Take a break from your busy day-to-day hustle and recharge on a Catskills yoga retreat. The stunning natural landscape provides the perfect backdrop for a meditative experience. Draw strength from the mountains, clarity from the pristine waterways, and energy from the lush valleys. Practice mindfulness as you gaze out on your surroundings and you will understand why the region is home to the best yoga retreats near New York City. Whether you want to practice your poses, master your mind, or simply relax with a rejuvenating spa experience, the Catskills has a peaceful place for you.
When the honking of taxis and glare of city lights becomes too much for your chi to handle, find Zen at one of these Upstate New York yoga retreats.
9 Best Yoga Retreats Near NYC
- The Chi Hive Studio – Narrowsburg, NY
- Streamside Yoga – Andes, NY
- Sky Lake Retreat Center – Windsor, NY
- Peaceful Village Learning and Retreat Center
- YO1 Wellness Center – Monticello, NY
- Menla Retreat & Spa – Phoenicia, NY
- Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch – Woodburn, NY
- Ananda Ashram – Monroe, NY
- Harmony Hill Lodging & Retreat Center – East Meredith, NY
Hold That Pose
There is no right or wrong way to achieve inner peace. It is a personal journey, and every road is unique. To help you find your path, there are a variety of different retreat styles. One variation focuses heavily on the practice of yoga poses. Find balance in your downward dog at The Chi Hive, a day studio where children and adults of all ages can gather in a fun, compassionate, and supportive environment. In addition to yoga classes, they offer meditation, nutrition, music, dance, aerial arts, voice and more. Take time to explore the Great Western Catskills without missing a practice! Let the flow of the water inspire your breathing and movement at Streamside Yoga in Andes, or become part of the Alma Yoga community in Hancock. When your session is over, cozy up with a warm cup of tea and visit with fellow yogis.Breathe In, Breathe Out
Meditation is an excellent way to practice mindfulness. Being mindful is a great way to bring more balance to your life. Clearing your mind and looking inward is not a skill that comes naturally, though. It takes practice and guidance, and it helps when you can physically separate yourself from the stress of your daily surroundings. Take your first steps into a more mindful life by participating in a meditation retreat. The Sky Lake Retreat Center, a Shambhala meditation and retreat center nestled in a forest of tall cedars and white pines, is part of an international community of meditation centers founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Their teachings in Shambhala Buddhism explore the potential for enlightenment in all situations or states of mind through mindfulness/awareness meditation. Practice your mindfulness as you hike the nearby trails on the Mohonk Preserve, climb the Shawangunk Mountains, or meander around the woods and waters of Sky Lake. Make it a truly personal journey at the Peaceful Village Learning and Retreat Center. Their meditation classes and workshops will guide you through understanding your own spirituality in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere that will help you open your heart and expand your mind. Their six-building complex is located on 300 acres of woods and streams, sustained by year-round residents, volunteer servers, and experienced yogis visiting from around the world.Relax Your Mind and Body
Ease yourself into the yoga lifestyle with a relaxing spa retreat. Self-care is an essential aspect of mindfulness and meditation, but sometimes you need a little help along the way. Let a professional work out the knots in your neck or rejuvenate your natural glow with a soothing facial. Between treatments, let your stress melt away by basking in unparalleled comfort. The YO1 Wellness Center is a one-of-a-kind destination, offering Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy and Acupuncture in a single authentic, comprehensive, and completely customized experience. Inspired by the Sanskrit word “Yovan,” which means “youth,” YO1 focuses on the human quest of attaining youth through rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit. For the ultimate group retreat or personal getaway, head to Menla Retreat & Spa, located on a 325-acre estate in the Catskill Forest Preserve. A project of Tibet House US, the experience includes meals prepared by a gourmet chef, private or shared accommodations, a wellness spa, yoga studio, meditation sanctuary, and a variety of outdoor activities.Find Solace in Seclusion
Sometimes you need a big change to realign your mind. Escaping to a remote sanctuary for a weekend yoga retreat can be the perfect jumpstart. The expansive wilderness of the Catskills lends itself to such an experience. Sit for a while with your own mind, or meet others who have embarked on a similar spiritual journey. If you’re looking for a life-changing experience, book a stay at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch. Founded in 1974, their programming is structured around a full immersion into Yogic living, including Asanas (yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), vegetarian meals, chanting, and working together in Karma Yoga. Enjoy a serene natural environment, simple accommodations, and delicious vegetarian meals at Ananda Ashram, a yoga retreat and spiritual-educational center founded in 1964 by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati. Beyond traditional yoga and meditation program offerings, Ananda Ashram also offers Sanskrit classes, and classical Indian dance and music instruction! The Harmony Hill Lodging and Retreat Center offers a number of exciting getaway packages. Stay in one of their treetop yurts and receive guided meditation, a life coaching session, and Reiki treatment. Or, get spiritually closer to your special someone during a mountain chalet retreat that includes a life coaching session, a spiritual coaching session, two guided meditations, and a Reiki treatment. For the best weekend yoga retreats on the East Coast, look no further than the Catskills. Stretch your muscles and your mind with challenging yoga poses and mindful meditation, or take an opportunity to relax and treat yourself to a luxurious spa experience. However you choose to recharge, remember this time is for you to reconnect with yourself. Namaste.
