When we think of , most of us think of relaxation, inwardness and meditative states. We think of balance and stretching, being centered and strength. Yoga is all these things, and there are many vacation retreats in beautiful places around the world that can give you that kind of rejuvenating experience.

But what about those yoga lovers among us who are looking for something a little more exhilarating?

A vinyasa session followed by a surfing class, for example, or a little zip lining after your morning stretch? If the combination of yoga and adventure, or even extreme sports, sounds like your cup of tea, then read on. The following are 10 of the world’s best yoga vacations for adventure seekers.

1. Jungle Bike Your Way To Yoga Class In Saint Lucia

On the Caribbean island of lies Anse Chastanet. At this beachside retreat, engage in a seven-day yoga vacation which also includes windsurfing, sunfish sailing, snorkelling, ocean-kayaking and, most uniquely, jungle biking. If you prefer to take things at a slower pace, there are also ample hiking options available.

For more information, here. Single adult rates start at approximately $300 per night.

2. Yoga And Paddle Boarding In Jamaica

This vacation, in the tropical wonderland of Negril, , combines water adventure sports and yoga in one specialized trip. Over five days and four nights, master the dual arts of yoga and stand-up paddle boarding, with a dash of ocean swimming for good measure. If you want to make the most of all the activities available to you, you can even take scuba lessons and go kayaking or snorkeling. The company responsible, , also runs active yoga retreats in , and .

For more information, . This five-day trip starts at $1400 per person, or $1150 if you make it in time for early bird prices.

 3. Bike Ride From A Volcano To Beachside Yoga In Maui, Hawaii

Nestled on a tropical beachfront on the of Maui, this yoga vacation is run by Fit and Fly Girl, a yoga and travel company which offers women’s-only yoga and adventure trips around the world (other destinations include Buenos Aires, Costa Rica, the French Riviera, Ibiza and Uruguay). This retreat combines daily yoga with cardio workouts, as well as surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkelling. You can also learn to hula dance, plus each booking includes a complimentary 60-minute massage. But the most unique offering on this Maui trip is the opportunity to bike ride at sunrise downhill from Haleakala Volcano, all the way to the beach.

For more information, here. This seven-day trip starts at $3,870.

4. Yoga, Rickshaws And Exploring In Sacred Southern India

Located in the birthplace of yoga and one of the most spiritually rich areas of the world, this 16-day yoga adventure also includes meditation, cooking classes and active exploring in southern . Bring your walking shoes as you explore local temples and sacred caves, walk with Hindu pilgrims during the Karthigai Deepam festival and tour about on rickshaws. Rather than being based in one resort or specific spot, this trip covers many southern Indian sites, such as Mamallapuram, Tiruvannamalai, Madurai, Alleppy, Marari and Cochin, ranging from mountainous to riverside and beachfront terrains.

For more information, . This trip runs at approximately $3500.

5. Scuba, Fire dance And Yoga In Montezuma, Costa Rica

Challenge your physical, spiritual and linguistic sides all at once with this retreat to the La Escuela Del Sol vacation school in beautiful Montezuma, . While yoga is the mainstay activity at this retreat, you can also learn Spanish, obtain your scuba certification, perfect your surf skills or even master fire dancing! Courses range from one to four weeks in duration and focus on Hatha Vinyasa yoga.

For more information, . Single adult rates start at $600 per week.

 6. Man A Sailboat Between Yoga Sessions Off The Coast Of Maine

Odds are you’ve never combined yoga and sailing, but there’s a first time for everything. Spend three days aboard the 95-foot Windjammer Angelique, sailing off the coast of . Help in all aspects of sailing the ship, while also taking calming yoga and meditation classes on deck. And don’t worry, this isn’t a huge operation with hundreds of passengers; you’ll be joined at most by 28 other people. You’ll even get to go ashore to dine one night on a deserted beach. This experience specifically caters to vegetarians and pescatarians.

For more information, . This three-day cruise costs $725 per person.

Photo courtesy of Prana del Mar

7. Yoga, Surfing And Kayaking In Baja, Mexico

Head to the tropical beaches of the Prana del Mar resort in , outside of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast, to experience beachfront yoga at its finest. Prana del Mar is very eco-friendly; the resort is powered by solar, the restaurant sources many of its ingredients from the in-house organic vegetable garden, and even the yoga studio mats are hand woven from bamboo. But the highlights of this yoga trip are the many additional activities available. Yoga is the focus, but you can also make use of the beautiful nearby beach to surf, kayak, snorkel, hike and even horse ride along the shore.

For more information, . Most retreats sit at around $2,000 per person but vary according to the trip.

8. Zip Lining, Yoga And White Water Fafting In The Jungles Of Costa Rica

Treat yourself to seven days of yoga and white water rafting in the jungle. In addition to yoga classes, two of this trip’s five days are also spent on the rapids of the Pacuare River, in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest. You can also combine your experience with surfing, zip lining and (if you dare) waterfall jumping. If you want to improve your Spanish, you can even take language classes, too.

For more information, . Trips start at $1,450 per week.

9. Rock Climbing, Yoga And Nature Hikes On A Southern Arizona Ranch

In the eternal sunny, clear atmosphere of southern , a stone’s throw from canyons and the Santa Catalina Mountains, lies the 150 acre Canyon Ranch, a health resort offering a plethora of adventure activities. There are both individual and group yoga classes available, with group sessions located in a dedicated yoga meditation dome. Combine your yoga experience with nature hikes, rock climbing, zip lining, horseback riding or a high ropes course. Canyon Ranch even includes massage and metaphysical therapies to counter all that physical exertion.

For more information, . Trips start from around $4,000.

10. Horseback Yoga In Utah

Surrounded by the beauty of Snow Canyon State Park in , all red rock and open spaces, this four-day retreat combines spiritual yoga practice with horse riding. Run by both equestrian and yoga experts, the retreat focuses on relaxation and mindfulness, as well as building a connection with your horse. When it comes to rejuvenation, the trail rides through stunning natural vistas certainly don’t hurt, either.

For more information, . This four-day trip starts at $2,250.

Have you ever partaken in some yoga adventures of your own? Please share your experiences in the comments below. 

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