Top 7 Rustic Yoga Retreat Centers in the U.S.

Kripalu Center

Where: Stockbridge, Massachusetts

What: Though originally associated with an eponymous style of hatha yoga (see Kripalu yoga), these days, the Kripalu Center hosts year-round workshops in a myriad of styles with some of yoga's best-known teachers. Kripalu yoga teacher-training programs are also available, as are classes on Ayurveda, healthy living, and alternative healing, among many other related subjects.​

Good to know: The center is located in the Berkshire mountains and includes hiking trails and lake access. Visitors may opt for private or dormitory-style rooms. Meals are included and always have vegetarian options. Guests are asked to restrict their cell phone usage to designated areas to encourage relaxation.

Omega Institute

Where: Rhinebeck, New York

What: Omega hosts yoga workshops with top teachers, including Jivamukti teacher training, as well as classes on many other subjects including spirituality, healing, and wellness. Located 90 miles from New York City in the Hudson ​Valley, the campus features trails, lake swimming in the summer, canoeing, and tennis, among other activities.

Good to know: Accommodations include cabins, shared rooms, dorms, and the option of camping. Three vegetarian meals are offered daily and guests are also free to attend open classes and make full use of the grounds.

Esalen Institute

Where: Big Sur, California

What: Yoga workshops with many prominent teachers (with a slight west-coast bent) are offered at this scenic center on the California coast. Extensive classes on other subjects are available, including creativity, gender, spirituality, and personal development.

Good to know: The grounds include a beach, pool, garden, and clothing-optional hot springs. Most of the rooms are shared, although private rooms and suites are available at a premium.

Scholarships and work-study opportunities are available. Cell phones do not work due to the remote location. Three meals a day are provided and feature a full range​ of dietary options.

Himalayan Institute

Where: Honesdale, Pennsylvania

What: Yoga classes and workshops are on offer here, as well as instruction in meditation and spirituality. The head of the Himalayan Institute is Pandit Rajmani Tiginait, a Tantric scholar who leads many classes on Tantra and other subjects.​

Good to know: Extensive hiking trails are available to visitors staying on the 400-acre campus in the Pocono mountains. Vegetarian meals are provided. Rooming options run the gamut from dorm-style to private guesthouses.

Yogaville Ashram

Where: Buckingham, Virginia

What: The Yogaville Satchidananda Ashram is centered around the study of Integral yoga, though they offer workshops in other related traditions, including meditation, pranayama, and chanting. Integral teacher training programs are also available.​

Good to know: Situated on 600 acres near the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors may choose from a dorm, shared, or private rooms, or make use of campsites during the warmer months. Three vegetarian meals are provided daily. Activities include hiking, yoga classes, meditation, and kirtan.

Shambhala Mountain Center

Where: Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

What: This Buddhist center offers workshops on yoga, meditation, and mindful living in addition to the in-depth study of Tibetan Buddhism. A wide variety of housing options are available at the center, ranging from private suites to shared rooms to tents (summer only).

Good to know: Three meals a day are included. Cell phone service is not available. Scholarships and work-study opportunities are available for those with financial need.

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm

Where: Grass Valley, California

What: The Sivananda organization runs two yoga retreat centers in the U.S., one in New York state and the other in California. They also have a center near Montreal, Canada and one in the Bahamas, if you want to travel farther afield. All of these ashrams feature ongoing instruction in Sivananda yoga and regular teacher training programs too.

Good to know: At the California location, accommodations include cabins and camping. A stay includes two vegetarian meals a day. The ashrams also observe a modest dress code and require guests to participate in a fixed schedule of activities.