No one needs convincing that a doze of bright sunshine doesn’t just help to perk you up on a gloomy day – it’s actually pretty good for you. A winter sun retreat is just the ticket.

In fact, in winter it might be very necessary for your wellbeing. If you’re starting to feel sluggish, low, and struggling to focus, this may be down to the fact that UK winter sunshine just isn’t packed with all that much Vitamin D goodness.

Our answer? Swap the winter blues for the blue waters of our winter sun retreats in Cuba, India, Sri Lanka and the Canaries. You’ll feel the difference.

Beach bliss in Sri Lanka
You’ll find one of our most stunning winter sun retreats this year at Bentota Beach in Sri Lanka. Stay at a colonial villa surrounded by beautiful gardens, enjoy vegetarian feasts and rejuvenate with twice-daily yoga. Courtesy of AdventureYogi.
20–29 February or 3–12 March 2015, from £1,050pp for 9 nights

Lakeside sunbathing and snoozing
Come for yoga and Ayurveda, or just to relax and unwind – it’s up to you. Named ‘best yoga retreat in the world’ by The Observer, this lakeside hideaway in Sri Lanka is also perfect for enjoying nature, sunbathing and snoozing in a hammock.
Until March 2016, from £1,965pp for two weeks, full board, including yoga

Fun, sun, sand and surf
Yoga on the white sandy beaches of Fuerteventura are just what the doctor ordered for those dark, freezing days. Add to that beauty and massage treatments at a bargain price, and the excellent surfing, and you have summer’s getaway in winter.
Anytime, from €400pp for 7 nights, sharing twin/double room

Want to continue your search for winter sun retreats and other holidays? Do it on our website, or sign up to our monthly e-newsletter. It’s free.

The post Summer fun on winter sun retreats appeared first on Neals Yard Holidays Blog.

Need a last minute holiday or retreat? December is now over, for current choice of holidays listed by date see here.

For last minute Christmas and New Year retreats see below.

Is Christmas not your thing? Want to get away from it all? Or your plans changed at the last minute?
For something a bit different, a yoga retreats around this time of year is just the ticket – you don’t need to be bendy, beginners are welcome. And you can enjoy the festive season with good company and fun.
We’ve rounded up some last minute Christmas and New Year retreats to lead you into 2013 as healthily and happily as possible.

Please bear in mind that availability can change fast, so be quick to check out these Christmas and New Year yoga retreats, plus you find more choice here.

Head for to the countryside to blow the cobwebs away

If you need to recover before Christmas is upon us then combine relaxing yoga with the unique experience of staying in  a privately owned Manor House. Adventure Yogi Retreats offer revitalising yoga, rejuvenating massage, calming meditation and nourishing, delicious, vitality foods with gentle activities such as lawn tennis, fresh water swimming and walking.

Wherever your last minute break takes you – don’t forget to read our post about the best cheap travel insurance!

The post Last minute Christmas and New Year Retreats appeared first on Neals Yard Holidays Blog.

Escape to the Canary islands for a yoga pilates holiday with surfing!

Azul offers yoga pilates holidays with surfing on the sun-drenched Canary island of Fuerteventura – set amongst the dramatic landscape of volcanoes and white sand beaches. The islands are located off the coast of Morocco and the Western Sahara, yet belong to Spain, and tend to guarantee a warmer climate than the UK ­– ideal for holidays in the sun throughout the autumn and winter months.

You stay at Villa Azul, in the village of Villaverde in the north of Fuerteventura, only 35 minutes drive from Fuerteventura airport. (Or for a wider choice of flights go to Lanzarote Arrecife airport and take the 20-minute ferry crossing to Fuerteventura.) The village is nestled amongst the hills with views to the sea and neighbouring islands.

This is an inspiring location for a yoga retreat offering a chance to rejuvenate and reconnect in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy small class sizes and world-class instruction with carefully tailored programme of yoga, pilates and meditation. You can also sample a tai chi class or add a surf course, join cycling trips and excursions to tranquil fishing villages and turquoise lagoons.

“Amazing villa, amazing landscapes, amazing food, amazing people.” Marie, Montreal 2012

For relaxation, healing and pampering there is a team of experienced therapists offering complementary therapies such as ayurvedic consultations and reiki, holistic and sports massage and beauty treatments.

The organic vegetarian food is a real highlight and the in-house nutrition advisor and cook runs workshops and is producing a cookbook due to popular demand.

Yoga pilates holidays at Azul Villa cost from €465 for seven nights in shared accommodation, or €550 for private accommodation, including yoga, pilates and meditation. Due to the warmer climate this a popular destination in the winter months. Enquire now to avoid disappointment.

Azul also offers beach yoga holidays on the white-sand beaches of Corralejo on this sunny island of Fuerteventura. The beach is just a 3-minute stroll away, and the inspiring Corralejo Dunes National Park just 5 minutes by bus.

Lotus Yoga Lodge has two indoor chill out areas, a roof terrace, two outdoor chill out areas and a fully equipped kitchen for your use. The bedrooms are comfortable, clean and available on a shared basis.

You can start your morning with beach yoga and meditation followed by a healthy breakfast. If you wish, you can then relax and unwind with your inclusive full body massage, and later enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the island in your spare time, or for extra exhilaration you can join a surf course – offering the opportunity to feel rejuvenated and reconnected whilst enjoying a yoga holiday by the beach.

“I loved my stay. You guys really have a great thing going – well organised, good people and great setting. Many thanks to Valentina for her engaging yoga classes, to Gary for being there for us and to Jaime for taking time to give me an amazing pilates class.” Hanna, USA

The lodge has three rooms: the bamboo bunk room, the Buddha bedroom and the Shanti room (ensuite) with beautiful yoga-inspired decor throughout.

Yoga pilates holidays cost from €400 for seven nights in a shared room, or €575 for a private room, includes yoga and meditation, one hour full body massage and daily breakfast. For lunch and dinner you may self-cater in the kitchen at the lodge or visit one of the many restaurants and cafes on the doorstep. Check availability for winter 2012.

“I am back and invigorated for sure. I have really enjoyed my time and the energy is still flowing.” Sabira

The post Yoga, Pilates and Surfing on Canary Island, Spain appeared first on Neals Yard Holidays Blog.