Escaping to a gorgeous holiday paradise is the ultimate way to recharge and switch off from the stresses of work and life. If you really need a break to focus on your wellbeing, to practise yoga and to detox with healthy meals, then a perfectly private villa in a stunning natural setting might be just what the doctor ordered. Wake up to the sound of lapping waves and the call of tropical birds, a fresh juice awaits you after your yoga practice on these exceptional terraces with incredible views. Afterwards, continue to be tempted by the other villas in Part I of our best yoga terraces here.
Residence on the Rocks – Mahé, The Seychelles
Imagine doing your daily yoga facing one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. This coupled with serene surroundings and laidback elegance makes the Residence on the Rocks in the Seychelles, an amazing private yoga getaway destination.
Built in 2008, the Residence on the Rocks sits on a high ridge on the estate of the Banyan Tree Resort in the very south of Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles. Discretely nestled in virgin, indigenous forest, the beautiful four-bedroom villa has views on Intendance Beach, voted one of the best beaches in the world, as well as lovely Taka Maka Beach.
Designed in a colonial, Creole style and decorated with antiques and artwork personally collected by the villa’s owners, it features a large lounge, a sitting area and dining room which is next to a fully equipped kitchen. With two of the bedrooms in the main building and the others in two separate guest houses (and reached via a forest path), it’s ideal for a group of friends who would like to spend quality time together while having their own privacy.
A highlight of the villa is the numerous covered verandas, sunny poolside terraces and charming pavilion – all with exquisite views of the forest or sea and suitable, tranquil places to practice yoga depending on your mood and the time of day. Guests can enjoy all the benefits of the Banyan Tree Resort including having one of its yoga instructors give private lessons right at the Residence.
Enjoy the beach, forest and supreme peacefulness on a yoga inspired retreat in the spectacular Seychelles at the Residence on the Rocks at this link.
Villa Monalisa – Campania, Italy
The vast seven-bedroom Villa Monalisa lies in a very private position surrounded by nature; immersed in a maritime pine wood setting, steps from the Mediterranean sea. Available through Villas and Apartments Abroad, the estate lies in a protected area, part of the Cilento National Park in the southern Italian region of Campania. The terraces surrounding the villa are filled with scented jasmine, honeysuckle, and bougainvillea, the perfect surroundings for meditative yoga.
The charming living room with wooden ceilings and parquet floors; furnished with sofas, coaches, fireplace with a well-stocked library opens onto the master bedroom, kept in blue and white colors, which opens onto the terrace, inviting you out for stretching even from the earliest hours.
Afterwards, take a dip in the swimming pool (10 mt x 5 mt), located a short walk from the villa, sheltered by a Roman ruin. Then spend some time lounging on one of the sunbeds found in the pool area or on the private sunbathing wooden deck overlooking the sea and the Licosa island lying just in front of the coast. If you would like to remain closer to the house, there are long comfortable cushioned inbuilt benches all along the front of it and a separate palm covered outdoor lounge area with sofas and couches with spectacular views overlooking the sea.
Fresh vegetable and fruits from the organic garden as well as delicious olive oil right from the property are used to whip up healthy meals. Guests can also stay fit by biking and hiking through the forest, towards the private island and lighthouse, along the seashore, or into the low hills to San Marco.
Enjoy a peaceful and healthy vacation in southern Italy with Villas and Apartments Abroad here.
The Dream – Barbados
Situated in the exclusive neighbourhood of ‘The Garden’ on Barbados’ platinum West Coast, this gorgeous five-bedroom beachfront villa, by Blue Sky Luxury, combines ultra modern design with Caribbean chic, providing a divine setting for magical yoga sessions by the sea.
The beautifully furnished interiors accentuate the modern architecture and focus on clean lines, neutral tones and tropical indulgence. The main floor houses three of the five en suite air-conditioned bedrooms. The plush first floor master suite opens onto a private balcony and gorgeous vistas of the sea and the relaxed covered terrace.
Designed to encourage outdoor living, The Dream has various open plan living spaces and covered terraces, a spacious sundeck around the sleek infinity edge swimming pool overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea and a comfortable outdoor lounge area, all surrounded by landscaped gardens, tropical fauna and a spectacular ocean view – deciding where to lay down your yoga mat will be difficult!
