The growing popularity of Eastern spirituality across the globe is helping many people become more aware of the connection between their body, mind and soul. A vegan diet, which offers great health benefits, especially when combined with meditation, yoga and an active lifestyle. As a result, luxury yoga resorts around the world are becoming popular, offering vegan-friendly wellness services. Here is a list of the best luxury yoga resorts in Asia, ideal destinations for vegans.
SwaSwara Resort, Karnataka, India
Surrounded by lush tropical forests in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka, SwaSwara resort is a place completely isolated from the outside world, helping visitors shake off all worries and return to peace.
SwaSwara offers guests a complete vegan menu, with dishes that are completely gluten-free. All dishes are prepared from organic ingredients grown on the resort’s own farm to ensure the utmost purity.
SwaSwara also offers a range of mind-soothing activities including meditation, yoga, chanting sessions and cooking classes with the resort’s culinary expert. The Ashtanga and Ayurveda lifestyle program led by certified instructor Andrew Hillam is a popular choice. Yogis looking to join yoga courses with experienced instructors can also sign up.
For those seeking a more intense spiritual experience, SwaSwara offers ablution programs. Visitors can also spend some time relaxing and unwinding by visiting the nearby Om beach or joining wildlife and boating tours of India.
The Farm Resort, San Benito, Philippines
The Farm at San Benito is a luxurious holistic wellness eco-resort located in Lipa, Batangas, just a 90-minute drive south of Manila. The Farm is nestled in a lush 48-hectare forest, surrounded by stunning views of majestic mountains, fresh air and a positive, primal energy that permeates the entire area. The resort has been honored with 60 prestigious international awards including: World's Best Wellness Resort, Leading Medical Wellness Destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
Visitors to The Farm will experience an environment that nurtures all the senses, allowing them to find inner peace and radiate positive energy. Holistic treatments are performed by highly qualified doctors, nutritionists, therapists, chefs, yoga teachers and fitness trainers.
And of course, nutritious, delicious and aesthetically appealing vegan dishes are also served here. The Farm grows its own organic vegetables to prepare vegan dishes that have been rated 5 stars by many visitors.
There is also a legend about a 250-year-old mango tree with mysterious healing powers, which makes The Farm attract tourists from all over the world.
Ananda Resort, Himalayas
Ananda is a 40-hectare luxury Himalayan yoga retreat set amidst lush greenery, overlooking the Ganges River, near the towns of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Established in 2000, it is India’s first and best wellness destination in the world (according to The Telegraph) and is rated the world’s number one spa (according to Travel + Leisure).
Ananda focuses on Yoga and Ayurveda practices, combined with international spa therapies. There are over 80 spa treatments to enjoy at Ananda, each representing Indian Ayurveda, Eastern or Western wellness therapies. Be sure to experience the hydrotherapy baths and soak in the cooling plunge pools between meditation and fitness activities to relax the mind and restore energy.
The dining menu is individually tailored, with vegetarian and vegan options available on request.
Como Shambhala Estate Resort, Bali, Indonesia
Nestled in the heart of tropical Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, Como Shambhala Estate is the region's finest holistic wellness resort, voted the favourite destination by Hollywood celebrities holidaying in Bali.
Como Shambhala Estate boasts a view of the majestic Mount Agung, designed with a unique architectural style that perfectly blends contemporary and traditional beauty. The construction materials are a combination of local stone, wood and traditional alang-alang, which is extremely beautiful. This place is considered a paradise chosen by many Hollywood stars after stressful working hours.
What makes Como Shambhala so great is the holistic treatments and dietary improvements based on the principles of Ayurveda, a traditional Indian Hindu system of medicine. A professional Ayurvedic doctor will advise and correct your current health condition.
Soneva Kiri Resort, Koh Kood, Thailand
Surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant tropical vegetation and white sand beaches, Soneva Kiri Resort on Koh Kood Island, Thailand is sure to be the ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing and wellness experience.
Soneva Kiri Resort consists of 29 villas and 8 luxury villas located close to the sea, nestled under the canopy of the tropical forest. All are built mainly from bamboo and local wood, environmentally friendly, in line with Soneva's slow living philosophy.
Guests can visit the Six Senses Spa at Soneva Kiri, where therapists will provide relaxing holistic wellness treatments. There are also a variety of relaxing traditional Thai treatments, including herbal baths, mud massages and silk facials.
At Soneva Kiri, guests can reset their circadian rhythms through the “Sleep Well and Stress Relief” program and participate in unique Aerial Yoga sessions.
With the Treepod Dining experience, guests will enjoy the feeling of dining on bird nests suspended high above the forest grounds. Guests will sit in a space similar to a bird cage, then be lifted up by a very sturdy and safe pulley system. The chef here is also ready to meet vegan menus from customers, they are more than happy to create a separate menu for your entire stay.
