India and Costa Rica invite you to celebrate International Yoga Day with year-round retreats offering a transformative journey of healing, wellness, and spiritual awakening

Published on June 11, 2025

India and Costa Rica stand as two of the world’s most revered destinations for yoga, offering unparalleled retreats that allow you to experience yoga not just as a practice, but as a way of life. Celebrating International Yoga Day in these two countries provides an opportunity to embark on a transformative journey of healing, wellness, and spiritual awakening.

In India, the birthplace of yoga, you can immerse yourself in ancient traditions surrounded by the serenity of the Himalayas and the spiritual energy of Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World. The country’s deep spiritual roots offer a profound connection to yoga’s true essence, making it an ideal place to deepen your practice.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica provides a unique setting where yoga meets nature. Nestled in the lush cloud forests and vibrant beaches, Costa Rica offers a harmonious environment that enhances the practice of yoga, allowing you to reconnect with your body, mind, and soul while being surrounded by the healing energy of nature.

Both India and Costa Rica offer year-round retreats, ensuring that no matter the time of year, you can step into a space designed for rejuvenation, balance, and inner peace. Whether seeking physical healing, mental clarity, or spiritual awakening, these destinations promise an experience that will leave you transformed long after International Yoga Day.

On June 21st, the world unites in honoring International Yoga Day, a celebration of the ancient practice that nurtures both body and mind. Yoga is more than just physical postures and breathing techniques; it is a transformative practice that has the power to heal, unite, and elevate the human spirit. From the tranquil peaks of the Himalayas to the lush forests of Costa Rica, yoga is celebrated globally in a myriad of forms. Here are two exceptional destinations where yoga is not just a practice—it is a way of life, available year-round for those seeking peace, healing, and spiritual growth.

Ananda in the Himalayas – Uttarakhand, India

Nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda in the Himalayas offers a deeply immersive yoga experience in the spiritual heartland of Rishikesh, often referred to as the Yoga Capital of the World. This ancient town on the banks of the sacred Ganges River is a magnet for spiritual seekers and wellness enthusiasts. With roots tracing back over 5,000 years, yoga in Rishikesh is revered for its ability to promote physical well-being, mental clarity, and spiritual harmony.

At Ananda, yoga is not just a practice—it’s a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation, deeply connected to the essence of the Himalayas. The resort offers personalized yoga experiences, guided by expert instructors, that integrate various branches of yoga including asanas, pranayama, meditation, and yoga therapy. Whether you seek emotional healing, physical renewal, or spiritual deepening, Ananda’s programs are designed to cater to your unique needs.

Signature Yoga Programs at Ananda

Yogic Detox:
This transformative program combines traditional yogic cleansing techniques with asanas, pranayama, and dietary guidance to purify the body and mind. It helps to eliminate impurities, rejuvenating both the digestive and respiratory systems. The Yogic Detox program balances the body’s energies, restoring vitality and mental clarity.

Holistic Yoga:
Ananda’s Holistic Yoga program is a comprehensive approach to well-being, incorporating Hatha, Raja, Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana Yoga. It goes beyond physical postures, addressing emotional and spiritual needs to create a balanced, transformative experience. This integrative approach nurtures the body, mind, and soul, helping individuals develop awareness, resilience, and inner growth.

Dhyana Meditation:
This meditation program follows the classical Raja Yoga tradition, guiding participants through the inner dimensions of yoga—sensory withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), and meditation (dhyana). Designed to reduce stress and promote inner stillness, it is a pathway to deep spiritual awakening.

Whether you’re new to yoga or looking to refine your practice, Ananda offers an unparalleled experience that supports holistic healing and inner transformation.

Hotel Belmar – Monteverde, Costa Rica

In the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, Hotel Belmar offers a unique fusion of yoga, sustainability, and nature immersion. Perched among the treetops of the cloud forest, this eco-friendly hotel provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to reconnect with nature while cultivating a deep sense of inner peace.

Monteverde is known for its harmonious blend of adventure and tranquility, offering opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, and other outdoor activities, alongside moments of reflection and yoga. At Hotel Belmar, guests can practice yoga while being enveloped by the sounds and sights of the surrounding forest—a perfect setting for centering the body and calming the mind.

Signature Yoga & Wellness Experiences at Hotel Belmar

Daily Morning Yoga Classes:
Start your day with a gentle flow inspired by Vinyasa or Hatha yoga, held in an open-air chalet with breathtaking views of the cloud forest and the soothing sounds of birdsong.

Wellness in the Woods:
This unique experience blends forest bathing with yoga in the hotel’s private cloud forest reserve, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while deepening your practice.

Sunset Meditation & Sound Journeys:
As the day draws to a close, engage in a meditative session accompanied by sound healing and breathwork, allowing the peace of the forest to guide your reflection.

Farm-to-Body Nourishment:
Enjoy organic meals from the hotel’s carbon-neutral farm, Finca Madre Tierra, that focus on plant-based nourishment and sustainable food practices.

Hotel Belmar’s commitment to sustainability is reflected not only in its operations but in the way it integrates yoga into a regenerative lifestyle. Yoga at this eco-hotel is not just about physical postures; it is a holistic experience that connects you to nature, mindful living, and a deeper sense of well-being.

International Yoga Day Special Programming at Hotel Belmar (June 21 and 22)

Sunrise Solstice Yoga – June 21, 8:00 AM:
Join a collective sun salutation led by instructor Arantza to honor the solstice and International Yoga Day with focused intention and breath.

“Con las Estrellas Brillando” – Live Music Performance – June 21, 4:00 PM:
Celebrate World Music Day with an ancestral roots concert at the Tap Room & Beer Garden, connecting the rhythms of the earth with the practice of yoga.

Sound Bath & Meditation – June 22, 9:00 AM:
A healing 90-minute experience led by Óscar Jiménez and Vale Sisa, featuring traditional instruments, deep breathwork, and meditation to cleanse the body and mind.

Hotel Belmar’s immersive wellness experiences and eco-conscious ethos offer a perfect setting to celebrate International Yoga Day, blending mindful practice with a deep respect for nature.

Whether in the tranquil Himalayas or the misty cloud forests of Costa Rica, yoga offers a powerful journey to inner peace, healing, and self-discovery. This International Yoga Day, step into one of these extraordinary destinations to experience yoga as a transformative way of life—nourishing both the body and the soul.