World Yoga Day - Seven Destinations to Inspire your Practice

Swap the studio for something a little more scenic this World Yoga Day, officially celebrated on 21 June. From morning flows at over 11,000 ft atop Aspen Mountain, to sun salutations backdropped by The Islands of Tahiti’s iconic blue lagoon, here are seven spectacular yoga settings from around the world to inspire your outdoor Asana this World Yoga Day. 

 Align your chakras atop Aspen Mountain, Aspen, Colorado

Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit at just over 11,000 ft with mountaintop yoga on Aspen Mountain. Held on weekdays throughout the summer, these uplifting morning sessions are led by the experienced local instructors of Aspen Shakti, offering the opportunity to start the day surrounded by fresh  alpine air and towering pine trees. After class, linger for an hour to soak up the panoramic views of rolling forests and shimmering aspen groves stretching to the seemingly endless horizon. Reach the summit via the scenic Silver Queen Gondola or, for a more adventurous start to the day, hike to the top, with yoga mats and blocks all provided. Ticket prices start from £19 and the hike is free. aspenchamber.org 

Renew your zen on Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich is one of  Zurich’s most beautiful natural attractions, offering visitors to the largest city in Switzerland a multitude of watersports  from sailing and swimming to canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.  Combine paddleboarding with yoga on the lake’s calm, clear waters with a dual Asana experience to test your core strength After paddling out on SUP boards, enjoy a guided yoga session featuring a range of poses and breathing techniques while standing, sitting or lying on the board. The gentle movement of the water and Zurich’s scenic surroundings create a relaxing atmosphere, while the fluid  surface intensifies the workout, forcing your body to constantly fine-tune its balance. zuerich.com/en

Awaken your spirits among the sacred red rocks of Sedona, Arizona  

Surrounded by red rocks with a reputation for evoking spiritual renewal, Sedona is a unique town where visitors have sensed the Earth’s natural energy, inspiring healing and self-reflection. Sedona Mystical Tours offer a  fully customisable yoga tour designed to harness the healing powers of the landscape and are tailored to each guest’s abilities and desired outcome. The aim of each bespoke session is to  release stagnant energy, allowing the participant to return home invigorated, peaceful and recharged. Alternatively, embark on a traditional vortex healing tour which offers guests the opportunity to realign their energy in an electromagnetic hotspot. American Indians native to the area believe these subtle spiritual hotspots provide feelings of healing, meditation, clarity and emotional release. visitarizona.com 

Find your flow in The Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia

In The Islands of Tahiti, wellness comes with a particularly spectacular backdrop. the Sofitel Kira Ora Moorea Beach Resort provides yoga classes with sessions often held overlooking the island’s iconic lagoon and jagged volcanic peaks. For those seeking a more independent experience, French Polynesia’s white-sand beaches, secluded motus (a small, low-lying coral sand islet) or one of many  panoramic viewpoints provide the perfect setting to roll out a mat and practice surrounded by turquoise waters, coconut palm trees and lush mountain scenery.. tahititourisme.uk/ 

Namaste in a national park, Yosemite 

Salute the sun from atop Yosemite’s iconic granite rocks or meditate in the meadows with Balanced Rock, a non-profit organisation based in El Portal, Yosemite Mariposa County. Connect with the land and its wild beauty through a private nature yoga class, which can be booked for 4-10 people. Balanced Rock also organises retreats and custom adventures for the wellness and nature loving traveller, with guided hiking experiences in the national park where you can add guided yoga practices or meditative moments to connect with one of the most iconic landscapes on earth. yosemite.com 

Embrace the Blue Mind Effect with full moon beach yoga in Marco Island, Florida’s Paradise Coast

Florida’s Paradise Coast is embracing the growing trend of ‘noctourism’, connecting wellness experiences to nature after dark. At the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, guests can take part in the monthly Full Moon Beach Yoga session. Starting at 6:30am, participants flow through an all-levels yoga practice as the full moon sets over the Gulf of Mexico, creating a tranquil backdrop for mindfulness. The experience combines the restorative benefits of yoga with the effects of being near water, often referred to as the “Blue Mind Theory”, where oceans and waterways are known for improving mood and enhancing mental clarity. paradisecoast.com 

Mountainside Yoga in the Spring Mountains: Nevada

Every summer, Lee Canyon (located about 45 minutes northwest of Las Vegas) hosts outdoor, hour-long Vinyasa flow classes in their tranquil Aspen Grove. Sitting at 8,600 feet, the year-round alpine resort is typically 20-30 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas valley floor and located in the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest. Classes are offered every Friday and Sundays, and open to all levels and ages. It’s a striking contrast to the desert below, offering winter skiing and snowboarding, as well as summer hiking and mountain biking following the class, free sound healing and meditation is also on offer. Classes are free but registration is required. travelnevada.com