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into one of Bali’s most sought-after hotspots. The “Gu'' as it is often called, offers a more laid-back alternative to other southern towns and is also resplendent with brilliant eateries, and cool street art. The other area offering elite yoga services in Bali is Nusa Dua, – a sparklingly prestigious resort home to crystal clear shallow waters and pearly soft white sandy beaches accompanied by quiet and seclusion.

The Practice, Canggu

The Practice is known to be the most well-known yoga studio in Canggu. It offers a quiet, serene environment in a lovely bamboo studio. Here, you will find tantric Hatha classes, workshops, teacher training and a myriad of events. Yoga here is kept as close to its roots as possible. The subtle, yet potent and transformative system of “moon sun fire” devotedly imparted by world-class teachers, reflects the internal (Samaya) path of traditional Hatha yoga. You are offered a genuine means to experience direct realization of higher truths to achieve personal, professional and spiritual excellence.

Odyssey Mvmt, Canggu

Odyssey MVMT provides a complete mind, body and spirit solution with soulful yoga as well as game changing functional fitness classes. Work with a passionate and professional teacher to become the best version of yourself. Build your knowledge, alignment and practice in the odyssey essence classes. Create inner strength using free weights. In addition to yoga, you might also wish to take part in functional fitness sessions to boost your energy. A very unique option are the yoga and surfing sessions Odyssey offers with private yoga and surfing lessons.

Power of Now Oasis, Nusa Dua

Yoga teachers are Power of Now are all E-RYT 500 and therapists and practitioners, both holistic and clinical, are highly trained. Visiting experts are passionate about their fields of work and the local support team will genuinely look after you and bring joy to your retreat or training experience. It is the team that really sets Power of Now apart and ensures both a harmonious experience as well as a high standard of training and transformation. This is indeed a holistic place where you can get guidance from an Ayurvedic doctor, psychotherapist, art therapist, and a meditation and traditional healer, to name a few professionals. Look into restorative yoga to quiet your mind, relieve aches and soothe your soul in tranquil sessions that leave you refreshed.

Mirah Desima Institute, Nusa Dua

Mirah Delima Institute provides an integrated system of natural, holistic and Bali spiritual healing, such as: yoga, hypnotherapy, meditation, intuitive reading, purification, and others. Retreat programs were developed in consultation with traditional Bali healer masters. The team at Mirah Delima will work with you to resolve your concerns, and have supported guests to improve their quality of life and resolve such matters through resting in a high energy environment and working with a range of holistic treatments – yoga among them. Master healers connect and align you with traditional Balinese healing, healthy nutrition, a natural environment and traditional sacred practices.

Ani Sri Lanka

When on a wellness journey, you might also want to consider heading to Sri Lanka which also has a healthy yoga culture. Ani is the height of luxury accommodations in Sri Lanka with its twin estates of Villa Monara and Villa Divia. As many as 30 guests can enjoy the absolute comfort of 15 gorgeous bedrooms. Each home flaunts modern tropical architecture with the finest bespoke finishes and furnishings. Guests interact maximally with the spectacular outdoors with open-plan living salas. Spectacular resort grounds offer no shortage of recreation options before mesmerizing ocean vistas. Take your pick between swimming pools, with a bespoke poolside cocktail bar and a sunken lounge offering the utmost relaxation. An onsite splash park will delight the little ones, while a private tennis court provides ample time to practice your serve. Private spas will envelop you in a world of bodily bliss, while fitness, yoga, and entertainment facilities leave no moment of the stay to chance.

Classy Koh Samui

Yoga always seems better with a view of the ocean and the scent of exotic flowers like frangipani. Koh Samui has established itself as a destination for all things green, organic and holistic. The island’s yoga offerings have grown by leaps and bounds and is now known as one of the most ideal places for this wellness practice. It is not difficult to find yoga shalas on Koh Samui, but they are in locations akin to Nirvana. The remote location, nature, beaches, and pristine seas make this island an ideal place to practice yoga.

Samahita Retreat

Samahita Retreat was created with a particular goal in mind: to provide a space for people to practice yoga and develop safe and meaningful lifestyle habits. As a result, it offers a perfect setting for learning, experiencing, and practising the lessons taught during yoga retreats and courses. Here you will find an exclusive yoga fitness program based on the long experience of a local expert. It was developed especially for the Samahita Retreat and promotes weight loss, body toning, upright posture and aids the cardiovascular system.

Anahata Resort

This wellness resort provides a one-of-a-kind experience for the aware and independent traveller seeking to reconnect with a more simple and natural way of life while also escaping the pressures of modern ways. Here, you can choose to ramp up your fitness level, experience juicing for wellness, lose weight and get some traditional yoga classes to attain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Wellness programs will help you to detox, heal, reboot and rejuvenate. Retreats are located within stunning and peaceful settings.A team of experienced coaches, healers and trainers provide just the right setting to take the journey to excellent health, joy and longevity.

Kamalaya Personal Yoga Synergy

Kamalaya provides private one-on-one yoga sessions with individualized guidance, as well as complementary treatments such as Ayurveda therapies from trained Indian therapists. Regular yoga sessions are customized to your skill level and ambitions, making this personal yoga and wellness retreat ideal whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi. Asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing), and meditation are all part of personalized training. Instruction can be tailored to meet a variety of objectives, including overcoming physical limitations, establishing a routine home practice, and deepening and intensifying current practice.

Praana Residence, Koh Samui

A Koh Samui luxury wellness vacation beckons the best luxury accommodations which you will find in largess in the Praana Residence. This magnificent estate is perched along the ethereal Bo Phut Hills and is gifted with extraordinary 360-degree views over undulating forested mountains and the infinite blue expanse of the Gulf of Thailand. Interiors present a delectable marriage of contemporary chic refinement with an authentic Southeast Asian inflection. This exclusive three-story villa comprises several living pavilions, offering a bold indoor-outdoor luxury living philosophy. Shimmering stone floors towering copper beams and immaculate woodwork invoke the regal dynastic traditions of the Far East. Spellbinding exteriors include a domineering 82-foot infinity pool overlooking the entirety of the northeast corner of the island. As many as 12 guests will enjoy the sauna, wine cellar, massage room, gym, cinema room and playing on the private tennis court. As with all LVH homes, you will receive full services and 24/7 support.

If you would like to incorporate rest and relaxation on a wellness getaway to Bali or Koh Samui, we will make it happen in the most luxurious of ways. In this fast-paced life, it’s necessary to take time to pause and wind down. We can include these types of experiences on the customized itinerary we will create for you reflective of all your vacation wishes. We invite you to reach out to one of our insightful client service associates who will begin planning your fabulous wellness journey ensuring your stay is a mix of excitement, style, relaxation and elegance.