Winter Yoga Retreats in the United States

White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA. Located along the coast of California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Channel Island, the center is a is a 501c3 registered, nonsectarian spiritual Foundation and all fees collected are considered tax-deductible donations. Recently acquiring five acres of the Los Padres National forest from the state, the center is even further surrounded in seclusion by nature. Temperatures in Santa Barbara hover in the 60's and warm up as early as mid to late February making it a great winter retreat. Yoga retreats cost around $825 ($150 deposit and $675 donation) and include lodging, vinyasa flow yoga classes, pranayama breathing practice, use of the facilities including hikes, daily meditation, and walking meditation. The center also offers special weekend at slightly lower rates such as a Yoga and Thai Massage weekend where you can learn to as well as enjoy Thai massage techniques for $675. At the conclusion of the weekend you will receive a certificate of completion, or you may forgo the training and simply enjoy the weekend. http://www.whitelotus.org/ The center is located at 2500 San Marcos Pass. Call (805) 964-1944 or email info@whitelotus.org.

Kalani Oceanside Resort in Pahoa, Hawaii on the Big Island is the only coastal lodging on Hawaii's largest conservation area. The resort offers unique retreats such as the Men's Naked Yoga Retreat starting at $995 or the tamer Yoga and Meditation retreat with process starting at $1045 for camping to as much as $1635 for 6 nights. Rates include accommodations, three meals, 2 daily yoga sessions, one daily meditation/pranayama session, use of the pool and all taxes. Children are welcome at a reduced rate, but there is no childcare provided. The resort boasts hot springs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches frequented by dolphins. It is truly a paradise, if you have the time and money to get yourself to Hawaii. http://www.kalani.com/ or (800) 800-6886 (toll-free reservations in USA and Canada).

Another option on the big island is Yoga Oasis, although you get less bang for your buck and group transport from the airport is not provided (center is 45 minutes from Hilo airport and 3 hours from the Kona airport) it is still in Hawaii and specializes in Chi Hatha Yoga. Retreats are available from Monday ending at brunch on Sunday. For one person, rates start at $1000 up to $1450 and reservations are accepted online. Groups are accepted and discounted group rates apply. http://www.yogaoasis.org/ or 800-274-4446.

If you're the type of person that enjoys the winter weather and sports, then the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts of Lenox, MA is for you. Each day included skiing; including instruction for beginners and the day ends with yoga and guided relaxation. Fees range from $559-1336 depending on accommodations and length of stay. You may choose to share a room with someone of the same gender to cut down on costs of accommodations. The center consists of 300 acres two and a half hours from Boston and houses a spa that offers massages and other body work including facials, acupressure, and reflexology. http://www.kripalu.org/ or 866.200.5203.