Join Tara Nolan on a yoga retreat that will be centered around health and wellness but most importantly FUN!  Guests will be whisked away to a luxurious mountain home in the quaint mountain town of Beaver Creek, Colorado.  Each morning Tara will lead you in a Vinyasa flow yoga practice to strengthen your body and relax your mind to enjoy the rest of the day; left open to ski, snowshoe, shop or explore.  Varied evenings will include relaxing yoga/meditation to rejuvenate sore muscles soothe your mind, as well as hot tubbing, wine and gourmet cuisine.  Space is limited.

**Beaver Creek Retreat rate includes all yoga, lodging, and most meals.  Rates are based on a 10 participant minimum.  If minimum is not met, retreat is subject to change or cancellation within a 15-day notification period.   Maximum 20 participants. 

Technorati Tags: yoga retreat, yoga retreats, Yoga Travel, yoga vacation, yoga vacations

Tara Nolan, Certified Yoga Life Coach and Advanced Vinyasa Yoga Teacher will take you on a journey to new levels in all aspects of your life.  This retreat is set amidst the spiritual culture and tranquil oasis of Bali, Indonesia where Tara was certified.

SPIRIT – STRENGTH – BEAUTY – YOU!!

Please join me at this amazing spiritual retreat center in Bali!  I fell in love with Bali when I first became a certified yoga teacher in Ubud.  Since then, I have continued to deepen my own practice through studies all over the world, mainly in the US with world-renowned teachers.  My specialty is Power Vinyasa Flow, coupled with my expertise as a Certified Yoga Life Coach, inspiring you to go to new levels in your physical practice, emotional self, and spirituality.

You can expect a strong physical practice each morning with varying afternoon and evening sessions consisting of Vinyasa Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Life Coaching. Restorative Yoga will rejuvenate your muscles and bring you to deep relaxation. You will experience Yoga Life Coaching in a group dynamic and have an opportunity for one-on-one sessions.

In this beautiful sanctuary, together we will look to take you to the highest realm of possibilities in your life.  Bali is the perfect place to shut out the world, tap into what spirituality even means for you, and how this remarkable magic can deepen the meaning of your own life and your connection to others.  After this retreat, you will be stronger in body, mind, and spirit.

The best part is that you will have a new outlook on your life to take home with you, finding greater beauty not only on the outside (from all the kick ass yoga), but also you will find a transformation on the inside; creating a shift in your way of thinking, allowing you to achieve the utmost fulfillment in all aspects of your life.  You will deepen your knowledge of yoga, empower yourself to live out your dreams, strengthen your physical self, and open your heart to give and receive the most powerful emotion in the world – LOVE.

**Early bird pricing extended!  Bali retreat rate includes all yoga, lodging, meals, one massage, and airport transfers.  Rates are based on a two person room occupancy and a 15 participant minimum.  If minimum is not met, retreat is subject to change or cancellation with a 15-day notification period.  Space is limited.

Technorati Tags: yoga, yoga retreat, yoga retreats, Yoga Travel, yoga vacation

hosted by Carrie J Meyer, MA, RYT

former resident of Kyoto and Registered Yoga Teacher

May 21st-31st, 2012

Consider a very special, nine-day, ten-night sightseeing experience of the incomparably beautiful temples, shrines, gardens, and more in Kyoto, the ancient and modern, cultural capital of Japan. This small-group tour, created and led by former Kyoto resident Carrie Meyer, integrates an optional once-daily yoga practice with excursions to several world-class sights and remarkably ambient places in Kyoto.

Although Kyoto could be an overwhelming experience of what to do if one did not know how to navigate there, Carrie has striven to offer a rich, yet balanced, itinerary and a lovely, while cost-effective, tour. Some of the most fulfilling experiences may include meandering through temples along the Philosopher’s Path, gazing mesmerized at incomparably elegant, masterfully designed Kyoto gardens, appreciating the ancient ambience and nuanced architecture of preserved Buddhist and Shinto structures, the simple dedication of shrines, whether in high-profile areas or hidden pockets of neighborhoods… Of course, there’s the culinary experience of Japan, traditional arts, museums, modern marvels, shopping, and so much more. While the itinerary will be richly filled with excursions to beautiful places, there will also be free time to pursue personal interests or rest.