The Blue Sky Luxury team can arrange some exceptional teachers to come to the villa. They offer a variety of practices from the beginner to the very advanced and some are so popular that they travel annually to work with their top overseas clients when they are not vacationing in Barbados. There are also a number of yoga workshops hosted throughout the year by well known International practitioners, Blue Sky Luxury can advise you about these and help you plan your trip accordingly.
The Dream is ideal for sunset yoga overlooking the ocean or even yoga under the moonlight. To change up your routine, you could try paddleboard yoga, a fun new experience which tests balance and engages the core. This can be practised in the sea right in front of the villa. After a strenuous yoga session, treat yourself to a range of in-villa spa services that Blue Sky Luxury can organize.
The villa is set at the end of a private drive, offering complete privacy, while remaining within reach of the West Coast’s many five star restaurants, luxury boutiques, trendy bars and nightclubs and world class golf courses and other activities.
The Blue Sky Luxury team is ready to help you design your dream yoga retreat at the Dream Villa. Contact them here.
Marchons Sur l’Eau – St-Tropez, France
You’ll reach yoga nirvana on the phenomenal terrace of the aptly named “Walk on Water” villa, offering endless views of the sparkling French Mediterranean.
The newly built contemporary villa, available through Villas Prestige et Services, is perched on an entirely hidden location above the picturesque port of Ramatuelle. Outdoor living revolves around the sublime infinity pool, surrounded by two levels of terrace and a barbecue area. The spacious open living continues indoors with a comfortable living room and kitchen area, decorated with colorful modern furniture and artwork inspired by Miro.
Guests can keep a zen state of mind hiking the cliffs around the villa while soaking up the exquisite views. Alternatively, those looking to stay fit can descend to the “Cap Taillat” beach and club to take in some tennis and a variety of watersports from standup paddleboard to kayaking. A quiet amble can be made in the village around its charming shops and cafes or those seeking some buzz need only take a short drive to nearby St-Tropez.
Learn more about this superb Cote d’Azur villa through Villas Prestiges et Services at this link.
Amara Ocean Resort – Ngapali, Myanmar
Located on a three-kilometer stretch of powder white sand south of Ngapali, the Amara Ocean Resort provides a tranquil and luxurious retreat for Yogis seeking to practise in a perfectly peaceful and laidback beach setting in untouristy Myanmar.
The boutique resort has 26 rustic chic teak bungalows which are nestled in a palm grove and face the beautiful beach. Get your day started with an hour of yoga in one of the resort open-air bungalows that have an unobstructed view of the sea and direct access to the beach, however, which are partially hidden behind mangrove trees. Since the resort faces west, these pavilions also beckon sunset yoga.
The friendly staff, healthy local cuisine and the rich cultural heritage create the ideal environment for escaping the world and focusing on your well being. You can also pamper yourself at the resort’s newly opened outdoor spa.
Enjoy a wonderfully secluded yoga beach retreat with Amara Ocean Resort.
Quinta Quebrada – San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Quinta Quebrada is undoubtedly the most extraordinary house one of Mexico’s most beautiful hilltop cities, San Miguel de Allende. The one of a kind house is like a living museum, while at the same time, an overwhelming sense of well-being reigns. Pamela H. Murdock, who represents the house, tells us more about it and why it would be perfect for a private yoga and wellness retreat:
“Owned by the same lady since 1959, every design decision she made when she began the expansion of the original house was based on authenticity and history of this fascinating area. Hours of painstaking research and working with local artisans resulted in her deep understanding of the importance of the spirituality in every aspect of design.
“This imposing and yet charming 16th century casa has 13,864 sq. ft. of living space on three floors and beautifully landscaped grounds covering almost one acre. Throughout the property and on every floor are many lovely terraces and a big lawn, which is fun, so one can do yoga in different settings depending on one’s mood.
“There is also a wonderful masseuse/healer who will come to the house or for those feeling especially spiritual, there’s another masseur/healer who just happens to be a shaman as well, named Gray Wolf. In addition, there are several very good spas in town and outside including the very funky Hotel Hacienda Taboada, the home of “Aqua Magica”. Plus, just outside the property is El Santuario de Atotonilco, one of the most important 18th c. churches in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with outstanding frescoes and wooden sculptures.”
With 11 bedrooms, Quinta Quebrada is the perfect house for a yoga retreat for a group of friends. Reach out to Pamela here to design your ideal holiday focusing on your mind at body at magical Quinta Quebrada.
