Fantasizing about a yoga session on the sandy beach or in the picturesque mountains from your office cubicles? Visit these heavens on earth to make that dream come true!
Looking for a soulful retreat for both your mind and body? Booking.com celebrates International Yoga Day on June 21, revealing peaceful destinations that provide the perfect backdrop for your best yoga session yet. Even your breathing, relax your whole body for stretches, feel the world unwind and enjoy the perfect mood and tranquility of these five amazing locations to channel your inner yogi.
Yen Tu Mount, Quang Ninho
Nestled in the mountainous region of northeast Vietnam, Yen Tu Mount is surrounded by dense bamboo and pine forests and is widely known as the cradle of Zen Buddhism in Vietnam. With a picturesque landscape and a long religious history, the road to Yen Tu is said to be the way to inner peace and complacency. Feel your worries melt away as you climb to the mountain top, either by tram or by hiking, and take in the breathtaking view of Yen Tu National forest and huge fluffy clouds. There are plenty of religious places where visitors can come to pray and meditate, such as Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Sect – the cradle of Buddhism in northern Vietnam, Giai Oan Stream, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Hue Quang Tower, and Dong Pagoda.
A yacht in Quang Ninh .’s Ha Long Bay
Where to stay: Located near Yen Tu Mountain, ‘s 5-star hotel Legacy Yen Tu – Mgallery set the perfect scene for your meditative, spiritual vacation. The property offers a wide variety of meditation activities from yoga classes to private yoga classes and breath-focused sessions. Guests can also enjoy the spectacular 13ecentury architecture, world-class hospitality, as well as a wide selection of refined traditional and fusion dishes.
Ba Be Lake, Bac Kan
Ba Be Lake carries the majesty of rugged mountains and mossy forests, and a soft, ethereal charm with clear waters connecting heaven and earth. Boasting a serene natural landscape and rich ethnic cultures, Ba Ba Lake is a true hidden gem in Northeast Vietnam for those seeking an off the beaten path yoga retreat. Visitors can choose to stay in spacious stilt houses of Tay people near the lake to feel the warmth and hospitality of the villagers. In addition to some of the most relaxing yoga sessions, visitors can also enjoy traditional dishes from the mountainous area, try fragrant rice wine, canoe or fish for a change of scenery.
Where to stay: Right on the shore of Ba Be Lake, Homestay in Minh Quang is a traditional ethnic residence with beautiful gardens and mountain views and a lovely terrace. Guests can enjoy nature and tranquility, go boating on the lake, hike in the area, relax in the garden and use the BBQ facilities, and enjoy local cuisine as traditional Tay dinners are offered on site.
Mai Chau, Hoa Binho
Mai Chau is an isolated area of traditional villages in a valley just 139 km from Hanoi, with fantastic scenery with opposing charms. On the windswept roads around the cliffs, Mai Chau is enchanting and free-spirited. Between emerald green rice paddies and tranquil villages, Mai Chau presents an idyllic rural scene that is perfect for yoga enthusiasts to visit and free their minds.
However, the scenery isn’t the only reason visitors to Mai Chau overflow; here you can find genuine budget accommodations run by ethnic minority families, purpose-built to provide tourists with the ‘homestay’ experience, complemented by traditional food, rice wine and dancing. In addition to private rooms, the lodgings here also offer large communal rooms where you can sleep on a mat on traditional bamboo floors for a unique getaway.
Where to stay: Homestay in Little Mai Chau is a wellness retreat that offers its guests a unique experience, where relaxation and comfort are central. Guests can choose between different room types, either with a private room or a shared common area, but one thing all rooms have in common: a refreshing view over green rice fields and mountains to promote complete relaxation and tranquility. The property offers guests many opportunities to practice mindfulness and learn about the local culture, including long meditation walks and bike rides.
Cat Ba Island, Quang Ninha
Morning yoga on the beach. That is it. That’s the ultimate meditative treat that all office workers fantasize about in their cubicles, and a trip to Cat Ba will give them that and more! Rugged, jungle-clad Cat Ba is the largest island in Halong Bay, and although it has experienced a tourist boom in recent years, the island remains largely unspoilt and uncrowded, with a welcome addition of accommodations in a variety of price ranges. Known for its beautiful, white-sand beaches and peaceful atmosphere, Cat Ba is the perfect destination for travelers seeking peace and relaxation while taking the time to experience nature.
Cat Ba Island
Where to stay: Remove the plug from the socket and relax at Blue Lagoon Cat Ba, a beautiful resort and retreat just a short walk from Tung Beach. Each room is designed with natural elements and cozy wooden interiors that evoke a sense of serenity. Most rooms offer great sea views, while others are surrounded by the lush tropical gardens. Every morning, guests can enjoy relaxing yoga sessions on the terrace overlooking the sea and mountains to start the day. The on-site restaurant offers great local dishes made with fresh seafood throughout the day.
Ho Tuyen Lam, Da Lato
Da Lat became a popular holiday destination by French settlers as early as the first half of the 20th century, away from the heat of the city. An alpine lakeside resort town, Da Lat charms visitors with grand old hotels, retro villas with lush gardens, and perfect tranquility. One of the most iconic tourist sites in Da Lat is Truc Lam Zen Monastery, where yogis can glimpse the history of Zen Buddhism, the path to self-enlightenment and inner peace. The monastery is located near Tuyen Lam Lake, a picturesque and remarkably peaceful place for travelers seeking an idyllic setting to lose themselves in.
“Early Mist” by Le Nguyen Huy, taken in the Central Highlands resort town of Da Lat, took second prize.
The aerial view shows the Pedagogical College of Da Lat and its environs, bathed in sun-drenched fog. The building, designed by French architect Paul Moncet, was built in 1927.
Where to stay: The Lake House Dalat is the perfect residence for travelers to enjoy peace and relaxation. The property is right next to Tuyen Lam Lake, giving it unparalleled views and ambiance for yoga sessions. The rooms are decorated in a Bohemian style with vintage furniture. Guests can spend hours reading in a hammock or on the patio overlooking calm waters, but rest assured that other activities such as kayaking, canoeing, rappelling a waterfall, or hiking can also be enjoyed nearby.
