June 21st marks International Yoga Day, a global celebration of the ancient practice that nurtures both body and mind. More than just a day of poses and breathing, it’s a worldwide reminder of yoga’s power to heal, unite, and uplift. 

Yoga can also serve the inspiration for a destination vacation with a wellness focus. From serene mountain retreats to lush tropical sanctuaries, yoga is practiced across continents, cultures, and climates. Here are two extraordinary destinations where yoga isn’t just an activity, it’s a way of life, offered year-round.

Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Rishikesh is often referred to as the Yoga Capital of the World. This ancient town is a magnet for spiritual seekers, yogis, and wellness travelers from around the globe. Rooted in India over 5,000 years ago, yoga has evolved into a global movement that promotes physical vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual harmony.

At Ananda in the Himalayas, yoga is experienced in its purest form—immersed in the serenity of the Himalayan foothills, where this ancient wisdom was born and perfected. Ananda's approach to yoga is rooted in tradition, designed to connect the body, breath, mind, and spirit as one. Each guest embarks on a personalized journey, guided by classical practices from different branches of yoga: asana, pranayama, yogic relaxation, meditation, and yoga therapy. Whether the focus is physical rejuvenation, emotional healing, or spiritual deepening, Ananda’s expert-led programs are tailored to support individual’s unique goals.

Explore Ananda’s Signature Yoga Programs:

Yogic Detox: This dynamic program is structured to cleanse the body and mind by integrating traditional yogic cleansing techniques (Shatkriyas), asanas, pranayama, and dietary support. Yogic Detox addresses the physical and energetic impurities that weigh us down, enhancing metabolic efficiency, vitality, and mental clarity. The process gently purifies the digestive and respiratory systems while balancing the doshas—creating space for renewed energy and emotional release. 

Holistic Yoga: Ananda’s Holistic Yoga program blends the wisdom of multiple branches—Hatha, Raja, Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana Yoga—to create a well-rounded, transformative experience. It goes beyond the physical to address emotional and spiritual well-being. Tailored to your unique needs, this integrative approach helps refine awareness, develop mental resilience, and lead a more balanced and fulfilled life. Whether the goal is healing, strength-building, or inner growth, this program nurtures the whole self.

Dhyana Meditation: Rooted in the classical Raja Yoga tradition, the Dhyana program focuses on the mastery of the mind. Guests journey through the inner limbs of yoga—from sense withdrawal (pratyahara) to focused concentration (dharana), culminating in deep meditation (dhyana). This immersive program helps release deep-seated stress, cultivates calm, and expands consciousness. Whether new to meditation or refining the practice, this is a guided pathway into inner stillness and spiritual awakening.

Meditation and mindful movement offer a path inward - to listen, to release, and to heal. Yoga doesn’t treat symptoms; it transforms the human experience from the inside out. This healing gift is available to all who approach it with an open heart. Step into the healing tradition of yoga this International Yoga Day—with Ananda as the guide.

This family-owned eco-hotel blends refined hospitality with a regenerative ethos. From its carbon-neutral operations to its forest-to-wellness philosophy, Hotel Belmar invites travelers to experience yoga not just as a practice but as a way of engaging with the world more consciously.

Hotel Belmar, Monteverde, Costa Rica

High in the misty cloud forests of Costa Rica, Monteverde is a sanctuary of stillness and sustainability. Here, yoga unfolds in open-air studios surrounded by nature’s symphony, blending inner peace with ecological harmony. Monteverde offers a unique blend of adventure and introspection, where you can balance your asanas with zip-lining, forest hikes, and moments of stillness in nature’s embrace.

Perched above the misty treetops of Costa Rica’s Monteverde cloud forest, Hotel Belmar offers a serene and inspiring setting to honor International Yoga Day. With a deep-rooted commitment to holistic well-being, sustainability, and nature immersion, Hotel Belmar is a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with mindful breathing, body, and biodiversity.

Signature Yoga & Wellness Experiences

Daily Morning Yoga Classes: Gentle vinyasa or Hatha-inspired flows guided in the hotel’s open chalet, with panoramic forest views and birdsong.

Wellness in the Woods: A fusion of forest bathing and yoga held in SAVIA, the hotel’s private cloud forest reserve.

Sunset Meditation & Sound Journeys: Guided sessions at dusk that blend breathwork, sound healing and introspection.

Farm-to-Body Nourishment: Organic elixirs and plant-forward meals from Finca Madre Tierra, the hotel’s on-site carbon-neutral farm.

Additionally, guests can request custom wellness sessions throughout the year, including aromatherapy, sound baths, and guided rituals tailored to their personal interests.

This family-owned eco-hotel blends refined hospitality with a regenerative ethos. From its carbon-neutral operations to its forest-to-wellness philosophy, Hotel Belmar invites travelers to experience yoga not just as a practice but as a way of engaging with the world more consciously.