It's been a long winter, and you could be forgiven for dreaming of sun and yoga. We've searched for some of the best European yoga breaks this season.
Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus
The Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus has introduced dedicated yoga weeks this year. Classes take place in the lush surrounding of The Retreat, set atop a ravine overlooking the Med. The marketing spin says the setting combines "cool serenity with a monastic interior and tranquil surroundings." Classes are led by Christina Vassiliadou, who is well versed in hatha and ashtanga. They include pranayama (breathing) and pratyahara (deep relaxation techniques). Yoga weeks are planned throughout the year and start at £1490 per person, including flights, based on two sharing. Book through www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk
Private villa in Spain's Sierra Nevada
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How about a self-catering holiday this summer, with private yoga sessions thrown in? Nestling in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, villa Castaño (property 80877) has two double bedrooms and an al fresco dining area with a pool. The owners of the property have arranged for Jonathon and Linda Riley to come to the property to teach yoga and pilates courses. The breaks include a daily exercise programme combined with a life-coaching schedule. The price starts at £1,000 per week. Book through www.holiday-rentals.co.uk
Oxon Hoath, Kent
If escaping for a weekend is a more realistic option, how about taking time out at Oxon Hoath, a magnificent retreat centre set in a a fourteenth century stately home. Themed weekends run throughout the year, and include Transcendental Meditation and Psychic and Healing weekends. Some of the most popular breaks, Retreat Weekends, include two massage treatments and a class (including yoga) for £219, including accommodation and food. There is plenty of time for reading, walking in the grounds, or just relaxing. See www.oxonhoath.co.uk
Yoga retreats at Molino del Rey, Spain
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Molino del Rey is one of Europe's most popular venues for yoga retreats. Set in a nature reserve under an hour from the Costa del Sol, the centre houses a 100sq m yoga studio with floor to ceiling windows. Accommodation is in twin, en-suite rooms. A hatha yoga and meditation retreat runs from June 8-15, led by yoga teacher Neo Ornelas. Unusually, the retreat includes a popular 36-hour period of silence. See www.lotusjourneys.com
The Hill That Breathes, Le Marche, Italy
The Hill That Breathes positions itself as an accessible holistic centre in the heart of Italy, where the spiritual side of things is mixed with a fun-loving approach and tasty vegetarian food. The yoga schedule is a big part of the retreats - the first yoga holiday, taken by ashtanga teacher Dan Levitas, runs from May 22-29. The last this year takes place from September 25-October 2, and is lead by Scaravelli teacher Catherine Annis. The setting is an Italian farmhouse, set on a 100-acre wooded hill. Prices around £600 for a week. See www.thehillthatbreathes.com
Yoga in La Gomera, Canary Islands
From May 23 to May 30, yoga teacher Amy Ku Redler will be leading classes combining the approaches of hatha, Scaravelli and pilates. Amy runs the Thai Yoga School of Massage in the UK and her approach is based on her knowledge of holistic energy work. La Gomera is a relatively unknown Canary Island sporting stunning mountain scenery. Choose to stay in yurts, rooms or apartments, all situated on the beach. Delicious veggie organic meals and classes are all-inclusive. Prices start at £425 for the week. See www.zenholidays.co.uk
Iyengar on Paxos, Greece
UK Iyengar teacher Zoe Reason is leading two retreats on Paxos, Greece, in May, through Travel a la Carte. The first, taking place from May 16-23, is aimed at beginners, while the general class, from May 9-16, is for those with at least a year's Iyengar practice behind them. Both include morning and afternoon yoga classes. Guests stay in traditional Greek villas and apartments on Loggos, the smallest of three main villages on the Greek island of Paxos. Classes are held on a shady terrace overlooking the sea. See www.travelalacarte.co.uk
Mamaheaven, Herefordshire, UK
It's not often that mothers with new babies find the opportunity to relax, while staying close to their newborn. Mamaheaven offers aims to break the mould by offering yoga retreats for mothers and babies under 18 months old. The venue is Penrhos Court Organic Hotel in Herefordshire. Mothers are accommodated in en-suite double rooms and take part in daily yoga classes, mother & baby yoga, massages and workshops. Retreats run from May 2-4 and August 5-7, as well as in the autumn. The all-inclusive cost is £675. www.mamaheaven.org
Coming soon: the top yoga breaks outside Europe
