The Best Yoga Retreats For Beginners Worldwide

Are you new to yoga and keen to get your practice off to a good start? Or perhaps you’re in need of a break with lots of deep relaxation to restore your energy?

Going on a yoga retreat for beginners is a great way to learn the basics, and enjoy an uplifting break. You’ll discover the fundamental movement and breathing principles; and sink into a state of bliss and ease.

But choosing a yoga retreat isn’t easy, with so many options available all over the world.

So we’ve compiled a list of the best beginner retreats to help you fall in love with yoga.

What’s a good length for a yoga retreat for beginners?

There’s no right answer to this question; but generally speaking, four days to two weeks is a good duration.

This gives enough time to shake off the stress of everyday life, but not too long to feel daunting or overwhelming for a beginner practitioner.

If you’re short on time, opt for a short and sweet beginners yoga weekend, it’s amazing how much different a brief getaway can make.

Where are some good retreat locations?

This list is organized by location to make your life a little easier. Bali, Thailand, India, Europe and the US are all home to brilliant yoga retreats, and they’re top destinations for a number of reasons.

Bali has excellent infrastructure to make for a stress-free trip, while Thailand’s warm sandy beaches are always a draw. India is, of course, the place to go for a truly authentic yoga experience.

Different areas of Europe and the US offer a huge variety of landscapes and cultural vibes with yoga and meditation retreats for beginners to suit any budget.

Beginner yoga retreats in the UK are increasingly popular, with experienced teachers and cozy venues.

Best yoga retreats in Bali for beginners

Adiwana Resort, Ubud: 4 Days Personalized Raw Food, Meditation, and Yoga Holiday

Packed with personalized yoga classes and a range of other inspiring activities including dance, art, and cooking classes — this is among the most vibrant yoga retreats in Bali for beginners.

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $940 per person
• What makes it special? You’ll learn to prepare raw vegan food

Ubud: 7 Day Luxury “Divine Body” Yoga & Healing Experience

A transformative retreat that will let you unplug, discover the power of yoga, and explore meditation and health-supportive breathing techniques too.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $2,990 per person
• What makes it special? You’ll experience several different styles of yoga, which will help you figure out which style suits you best

Lovina Beach: 6 Day Cultural Yoga Retreat

This heath enhancing and culturally inspiring experience is the perfect yoga break for beginners with daily pranayama (breathing exercises) to renew your energy.

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Experience level: Beginner
• Price range: From $1,315 per person
• What makes it special? Indulge in traditional Balinese massage, and experience the local culture away from tourist hotspots

Best yoga retreats in Thailand for beginners

Chiang Mai: 8 Days Yoga Retreat to Relax and Clear Your Mind

This may be one of the most relaxing yoga retreats for beginners.

Enjoy delicious vegan food and move your body through a total of 14 yoga classes throughout the week. You can indulge in a Thai oil massage, too.

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Experience level: Beginner and intermediate
• Price range: From $1,855 per person
• What makes it special? Try Tai Chi, and take part in rituals to relax and cleanse you

Phuket: 10 Days Yoga Retreat

This retreat will give you a real break from daily life, as you hide out in the peaceful resort and spend your downtime dipping in the pool.

• Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
• Experience level: Beginner and intermediate
• Price range: From $1,675 per person
• What makes it special? The program is flexible, you can choose from different menu options, start times, yoga classes, and additional wellness offerings.

Koh Phangan: 8 Days Vegan, Yoga, and Community Retreat

Set on the stunning island of Koh Phangan, this affordable yoga retreat for beginners takes place at a healing center.

It’s designed to give you a holistic grounding experience in yoga, meditation, and other wellness practices and will help you reconnect with the calm at your core.

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $490 per person
• What makes it special? Optional daily workshops are available alongside yoga classes, and there are on-site Thai massage therapists to pamper you.

Best yoga breaks for beginners in India

Goa: 7 Days Yoga and Meditation Retreat

The beaches of Goa are blissful — and on this retreat, you’ll be right there by the sand.

If you’re looking for a meditation retreat for beginners this is a great choice; you’ll learn to meditate, enjoy daily yoga classes, and enjoy a dip in the ocean to cool off.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $550 per person
• What makes it special? The maximum number of participants on this retreat is 15, so you can expect plenty of personalized attention from your teachers, and plenty of downtime.

Rishikesh: 7 Days Meditation and Yoga Retreat

This is one of the best yoga retreats for beginners on a budget. And it’s set in one of the most spiritually rich locations in the world.