What previous participants say about Carrie’s Kyoto tour:

“Carrie did an amazing job of researching, planning, and selecting sights, activities, accommodations, and restaurants. The tour was a perfectly paced, fascinating time in Kyoto. I never felt rushed, nor did I ever feel restless. We saw beautiful places, ate wonderful food, and stayed in comfortable lodgings. Carrie’s knowledge of Kyoto and familiarity with Japanese language and culture ensured that the whole tour went smoothly and seamlessly. In short, this was an incredible experience, start to finish. I felt very well cared for (and cared about). Thank you, Carrie!” – Breck Jones

“My Kyoto trip was exceptional, in the main because it combined a large number of learning options with a tremendous amount of freedom to relax and simply enjoy what was off the menu. Kyoto is a beautiful city with an incredible history. It also has very good transportation systems and a populace willing to help tourists. The question is, how much of Kyoto can the novice appreciate? Here is where Carrie’s insider knowledge and incredible organization made the trip outstanding. Her preparation level (including earlier visits to the city in order to explore options for us) exceeded anything I’ve encountered on other trips. Since we returned from the trip, conversa-tions with others who have visited Kyoto have made clear that we experienced far more than did they, and we clearly were provided considerably greater understanding of the regional culture. Henceforward, this is the trip I will use as the gold standard.” – Joe Sheley

“Both for seasoned travelers and for novice adventurers alike, Carrie’s tour of Kyoto is not to be missed. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively, and this was one of the best vacations of my life. The trip was extremely well organized. Carrie knows the area so well and has done a wonderful job of selecting the best places to visit, eat, and shop. Being able to do yoga each day – often on the grounds of a beautiful park or temple – was an added bonus. and the surrounding areas are beautiful beyond belief, and the opportunity to visit here with someone so knowledgeable about the language and culture, makes this trip a great way to experience one of the world’s most treasured places.” – Bernadette Halbrook

“This tour of Kyoto was obviously designed by a yoga teacher who once lived in Kyoto. It had an obvious flow, a perfectly-timed sequence, never rushed and we would stay in the coolest places for just the right amount of time. When I showed our itinerary to a Kyoto local, she said: “You saw all my favorite places”, which included the mountain hot springs. She also said she couldn’t believe we saw so much. There was never a moment when it felt forced, just like Carrie’s yoga classes. This trip far exceeded my expectations.” -Mike Powell

Carrie’s once-daily hatha yoga practice will accommodate all levels of experience and skill as long as there is a basic level of fitness. Carrie is a well-seasoned, registered yoga instructor who distills and integrates her original training influences in 1999 of Classical Ashtanga and Iyengar-style yoga with Vinyasa flow and the broader principles of somatic and eastern psychology. Her classes have been experienced as unique, physically satisfying, mind-body meditations based on her language and queuing, keen somatic sensibilities, and blended references to physical and energetic anatomy. These characteristics provide for as challenging or moderate a practice as is desired since she accommodates mixed levels and encourages each practitioner to customize the practice to his/her own needs and preferred intensity. Carrie’s teaching is informed by a broad academic and holistic healing background, which includes a master’s degree in psychology and certification in clinical hypnotherapy, and her life experience of living and traveling in mostly far eastern countries for several years.

The yoga practice on the Kyoto tour is offered only once per day due to the rich itinerary of sightseeing activity, which includes quite a bit of walking.

See more beautiful photos and find out more about this very special tour at:

http://www.carriejmeyer.com/kyototour/

Contact Carrie with any questions or to reserve your spot at info@carriejmeyer.com or call her in California at (916)705-0511.

One of the many satisfied guests of this Costa Rican yoga retreat described it as “pure joy for your soul.”  You will be surrounded by incredible beauty and luxury at Casa Riscomar – perched on the edge of a 100′ ocean front cliff and surrounded by primary rainforest.   Watch this video of Casa Riscomar and see for yourself!

