For years now it has become a popular pastime to spend the holiday season away on a self-styled Christmas yoga vacation, made perfect by being chosen as that perfect retreat for yourself, so full of the stuff that you like doing, whatever that may be.

It could be a contemplative relaxation retreat to kick off those New Year resolutions. Or a more active or spiritual retreat you are thinking of. From hiking in mountains, learning to surf, being pampered in a spa, committing to a detox, the choice is yours.

Christmas & New Years Yoga Retreats 2023

The nice thing about getting away at this time of year is that you can avoid the hectic busy schedule of Christmas and New Year at home. Spending this festive period away on a retreat holiday gives you the opportunity to do exactly what you want with your time.

So here are our top picks for the holiday season of 2023 to make that getaway for you for Christmas and NY –

4 MOST POPULAR RETREATS IN EUROPE

1.5 Night All-Inclusive Yoga Wellness Retreat Canary Islands

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain; Any 5 nights Christmas or New Year

From USD 900

Experience an awesome journey to your inner truth and peace with the singing bowls, gong meditations and a unforgettable Kirtan. A sound healing session is perfect if you are interested in music and energy work and its powerful way of creating connection and healing.

Excellent classes of powerful Yoga (mix of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Jivamukti) styles to push your limits, mindful flows and Yin classes to explore a meditative state of mind. The sound healing specials will calm you down after another breathtaking day at a camp.

Malaga Spain, From $2385 ; Dates- Any 6 Days Christmas or New Year

A retreat center focused on your health and well-being through a range of activity classes – yoga, meditation, pilates, fitness and detoxification of the bodily system – and luckily with a pool and spa services to enjoy in your downtime.

Daily guided meditations combine with a warm atmosphere and releasing yoga to support a week of relaxation, reflection and advancement. And in tranquil Portugal, not too far from the beach in Sintra as a bonus.

4. 6 Day New Years Yoga Retreat

Torres Vedras, Portugal; 29 January 2023 – January 3

From $1390

This New Years retreat is for those who already have experience of Vinyasa Flow or similar dynamic yoga style – it’s not for beginners to yoga. The organisers make sure everyone’s met where they’re at – always offering many options and modifications in the classes.

You will start each day with a two hour dynamic Vinyasa Flow practice, moving through the whole body. Each class will have a different theme/focus and includes pranayama and meditation. These classes are physically demanding so get ready to move, breathe and sometimes challenge yourself! You’ll have the chance to request poses you’d like to work on during the week.

MOST POPULAR RETREATS IN THE AMERICAS

5. 8 Day New Years Yoga Retreat, Mexico

Mexico, From $1699 ; 29 December 2023 – January 5th

A variety of yoga classes will ride the rhythm of the experience. From energetic, strong moving flows that support strength and flexibility, to deep relaxation and meditation.

Each morning will be Vinyasa and evening is Yin Yoga. In between is your opportunity to create your own adventure. Relax on the beach, swim in the ocean or pool, read or nap in a hammock, enjoy a massage, or take an excursion; join a Temazcal Ceremony, cruise on a Catamaran, connect with the local community, learn to Salsa Dance or Surf fun waves.

Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Celebration Concert under the stars!

6. 5 Day New Year Yoga and Live Music Retreat, California USA

San Luis Obispo, California, from $1899; 28 December 2023 – 1 January

This truly holistic weekend begins with the setting of intention and inviting clarity into the practice. As the weekend unfolds, you are guided to move joyfully and powerfully towards realizing these resolutions and expansions of your authentic self through yoga, meditation, and sacred ceremony.

The retreat package includes your lovely accommodations, nourishing meals, yoga and restorative classes, hot tub use, access to saltwater pool, plus plenty of free time on the majestic grounds where you can hike, journal, meditate, and use the time for self reflection.

Begin each day hiking. These guided hikes will explore some of the best unspoiled scenery in all of California. In the late afternoon enjoy the yoga class followed by restorative yoga postures. As you embark on your inward journey of renewal, you will feel a deeper sense of connectedness to yourself and the beautiful nature that surrounds the retreat sanctuary.

7. 7 Day New Years Reset Retreat, Costa Rica

Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, From $1250 ; 2023 Dates coming

This very special New Years Retreat includes your 6 nights accommodation, plus 2 Daily Yoga classes Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Restorative, Pranayama; all group ground transportation and air transfer; 3 fresh, healthy, home-cooked, local meals/day; Trips to exclusive beaches; Ample time to explore Playa Hermosa; Trip to Manuel Antonio National Park and Beach; Detoxifying Sweat Lodge. On NY eve, Sangria and Live Art and Music New Year’s Eve celebration!. And of course snoozing in hammocks under palm trees

Other activities throughout the day or week might include surfing the local pristine surf spots, ayurvedic massage, Energy healing session, white water rafting, zip-lining or horse back riding in a jungle paradise.

MOST POPULAR RETREATS IN ASIA

8. 7 Night Christmas Yoga, Meditation and Fitness Retreat, Thailand

Another popular pastime for this time of year, the changeover from one year to the next with all the feeling of opportunity and change, is that people start to consider longer more intensive retreats, those where an education of the yogic lifestyle and background come into focus.