Yoga meditation retreats in California have been popping up left and right over the last couple of years, and for good reason too! These wellness-focused getaway let you see new places while intentionally improving your health.
For instance, yoga benefits the body beyond the mats. Research shows it can help increase flexibility, improve strength, ease pain, boost energy levels, and help you de-stress (source). Meanwhile meditation can improve self-awareness, boost creativity, lower negative emotions, and improve sleep (source).
With so many proven health benefits of yoga and meditation, the only question left is which retreat will you choose?
From Joshua Tree to Nevada City in Northern California, there’s a yoga retreat for almost every type of wellness explorer. Keep scrolling to find some of the most rewarding retreats in California!
13 Best Yoga Meditation Retreats California
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Below I’ve curated a list (in no particular order) of the best yoga meditation retreats to check out in California. Some places offer more active retreats that involve hiking, while others have a slower cadence. These are different styles so choose what serves you the most.
Keep in mind that the retreat duration will also vary. However, the average seems to be around 3 days.
If you’re new to yoga, not a problem! Most of the yoga postures being explored during the retreat are accessible and can be modified to fit your physical fitness level.
1. Annual Spring Women’s Yoga Retreat
If you’re looking for a secluded refuge away from the bustle of the San Francisco, then this women’s retreat is worth checking out. Found in the hilly heartland of Sonoma County, this retreat is held at a ranch that dates back to the 1930s called Westerbeke Ranch.
Every morning your instructor will lead you through a guided meditation (which is optional), followed by a powerful yoga flow and free time. During your free time you can journal, color, write, go on walk, or do anything else that brings you joy and peace of mind. Other items on the agenda include a mid-afternoon flow, a quiet yoga flow to prep you for bed, and nourishing meals.
The retreat lasts for four days. Pricing begins around $1,120 per person for a shared triple room.
2. Yoga, Meditation & Nature Retreat
Set along the Central Coast in Santa Margarita is the boutique yoga meditation retreat center, Sagrada Wellness. It’s approximately a two hour drive north of Santa Barbara and sits proudly on a hilltop overlooking the lush green area.
Unlike other retreat centers, this center offers unique spins on yoga retreats, ranging from yoga and hiking to yoga and writing. The yoga meditation retreat offered here is also a nature retreat.
On the itinerary, get ready for 4-days filled with daily yoga practices. After, you’ll get free time to lounge in the hammocks, swim, and enjoy the ranch at Sagrada Wellness, followed by guided meditations in the evening.
To book the Yoga, Meditation, Nature Retreat, a $300 non-refundable deposit is required. Pricing starts at $1,425 for a shared dorm room, but private rooms are also available.
3. Weekend Warrior Yoga Retreat
The Weekend Warrior Yoga Retreat is another excellent option at Sagrada Wellness that offers both yoga and meditation in the beautiful countryside.
Over the long weekend, each day starts off with a morning meditation or hike, followed by a grounding yoga flow. Similar to the other retreats at Sagrada Wellness, you’ll have plenty of free time to soak in the hot tub, journal in nature, and wander around the premise.
This retreat lasts 3-days and is extremely beginner-friendly. For a communal bedroom, prices start at $1,095.
4. Ayurveda Yoga Retreat
Ayurveda Yoga Retreat is the perfect wellness city escape for anyone traveling to Los Angeles. The retreat is based on Ayurveda medicine with the goal of helping balance with your doshas and embrace routine and moderation.
This three day yoga meditation retreat is beginner-friendly and filled with mindful activities. Everyday expect to move your body with powerful yoga sessions, participate in Ayurveda workshops, and eat meals that are vegetarian based.
To attend the retreat it’s $395 and all accommodations are a private room with a shared bath.
5. Personal Yoga Retreat in Santa Barbara
Are you on the fence between what yoga meditation retreat would be the best? If you’re nodding yes that’s me, then why not try out this Personal Yoga Retreat in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara is a chic beach town that’s about a two hour drive northwest of Los Angeles. It’s one of the favorite cities in SoCal because it’s a wellness paradise that has both the mountains and the sea. The nature is truly stunning here!
With a personal retreat you’ll be able to go at your own pace and take as many (or as little) classes as you’d like. It’s run by the Santa Barbara Yoga Center and all levels are welcome. Everyday they provide yoga classes led by a trained instructor and some of these sessions are combined with meditation. The building also offers acupuncture, massages, and more.
This retreat lasts 8 days and 7 nights. A private single apartment costs $1,425.