It is the ideal place to get away, and  learn and practice traditional Ashtanga Yoga, eat healthy fresh food, relax and reconnect.  Start each day with Pranayama (breathing meditation) led yoga class, healthy breakfast, enjoy the pool, and white sand beach, and daily fun activities like jungle zip line tour, waterfall hikes, and crocodile adventure.  Everything is included in the price, but nothing mandatory.  See the full literary on the website www.yogaretreatinparadise.com.  This amazing retreat is coming up soon, (November 11, 2011), so start making your plans now!

Technorati Tags: ashtanga yoga, costa rica, yoga resort, yoga retreat, yoga retreats, Yoga Travel, yoga vacation, yoga vacations

Together with resident instructors at Shambala Gatherings Retreat Center, the School of Sacred Arts offers a comprehensive education and a transformational experience.  Shambala masterfully combines a Yoga Alliance accredited 200-hour yoga teacher training with a rejuvenating yoga retreat.  Visiting students become more fully blossomed yogis and skilled, professional yoga teachers on a beautiful lakeside in the Swedish forest, complete with delicious, organic, vegetarian cuisine and comfortable accommodation.

This training is led by four internationally renowned yoga teachers sharing wisdom from different angles:

• Simone MacKay (RYT 500) offers her knowledge of asanas with her gentle and graceful approach.
• Troy McFadden (E-RYT 200) shares both the practical and spiritual aspects of Yoga in his playful and inspiring manner.
• Biff Mithoefer (E-RYT 500) creates a sacred space for us to let go into the Yin dimension of Yoga.
• Sky (E-RYT 500) shares his acquired wisdom of the yogic journey in his kind and loving way.

´Spreading Your Wings’ – Module 1 (ten days): July 17th-27th, 2011

The first period of study and practice will focuses on the more practical, accessible aspects of Yoga, providing you with the tools you need to refine your approach to self-practice and teaching

‘Taking Flight’ – Module 2 (ten days): Summer 2012 (exact dates TBA)

This section will see us journeying deeper into the philosophical, energetic, and spiritual aspects of Yoga.

To know more about the teachers, visit http://www.schoolofsacredarts.net/team/

The curriculum includes Hatha/Vinyasa Flow and Yin Yoga as the primary asana practices, honoring both the classical and the tantric approach to this ancient art and science.

Technorati Tags: yoga articles, yoga blogs, yoga courses, yoga resort, yoga retreat, yoga retreats, yoga sweden, yoga teacher training, Yoga Travel, yoga vacation, yoga vacations

Return of the Goddess Retreat

Where:: Umbria, Italy
When: May 14th – 21st, 2011
Price: ¢1,795,00 – ¢2,595.00
URL: http://www.locandadelgallo.it/
WOMEN’S ONLY RETREAT

Located in the heart of Italy, the private castle and rolling hills is beyond words with their invitation to embody the goddess within you through 5Rhythms Dance, Yoga and Meditation. These practices will weave an offering that grounds and centers you in the feminine and the masculine. Lucia Horan, who investigates the dances of the feminine through 3 phases; flowing, chaos and stillness, will teach 5Rhythms ecstatic dance.   This is a 7-night retreat at the Locanda Del Gallo. There are delicious and healthy daily meals, daily 5Rhythms Dance, daily Yoga and meditation and a day trip to the medieval town of Assisi or Siena.

Enchanting India Yoga Tour

Where: South India
When: February 14 – 26, 2011
Price: $2,208 – $3,208
URL: http://wannagotoindia.com/Welcome.html
Nestled in the sacred town of Tiruvannamalai, the home of Arunachala, the oldest mountain on Earth, married couple Corrine and Satya gives guest tours around their beloved home, that is ripe with intense colors, sites and sounds of the beautiful and ancient way of life around them. This yoga travel retreat promises ayuredic massages, delicious Indian cuisine, Indian art, philosophy and music. You’ll have the opportunity to meditate in caves on the holy mountain Arunachala. This enchanting yoga travel retreat includes airport pickup and drop off, 3 delicious vegetarian meals a day, bottled water with meals, yoga classes and evening music. This is a 13-day tour.

