Is the thought of dark, wet November days getting you down?
Want to recharge your batteries before winter with relaxing November retreats?

It’s the time to grab a winter holiday in the sun – and avoid high-season fares and rates.  Or just treat yourself to a rejuvenating weekend retreat in the UK. Here’s a choice of November retreats handpicked by Neals Yard Holidays.

In the warm winter sun of the Canary Islands, enjoy the unique Yoga, Pilates and Surf Holidays on Fuerteventura.  With white sandy beaches, set against a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, the retreats offers yoga, pilates and meditation classes.

If that sounds a bit too energetic, try the South Coast Ayurveda Resort in Sri Lanka – nominated best chill out spot by Harpers Magazine.  Offering some of the island’s best Ayurvedic treatments, it’s a “real pampering, a true healing experience”. 10% reduction until 20 December.

November’s your last chance this year to sail with WildQuest and swim with dolphins in the Bahamas.  Snorkeling lessons, daily sailings, coral reefs – and meeting dolphins, plus yoga and a free massage when you mention Neal’s Yard Holidays.

Then, on our doorstep, there’s a great choice of relaxing and rejuvenating weekend breaks. Two great yoga retreats are running in southern England by Chillout in Sussex.

This November, just enjoy chilling out – before the Big Winter Chill hits.
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Happy travelling.

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THE holiday month of the year, August!  Time to cool off and get away from it all on a wellness holiday or revitalising yoga retreats.

To feel spoilt for choice, check out our “Where to go on holiday in August”.

The whole Mediterranean basin – as well as our own sceptred isle – is ringed by wonderful yoga and activity retreats this August: here are just some of our favourites.

Let’s start with a Spanish Island. On the Canaries, you can enjoy Azul’s mix of yoga, pilates and surf holidays set inland against the dramatic volcanic backdrop of Fuerteventura; or enjoy beauty and massage treatments after being pummelled by the surf with their beachside option.

From the UK hop across the Channel to France, near Toulouse, peaceful La Roane offers top value for yoga and creativity holidays. Located in a nature lovers’ paradise, with its own swimming pool and award-winning chef, it’s a real treat.

Perhaps you’re ready for something really off the beaten track, but still in Europe?

For many, though, it’s the Greek Islands for yoga retreats – with their simple beauty and lifestyle – warmed by brilliant sunshine, yet cooled by the “meltemi” sea breezes. See our wide choice of Greek holidays.

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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

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