Guide To The Best Islands For Wellness and Yoga in Croatia

We’re updating this guide for 2023 – if you would like to be featured in it, please get in touch before the 27th of April.

We’re elated to share these laid back Islands with you that will capture your heart and feed your soul. The stunning scenery and nature of Croatia makes the perfect backdrop for a yoga retreat, where you can soak in the sunshine, swim in the healing sea and explore the local villages and pristine beaches.

Begin Your Wellness Journey in Dubrovnik

Before heading to one of the Islands you can fly into Split or Dubrovnik. If you are looking for a retreat in Dubrovnik, this luxury Yoga, Walks and Adventure Retreat, from the 5th – 10th of June, with wine tastings, spa, and blue waters offers the perfect escape by the sea.

Here’s our guide to the best islands for wellness and yoga retreats in Croatia

Mljet Island

The untamed island of Mljet is one of Croatia’s best islands and a paradise for anyone looking to get away from it all. The northwestern third of Mljet island is a national park with two inland lakes and miles of cycling and strolling trails. There are few residents, no large towns and only one major road that runs north-south through the pines, oak trees and macchia. Mljet is the most thickly forested island in the Adriatic.

Mljet is Dalmatia’s most southerly, most verdant and, some would argue, most beautiful isle. For complete silence, rest and relaxation, get the catamaran or ferry from Dubrovnik and leave the world behind.

Where to Stay & Yoga

This 8 Day Detox, Yoga, Cooking classes, and Hiking Retreat in Mljet Island will nourish, nurture and inspire your body, mind and spirit. It will create a platform on which you will be able to build on once when your return home, so that you can continue implementing positive changes and a healthy lifestyle into your daily life.

During this retreat you will experience the joy of yoga practice combined with meditation and breathing exercises. The healthy cooking classes are led by a macrobiotic chef whose love and knowledge of nutritional, healthy, organic food is truly exceptional. You will also join hiking trips with stunning views of the island, lakes and sea and to Odysseus’ cave.

You will be spoiled and nurtured by our chef who will cater for your needs with love and care. Our holistic wellbeing yoga retreat is a short training that will help you start a balanced, healthy lifestyle and it is also a great way to relax, meet new people and just have a joyful, restorative and rejuvenating holiday.

Experience the lush, peaceful, unspoiled and serene environment of National nature park. You will find yourself surrounded by abundance of green thick lushes forest of pine trees, enchanting turquoise salty lakes, crystal clear blue sea and breathtaking nature.

How to get there

Fly to Dubrovnik Airport and catch the ferry from the Dubrovnik sea port to Mljet.

Korcula Island

The central-Dalmatian island of Korcula is the sixth largest and one of the greenest Adriatic island’s. Like most of the Croatian islands, the Greeks, who gave it the name Korkyra Melaina or “Black Corfu” for its dark and densely wooded appearance, first settled in Korcula.

Imagine walking back in time through the ancient town of Korcula, swimming in the crystal clear Adriatic sea, savouring the delectable olives and freshly pressed olive oil, and sipping the delicious local wines. Tradition is alive on Korcula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music and dances still being performed to the delight of tourists and local people.

It’s an ideal place for a rejuvenating yoga retreat in a Mediterranean atmosphere with swimming, hiking, walking, kayaking, relaxing in beautiful unspoiled nature and exploring old villages and towns.

Where to Stay & Yoga

From the 2nd – 5th of June you can join a Yoga and Wellness weekend retreat (Thursday – Sunday). This is the perfect opportunity to refill and restore your energy under the Mediterranean sun surrounded by crystal blue seas, and bring your body and mind into balance with daily yoga classes, meditation and breathing exercises.

The extensive local knowledge of the retreat team ensures that you will enjoy the best authentic sights, flavours and experiences of Croatia.

You will enjoy hikes through Korcula’s lush and unspoiled wild fields, explore hidden bays of breathtaking beauty and experience an excursion to the magical natural park of island Mlijet, with its salt lakes, a bicycle wine tour to the famous Croatian wine region on Peljesac, and most of all to discover all the joys of the Mediterranean and have a lot of fun in the process.

Have a week to spare? You can roll out your yoga mat by the sea on these 7 day nourishing yoga and detox retreats. Please email [email protected] to be notified of 2022 dates.

How to get there

Fly to Split or Dubrovnik Airport. From there you can catch the ferry or catamaran to Korcula Island where the retreat takes the place.