Anusara Yoga Jungle Immersion 3 with B.J. Galvan

Where: Costa Rica
When: March 26 –April 2, 2011
Price: $1,345 – $1,595
URL: http://www.haciendadelsolcr.com/reservations.php
Cross the threshold and deepen your yoga practice with this one of a kind Anusara Yoga Jungle Immersion. Located at the Hacienda del Sol in San Juanillo, Costa Rica, this retreat focuses on the life affirming philosophy of the Anusara Yoga tradition and embodying the Universal Principles of Alignment.  Your journey will be stimulated mentally and physically and spiritually with certified Anusara instructor B.J. Galvan. Her energizing presence will contagiously uplift you as you explore fundamental principles of Bhagavad-Gita, Dharma and Paths of Yoga.  This includes 7 nights accommodation at the Hacienda del Sol, all daily meals (70% raw and living foods, eggs available and fish offered several times) raw food classes and skin cleansing clay baths.  There will be opportunities for personal free time to explore the area and optional hiking, stand up paddle boarding, or kayaking excursions ($60).

Bikram Yoga Green Valley Holiday Retreat

Where: St. Lucia
When: February 20 – 27, 2011
Price: $1695+
URL: http://www.tropicalescapes.biz/escapes/2011_Stacey_Shea.html
Blissful hot yoga in breathtaking St. Lucia, which is known for its mist covered mountains, tumbling waterfalls and beautiful beaches, you will experience delicious lunch of fresh local fare on the edge of the marina, gourmet dinner at one of the local restaurants with your new yoga family, peaceful nights of rest with amazing tranquility, sun bathing on the beach, refreshing massages, or even a zip-line adventure tour though the jungle and riding horseback on the beach. Julie Hord, a former dancer/model takes you on a journey to become a better and true version of yourself with the practice of Bikram Yoga. Classes are optional and late in the afternoon.

India 2011 Yoga Retreat

Where: Rishikesh, India
When: February 19 – March 9 2011
Price: $2,890
URL: http://www.insiteyoga.com/services/yoga-retreats-vacations/india-2011-yoga-retreat/
This amazing 19 day retreat takes you on an authentic journey of the spiritual home of yoga, Rishikesh. Set in the lush Himalayas, this retreat will include a tour of Delhi’s must see cultural, spiritual and historic landmarks, workshops and classes with world class yoga teachers, daily yoga classes and full immersion in ashram living, optional trekking, white water rafting and Ayurvedic cooking classes. The program fee includes 18 nights accommodations, 3 vegetarian meals per day, registration for the internationally Yoga festival, yoga classes at Anand Prakash, Ayurveic cooking class or rafting trip, land transportation, day trips, airport transfers entrance fees, 2 full-time guides, pre-departure orientation materials and support. This unique retreat experience give you an opportunity to study with a wide range of international teachers and still enjoy the consistent connection and support of your tour leaders.

Via Yoga’s Sayulita Retreat

Where: Sayulita, Mexico
When: April 3 – 9 2011
Price: $2,395 – $4,095
URL: http://www.viayoga.com/via-yoga/what-we-offer.shtml
Located at one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets on the Pacific Coast, 33 luxurious beachfront villas await you with expansive views of the coastline, jungle and town.  With this yoga travel retreat you will get to experience waking up to a sunny buffet breakfast at the Villa Amor that has freshly squeezed juices, an assortment of fabulous seasonal fruit, yogurt, cereal and rotating hot dish items.  Each Via Yoga vacation includes two 90-minute yoga, Pilates, or fitness classes each day, 6 nights accommodations at the Villa Amor, Daily maid service, daily breakfast and three group dinners, a one hour massage.  A day trip to the Punta Mita for surfing or snorkeling weather permitting with round trip airport transfers from Puerto Vallarta International airport.

Women’s Caribbean Yoga & Spirit Retreat

Where: Dominica, Caribbean
When: March 5 – 12 2011
Price: $1,986
URL: http://www.luxworldtravel.com/Dominica_Womens_Caribbean-Yoga_and_Spirit_Retreat.htm
The 2nd annual Women helping Women Retreat, LUX World Travel in concert with Jungle Bay Resort has a unique program for women to gather for an eco-adventure yoga vacation that gives back to the community of women on the island.  The 7 night retreat includes rustic luxury accommodations, meet and greet services with roundtrip transfers, full breakfast daily, lunch with fruit juices daily, welcome dinner, daily yoga, spa treatment, hiking, volunteer options, mediation workshops, excursions, cooking class, drumming class and more.

