The 4 Most Serene and Ethereal Places to Practice Yoga

If obtaining Zen is important to you, then there's a huge chance you've incorporated yoga into your life regimen. Yoga is the perfect way to achieve harmony in both the mind and the body. According to the American Osteopathic Association, yoga provides plenty of physical and mental benefits. For starters, the relaxation techniques used in many yoga courses can help to reduce chronic pain, such as arthritis and even carpal tunnel syndrome. Managing stress is also easier for people who practice yoga on a frequent basis.

Are you one of the 20.4 million people who practice yoga? If you answered "yes" to this question, then you might be looking for a change of scenery for your yoga routine. Sure, the gym has nice classes, but does it compare at all to a gorgeous sunset overlooking cascading mountains? We didn't think so. If you're getting tired of the gym scene and would like a more picturesque location to practice yoga, then prepare to start booking some flights. Don't forget to bring your yoga mat and pack it in one of our colorful yoga mat bags! Here are the four most serene and ethereal places to visit if you want to take your yoga game to the next level.

Number One on Our List: Kerala, India

We've ranked Kerala, India as number one on our list of places to practice yoga for many reasons. However, the main reason why we chose Kerala as your first yoga travel destination is because India is the very birthplace of the practice. Aside from that, Kerala is a true paradise on earth. If you decide to go for at least one week, you'll want to make sure that you have at least five complete yoga outfits packed before you take part in a Kerala yoga retreat! By the way, there are many Kerala yoga retreats out there to choose from. In this location, you'll find traditional herbal massages, meditation, and sattvic meals which are intended to restore one's inner balance. Not only will you find all of these healthy yoga-related benefits, but you'll be able to take in the gorgeous palm-lined beaches, canals, rivers, and mountains. Sign us up for some yoga wellness in Kerala, please!

Our Second Yoga Retreat Recommendation: North Malé Atoll, Maldives

Take a deep breath, because you're going to need it. Picture the very definition of serenity, peace, and beauty. We guarantee that any Google image you pull up of North Malé Atoll, Maldives will match the vision inside of your mind. If you choose North Malé Atoll, Maldives as your yoga practice destination, you will awaken to a new reality. Imagine practicing your tadasana or trikonasana poses on pristine white sand that overlooks pure, crystal blue oceans for days. Do you feel relaxed yet?

One amazing part of visiting Malé Atoll, Maldives is that it has a year-round hot tropical climate. It's very rare that the temperature drops below 77°F. For that reason, we highly suggest dressing appropriately. Although you'll want to bring your favorite yoga pants for your nighttime sessions in the Maldives, make sure to pack some yoga shorts with you as well. To fit in with the gorgeous scenery of the Maldives, we recommend our OUTAD yoga shorts with a tie-dye print. This will go along perfectly with the scenery of the beach.

Yoga Destination Number Three: Big Sur, California

California is a gigantic state with much to offer. Some of the biggest and most intriguing cities are located in California, such as San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles. However, California has more to offer than a robust city atmosphere. California is rich in natural landscape, which is evident in Big Sur. With a bright cerulean blue ocean and palm trees that lace the sand, you'll be happy you chose Big Sur, California as your yoga retreat destination. Did you know that the Esalen Institute is located in Big Sur? For those who don't know, the Esalen Institute is an incredible place for relaxation, and it provides many yoga workshops for interested students. You'll also find deliciously healthy food options for the weight-conscious at the Esalen Institute, which is grown locally on the premises. Going to Big Sur, California has been described as entering a portal into another realm. Big Sur has plenty of large green hills to lay your yoga mat down on and practice your best downward dog pose. After you've finished your yoga routine in the bright California sun, you can take a quick run against the Pacific Ocean while listening to music with our gorgeous pearl headphones.

Our Fourth and Final Yoga Travel Suggestion: Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Santa Teresa has plenty of yoga classes and retreats to offer its visitors. Not only does this beautiful part of the world offer quality yoga courses, but the landscape in Santa Teresa can best be described as a dreamscape. If you've chosen Santa Teresa for your yoga retreat, make sure to bring your camera to take plenty of pictures! The scenery here features healthy green palm trees, gleaming sands, and crystal-clear waters. This is the perfect location to bring your surf board, too! You'll be in yoga heaven as you practice your bhujangasana pose on one of our durable yoga mats. While practicing yoga on the coastline of Santa Teresa, we recommend using one of our 10mm thick yoga mats.

Have you been transferred into a faraway land of self-healing and relaxation? At Solace Connect, we offer the most fashionable workout clothes and accessories at unbelievable prices. These are perfect for your next yoga retreat. Although we listed our top four picks for a yoga dream destination, there are plenty of other locations which might suit you better in terms of your personality or preference. However, these four recommended locations are definitely dreamy and serene, so book your ticket as soon as possible. You'll be happy that you did!