Daily yoga and meditation takes place in the morning and the evening, with plenty of time for you to explore the area — and discover yourself — in between.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $295 per person
• What makes it special? Enjoy daily Ayurvedic meals, prepared with the wisdom of an ancient healing system.

Kerala: 7 Days Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda Retreat

For a deeply nourishing yoga break in India, head to the Namaste Ayurvedic Wellness Centre.

You’ll experience the authenticity of traditional yoga and meditation classes and give your health a boost with an Ayurvedic diet and treatments.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $766 per person
• What makes it special? Ayurveda is the oldest recorded medicine system in the world and its wisdom is highly relevant today. Kickstart your health and healing with tailored treatments.

Read also: The Best Surf, Wellness and Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka

Best beginners yoga retreats in Europe

Fuerteventura: 8 Days Rejuvenating Pilates and Yoga Retreat

Want a join a retreat that's focused on fitness?

This beginner’s yoga retreat in Europe combines yoga with Pilates classes to work your core and improve your strength and fitness.

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $800 per person
• What makes it special? This retreat has brand new facilities including a hot tub and a gorgeous yoga deck

Portugal: 7 Days Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Feel the power of nature and dig deep into the benefits of yoga and meditation on this week long, laid back retreat in Portugal.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Experience level: Beginner and intermediate
• Price range: From $820 per person
• What makes it special? If you like surfing, this retreat is for you. You’ll go on a day trip to the home of the biggest waves in the world, Nazare.

Barcelona: 4 Days Urban Yoga Retreat in the heart of the city

With gorgeous, bright accommodation and a sense of serenity, it’ll be hard to believe you’re in the middle of one of Europe’s busiest cities.

Discover the teachers of experienced international yogis and explore the bustle of Barcelona.

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $378 per person
• What makes it special? If you happen to be here on a full moon, you’ll get to enjoy a special full moon session with live music.

Best beginners yoga retreats in the US

Florida: 6 Days Meditation and Rejuvenating Yoga Retreat

This is a supportive and nurturing yoga holiday for beginners.

Run by an experienced team of teachers, there’s a focus on community and personal growth, as well as all of the facilities you could possibly need (including a hot tub), and the option of a cleansing detox menu.

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $798 per person
• What makes it special? A healing acupuncture treatment is included.

Hawaii: 5 Days Sound Healing and Yoga Holiday

If you’re drawn to easy yoga retreats that give you plenty of space to slow down and breathe deep, head to Hawaii.

Feel rejuvenated on the tropical North Shore, and take part in optional healing ceremonies and moon celebrations.

• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $998 per person
• What makes it special? Daily sound healing classes create a blissed out atmosphere.

California: 7 Days Solo Travelers Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga Holiday

Discover restorative yoga and meditation tailored for beginners at this wonderfully relaxing retreat.

Daily classes are interspersed with time to enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes and settle into a state of steadiness and peace.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From 2,790 per person
• What makes it special? Facilities include a quiet meditation garden where you can reflect amidst the foliage.

Best beginners yoga retreats in Central and South America

Mexico: 8 Day Luxury Yoga Holiday in Puerto Vallarta

In a luxury jungle villa with views of the Pacific Ocean, this is a yoga retreat in paradise.

The teachers are experienced in a variety of yoga styles, so you could get a taste of everything; and speaking of taste, the food is plant-based and delicious.

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $996 per person
• What makes it special? Sunrise and sunset yoga classes with a view.

Costa Rica: 6 Days Revitalize and Rejuvenate Yoga Retreat

Daily yoga, pranayama and meditation classes are accompanied by chakra balancing workshops and the sounds of nature.

There’s a pool and a bar — so expect a laid back experience.

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Experience level: Perfect for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome too
• Price range: From $842 per person
• What makes it special? Apart from relaxing in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, you can indulge in a massage and enjoy hiking or snorkeling.

Nicaragua: 7 Day Holistic Yoga Retreat in San Juan del Sur

Practice a nice balance of dynamic and restorative classes to strengthen and stretch your muscles, and make your brain feel Zen.

With space to connect with your beautiful surroundings, you’ll embrace a healthy lifestyle and enjoy a few hours on the beach.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Experience level: Beginner and intermediate
• Price range: From $498 per person
• What makes it special? You’ll stay in a cabana-style bungalow with ocean or jungle views.

Where will you go on your first yoga retreat?

There are so many beautiful reasons to do a yoga retreat as a beginner and it doesn't really matter where you decide to go, throw yourself into the experience wholeheartedly.

Yoga retreats can be a bit magical; with new friendships, much needed rest, and powerful practices to be explored.