Atmananda Yoga Retreat

Where: Cartagena, Columbia
When: March 5 – 11, 2011
Price: $2,399-3,729
URL: http://www.journeysofthespirit.com/trips/cartagena-yoga/
In the port town of Cartagena de Indias, Columbian beauty and delight will allow you to purify your mind, spirit and body. Flow into the Atmananda Yoga sequence to free yourself from physical and emotional tensions and blockages to elevate your soul. In a paradise of relaxation, you will experience 7 days in a private mansion with instructor Jhon T with the sacred vinyasa practice. All breakfast and lunches are included as well as all spiritual teachings and yoga classes, use of the house pools and jacuzzis, daily morning mediation and asana practice with Jhon on non-touring days, a day trip to the beautiful Islas del Rosario off the coast and a trip to the mud volcano and mangroves.

Technorati Tags: yoga articles, yoga blogs, yoga resort, yoga retreat, yoga retreats, Yoga Travel, yoga vacation, yoga vacations

These luxurious cruise liners are packed with top of the line amenities and features, including wonderful and relaxing spa treatments and wave running. Your days will be filled with practical instruction, good food and incredible fellowship. Here are a few yoga cruises that are available in this calendar year.

Holistic Holiday at Sea VIII

Where: Western Caribbean
When: February 27^th – March 6th 2011
Price: $1,249.00 – $2,399.00 
URL: http://www.atasteofhealth.org

Starting in Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday February 27^th, you’ll get to experience an endless array of boutiques for shopping and art galleries and enjoy the centrally located city with a myriad of exotic hotels, dining choices, sports, recreational activities and more.

This is followed by a visit to the key west, the southern most point in the USA, with its subtropical climate and relaxed lifestyle, you’ll get an opportunity to see Ernest Hemingway’s former Spanish colonial –style house and other interesting and historical places. The ship will sail onto Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the most popular port-of-calling the entire Caribbean, with its splendid scenery of one of its best known natural attractions; Dunn’s River Falls, a 600 foot drop of natural cascading water.

The next stop, Grand Cayman, where its warm climate and tranquil waters make it ideal for divers.  It has a 7 mile beach and a number of other attractions from the Cayman Turtle Farm that inhabits some of the endangered green sea turtles and the Queen Elizabeth II botanical garden.  The last stop in this yoga cruise is Cozumel, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It has a vast array of activities for rest and relaxation for those who love warm beaches, superb diving and ancient archaeological sites.

2011’s featured yoga teacher is Sherri Baptiste, a respected teacher at the forefront of yoga training and founder of Baptiste Power of Yoga.  The Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise fare includes shipboard accommodations and ocean transportation; a holistic program, meals, and socials; port charges; and the ships’ entertainment and amenities, including the gym, salt water pools and free spa services such as the sauna and steam bath. The internationally known natural food chef, Mark Hanna, will serve meals.

Yoga Cruise

Where: Turkish Mediterranean Coast
When: June 5^th to June 12^th 2011
Price: $1,187.00 – $1,539.00
URL: www.yogacruise.net

This 8 day yoga cruise nestled in the Turkish side of the Mediterranean Sea provides 2 daily Yoga sessions, accommodations, breakfast, lunch, tea time and dinner on a luxurious traditional Turkish motor sailing yacht called The Atlantis.

It features 9 double bed cabins and one twin bed cabin. Every cabin has its own private bathroom with a shower and toilet. You can also enjoy the spacious sun deck area with sun mattress, sun awning, cushioned aft deck with a large table, deck chairs and a spacious saloon with a bar.

The Yoga classes will be taught by Kathja, a Sivananada Hatha Yoga teacher with several years of teaching experience as the founder of the Yoga Café in Amsterdam.