Hvar Island

The island of sunshine, lavender and beautifully clean beaches with crystal clear waters, cultural sights, great cycle routes and yoga by the sea.

The best time to see the fields in full bloom is between July and August. Hvar lavender with its extraordinary medicinal properties grows in lush fields in some of the island’s most picturesque places.

If you are looking for trails, AllTrails has 18 great hiking trails, road biking trails, walking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers.

For a special spa experience and relaxing all day on the pool deck, book a day at the Bonj Les Bains at the luxurious Adriana Spa hotel located on the water promenade.

Where to stay & Yoga

If you want a true off-the-grid Robinson Crusoe experience, Cast Away beachfront eco and self-sustainable resort is described as ”where the road ends with life pure and undisturbed. Beach huts, hammocks, a million stars, the sea… This is for everyone who ever felt there must be more to life.”

Cast Away is a secluded, eco-friendly seafront resort close to the picturesque village of Gromin Dolac. It offers spacious wooden huts in full nature, a stone’s throw away from two beautiful beaches. The huts all come with sea views. Each tent is equipped with a mattress, pillows, a light and they offer sea views and hammocks.

Limited electricity with solar panels and a power generator is provided from 2-4pm. Cast Away is an ideal venue for yoga and meditation – and they host several retreats throughout the year. Read reviews.

How to get there

You can read about the various ways to get to Hvar here.

Losinj

Losinj is known as the ‘Island of Vitality’ and has become a popular wellness destination. Owing to its exceptional climatic features, already way back in 1892, it was proclaimed a health resort. The island is famous for its asthma and allergy curing properties.

It is one of the islands in Croatia belonging to the Cres-Losinj archipelago in the Kvarner Bay and with its 36 islands, islets and reefs, it is the largest group of islands in the Adriatic.

It’s the home of playful bottlenose dolphins (indicative of an exceptional level of purity of the sea), white sand beaches, emerald pine forests, agaves and palm trees, clean turquoise waters and a profusion of aromatic fragrances and flavours. Its beauty will cast a spell on you whatever the season.

Where to Stay & Yoga

The Bellevue Hotel

Fringing the crystal clear waters of Citak Bay, The Bellevue Hotel is surrounded by lush vegetation, with a cool, stylish decked white flag beach, three pools, bars and restaurants and a state of the art spa.

Spend a weekend surrounded by pristine nature, enjoy outdoor activities, yoga, pilates and fitness classes right next to the sea, in the heart of a centennial forest, experience the unique luxury of Hotel Bellevue, an ideal place to escape to from the urban routine.

The Bellevue’s state of the art Spa Clinic is a haven of thermal and thalassotherapy areas, a spa cafe, and a tranquil spa garden with private hot tubs. It’s split into different zones – there’s a Beauty Zone, Fit Zone, (with full Tecnogym and a Kinesiologist on hand), Spa Zone and Medi-Spa.

There’s also plethora of holistic and innovative treatments on offer. Visiting practitioners are based at the hotel such as Dr Adarsh Shetty who has 12-years experience in the wellness and health care field and strongly believes in a multidisciplinary, individual approach, which also includes a psychosocial one.

His approach helps to achieve a sound physical body, a harmonious flow of energy and inner balance, seeking to equip each individual with the tools to be more resilient with long lasting results. Dr. Adarsh seeks to facilitate this with lifestyle modification and treatments integrating his expertise in the ancient sciences of Ayurveda & Yoga as well as his appreciation for the demands of modern life.

He has worked in world-renowned wellness destinations such as Ananda Spa, Chiva Som and Six Senses and has advised celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Martina Navratilova, and Julia Lemigova. The programme is implemented through a thorough psychological analysis of personality and Ayurveda treatments, consisting of various massages, exercises and tension release. Read reviews.

Boutique Hotel Alhambra & Villa Augusta

Found on the corner of Čikat Bay, the luxurious Boutique Hotel Alhambra & Villa Augusta are members of Virtuoso and the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Alhambra offers numerous experiences, tailor-made for the senses.

Boasting fashionable loungers right by the water’s edge, a stunning indoor waterfall pool and an award winning Asian-inspired spa with genuine experts in relaxation and rejuvenation on hand. Sophisticated and specially designed treatments and rituals, from the local brand Mitre are on offer to restore the balance between body and soul, using the aromas from the island.

