Wellness travel is booming, and believe me, I’m all about it. But instead of hopping on the latest trends, I’ve always leaned toward more of an integrated approach—one that meshes wellness with adventure. Whether trekking mountains, rafting rivers, or exploring coastal towns, yoga has been a grounding force in my travels and in my life. It’s a practice that transcends location, offering a connection to universal communities wherever I may roll out my mat.
Much like how angling gives purpose to travel for some, yoga does the same for me these days. It’s a shared ritual, a moment of presence, and an acknowledgment of our shared humanity. In 2024, I was fortunate to sit and flow in some truly extraordinary places. While difficult to narrow down, these five locations from my year in travels didn’t just enrich my yoga practice—they enriched my soul.
“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
1. Sayulita, Mexico
Across the street from Casa Blanca in the Don Bonito Hotel lies one of the most charming coffee shops and serene yoga studios in all of Mexico. This peaceful little sanctuary up the stairs with ocean views is called The Rose Room, perfectly tucked into the bohemian rhythm of Sayulita, a vibrant surf town on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The town’s energy—laid-back yet vibrant—infused every practice here.
The studio’s open-air design allows ocean breezes to dance through sun salutations, while the sounds of early morning birds clashing with the surf provides a natural meditative backdrop. Practicing here literally saved my life a few years ago on my birthday, and every visit feels like a symphony of breath and waves, a harmonious blending of inner and outer worlds. Sayulita is only about an hour’s drive north from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport, making it easily accessible yet blissfully removed from the city’s bustle.
2. Sundance, Utah
There’s something undeniably magical about practicing yoga in a yurt surrounded by towering alpine peaks. At Sundance Mountain Resort, located in the foothills of Utah’s glorious Wasatch Range, the rustic charm of the venue combined with the crisp mountain air transformed each asana into an act of communion with nature and my true purpose for being.
This wasn’t just yoga; it was a retreat into the soul of the wilderness and a historic respite rooted in respect for nature and the arts. Whether grounding in tree pose or gazing at giant dripping icicles during shavasana, every moment felt deeply reverent, as though the earth itself were holding practice. Sundance is also only about an hour’s drive south from Salt Lake City, making it an easily accessible escape into the mountains.
3. Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
Renowned for its luxury, attention to detail, and breathtaking open landscapes, Brush Creek Ranch delivered an unexpected sanctuary for yoga. Located in the heart of Saratoga’s wild western spaces, practicing here felt like stepping into a wellness oasis set against the raw beauty of yesteryear Wyoming.
With panoramic views of rolling hills and the distant Rockies, each pose seemed to expand beyond the mat, mirroring the openness of the landscape. The serenity of the ranch made every session feel like an exploration of body and mind, as well as a unique balance of luxury and mindfulness, cultivating extreme gratitude. Brush Creek Ranch is reachable via regional airports or about a four-hour drive from DIA with a scenic tour through Wyoming’s Medicine Bow National Forest.
4. Hix Island House, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Nestled in the tropical seclusion of Vieques, a major island off the coast of Puerto Rico, Hix Island House redefined the idea of simplicity in yoga with its brutalist concrete construction. This eco-retreat on the island’s hillside is known for its minimalist architecture and stunning natural surroundings, including wild horses roaming the property and nearby beaches.
The surrounding natural beauty created a space where distractions melted away, leaving only the essentials—breath, movement, and connection, and the cacophony of jungle sounds. The forest seemed to exhale along with me, its rhythms aligning perfectly with my own. Each practice felt like a renewal, a reminder of the profound tranquility that comes from being near the ocean and in harmony with the world around you. To reach Vieques, take a short flight from San Juan, followed by a quick drive to the retreat.
5. Lumeria Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii is synonymous with healing, and Lumeria Maui epitomizes this spirit at every turn. Nestled in Upcountry Maui, this retreat center is surrounded by lush landscapes and set high above the island’s north shore. The historic retreat center offered a transformative setting for yoga along with a grounding stay for my family.
Practicing under the warm Hawaiian sun, with palm fronds swaying above and the distant sound of waves and wind, was like stepping into the essence of Aloha. Lumeria wasn’t just a place to deepen my practice—it was a sanctuary to rediscover balance and reconnect with the soul. Located just 20 minutes from Kahului Airport, Lumeria’s secluded yet accessible location makes it a haven for travelers seeking peace.
Each of these locations offered something unique, but they all reminded me why yoga has become such an integral part of my adventures. Whether it was the ocean’s embrace, the mountains’ stillness, or the forests’ calm, yoga serves as a bridge to these incredible landscapes and my own personal journey. I’d love to hear about your favorite locations and recommendations as well. Reach out to me on IG at @DefinitelyWild.
