Beach, Rainforest Or Desert? World's Top Alternative Yoga Locations (PICTURES)

Brain-Boosting Alternative Yoga Holidays
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Health Holiday Company
Morocco’s new surf and yoga centre at Paradise Plage near Agadir.

It's official. Yogis don't just look more alert, their minds are actually working more effectively than their gym bunny equivalents.

According to Science Daily, research suggests that a single, 20-minute session of Hatha yoga can significantly improve your memory.

In a recent study, scientists noted that individuals performed significantly better in memory tests immediately after they had completed a session of yoga.

The researchers also observed that yogis scored more highly than those who had completed aerobic exercise for an equal amount of time.

Well, HuffPost UK Lifestyle couldn't pass up this opportunity to point out that there are some equally stimulating yoga holidays out there.

Whether you're up for BOGA (beach yoga), SUP yoga (on a stand up paddle board…yes really!), or a rainforest yoga safari in, we asked experts from the Healthy Holiday Company to guide you through some of the world’s coolest locations to perfect your sun salutations this summer.

Would you do yoga in the desert? Let us know in the comments below!

Alternative Yoga Holidays
Theatrical Yoga, Mykonos(01 of09)
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The Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort is situated on Ayios Yiannis beach. Opposite is the sacred island of Delos, said to be one of the sunniest areas in the world – and, according to Greek mythology, the birthplace of Apollo. The hotel can arrange what must be one of the most inspiring locations for yoga and pilates classes in its very own stone build amphitheatre. Swim in the 35-metre pool, lie back on the sun loungers on the pool deck looking out to the sea or check into the Althea Spa - named after the Greek goddess of healing. A week’s stay starts from £835 per person for B&B accommodation, transfers and return flights.Visit the Healthy Holiday Company for more details.
‘On Piste’ Yoga – Italian Dolomites(02 of09)
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Fitscape Ski is a unique holiday which combines a group skiing holiday with improving general fitness with yoga and stretching sessions after your day on the slopes. The holiday is based at Rosa Alpina, a beautiful Relais & Chateaux family run hotel in the village of San Cassiano, in the Italian Dolomites. Each morning will begin with stretching classes, then after a full day of skiing, guests can benefit from post-ski stretching classes, afternoon tea followed by yoga classes and fitness training sessions. Next departure is 8-15th December 2013 with prices for a week’s holiday starting at £1845 per person excluding flights. For further information visit www.fitscape.co.uk.
Farmhouse Yoga, Puglia(03 of09)
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Head to Puglia for a destination yoga retreat at La Rosa dei 4 Venti. Enjoy two yoga classes daily in the stunning vaulted yoga studio or the outdoor platform or around the pool. The property is converted Masseria (farmhouse) set in 15-hectares on a small hillock in the heart of the Itria Valley in the heel of Italy's boot. There will be plenty of free time to relax, enjoy the views, swim, read, sleep, have treatments or explore the local villages and countryside. Chose from two set departures on 20th June and 3 August with a week’s retreat starting from £895 per person.Visit Destination Yoga for more details.
Yoga On Safari, Mauritius(04 of09)
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Escape to Mauritius and stay at Lux* Grand Gaube for a week on the new ‘Lux* Me’ package which includes nature yoga sessions in some of Mauritius’ most stunning natural locations – think deserted beaches and tropical rainforests… as well as a body analysis session, functional fitness classes and three blissful 90 minute spa treatments.Prices are available from £1,350 per person based on two adults sharing accommodation for a week and include three yoga classes, three fitness classes, three spa treatments, a healthy cooking class and half board as well as return flights from London.Visit the Healthy Holiday Company for more details.
Surfy Yoga, Agadir, Morocco(05 of09)
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Head to Morocco’s newest surf and yoga centre at Paradise Plage near Agadir. Perfect your warrior pose whilst gazing out from the pavilion on to the Atlantic Ocean as the surfers take to the waves. Combine yoga lessons with surf or kite instruction, or simply chill out on the beach in between your practice. A 3 night yoga and surfing break is priced from £695 per person (based on 2 sharing a Junior Suite) and includes breakfast, yoga, surfing, flights and transfers.Visit the Healthy Holiday Company for more details.
Beach Yoga, Parrot Cay, Caribbean(06 of09)
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Parrot Cay by Como in the Turks and Caicos combines over a thousand acres unspoilt nature with a mile-long white powdered beach. Yoga and Pilates classes can be taken in one of pavilions, or at sunrise and sunset directly on the beach – bliss.Add to this magical experience an award-winning holistic spa, healthy cuisine, private beach houses with their own pools and you have the perfect location to unwind and enjoy barefoot living.A week’s stay is priced from £2195 per person including B&B and return flights and transfers.Visit the Healthy Holiday Company for more details.
Asia-Inspired Yoga, Spain(07 of09)
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Set in the hills above Marbella, Shanti Som is a delightful slice of Asia without the long flight, a stylish and elegant boutique hotel which is instantly calming. Yoga can be taken by the pool or in the graceful yoga pavilion. The food is delicious, nutritious and healthy; the spa offers an excellent array of treatments and therapies. There are daily yoga and fitness classes available, and plenty of country walks to explore. A 6 day yoga retreat is priced from £1255 per person for full board, yoga, flights and transfers.Visit the Healthy Holiday Company for more details.
Desert Yoga, Liwa Abu Dhabi(08 of09)
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Check into the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi and you can enjoy sunrise yoga in the middle of the stunning Liwa desert, a truly unique experience. These sessions can be combined with additional classes in the hotel's dedicated yoga studio. A resort is a sanctuary of wellbeing that draws on an array of ancient cultures at Anantara Spa as well as offering a state of the art fitness centre, tennis court and swimming pool.A 5 night stay including B&B accommodation and return flights and transfers is from £1235 per person.Visit the Healthy Holiday Company for more details.
Mountain Yoga, Himalayas(09 of09)
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Ananda is located up in the Himalayan foothills with views down to the Ganges and Rishikesh. It’s a totally pampering experience and programmes include nutrition, exercise, stress management, anti-ageing and detoxification led by an on-site ayurvedic doctor alongside other amazing therapists.Yoga is central to many programmes with classes taken in the open stone amphitheatre and can be combined with local treks and Aarti water rafting on the Ganges.A week’s trip including 5 night stay at Ananda is priced from £1,810 per person including return flights, train transfers, full board and other activities.Visit the Healthy Holiday Company for more details.