For fitness fanatics you can do functional training at a state-of-the-art CrossFit box in Sunčana Uvala Bay or enjoy an open-air training session under the pine trees with the experienced coaches. Read reviews.

If you are a SUP yoga fan, from May – October you can take lessons with Sunbird.

How to get there

European Coastal Airlines (ec-air.eu/en) operates services to Mali Lošinj from Split and Zadar, both of which are collected by scheduled airlines from the UK including easyJet, Ryanair, Croatia Airlines, Norwegian, British Airways and Jet2. Seaplane tickets from around £80 one-way.

Silver Air has introduced new seasonal summer flights from Lošinj Airport to Zagreb (Croatia), Venice (Italy) and Lugano (Switzerland).

Obonjan

Obonjan is a 136-acre private adults only island, conveniently located off the coast of Northern Dalmatia in Croatia. Šibenik contains an archipelago of 249 islands stretching out into the super clear waters of the Adriatic.

Nestled in this constellation of islands you will find Obonjan, one of only a handful of populated islands and providing the perfect environment for relaxation and retreating.

The beautiful yoga deck, enveloped in the scent of pine trees and the sound of the sea, is a perfect setting where you can enjoy free classes, twice-daily, with styles ranging from Yin, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative yoga. All mats and all necessary props are provided. You can enjoy a post practise alfresco healing massage at the spa, an oasis of calm, dedicated to enhancing your natural wellbeing and easing you into island life.

You can also join one of the holistic workshops that are on offer that are free of charge. Learn more about nutrition, photography, explore different elements of sound and dance, or try new forms of meditation and breathing exercises. Read reviews.

How to get there

Obonjan is easily accessible from Zagreb, Split and Zadar International Airports. Located just six kilometres from the Croatian mainland and a pleasant 25-minute speedboat ride from Šibenik.

For more information on how to transfer to and from the island and book your return journey, please visit the following recommended transfer providers: www.a-transfers-croatia.com, www.croatia-taxi.hr or www.jamtransfer.com.

Brač

The island of Brač is excellent for relaxation, health, sleeping, and dreaming. Brac is the largest island in Dalmatia at 150 square miles (394 square km) in size (the third largest in the Adriatic). It is also one of the sunniest with 2,700 hours of sun annually. With its proximity to the mainland – to the city of Split in particular – the island is also very easy to reach.

Where to Stay & Yoga

Strong Body, Open Heart and Clear Mind Retreat

From the 24th – 31st of August you can treat yourself to a one week invigorating, rejuvenating, and transformative journey to strengthen your body, open your heart, and clear your mind.

Supetar is located in the northern part of the island of Brač and is connected to Split by ferry, so the island can be easily reached by car or bus.

Experience rejuvenation in a historic Dalmatian villa immersed in luscious greenery, hidden in the cove with pebble beach and turquoise sea.

To strengthen your body, you will be practicing an energizing yoga routine each morning aimed at grounding you, revitaling your organs, building core strength while improving your body coordination, flexibility, as well as a sense of balance.

To open your heart, you will be engaging in an evening meditation and/or simple breathing exercises with a goal to clean your lungs, calm down your nervous system, and release stress in order to create a space for connection and openess.

To clear your mind, not only will you improve your concentration and focus through breathing exercises while finding inner balance through meditation, but you will also have a chance to participate in optional after-lunch discussions on topics about self-transformation in accordance with Yoga Philosophy supplemented by the latest findings in psychology and neuroscience.

In addition, you will benefit from being close to nature, to the sea, and to like-minded individuals who share your interests and values. Book here.

Puteus Palace Heritage Hotel

Located in Pučišća, a small place with marble history. Pučišća’s harbour is hidden from winds, the atmosphere you will find here is unique: peaceful, breathtaking blue sea and a mediterranean breeze.

A completely new heritage hotel with only 15 rooms and suites that guarantees impeccable personalised service. Puteus is a renovated palace from 1467, with 550 years of history it is one of the oldest palace on the Adriatic coast, now transformed into a 5 star luxury hotel.

Within the palace walls hides a secret garden with a beautiful terrace and pool as a perfect getaway to unwind and relax in a natural environment.

The outdoor and private wellness area offers: outdoor pool, Finnish sauna, jacuzzi and massage. The area is popular for cycling, and bike and car hire are available at the accommodation. Read reviews.