Virunga Lodge – Rwanda
Set on a lush hilltop in an exceptional location, the award-winning Virunga Lodge by Volcanoes Safaris offers panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes and the dazzling twin lakes, Ruhondo and Bulera. This is the premier luxury destination for Rwandan wildlife safaris to spot the endangered mountain gorillas.
Virunga lodge has been described as having ‘the best view in the world’ and as ‘one of the finest lodges in Africa’. The organic, ‘bush-chic’ design reflects local building traditions while offering luxurious comforts.
Every banda has an amazing outdoor space, overlooking either the twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo or the three Volcanoes (Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Gahinga), where guests can do yoga facing breathtaking vistas. Volcanoes Safaris can also arrange a wide range of outdoor activities and gorilla safaris to carry on the peacefulness of your holiday and provide you with an unparalleled natural experience in the stunning forests and mountains of the area.
Discover Volcanoes Safaris unique approach to tourism and sustainability by vacationing with them.
Villa Selina – Serifos, Greece
Recharge with the rejuvenating energy of the Aegean Sea at this gorgeous five-bedroom villa, available through White Key Villas, set on a secluded estate dotted with fruit trees and vineyards overlooking the sandy bay of Kalo Ampeli.
Boasting a wide array of outdoor spaces, Yogis will have the choice between beside the pool, on the upper terrace with incredible sea views, under the vine-laden dining area or inside in the vast, cool yoga-fitness area.
The design and decor are a modern take on classical Cycladic ambiance with white walls, wooden furniture and vintage wooden floors. Guests can come together in various inviting living spaces while having the privacy of spaced out bedrooms consisting of a master suite, independent double bedroom, two-room family suite and a romantic guest house. The bedrooms are fresh and airy, with pastel tones and plenty of natural light.
The location is very hidden yet only a 10-minute drive to the port and nearest shopping area. Plus, the beach is short walk away. This is an excellent retreat for a group of friends with their children or a large family.
Learn more about this stunning villa by reaching out to White Key Villas here.
Sawtooth House – Queenstown, New Zealand
Envelop yourself in the beauty of Queenstown on a blissful yoga holiday at the sleek Sawtooth House by Majordomo. The uniquely designed five-bedroom villa sits over the beautiful Shotover River and has awe-inspiring views of the valley and the mountains behind.
This one of a kind villa blends modern design with a warm welcoming feel while also having a large outdoor space for entertaining. This is complemented by the owner’s impressive contemporary art collection. Ideal for girls’ retreats or family trips, it sleeps ten in one extravagant king en-suite and four plush king single bunk rooms. MajorDomo can arrange an in-house yoga instructor or masseuse for the perfect relaxation outside on the terrace overlooking the river.
At just 10 minutes from central Queenstown it’s also a great base for exploring the area, abundant in outdoor adventurous pursuits. At the end of the day enjoy pre-dinner cocktails as you look out over the Shotover River or watch the sun set behind the mountains as you sit poolside with a glass of Central Otago Pinot.
Start planning your Queenstown yoga getaway with MajorDomo at this link.
Treville Villa – Amalfi Coast, Italy
The sprawling, opulent 15-bedroom Treville, available through Homebase Abroad, is a private paradise offering a complete escape from the pressures of the outside world. The 2,500 square meters of indoor living space and two hectares of grounds are extensive enough to enable you and your guests unending vistas for relaxation and yoga practice.
Covering an entire hillside in Positano, it’s widely considered to be the most famous private estate on the Amalfi Coast, thanks to Italian designer, director and producer Franco Zeffirelli who welcomed illustrious guests like Liz Taylor, Leonard Bernstein and Elton John to his phenomenal abode on this exceptionally stunning stretch of the Amalfi coastline. A recent upgrade by new owners and a team of designers, has unveiled an unparalleled experience of Italian style, service and amenities in a captivating setting.
Its 15 expansive suites are spread among four villas and all feature enchanting view of sea, sky, coast and/or garden, plus most have private outdoor space and two have private pools. Over the estates nine levels are refined terraces, connected to impeccably kept manicured gardens and meandering pathways, offering a wide selection of venues for practicing yoga. You can surrounded yourself by 70-year-old tropical trees, fragrant jasmine or cascading wisteria vines and bougainvillea or breathe in the fresh sea air and absorb the exquisite views of the shimmering sea.
The villa’s private chef can match your healthy holiday with delicious meals using the estate’s home-grown succulent tomatoes, lush vegetables and aromatic herbs.
Pamper yourself in this Amalfitan paradise by contacting Homebase Abroad here.