{"id":2977,"date":"2020-01-07T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-07T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=2977"},"modified":"2021-03-03T16:32:33","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T16:32:33","slug":"yoga-and-travel-journeys-that-promote-wellbeing-and-self-discovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/yoga-and-travel-journeys-that-promote-wellbeing-and-self-discovery\/","title":{"rendered":"Yoga and travel: journeys that promote wellbeing and self-discovery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The importance of taking time out to recharge and reconnect for both our physical and mental wellbeing is hugely important. For many, yoga is the key and imparts a multitude of benefits to your physical and mental health. So, grab your mat and we\u2019ll take you on a journey to some of the best destinations for a little \u2018yin\u2019 and \u2018yang\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An ancient tradition that was first practised some 5000 years ago in northern India, this archaic form of yoga was used by brahmins (priests belonging to the first caste of Indian society) as a way of connecting their body and souls in order to reach enlightenment. Jump forward about a couple of millennia, and the arrival of yoga in the western world takes place in the United States towards the end of the nineteenth century. Since then, the various denominations of Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin and Power have now become commonplace. From the vast choice of lessons to the increasingly fashionable outfits, yoga has traversed being a discipline of a few, to a new lifestyle practised by the masses. It was natural then that yoga and travel should eventually cross paths. Combine enchanted places, calming spirits and a wanderlust-like spiritual desire for self-discovery, and you\u2019ve got a winning combo for even the newest yogis. Here we introduce you to some of the most serene spots that are perfect for practising your sun salutations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bali<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A wellness destination sought by yoga professionals and\nnovices alike; Bali offers a multitude of opportunities to practice. Here you\ncan access the best holistic spas and eat some delicious plant-based food\nthanks to the growing number of stylish vegan restaurants. The prevalence of Hindu\nculture and religion creates an ideal atmosphere for a successful journey into\nself-discovery. These are some of the most recommended areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ubud
Ubud rice fields <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The centre of culture, art and dance, Ubud is known\nworldwide for its lush nature, including sacred forests, the Tegalalang terraced\nrice fields and for its many authentic temples. Spas, saunas and\nhealth-conscious restaurants flourish around every corner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular with a younger crowd Canggu delivers wellness and\ndetox by day, and clubs, parties and entertainment after sunset. A prime surf\nspot, Canggu also packed with quaint caf\u00e9s, live music venues and postcard-perfect\nbeaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for somewhere a little more sophisticated, “The Yak” (nicknamed by tourists) – is a concentration of chic venues, luxury resorts, spas and sophisticated bars, which attract those in search of pure relaxation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costa Rica<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Costa Rica is attracting more and more travellers,\nseeking-out the charm of this country that is kissed by the surrounding Caribbean\nand Pacific. Beauty can be found both on the coast and in its hinterland, which\nis composed mainly of green jungle and is home to an amazingly biodiverse\necosystem. To all of this. add its vast historical and cultural heritage and\nyou can understand the dynamic pull of Costa Rica as a holiday destination. The\ncapital San Jos\u00e9 is an interesting m\u00e9lange in which Spanish architecture, a\nclear reminder of the colonial period, parades along with remains from the\npre-Columbian era and modern buildings too. Here are some of Costa Rica\u2019s hot\nspots:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arenal
Arenal Volcano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even before reaching the beach town of Playa Montezuma – a\nstrip of white sand like talcum powder – you are swept up in an incredible\nenergy that may well have you wanting to stretch into the perfect Warrior II\npose. Playa Grande is another spot loved by surfers, paddleboard enthusiasts\nand hikers who, especially during the summer, venture into the paths inside the\njungle to see more closely the natural abundance of this region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another village located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa\nTeresa, a small fishing town, has over the years become a top destination for various\nsports fanatics. Its beaches are perfect for starting the day with a sun salutation\nand, if you are feeling more adventurous, you can even practice your yoga poses\non paddleboards \u2013 a challenge for the mind and body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in search of real tranquillity away from (almost) all civilisation, then a visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park is a must. Surrounded by jungle, it offers spectacular views and is one of the best places to admire the flora and fauna of Costa Rica – including the colourful toucan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

USA<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yoga is practised worldwide, and its commonality is in some\npart, thanks to the US. The choice to embark on spiritual, meditative and\nwellness-style holidays is increasingly growing in popularity. Here are some\nthe US top spots:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"
Big Sur, Highway 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The West Coast is the home of dreamers, perpetual tans and\nan outdoor lifestyle that is envied by many all over the world. With a high\nconcentration of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, it is the ideal foodie\ndestination for the health-conscious (with thanks likely to its high\nconcentration of celeb residents). The culture of wellness and keeping fit is\nan integral part of daily life here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The big cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego are ideal spots for Instagrammers who can’t wait to post their photos (often curled in the Cobra position) in front of the Golden Gate or the Hollywood sign. But for those looking for a slightly deeper connection to nature, we recommend instead, the panoramic peaks of Yosemite National Park, the dunes of Death Valley, the walkways in the Redwood National Forest and the beaches that wind along Highway 1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morocco<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Morocco offers something for everyone, including sportsmen,\nyogis, romantics and, above all, foodies. Is there anything better than\nachieving an uplifting sense of \u2018zen\u2019 with the added benefit of a full and\nsatisfied stomach? We think not. From the traditional hammams in even the\nsmallest of towns to the luxury resort-style spas in the major cities, you\u2019ll\nfind a myriad of treatments on offer that will often utilise some of most\ndelectable-smelling local aromatic oils to help relax. But if you feel like\nlivening-up after a day of blissful retreat, how about wandering the souks for\nspices, or journeying out to the Sahara for some scorching heat, or to the\nsnow-covered peaks of the Atlas Mountains? Here are a few of Morocco\u2019s\nunmissable gems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sahara
Sahara Desert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The magnificence of the art deco buildings in Casablanca is juxtaposed\nwith the attractive Moorish architecture of mosques that provide this city with\nits unique skyline which overlooks the ocean. A walk along the beach before\nvisiting Casablanca Cathedral and the Hassan II Mosque is an idyllic way to\nrecharge yourself and soak-up any residual spiritual vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fez, the ancient capital of Morocco, is still considered the\ncultural centre of this country, which is demonstrated by its rich history,\nmuseums and ancient buildings that adorn the city. A tip before taking refuge\nin a Turkish bath or Ayurveda yoga session is to visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa\n(Koranic school), the craft museum (Dar Batha) and photograph the intricate\nblue mosaic of the Bab Bou Jeloud (blue gate of Fez).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marrakech is a hugely popular destination thanks to its lush gardens, clash of Berber, Spanish, Arabic and Moorish cultural influences and above all its tastes and smells.  A walk through the fabrics and spices in the souks of Jemaa el-Fna, although less than tranquil, is as an authentic experience as it gets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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