There are several optional excursions in this yoga cruise such as visiting the Lycian tombs of Myra and the church of St. Nicholas, hiking through the Saklikent Gorges and visiting the antic city of Xanthos, a boat trip to the Greek Island of Mais, visiting a Hamam (Turkish bath) kayaking and more.

3 freshly prepared Mediterranean and traditional Turkish meals will be made from delicious local ingredients each day and caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Where: Multiple locales
When: Anytime
Price: Varies by availability
URL: http://www.royalcaribbean.com

One of the most versatile cruise lines in the world; Royal Caribbean offers exceptional free yoga sessions while most other cruises charge a fee.  By choosing one of their over 20 splendid liners you can enjoy a myriad of activities, including the ability to use Zip Lines, watch movies in their Aqua Theaters, have fun in their carousels, relax in whirlpools, have a blast in an ice-skating rink, workout or watch matches in their boxing ring and more.  You can have the very best of food, fun and yoga in their magnificent studios available.  Known for having the best of the best instructors, you will have the option to go to one of their daily yoga sessions.  From rock-climbing walls, to elegant dining rooms and relaxing spas, your experience onboard is nothing short of incredible.  Whether it’s their onboard shows, fun time activities or spa services, you’ll be glad you came. Plan your yoga cruise today.

Technorati Tags: yoga articles, yoga blogs, yoga cruise, yoga cruises, yoga resort, yoga retreat, yoga retreats, Yoga Travel, yoga vacation, yoga vacations

With a full calendar of upcoming yoga retreats taught by a wide range of acclaimed international teachers, Prana del Mar offers quite a selection of options, depending upon what you’re seeking. There are yoga travel retreats whose primary focus is on deepening your yoga practice via concentration on asana, meditation, and pranayama. There are others that are more of an adventurous vacation, mixing twice-daily yoga classes with opportunities to take surf lessons, go whale-watching, or head out horseback-riding on the beach. Still others integrate additional components that will broaden your experience – say, kirtan, philosophical and mythological discussions, or classes on Ayurveda – with dedicated yoga practice. For those interested in exploring even more deeply, there are also yoga teacher training courses offered a couple times per year.

The accommodations are much more luxurious than what one pictures from a standard retreat center. All of the15 guest rooms and suites feature travertine-tiled floors, custom-made teak furniture, pillow-top mattresses, organic sheets and bath towels, large terraces and balconies with ocean views, organic personal care products, and more. Their two-room suites even feature complete stainless steel/granite kitchens and spacious living room areas.

Beyond the guest accommodations, the center features a central community building with full restaurant, swimming pool, hot tub, spa treatment rooms, lounges, a rooftop deck, and a meditation room. They offer a variety of spa services – including massage, body wraps and scrubs, and more.  There is also a large, airy yoga studio that overlooks the ocean, five acres of desert gardens, a stone labyrinth for walking introspection, and a nearly-empty, golden-sand beach at the front of the property.

All of the above remain in harmony with the natural environment due to Prana del Mar’s commitment to environmental stewardship. All electricity is solar-powered, the vegetable and herb garden is organic, the pool is solar-heated, wastewater is treated on site and reused for the xeriscaped gardens, sheets and bath towels are all organic, and more.

Combine all of this with delicious, healthful cuisine and a warm, welcoming staff, and you have an inviting place to spend a holiday – getting healthy, deepening your yoga practice, and exploring a bit of Baja.

With the Sierra de la Laguna mountains to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the desert all around, Prana del Mar is the perfect place to escape for a true retreat setting – a tranquil yoga travel getaway where one can relax, refresh, and rejuvenate.

Technorati Tags: cabo san lucas yoga, yoga articles, yoga blogs, yoga mexico, yoga resort, yoga retreat, yoga retreat mexico, yoga retreats, Yoga Travel, yoga vacation, yoga vacations

Recently I’ve had the privilege of visiting Wild Rose Yoga, found in the magical yoga travel locale of Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Wild Rose Yoga serves as a haven for traveling yogis that make their pilgrimages to this Southeast Asian paradise.  While not a yoga travel resort in the semantic sense, the studio offers many special trainings and events in addition to its regular class schedule.  If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, be sure to visit.  Wild Rose will make you feel at home, making it easy to fall in love with Chiang Mai and extremely hard to leave.

