The United Nations has decreed it; therefore, we must abide by it. June 21 is the International Day of Yoga and this year it’s all about climate change.
Hmm, what does yoga have to do with climate change?
A lot, if you think about it. Yoga is about building mindfulness, refining behaviours, and creating a better and stronger body. And without mindfulness, we have a hard time refining our behaviour, and without improving our behaviour, we can’t create a better body (or in this case, a better world).
So in honour of the International Day of Yoga and saving the world, we’ve rounded up some of the best villas for your yoga practice.
L2 Residence
Where: Laem Set, Koh Samui, Thailand
The Basics: A 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom villa overlooking the sea.
Why: Tucked into a tropical hillside and built into a cliff, L2 Residence is a true escape for yogis or those who desire an island hideaway. In a quiet estate, L2 has a floating deck exclusively designed for yoga and meditation.
Bonus: The villa is designed to cascade down towards the ocean with views of the Gulf of Siam from just about everywhere you look. L2 is full of contemporary furnishings, chic spaces and sleek accents. The living spaces follow the natural slope of the hillside. There are a series of timber decks and stone terraces over the villa’s four storeys which flow down to a deck with plunge pool, waterfall and daybeds.
Villa Nonnavana
Where: Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
The Basics: A contemporary 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom villa in a peaceful haven.
Why: Set back from the hustle of Canggu, you can perfect your form in Nonnavana’s quiet outdoor bale.
Bonus: The villa is simply stunning. Every room, down to its corners, is beautifully designed. There are a wide array of textures at play: smooth cement, organic rattan, warm wooden tones and chic tiles, punctuated by metallics and lots of natural light. Then there is the 7×4 metre pool with lounge chairs and a hammock for the ultimate in relaxation. Villa Nonnavana is terrific for children as well – there is a bedroom designed and fitted just for kids!
Read also: Nude Yoga Girl tells us how she actually takes her photos
The View Samui
Where: Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Thailand
The Basics: A 4-bedroom villa with a nanny’s room and a six-bed dorm room for children, as well as five bathrooms.
Why: Surrounded by lush greenery and set against the ocean, there are endless opportunities and places from where to settle in and practice your routine. The endless sea views will soothe you into the ideal mindset.
Bonus: The villa features floor-to-ceiling windows, and each bedroom has its own expansive 180-degree view of the ocean and wraparound balcony. Even better, the kids have their own wing of the villa giving you plenty of space to breathe. There is also a dedicated massage sala, fully equipped gym and 16.5-metre infinity pool with jacuzzi and shallow area.
Villa Waringin
Where: Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
The Basics: Villa Waringin is a beachfront 6-bedroom and 6-bathroom villa within the idyllic Pantai Lima Estate.
Why: Villa Waringin is in a serene section of Bali – surrounded by rice paddies and ocean – ensuring you have plenty of peace as you work through your routine. The villa features a yoga area with adjoining spa room ideal for your practice. If you’d rather be outside, there is plenty of space to roll out your mat on the villa’s lawn or on the sand.
Bonus: There are plenty of spots where you can relax at Villa Waringin like the villa’s 20-metre infinity pool and its beachfront jacuzzi. As well, the tennis court at Pantai Lima Estate has been called one of the best on Bali by professional players. And for some intellectual stimulation there is a library/media room.
Read also: 5 Exercises to Save the Planet
Villa Solaris
Where: Kamala, Phuket, Thailand
The Basics: A luxury 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom villa set in the hills of Phuket’s exclusive Cape Amarin Estate.
Why: Soothe your mind and body with panoramic ocean views. Perch yourself on one of the villa’s many decks or take a step back and practice within Villa Solaris’ private gym.
Bonus: Villa Solaris was made for stepping away from the busy routine of daily life and just enjoying every moment. Not only are there plenty of spots from which to enjoy your regular yoga practice, but there are three salt-water swimming pools, a home cinema, private gym and massage room. As well, there is no end of space to explore as Solaris is comprised of three main pavilions, with stunning grounds, tropical gardens and meandering pathways.
Where’s your favourite yoga spot?
