(See also: yoga teacher training and yoga holidays.)

The rich tradition of Yoga goes far beyond the practice of Asana, or physical postures. It is a path of meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, as well as stretching and strengthening the body to remove obstacles to realizing pure consciousness as explained in the philosophical texts of the Yoga Sutras and other ancient writings. Since coming to the Western world from its roots in India, yoga has taken on many forms and names -- Power Yoga, Iyengar, Sivananda, Yoga Therapy, Restorative and Yin just to name a few. With such varied expressions, there is an access point for just about anyone who is interested in this mindfulness practice.

Attending a yoga retreat gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the practice - in whatever tradition or style speaks to you. Longer yoga retreats are an opportunity to make new friends, study with a qualified teacher and deepen your understanding of this fulfilling practice. Similarly, a weekend yoga workshop - whether it’s at your local yoga studio, an ashram or a beach resort - can be a perfect opportunity for beginners to enter the world of yoga.

There are thousands of yoga retreat centers throughout the world. At these beautiful spaces, practitioners and vacationers alike connect to mind, body and spirit. No matter your skill level, there is sure to be the perfect center for you to grow and flourish. You might just walk away from a yoga retreat feeling stronger, revitalized and recentered. How do you choose a yoga retreat that's right for you? Check out this blog post!