June 21st is the International Day of Yoga, a time to celebrate this ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing.
You’ll feel even better taking part in yoga at sunrise and sunset in Olympic Holidays resorts from Greece to Goa with the sparkling sea as a perfect backdrop.
And there’s classes for kids, too, so get them off their smartphones and posturing into a new zone! Here’s just a few ideas:
Yoga at Mykonos Theoxenia Boutique Hotel
Every night, as the sun sets over Mykonos, an outdoor yoga class begins at Mykonos Theoxenia Boutique Hotel. Yoga lovers can relax, breathe and flow into the island’s sacred and revitalizing energy, overlooking the sea until the lesson ends at the moment the sun goes to rest on the horizon. The one-hour class is based on Hatha Yoga and Pilates exercises which are specially designed for all ages and levels, so go along to put your positive energy into practice.
There’s also a morning class, which starts at 8.30am, so guests can enjoy stunning views while awakening their mind through a combination of exercise, meditation and music. Classes 40€ per person.
Yoga at the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel in Crete
Yoga for kids, in collaboration with the Six Senses Spa at Elounda Peninsula is available as a private or group class. Based on 'Animal Movement Yoga' the sessions take youngsters away screens, with time to rest and digest instead of being distracted.
Price:
One-hour group lesson 25€ per child/One-hour private lesson 90€
Yoga at Casale Panayiotis, Cyprus
The healing mountain spa retreat of Casale Panayiotis is a luxury hideaway in the Troodos mountains of Cyprus. Take your time and relax into some yoga practice in one of the most magical spa settings you could ever imagine. Get out walking in the valley and explore the historic village while forgetting the stresses of everyday life.
Yoga locations on the Athenian Riviera
Yoga at Grand Resort Lagonissi
Book personal or group yoga sessions with an instructor trained in the Satyananda system in the five-star Grand Resort Lagonissi with a sumptuous spa and 16 private beaches in 72 acres overlooking the Saronic Gulf.
Choose from Hatha yoga or Ayurveda (the science of life) to find the main element of earth, water, fire, air and ether inside you and to create your own revitalization programme with yoga sessions, spa treatments, nutrition programme. This ancient knowledge that helps people adopt a harmonious way of life.
Prices:
One-hour Hatha yoga and short relaxation 60€
90-minute Hatha Yoga, meditation and full relaxation (Yoga Nidra) 90€
Ayurveda 80€
Whispering Palms, Goa
Relaxation is number one on the agenda in the Spa Villa and Yoga and Meditation Centre at Whispering Palms in south-west India where guests can drop by to exercise the body and mind before spending the day unwinding on the beach under swaying palms or getting out into the countryside to see waterfalls and visit spice farms.
Hotel Principe Di Fitalia, Sicily
Settle into the largest dedicated wellness centre and spa in Sicily and southern Italy to join yoga classes and other fitness programmes on this wonderful sun-blessed island with so much history and culture to explore.
MarBella Corfu
On a tranquil private beach practise Aerial and Vinyasa yoga and for complete wellness join Pilates and aqua fitness classes as well as cross-training, Zumba and family fitness sessions. This MarBella Corfu is built for relaxation and after exercising book into the exquisite spa.
Amathus Beach Hotel, Limassol, Cyprus
Join group yoga classes in one of the largest wellness centres in Cyprus with further programmes including Pilates, workouts and aqua aerobics in the multi award-winning Amathus Beach Hotel, and voted one of the best in Cyprus on Tripadvisor. The 1,500 square metre wellness centre features a steam bath, sauna and massage rooms – so indulge!
Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort, Cyprus
From yoga, meditation and holistic therapies you can rest mind, body and soul at the Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort, where natural mineral-rich spring waters are channelled into the hotel's own spa which has spa rooms and sulphur spring suites surrounded by citrus groves.
Sea Side Resort and Spa, east Heraklion, Crete
Outdoor yoga and seaside serenity awaits at the Sea Side Resort and Spa hotel that’s wrapped around the headland like a figurehead on the prow of a ship. Next dive, into turquoise pools and the spa to maintain your fitness regime.
