April 15, 2023

Yoga, surfing and going off-grid | This is where you escape everyday life

Occasionally, there is nothing nicer than getting away with yourself to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Creating a moment of calm for yourself to recharge. Slowing down often puts your life from a different perspective, allowing you to appreciate the little things in life again. In such a moment, you may realise that you want to do certain things differently. Maybe you really want to pick up that one hobby, or you decide you would like to trade your job for entrepreneurship. We tell you where to find the finest places and retreats to go. From an eco-farm to yoga and breath work or surfing, there's a place to suit every need.

One Day Retreats – Italy

If you read the name, you might think this is a one-day retreat. Yet, it is not. At One Day Retreats, you can join a transformational yoga & breath work retreat twice a year.

In a unique location in the hills of Tuscany, you will enjoy no less than six days of yoga, healthy, home-cooked meals and breath work sessions. Each day at this retreat is in a different theme of the five Chinese elements and their matching energy, seasons, and emotions. In your spare time, stretch out by the infinity pool, book a massage or seek some more adventure if you feel like it. In short: here you do whatever your heart desires in a positive, loving and beautiful environment.

The Retreat – Costa Rica

Do you feel the need to explore the world a bit more? Then The Retreat in Costa Rica might be the perfect destination for you. The island of Costa Rica is known for its healing energy, and that's precisely what The Retreat is all about.

In the middle of the rainforest and near the famous Crystal Quartz Mountain, you'll find this holistic oasis for body, mind, and soul. It has also been called the Costa Rican experience of heaven on earth. The Retreat is a resort and spa where you enjoy nature, healthy food and the rainforest. Whether you want a week of healthy and Ayurvedic food, want to deepen your yoga skills or prefer more active brisk hikes; all your needs are catered for here. The Retreat offers almost everything you need to relax, and is not the number six spa in the world for nothing. Here, you relax your way.

Surf Lodge – South Africa

Are you someone who likes to relax by being physically active? Or have you always wanted to learn to surf, for example? Then a week at Surf Lodge in South Africa would suit you well. In beautiful Jeffreys Bay, you can go as a beginner and advanced, young and old, to learn to surf, go on safari, hike or do yoga.

Located on a beautiful private beach, Surf Lodge offers dormitories as well as twin rooms and honeymoon suites. You choose how often and when to take surf lessons or plan another activity. In this wonderful place, you easily decide where you want to be and how much interaction you wish to have with others; the ideal conditions for those who like to relax actively. A week at Surf Lodge and you are sure to come back fit and with a a lot of of adventure stories.

Mãe Terra – Portugal

Have you always wanted to live off-grid in a self-sufficient environment? And do you like to roll up your sleeves because you enjoy working in nature? Then visit Rohan and Clara, the initiators of Mãe Terra in Portugal.

Mãe Terra is a small holding in the beautiful and rugged Portuguese mountains, where people work and live together with nature integrated agriculture according to bio (dynamic) and permaculture principles. You can stay here through the volunteer programme for a fortnight and use the facilities they offer. In return, you will help for three hours a day and learn all about self-sufficient living. A special place where you can slow down with yourself and learn about life in a community. It is the ideal place to get a feel for where your next step might lie.

Lanka Yoga – Sri Lanka

On Sri Lanka's unique Koggala Lake, you will find the unique and sustainable Lanka Yoga. An eco-friendly location, on almost one hectare of land, in the middle of Sri Lankan nature. Here you can go for a breathtaking yoga retreat or get your Yoga Teacher certificate.

The only location on the island built specifically for yoga retreats and training, you will find everything you need to come home to yourself. The yoga taught is based on Yoga Synergy: traditional yoga with a modern translation incorporating human psychology and anatomy. This way of moving focuses on the “how” and “why” questions; also known from Chinese Qi Gong. With a lovely pool, surrounded by papaya and mango fruit trees and with wildlife (occasionally passing by), you'll find yourself in a complete oasis of tranquillity and tropical experiences here. In your spare time, enjoy vegan food, book a massage or be on a beach within ten minutes to surf or relax. Lanka Yoga is the place for deepening, slowing down and relaxing with a tropical touch.