If you’re looking for some serious inspiration for your New Year’s fitness resolution, we’ve got a list of the best health and fitness festivals happening all over the globe. Kick off 2016 with these once-in-a-lifetime yoga and fitness retreats; they’re worth the plane ticket!
Wanderlust - Oahu, HI
Wanderlust hosts retreats all over the world that focus on living mindfully. If the stunning setting at Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu doesn’t convince you then the festival offerings will: in addition to a variety of yoga classes for all levels of yogis, you can enjoy surfing, hiking, art, live music, inspirational lectures, and local food that is sustainably sourced and caters to an array of dietary needs. Ever tried yoga on a standup paddleboard? Or at the top of a mountain? Here’s your chance!
When: Feb 25th-28th, Thursday 6am-7:30pm, Friday 6am-midnight, Saturday 6am-11pm, Sunday 7am-4pm
Yoga Journal - San Francisco, CA
Fuel your new year yoga goals with this three-day retreat that will help you get focused and relaxed and enhance your yoga practice. Check out their variety of classes from full-day workshops to courses specifically for yoga teachers and business owners. The event also features inspirational and educational speakers, music, meditation, and a market with over 40 vendors. The highlight? Brassy spiritual guru-for-the-modern-world, Danielle LaPorte, will be speaking and signing books.
When: Jan 15th-18th, Friday 9am-9:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 7am-5:30pm, Monday 8am-5pm
Envision Festival - Uvita, Costa Rica
Envision is the full experience: a festival of mind, body, spirit, nature, and community. The yoga classes, taught by world-class international instructors (like Rachel Brathen), are just the beginning. Incredible live music, workshops taught by the likes of David Wolfe, performance art, speakers, and art galleries all take place on the southern coast of one of the most vibrant, welcoming, and bio diverse countries in the world.
When: Feb 25th-28th
Sedona Yoga Festival - Sedona, AZ
If you’re looking for transformation through yoga in 2016, head to Sedona. The Sedona Yoga Festival promises a “consciousness evolution” with yoga, meditation, energy work, and hiking amongst Sedona’s otherworldly red rocks. With almost 200 workshops available and an expo featuring food, vendors, and live performances, it’s the perfect spot to start your transformation and strengthen your mind, body, and soul.
When: March 10th-13th, Thursday 5:30pm-8:30pm, Friday and Saturday 5:30am-9pm, Sunday 5:30am-4pm
India Yoga Festival - Goa, India
What better place to work on your yoga practice than the birthplace of yoga? This immersive yoga festival offers classes and workshops that blend tradition and modernity. You can experience more than 20 styles of yoga, learn from teachers, swamis, and ashram directors from all over the world, and witness traditional yogic music and prayer. Namaste!
When: Jan 4th-8th, Monday 10am-6pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7am-6:30pm, Friday 7:30am-3pm
Well Expo - Madison, WI
The Well Expo is all about healthy living in every form. Check out presentations on nutrition and body confidence or classes about mental health and self-defense. Jump in on a free fitness class or indulge in some free spa services. No matter what kind of wellness you’re looking for, the Well Expo can help you find it in any aspect of your life, whether it’s mental or physical.
When: Jan 15th-16th, Friday 3pm-8pm, Saturday 9am-4pm
Tallahassee Fitness Festival - Tallahassee, FL
Want to test out the latest strength training equipment or nutritional products? How about a free health screening? Head to Tallahassee. Here you can test out home exercise equipment, participate in the latest workout classes (even a Zumbathon competition), and sample fitness and nutritional products from over 150 vendors. If you’re looking to make some exercise and nutrition changes in your life but don’t know where to start, you can try it first here. Best of all, it’s kid friendly and includes a section dedicated to kids health and fitness. They can even try some warm-up drills with a former Florida State University footballer.
When: Jan 23rd, 9am-3pm
This article was written by Katie Vaughan.
Image Credit: Joschko Hammermann