Related post: The Best Beaches to Visit in Santa Barbara
6. Meditation, Pilates & Yoga Retreat
There are many different ways you can spend your days at Sagrada Wellness! Whether you’re looking for a nature focused getaway or wanting to feel the burn as you work those smaller muscles through pilates, this place has it all.
What’s unique about this specific retreat is that it brings pilates into the yoga mediation mix. During the pilates sessions expect to strengthen your core, stretch your muscles, and work on your balance.
Additionally over the 4 days and 3 nights, get ready for Bollywood dancing, guided meditation walks, and exploring different types of yoga postures and practices (e.g. vinyasa, restorative, etc.).
Price varies depending on what type of lodging you choose, but starts at $1,424 for one person in a shared room. There’s also an option for a private room if that’s preferred.
7. Yosemite Yoga Retreats
Yosemite National Park is one of my favorite places on earth! That said, it brings me great joy to share an awesome yoga retreat in the beautiful High Sierras. It’s called Where Yosemite Adventures Meet Yoga.
This yoga meditation retreat is run by Lasting Adventures, which offers different outdoor guides, specialized trips, summer camps, and outdoor-education programs. And the best part is they are all centered around national parks.
At this yoga retreat, expect to be led by experienced guides as you backpack through the wilderness. The trip is 3 days long and you’ll be witnessing scenic natural attractions like May Lake and Mount Hoffan.
Certified yoga instructors will lead 3 different yoga sessions during the trip for the ultimate yoga escape. Challenge your body and mind deeper by meditating on your own in the serene ambiance of the majestic woods.
Lasting Adventures lists this retreat as moderate due to the hiking involved. It costs $1,250 per person to attend.
See also: The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Yosemite
8. Luxury Yoga and Hiking Retreat
If the sunny beaches in Southern California are calling your name for several days of restoration and rejuvenation, then you’ll want to head to La Jolla. This beach town is about 20 minutes north of San Diego by car.
Run by Vita Pura Yoga, this luxury yoga and hiking retreat takes place right on the beach for 5 days. With unparalleled views of the ocean from your hotel room, this retreat helps you soak up the power of blue spaces.
Imagine practicing Hatha yoga and breath work from the comfort of your mat on the beach, followed by a sunset hike into the nearby nature preserve, Torrey Pines Nature Preserve. There’s also free time for journaling and exploring the area. This retreat is suitable for all yoga and fitness levels.
Since you’ll be starting at the 4-Star Hilton Hotel, pricing begins at $2,899 for a private room for one person. Private double rooms for two people are also available.
9. Myofascial Release and Yoga Retreat
The Myofascial Release and Yoga Retreat held at Sagrada Wellness is a safe space created for those looking to reconnect to themselves. Over the span of 4 days, retreat goers are guided through yoga sessions that focus on alignment and restoration, myofascial releases, breath meditation, and more.
I’m a big believer that we store feeling deep within our bodies, which is why myofascial work can be so beneficial. It allows vetted professionals to massage out those deep connective tissue which may help release those deep seated feelings or emotions we’ve stored in our bodies (at least that’s my experience with it). It also helps relax the body.
The cost for a shared room starts at $1,295 per person and there are plant based options available at this retreat.
10. Luxury Women’s Sound Healing and Yoga Retreat
Harmonize your body, mind, and soul at a luxury yoga and sound healing retreat in Topanga Canyon, California. Created by Sunshine Paradise Retreat, this retreat center is about an hour northwest of Los Angeles by car. Once you arrive, expect to be wowed by the scenic lush beauty of the canyon.
The retreat is 3 days long and is an all women’s retreat. On the daily itinerary you’ll find invigorating yoga flows, restorative yoga postures, guided meditations, Tibetan singing bowl sound baths, and yummy meals meant to nourish the body. In your free time, immerse yourself in the natural beauty, connect with other participants, and find scenic spots throughout the property for moments of self-reflection.
The price for a single private room is $5,129, but there are options for a double private room. Keep in mind airport transfers are also included in the price.
11. Luxury Couples Yoga and Sound Healing Holiday
Sunshine Paradise Retreat also offers a Luxury Couples Yoga and Sound Healing Holiday. Similar to the all women’s retreat, this peaceful hide away also takes place in Topanga Canyon.
The itineraries are also identical, except during this couple’s retreat you’ll get to awaken and nurture that intimate bond with your partner. Escape the hustle of Los Angeles with your partner and nourish your souls together at this beautiful accommodation.
