Yoga is a popular hobby and sport and one that`s great for physical fitness and mental well being. With yoga blossoming in popularity and mainstream acceptance, it`s no surprise that companies now offer yoga-themed holidays and that resorts exist that are intended almost solely for the pursuit of yoga.

So what happens on a yoga holiday? Firstly, you pay your money – and you will often get a discounted rate by exploring one of the yoga-themed packages holiday operators offer – and then travel to a destination of your choice for a weekend or a week or longer of yoga-based activities, as well as sightseeing and socialising too. Resorts that offer yoga holidays are typically geared towards relaxation, so expect to encounter groups of fellow holiday makers chilling out by the swimming pool or reading leisurely in the shade. More adventurous travellers are also catered for, as when the yoga sessions aren`t in progress many resorts will be able to suggest day trips or sports to play nearby.

You should read plenty of yoga holiday reviews to find a deal that best suits you. Many yoga holidays are geared towards people of all experience levels but some may cater more for beginners, so ensure you check out what the style and standard of yoga at any given yoga resort. Yoga lessons are taught by experienced teachers, so even people who have studied yoga for a few years will probably pick up something new. The teachers tend to specialise in other, related areas such as Pilates and dieting as well, so there may well be lessons on other topics that you`re likely to find interesting. And of course no two yoga holidays are the same, especially as different teachers specialise in different varieties of yoga, from Dru to Ashtanga and Oriental style to Hatha.

Yoga holidays take place all over the world. Some popular destinations can be found on mainland Europe. Countries such as Spain and Italy are especially good for yoga holidays. For instance, in the Puglia region of Italy, you`ll find the Santa Maria Del Sole venue. This venue boasts great weather as well as yoga classes, which take place indoors and outside. As well as yoga, guests can enjoy the venue`s ample facilities, which include gardens, a swimming pool and even a nearby church.

If you wish to head further afield, perhaps with friends on one of your activity weekends, you could do worse than explore the islands of Thailand. The Kamalaya Wellness Retreat is situated on Koh Samui and as well as being located in a tropical paradise, it also has a team of naturopaths to help get you into shape.