Gea Viva

This eco island off-grid Permaculture farm in a beautiful olive grove with sea views invites you to experience nature with all your senses. The peaceful surroundings are ideal to re-connect with yourself and the Earth.

Accommodation is offered in glamping huts, a glamping tent and spaces for tents as well as camper vans. The Island of Brac was chosen for this project because it is the focus of a heart centre that channels cosmic love, and distributes the Earth’s vital energy across a wide region.

The sea also plays a vital role in transforming outdated patterns, and a number of impulses for change have manifested close by in the sea as well as on the land. A group of people have started the process of researching the Geomantic configuration of Brac and activating this heart centre.

You are warmly invited to join the drop-in Yoga and meditation classes, craft your personal retreat or attend one of the retreats or courses.

Drop-in Yoga classes – Circumstances permitting we will resume outdoor classes in mid June: Mondays and Thursdays 18.00-19.30 hrs

Drop-in meditation classes – In July and August on Sundays at 7.00 hrs

Hotel Lemongarden

The Hotel Lemongarden (adults only) is located amidst the picturesque fishing village Sutivan on the north-west coast of the island of Brac. The boutique hotel exudes unparalleled charm, not least because of its three almost 300-year-old stone buildings.

Slowing down, relaxation and enjoyment is the hideaway’s motto today. 23 suites and 12 rooms overall in timeless design, and the colour concept of the south invites you to feel at ease.

The interplay of colours in nature plays an important role inside as well as outside: at the pool you can enjoy the fragrance of the lemon trees and the magnificent colours of the surrounding paradise garden.

Guests can expect even more relaxation and comfort in the exclusive wellness pavilion with the Finnish sauna made out of cedar, a steam room boasting a combination of light and aromatherapy with lavender, lemon, lime and orchid fragrances, and an experience shower.

A programme for the first yoga retreats at the Lemongarden has been put together with the help of Ben Rakidzija. The yoga teacher practises Silent Flow, a free interpretation of Hatha yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yin yoga and Qigong. There are also fascia training exercises and other forms of movement.

It’s recommended that you stumble your way straight to a Lemongarden aromatherapy session and enjoy a relaxing massage on a lounger using lemon and orange essential oils. In this deeply relaxed state you go to yoga again, then curl up in bed afterwards with the blissful realisation that the next day you will wake up feeling just as good as when you went to sleep. Read reviews.

Your Own Private Villa Retreat

Selca Villa by Coolstays

A charming cottage with private pool offering sea views. The ultimate retreat in the pretty hillside town of Selca on the beautiful Croatian island of Brac.

Surrounded by lush greenery, and overlooking the alluring Adriatic Sea, Selca Villa is a cosy yet luxurious nook perfectly nestled for a relaxing couples’ getaway. This hillside property blends original rustic features with modern-day style, with an enticing swimming pool.

Guests will love lazing in the pool looking out to sea and across to the coastal hills, while soaking up the sun. Days can easily be spent just whiling away the time and enjoying the surrounding natural landscapes.

Inside, is equally inviting thanks to the characterful interiors, exposed brick walls and large windows affording plenty of natural light. Nearby, guests will find a large choice of eateries, historical sites and beautiful beaches. Book here.

Drop in Classes

For drop in classes – Agi, a certified yoga teacher gives individual or small group classes, in different styles. Classes take place in the Bluesun Velaris Resort (Put Vela Luke 10) located in Supetar at the times below:

Monday, Wednesday | 19-20.30h

Tuesday, Friday | 18-19.30h

Saturday | 10-11.30h

Contact and book your class:  Phone (viber, whatsapp) +36 70 320 2887 / email: [email protected] / facebook

How to get there

There are ferry/catamaran routes to several of its major towns from Split and Dubrovnik (and Makarska), as well as services to and from the island of Hvar. There is also a direct catamaran service from Split airport.

Head to the Island of Iz for a Yoga Teacher Training

300 Hour Multi-Style Yoga Teacher Training

This 300 hour teacher training is an evolution of Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Yin Yoga, Power Yoga and Restorative Yoga enabling simplicity with ease in learning and practice. An enjoyable journey into self-discovery, challenging comfort-zone, but rewarding with insights, excitement about the knowledge gained and enthusiasm to share it with others.

The course is Yoga Alliance accredited course that leads you towards 500 RYT RYS certification. Doug and Lea are well established in their own respective yoga styles, through decades of their research, practice, and teachings.

