The 10 best gay-friendly yoga retreats

Situated at the centre of Sierra de Las Nieves Nature Park in Andalucía, Spain, is the Shanti Som Yoga Retreat where guests of all levels can learn the ways of the yogi. Outside of twice-daily yoga classes to learn the foundations of the exercise, your retreat will be full-scale luxury, complete with spa, outdoor pool and mountain vista views across the entire outdoor pavilion. Aiming to restore inner balance and improve mindfulness, Shanti Som Yoga Retreat brings a taste of the orient to the forested hills of Andalucía with its Feng Shui design and tranquil atmosphere.

Away from the tropics of South East Asia to a small wine-making village in France, find Cinq & Sept, possibly the best gay yoga retreat in the whole of Southern Europe. As well as featuring a relaxing summer lounge area and outdoor pool, this ground-breaking gay establishment is also conveniently located close to Europe’s finest castles and the popular city of Montpellier. With all the 5-star luxury of a top hotel but with the homely vibe of a guesthouse, Cinq & Sept is a real treat, peaking in the evening when the pool-side parties get started. Those looking to escape their comfort zone entirely should try the ‘Naked Yoga Retreat’, led by Nickles Spencer, one of the UK’s top yoga instructors.

While known for its evergreen party lifestyle, Ibiza is more than just a one-trick pony. In fact, Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera are havens for holistic vacations. Yogarosa, in particular, is a top destination, laid within 4 acres of tranquil Ibiza countryside, surrounded by pine forest and lavender gardens. Owned by Rosa Klein, Yogarosa offers yoga and meditation within the Bedouin tent, hung with a bunting of prayers. Combine asana flow with pranayama meditation and realign yourself with nature and your natural rhythms…  before a cooling dip in the pool and a healthy lunch from the resort’s resident plant-based chef.

Another of the top gay yoga resorts in Mexico belongs to the same North East coast, this time in the city of Tulum further south. Sanará Tulum is the holistic hangout for any Tulum insider with a love of yoga. The timetable here is unfixed, allowing guests to truly rest with the potential for thrice-daily yoga sessions, a full spa with treatments and strolls along the beach, just moments away. Meals are served on-site and are grain-, gluten-, dairy- and refined-sugar-free, which your body will thank you for. As well as SoundBath and Sound Bowl Yoga evenings each week, daily activities include paddleboard yoga and SUP training courses in the crystal clear waters of the nearby Mangrove cenote.

If warmer climes are what you’re after, Lumeria is just the spot, a luxury healing retreat on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Set up to nourish the mind, body and spirit, Lumeria blends mindful yoga with the heritage and culture of Maui’s North Shore, allowing guests to feel refreshed while also enjoying the local setting. Over five nights, settle into a routine of vinyasa flow practice, followed by mid-day free time for scenic road trips, waterfall chasing or treks to the sacred Haleakala volcanic crater. On site, guests can also wander among the grounds’ manicured gardens, make use of the spa facilities, or lounge in a hammock beside the saline swimming pool. Meditation at Lumeria continues into the evening, including restorative yoga and sound healing sessions, followed by farm-to-table meals when all guests gather together to share stories and wine.

If you’ve not had your fill of yoga just yet, we’ve included a cheeky bonus based in Mykonos, Greece. Men Only Pilates and Yoga Retreat is a place to experience a range of spirit nourishing class activities, covering Pilates, yoga, functional training, bootcamp and mind-balancing meditation. Each class is optional with alternative activities for thrill-seekers, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. With Greek lives lived largely on the beach, there is, of course, a range of water sports available, including surfing, kitesurfing and diving. Then, after your late afternoon spa session, get yourself dressed for a night on the town to discover the truth behind the hype of Mykonos’ nightlife.

For more relaxation try the best wellness retreats in California.

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