Great Australasian Yoga Escapes
Seeking your own spiritual escape closer to home? Jessica Humphries
shares her favourite yoga journeys in our own backyard.1 - Byron Bay, NSW
Byron Bay has long been known as Australia’s yoga capital. The expansive beaches and spiritual
offerings entice yogis from near and far, and as tourism continues to flourish, so does the yoga scene.
Where to stay:Elements of Byron boasts eco friendly luxury just a stone’s throw from the
beach. Yoga classes are offered in the morning sun overlooking the ocean and the spa
treatments are divine.
Wheretoeat:Elixaba is a trendy, plant based restaurant and bar tucked away in a secret
arcadethat serves delicious, colourful treats.
Where to practice:Creature Yoga is Byron’s most popular yoga space, with two boutique
studios on opposite ends of town and an array of classes and workshops.
What to do:Walk the lighthouse track as you take in peaceful rainforest and picturesque
ocean views.2 - Sunshine Coast, QLD
The Sunshine Coast is quickly becoming Australia’s new yoga hotspot, with more and more nature
loving, conscious travellers drawn to the area and some seriously serene spaces to explore.
Where to stay:Kondalilla Eco Resort is a nature enthusiasts dream, offering cabins tucked
away in the rainforest hinterland that are perfect for escaping the city. If you’re craving the
coast and a little luxury, Sofitel Noosa won’t disappoint.
Wheretoeat:Belmondos Organic Market is filled with healthy, ready to eat treats
and take aways from local, artisan producers.
Where to practice:Zenko Yoga have two sunny studios offering daily flow, yin and
meditation classes with some of the coast’s best teachers.
What to do:Take an SUP yoga class with Kat Harding or enjoy a hinterland hike.3 - Ubud, Bali
Ubud is a theme park for yoga lovers! There are classes on every corner and vegan
eateries galore, not to mention the annual Bali Spirit Fest. Be warned, a trip to Ubud may
bring on digital nomad dreams whilst you plan your next move.
Where to stay:Yoga Barn is Ubud’s biggest yoga studio, also offering beautiful on site accommodation.
There’s a bursting yoga schedule and a restaurant on site, creating a village atmosphere.
Wheretoeat:If you’re venturing beyond Yoga Barn’s walls, turn right as you exit the property
and wander along to find an abundance of vegan eats. Clear Café is beautifully and peacefully
designed with a wealth of plant-based feasts.
Where to practice:Radiantly Alive is a centrally located studio filled with light and overlooking
lush rainforest gardens, plus an expansive timetable taught by experienced teachers.
What to do:Book an Ayurvedic treatment at Bali Botanica Spa, get your barter on at the
Ubud Art Market or take a peaceful stroll around the rice fields.4 - Canggu, Bali
This beachside town brings a range of yoga studios and nutritious cafes to the tourists
who flock to soak up the good vibes.
Where to stay:Desa Seni is a quirky eco village reminiscent of a children’s colourful dream-like
fairy-tale. The outdoor yoga spaces boast a wealth of daily yoga classes taught by world-class teachers.
Wheretoeat:Desa Seni’s on site café creates farm to table treats, or head into town and visit
Shady Shack for bungalow vibes and a big, wholesome menu.
Where to practice:The Practice is a beautiful space with breezy indoor/outdoor shalas that
overlook the rice fields and a dedicated following of community- focused yogis who stay for
chats and tea after class.
What to do:The yoga, massage, food and long walks along the beach are enough to keep you
entertained for weeks on end.5 - Koh Phangang, Thailand
Who would have imagined the island famous for its full moon rage parties would one day
become a yogi’s paradise? Yoga lovers will be delighted by the wholesome treats aplenty.
Where to stay:The Sanctuary is well known for its yoga, healthy food and detox programs,
quirky accommodation and beautiful beachfront location that backs onto tranquil rainforest.
Wheretoeat:Green Gallery is a plant based café serving up vegan variations of traditional treats
(like cheeseburgers, fake bacon & eggs and raw cakes) with a chilled out garden space that hosts
regular, yogic events.
Where to practice:You won’t need to leave The Sanctuary for a picturesque practice, but if you’re
keen to explore try Orion Healing Centre, offering classes as well as unique holistic therapies.
What to do:There’s no shortage of adventurous activities on the island, but a sunset over the(^76) ocean will fill your yogi cup.
may/june 2018
yogajournal.com.au
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