Retreat Yourself

Four yoga retreats to help you get back to where you once belonged.

By Erica Rodefer

If you're planning a vacation, it's worth considering a weeklong yoga retreat—it may just shift the direction of your practice for a month, six months, or even a year. The following yoga destinations, with classes led by master yogis, are among the best for transforming your practice.

Dunton Hot Springs, Dolorex, Colorado

Imagine starting the day off with a vigorous Ashtanga practice and an organic breakfast, both tailored specifically to your needs and desires. Then, you choose a long hike exploring the beauty of the Rocky Mountains or pamper yourself with a soak in a natural hot spring.

The beauty of the new yoga retreat program at Dunton Hot Springs in southwest Colorado is that everything about it is designed to accommodate each of its guests. It offers three hours of yoga daily with Ashtanga vinyasa teacher Liz Lark, unlimited hot springs, one 60-minute spa massage, and three locally grown organic meals a day. The resort accepts fewer than 10 students in order to ensure that each guest receives the royal treatment, whatever that may entail. October 25–31. Rates start at $1,250; transportation, horseback riding, and other activities not included. (970) 882-4800, www.duntonhotsprings.com.

Quiet Greek Retreat: Lesvos, Greece

For the past 25 years, Angela Farmer and Victor van Kooten have attracted students from all over the world to their retreats on the island of Lesvos. But when the noise of tourism started to encroach on their peaceful practice space, they knew they had to make a change. Four years ago, they bought a property outside the town of Molivos and built their own yoga hall, nestled in a quiet olive grove in the Eftalou Valley.

Just five minutes from the beach, the new space is isolated enough that the only noise you'll hear is the occasional muted jingling of bells from sheep grazing in the distance. The hall's natural light and soothing atmosphere set the tone for three hours of asana each morning, and the upstairs terrace provides the perfect setting for evening meditation and pranayama. September 11–23. $900; travel, room, and board are not included. (937) 767-7727, patricia@brainfingers.com, www.angela-victor.com.

Santorini with Rusty Wells: Santorini, Greece

Many believe the Greek island Santorini was part of the fabled lost world of Atlantis. This summer, paradise welcomes a different kind of legend: Rusty Wells.

Wells, who is known for his challenging and uplifting vinyasa flow classes, leads vacationers on a journey they won't soon forgetÑwith accommodations at Rocabella Luxury Suites, gourmet vegetarian meals, and a big taste of Greek culture. Both beginners and advanced students will celebrate like the Greeks with music and dancing, asana practice with Wells, meditation with Vivi Letsou, and a sailboat tour of the caldera. July 2–8, 2006. Rates start at $1,399; transportation not included. +30 (210) 323-2004, www.nysystudios.com.

Spiritual Wisdom of the Andes: Cuzco, Peru

If you're one of those people who can't enjoy luxury accommodations if the resort isn't eco-friendly, then you'll be able to rest easy at Willka TÔika Garden Guesthouse. Located an hour outside Cuzco, Peru, on the road to Machu Picchu, Willka T'ika takes pride in its green luxury cottages. For 12 years, the property has attracted noted yoga teachers, including Rodney Yee and Judith Hanson Lasater, with its renovated yoga space, luxurious rooms, and organic vegetarian cuisine grown in gardens on-site.

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