All yoga levels are welcomed here and it’s $6,129 per couple for a private room.
12. Weekend Yoga Retreat “It’s Written in the Stars” in Joshua Tree
Are you looking for a retreat that also includes desert bathing? Then you’ll want to attend this Joshua Tree yoga retreat!
Through a Shamanic Yoga lens, this retreat is all about healing and transforming the body, spirit, and mind. With the energetic vibrations of the High Desert combined with the fresh air, the backdrop for this yoga retreat is truly magical.
Participants stay at the Historic Desert Inn in TwentyNine Palms, which is just outside the gates of Joshua Tree National Park! Wake up to morning yoga and breakfast, followed by a mid-morning breathwork session. In the evening, get ready to relax as you listen to soothing mystical sounds from a sound bath and practice yogic sleep.
Make sure to pack some sun protection if you decide to explore Joshua Tree! If it’s your first time visiting, here are some of the best places to find the infamous boulders of the national park.
The price for a private room begins at $2,200 per person, but two person private rooms are also available.
13. Ananda Meditation Retreat
One of the best yoga meditation retreats in Northern California is the Ananda Meditation Retreat. It’s beautifully hidden along the Sierra Foothills to create an uplifting, peaceful, and rejuvenating environment so you can quiet your mind.
This place of peace offers several different types of meditation retreats. Some of the retreats you’ll find is a Women’s Retreat, Men’s Retreat – Refresh, Recharge, Revitalize!, and a Supported Silent Retreat. You can also book a personalized retreat.
Ananda Meditation Retreat has different types of programs to help you reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit. This includes the Yoga, Mediation, The Chakras program, The Yoga of Relationships, and the Relax & Renew Weekend.
Whether you choose a program or a retreat, pricing is around $200-$300 and then you’ll also have to factor in lodging. You can book a solo room or opt to bunk with a roomie.
Keep in mind, all the yoga postures taught during the retreats are beginner-friendly.
California Yoga Meditation Retreats Map
Below is a map so you can easily find in where each retreat is held.
How to Choose a Yoga Meditation Retreat
When it comes to choosing yoga meditation retreats, there’s a couple things you want to keep in mind.
✨ Think about what’s most important to you and what are your goals
For instance, if connection is important to you, then consider choosing a retreat that offers plenty of group activities and has family style meals. On the other hand, if you’re wanting to improve your yoga practice, choose a retreat that incorporates yoga multiple times throughout the day and not just once.
✨ Ask yourself “what’s my budget”
This will highly impact what retreat you choose as cost can range from several hundred to several thousand. You’ll also want to look through the details and see what’s included in the cost. Are there airport transfers? Does it include all meals? All of these are great questions to ask yourself.
✨ How far you’re willing to travel?
For instance, do you prefer a yoga meditation retreat within driving distance or are you willing to fly? Knowing if you’re traveling solo or with a group will also help answer this question.
✨ Always read the reviews
The last thing you’ll want to check out are the reviews and make sure the person leading the retreat is a vetted yoga instructor. This is important because you want to make sure the retreat-leader knows what they’re talking about.
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FAQs: Yoga Meditation Retreats
➡️ Are yoga retreats worth it?
If you’re a yoga enthusiasts or yoga-curious then a yoga meditation retreat is 100% worth it. It’s the perfect place to learn, challenge, and deepen your yoga postures and skills. You’ll also be surrounded by others who enjoy yoga which may lead to new friendships.
➡️ What do people do on yoga retreats?
This is highly dependently on what type of yoga retreat you choose. Some retreats are more active with moments of stillness, like the yoga in Yosemite where you spend a lot of time hiking. On the other hand, others may focus more on quietness then incorporate movement.
➡️ Can you go on a yoga retreat as a beginner?
Absolutely! Almost all of the yoga retreats above are accessible for every skill and body type, except the retreat in Yosemite. All you need is have an open mind and be willing to try new things.
Final thoughts: Yoga Meditation Retreats California
Each of the yoga meditation retreats listed above are all excellent choices for a peaceful getaway. Whether you’re looking to travel solo, with your partner, or craving days filled with heart-pumping activities, there’s something for every wellness traveler.
At the end of the day, if you do your homework before picking a yoga meditation retreat, you’ll be in great hands.
Just take a moment to think through what type of experience you truly want to have. And if you’re still unsure, trust your gut. Retreats are all about unwinding, recharging, and learning how to connect deeper to yourself.
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