Chiang Mai is an incredible city that must be experienced first-hand in order to fully comprehend its inner layers of beauty.  Found in the north of Thailand, the city is a charming alternative to the concrete mayhem of its big brother Bangkok to the south.  Chiang Mai’s old town (where Wild Rose is located) is characterized by its chilled-out atmosphere with its multitude of vegetarian and organic restaurants, quaint coffee shops, and laid back watering holes.  Situated amongst a tropical mountainous environment, the landscape surrounding the city boasts ancient temples, organic coffee farms, waterfalls, and elephant parks.

The lifestyle in Chiang Mai is easy going and simple, as is reflected on the smiling faces and warmth of its locals and visitors alike.  Chiang Mai’s friendliness is contagious.  You’ll quickly find yourself making new friends on a daily basis.  In Chiang Mai, simply being in close proximity to another person is enough reason to start up a conversation and make a new friend.  This gregarious warmth extends to Wild Rose Yoga as well.

Upon first reaching the studio I was greeted by Rosemary Bolivar, the owner of Wild Rose, who welcomed me and gave me the grand tour.  The studio itself is nothing short of spectacular.  A dark wooden foundation gives a rustic and cozy feel to the space.  I had the opportunity to experience our asana practice during a monsoon shower which had a soothing effect of transforming the studio into a elemental shelter.  Wild Rose also has a sauna which hosts weekly “Steam and Beam” sessions where patrons can enjoy herbal scrubs and masks after an invigorating yoga class.

I highly recommend Wild Rose Yoga in Chiang Mai for any yoga travel enthusiast.  Stay up to date with coming events and guest teachers on the Wild Rose Facebook Page, which globally connects the yoga travel enthusiasts that have visited this great studio.

Technorati Tags: yoga articles, yoga blogs, yoga resort, yoga retreat, yoga retreats, yoga thailand, Yoga Travel, yoga vacation, yoga vacations

Let’s back up for a moment.  The Osho Meditation Resort has its positives.  It unquestionably lives up to its name as a yoga travel ‘resort.’  The zen-inspired pyramid structures amongst the green lushness of tropical India can are breathtaking.  However, behind the veil of beauty lies an unscrupulous cash-cow of a business. The Osho ashram is a business and nothing more.  A quick Internet search will show you that a vast majority of reviewers agree.  Being in Pune, we decided to see for ourselves.

A single room at the Osho guesthouse runs 3500 rupees per day (US $77).  Compare this to the Bhakti-inspired yoga travel ashram at Amritapuri which asks for a mere 100 rupees per day.  The guesthouse fee only covers boarding.  The extra fees include:

• Orientation fee of 1500 rupees which includes a mandatory HIV test (??).
• Fee of 700 rupees each following day to participate in meditation.
• Robes that must be purchased that conform to the mandatory dress code
• Necessary mats and pads for meditation sessions.  Unless you can endure sitting on ice cold marble floors.
• Food vouchers. In our humble opinion, the only reason a business would use prepaid vouchers over cash is the hope that some will go unused and add to the profit line.  Not very Zen.

If you do the math, in a week you could spend more at this “ashram” than your entire plane ticket to India.

As for the teachings of Osho himself, any amount of research will uncover stories of controversy.  During his lifetime, Osho had been deported from the U.S., denied by over 20 contries, marked as an insatiable seeker of wealth, and dubbed the “sex guru.”  His teachings, personally speaking, seemed empty and often disrespectful to other gurus including Buddha himself.  We can’t comment on the yoga offered there as the class we tried to attend was cancelled and sticking around for the next one wasn’t in our cards.

India has a wealth of quality spiritual offerings.  Avoid the Osho Meditation Resort.  For the same cost you could stay at any 5-star Hilton and experience a more fulfilling spiritual lesson from the concierge.   We highly discourage our readers from this yoga travel locale.

Technorati Tags: osho ashram, osho meditation resort, osho pune, yoga ashram, yoga blogs, yoga in india, yoga resort, yoga retreat, yoga retreats, Yoga Travel, yoga vacation, yoga vacations