Students will enjoy a unique holistic approach understanding the value of different yoga styles and how to balance hard, more challenging, and soft, less challenging techniques with an aim to support individual practitioner’s needs.

The main aim of the program is to help a student to broaden his/her awareness about yoga, teachings, embodiment and ecology, and be able to put into practice and teachings such expanded awareness.

The program allows ashtanga yogis to understand the value of yin and restorative yoga, and Hatha yogis to balance their practices by introducing power yoga and more challenging practices.

Immersing into this teacher training is your treasured opportunity to expand awareness physically, mentally and spiritually. This will then create more space in your life for learning and sharing yoga with expanded confidence and clarity of your newly acquired direction.

The program includes 21 days of intensive retreat coursework and self-study with online correspondence prior or post the retreat. Book here.

How to get there

The Island of Iz is located in the vicinity of Zadar. The island, which covers the area of just about 18 square km has three ferry ports: Brsanj ferry port, Veli Iz port and Mali Iz port. All ports are connected by ferries to neighbouring islands and Zadar.

Istria

If you have time in your itinerary head to Istria, the green coloured, heart-shaped peninsula of western Croatia that became part of Croatia (ex Yugoslavia) after the Second World War as previously it belonged to Italy.

It is very much influenced by Italian culture and was called ” Terra Magica” in Roman times. The pastel coloured seaside towns are reminiscent of Umbria. Istria is rich in vineyards and olive groves, wine, olive oil and truffles.

”Near the National Park Brijuni, there are six forest parks, nine protected parts of the landscape, five botanical nature monuments, a zoological nature monument, three geomorphological and a geological monument of nature.

The mountain massif Učka, the highest point of Istria, was declared a nature park, because the area found several protected plant and animal species. Učka has lots of hiking trails, ideal for hiking, harvesting of medicinal plants and forest, at the foot of the bike paths, mountain huts and lodges. ” (via www.rural-koncept.hr/en/destinations/istria/rural-istria/natural-attractions).

Where to Stay and Yoga

Hotel La Grisa

The Heritage Hotel La Grisa is named after the oldest and principal street in the romantic medieval town of Bale (Valle) in southern Istria.

The idea came when the owner, mr. Lutvo Murić was offered an opportunity to buy an old house in the centre of Bala where nobody lived. He patiently made deals with the owners of other abandoned neighbouring houses lead by a goal that one day it would grow into the hotel.

After 5 years he gathered 11 parcels and reconstructed them into a lovely little hotel and restaurant. With the vision shared by the Municipality of Bale – the idea of Bale old town centre as a “City Hotel”, each room represents the house and the corridors represent streets and lanes. All rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished with a combination of modern and traditional style, and contain details that make them unique and comfortable.

The Wellness area and spa of the hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, two saunas, finish and Turkish, and a relax area with teas and infusions. Read reviews.

How to get there

The best way to get to Istria is to fly to Pula, Zagreb or Venice. You’ll find many budget airlines flying to Pula but if Venice is a better option you can rent a car and drive for just two hours to get to Istria.

Sailing Yoga Holiday – Multiple Island Stops

Of course, if you want to visit multiple islands in a short amount of time then a yoga sailing holiday is your best option. Available from May – September in 2022, these 7 day retreats sail from Split to Dubrovnik (and vice versa).

The itinerary is like ‘a tasting plate of Croatia’ with stop offs at Hvar, the magical Pakleni Islands, the National Park in Mljet, the fortified town of Korčula and the magical island of Vis and its hidden gem; Stivina Bay.

You will have yoga classes in the morning (depending on the day), daily swim stops and evening meditation before heading out to explore a new town/port every day.

Yoga classes are an hour long and held in breath-taking settings. There is still time to explore world famous islands, such as Vis, Korčula and Hvar where you can wander the streets, explore the old castle and enjoy sunset cocktails.

As you sail Croatia, you have the freedom to relax as you please with a book, sunbathing, chatting with your fellow yoga retreat guests or learning to sail with your skipper.

If your schedule allows it, stay an extra day before and after your trip.  Don’t fly in on Saturday and join the boat immediately, then finish your trip on Saturday, then fly out that day, you will miss out on so much of the amazing Old Towns.

Getting there

You can fly to either Split or Dubrovnik depending on the route you choose. Dates and booking info can be found here.

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