2025 Yoga Retreats in Europe
Six gorgeous wellness getaways in Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Sweden and Croatia
Last week the focus was on yoga retreats in France, like so:
This week, I’m zooming out and taking you on a little tour of Europe and Scandinavia so that you can dip into different cultures all while cultivating mindfulness and broadening your perspective.
While yoga plays a central role in all but one of the recommendations below, I feel it’s important to emphasize that yoga is so much more than a set of practices like asana or meditation or pranayama — it’s a way of appreciating the world as it is and understanding your role in it. If all we do is “stretch in Sanskrit” as one of my yoga teachers once said, then we’re not really doing the yoga.
After the jump, six eye-dazzling and mouth-watering yoga retreats PLUS bonus retreat ideas if my recommendations don’t work with your schedule. How do I know these are great? Because I WANT TO SIGN UP FOR ALL OF THEM!
DELICIOUS AND SUPER FAB EUROPEAN YOGA RETREATS
March 31st-April 6th, 2025: Spring Cleaning in the Swiss Alps with Dages Juvelier Keates (Schweibenalp, Switzerland)
Just the shot in the arm you need for banishing the sluggishness of Winter. Leaning into Katonah yoga techniques, Dages will help you flush out winter’s excess through invigorating morning practices. Afternoons will be spent in the verdant Alpine air exploring herbal and traditional concepts of spring cleansing.
HOT TIP: If these dates don’t suit your schedule, might I suggest Lisa Fraipont’s Summer Retreat in Charente, France? From July 29th-August 3rd enjoy daily Katonah yoga practices, as well as free time for walks, relaxing by the pool or lounging in the Japanese hot bath and sauna.
April 22nd-26th, 2025: Pasta Retreat with Alessandra Lauria (Catania, Sicily)
Dining by the beach, foraging on Mt. Etna, market tours, pasta workshops and morning yoga? Yes, please! This creative retreat takes place at Casa Lawa which is so impossibly charming, you’ll be tempted to take home more than just memories and recipes (think towels, bedding, lighting, accessories… J/K!)
HOT TIP: This retreat has a few spots left and if you reserve quickly before March 23rd, you can benefit from 20% off by using the code CASAWOMEN.
July 9th, 2025: Yogalamb Retreat with Kevin Lamb (Olhão, Portugal)
This yoga retreat in southern Portugal with my dear friend Kevin will be the perfect opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate body and mind. Expect grounding yoga and meditation sessions in the morning; poolside relaxation or promenades in the afternoons. On top of delicious meals, Kevin has organized a private boat excursion over the course of which you’ll discover Portugal’s coastal landscape.
Kevin is a precious human being, a brilliant yoga teacher and Reiki master. We met more than 15 years ago in a yoga teacher training in Manhattan, and have been fast friends ever since. Kevin is newly on Substack and his writing is deeply affecting and beautiful. Definitely Like and Subscribe!
September 6th-13th, 2025: Yoga Rocks Crete with Kia Naddermier (Agios Pavlos, Greece)
One of the signatures of Kia’s teaching is that it’s not Ashtanga pur et dur, as we say in France. It’s Ashtanga interwoven with pranayama and Buddhist mindfulness practices which means that there is equal emphasis placed on movement, breath and meditation. The retreat is open to all levels of students, however you do need to be familiar with Mysore Style self-practice.
FUN FACT: Kia was one of the first teachers I interviewed whenI launched this a million years ago (under the name Yogateau.) For a taste of her pranayama and meditation approach, I recommend tuning in to her podcast, Closer Together.
September 12th-14th, 2025: Yogaretreat i Sverige with Nanna Wagner & Gitte Lindgaard (Sweden)
I’ve taken classes with Nanna (she was one of the founders of European Yogi Nomads, a cross-cultural group of yogis that organized fun, affordable weekend retreats throughout Europe) and she’s great. These three days in the Swedish countryside will include yoga, meditation, breathing, Shamanic drumming and sauna time (probably not at the same time as the drumming…)
HOT TIP: For more Scandinavian getaway options, check out Reclaim Yourself Retreats. In addition to Sweden, they host yoga retreats in Finland, Norway, Greenland and Iceland.
October 3rd-10th, 2025: Wisdom & Water: a Yoga Wellness Retreat with Sue Elkind (Venice, Italy and Rovinj, Croatia)
An intimate (only 16 people!) retreat that comprises twice-daily yoga and meditation sessions centered around themes of fluidity, depth and resilience. Sue has created a well-rounded week that includes cultural exploration, seasonal culinary delights and a truffle-hunting excursion.
FUN FACT: Sue was one of my first yoga teachers in West Hollywood and the first with whom I traded graphic design for yoga, an exchange that boosted my practice. This is why I always recommend asking yoga studio owners if they need any help!