We’ve pulled together three of our top well-being retreats – ideal for boosting your energy and enjoying some relaxation before the festive season kicks off in full force. From yoga in India to meditation in Greece, book up now for true peace of mind…
The Pomegranate, Fethiye, Turkey
Surrounded by fragrant flowers, fruit trees and vines, this charming little hotel in Fethiye boasts spectacular views of the dramatic coast of south-west Turkey. Putting yoga firmly at the top of the agenda, experienced yoga teachers visit between April and October and offer a variety of yoga styles including astanga and ivenger. Once you’ve worked up an appetite by perfecting your downward dog and warrior poses, you can enjoy tucking into locally sourced, fresh, mostly vegetarian tasty fare, cooked by the hotel’s friendly owners Siggi and Mickey. There’s also a lovely pool and Turkish bath. From April to October it’s generally warm enough to swim and the slightly cooler temperatures are ideal for energising but relaxing yoga practise, although it’s worth packing a layer of warmer clothing for evenings and early morning yoga during spring and autumn months.
From £655 to £895pp per week, including yoga, accommodation and food.
huzurvadisi.com
To check the weather in Fethiye, click here.
Serenity Retreat, Lefkada, Greece
Set up by Zen Buddhist meditation teacher Kim Bennett, Serenity Retreat offers retreat-style holidays, which take place from May on the picturesque island of Lefkada in Greece. Combining personal development courses with therapies, meditation sessions, excursions and guided walks, you’ll meet like-minded people while topping up on some serious R&R. October is one of the best months to visit for real peace and quiet and best of all – in true serene style – none of the courses start before 10am, plus they are all optional. Temperatures dwindle alongside the influx of tourists in Lefkada at this time of year, but it’s still pleasantly warm and dry with a daily average peak temperature of around 22°. From £379pp per week, including accommodation, transfers from most flights, a welcome lunch, guided meditations and walks. Food is self-catering.
01698 542787, serenityretreat.co.uk
To check the weather in Lefkada, click here.
Yogashala, Kerala, India
Reconnect with your inner zen at this modest but welcoming place in Kovolam in Kerala ideally situated in a grove of swaying palm trees, a pebble’s throw from Lighthouse Beach. Owner Padma Nair offers group and private yoga classes on an airy rooftop platform – choose from sivananda, iyengar and ashtanga. Why not combine daily yoga classes with a 10-day programme of daily chavutti thirummal, the distinctive Indian foot massage, for truly transformative full body and mind bliss. Be sure to seek out Keralan cuisine, which is utterly delicious and features plenty of fresh fish, seafood, coconut and gentle spices. The Monsoon comes to an end this month, with enjoyably warm temperatures and sunshine replacing downpours. Expect a daily average high of around 30°C.
Dedicated yoga holidays are also available. Guests can stay in the simple Pink Flowers guesthouse, or Padma can help arrange more luxurious accommodation nearby. From £17pp per night for accommodation and yoga. +91 9895 882 915, yogashala.in
To check the weather in Kerala, click here.
