5 of The Best Locations for Yoga Teacher Training in 2025
/Picking the right destination for your yoga teacher training is a big deal. You want somewhere that helps you stay focused, feel inspired, and really grow on and off the mat. The setting you choose can help you stay focused, inspired, and grounded throughout the journey.
Here are 5 best destinations for yoga teacher training in 2025, each offering a unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and community to support your practice.
5 Best Locations for Yoga Teacher Training
1. Bali
Bali has long been a favorite for aspiring yoga teachers. It’s one of the go-to yoga hubs for those who want to connect with nature. The island provides spiritual energy and offers a natural rhythm that helps you slow down and reconnect with yourself—making it an ideal place for yoga teacher training Bali programs.
Ubud is like the heart of Bali when it comes to yoga. It has lots of nearby temples, vegan cafés, and a big community of people who love yoga and wellness.
But If you’re looking for somewhere more quiet and peaceful, check out Nusa Lembongan. It offers a peaceful island vibe with open-air yoga shalas right by the sea.
2. India
India is where yoga was born—and it still holds that depth, lineage, and spiritual intensity. Training here means you’re not just learning how to teach postures, but understanding where yoga came from and what it truly means beyond the mat and poses.
Rishikesh is known for its sacred energy and riverbank ashrams, offering a more traditional, devotional approach to yoga. Mysore is best for those focused on Ashtanga or wanting a disciplined daily practice.
Goa is ideal if you want a lighter vibe but still want to stay close to the roots. Expect simple living, deeper study of yogic philosophy, and an environment where every chant, temple bell, and incense stick adds to your immersion.
3. Thailand
Thailand blends serene beauty with solid infrastructure, making it one of the easiest yet most rewarding places to do your training.
It’s no surprise that yoga teacher training Thailand programs have become so popular—you get the best of both worlds: tropical beaches, fresh plant-based food, and spiritual spaces with just enough modern comfort.
Koh Phangan, Thailand is also known for yoga and wellness, especially in the Sri Thanu area where life revolves around nature and conscious living.
Phuket and Koh Samui both offer more access to transport, cafes, health services, which can be helpful during a longer yoga course. Whether you’re drawn to quiet, slow mornings or vibrant sunsets after practice, Thailand offers both with ease.
4. Portugal
Portugal has become a quiet favorite among European yogis. It's the kind of place where rugged coastlines meet gentle hills, and yoga fits naturally into the slower, earthy rhythm of life.
The Algarve region is popular for retreats and teacher training, offering calm countryside centers and beach access. The lifestyle here is grounded—expect home-cooked meals, sustainable living, and time to reflect in nature.
Portugal is also a great choice for those who want a strong yoga experience without the long-haul travel, and it offers a more temperate climate for training outside peak summer heat.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the best destination for eco-conscious and nature-loving yogis. If you want to train in a place where you’re surrounded by jungle, ocean, and wildlife, this is it.
You will experience the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle here.
Yoga training programs here often include not just yoga but mindful living, organic food, and a connection to the natural world.
Santa Teresa and Nosara are hotspots for immersive retreats, where the sounds of birds and waves become part of your daily rhythm. Many programs here lean holistic, combining movement, nutrition, and self-inquiry in a setting that encourages deep personal growth.
How to Choose the Best Yoga Teacher Training Destination for You
Here’s what to consider when deciding where to do your YTT—beyond just picking a pretty location:
Decide what kind of yoga experience you want
Traditional and spiritual? Go for India.
Balanced and tropical? Try Bali or Thailand.
Eco-conscious and holistic? Costa Rica’s a top pick.
Accessible but immersive? Portugal fits that well.
Choose a place that aligns with how you want to feel during the training—not just how it looks on Instagram.
Match the location to the teaching style
Ashtanga thrives in Mysore and Thailand.
Vinyasa and multi-style trainings are common in Bali, Costa Rica, and Portugal.
If you’re unsure, go for a multi-style course and explore what fits.
Consider your learning style and energy levels
If you’re highly sensitive or need quiet to absorb new material, go for quieter destinations with smaller group settings.
If you thrive with structure and challenge, look for locations known for intensive programs like India or Costa Rica.
Check practical logistics
Visa requirements, travel time, health access, and cost of living matter more than you think—especially if you plan to stay longer after the training.
For example, India is affordable but may involve more cultural adjustment, while Thailand and Bali are more travel-friendly but can vary in cost depending on where you stay.
Look at the season and weather
Tropical regions have rainy and dry seasons—training in the right weather window makes a big difference to your comfort and energy levels.
Portugal is great for spring and autumn. Costa Rica’s dry season (Dec–Apr) is most popular. Bali and Thailand are also seasonal, with dry months typically from May to September.
Ask yourself what kind of support you need
Some locations offer strong yoga communities with cafes, coworking spaces, and like-minded travelers—great if you're going solo and want to connect.
Others are more remote and introspective—perfect if you're looking for time alone and personal reflection.
Where You Train Shapes How You Teach
The yoga teacher training destination you choose plays a big role in your journey. Some places offer deep tradition and spiritual connection; others provide balance, comfort, or immersion in nature.
What matters most is finding a place that supports your learning style, meets your lifestyle needs, and offers the energy you want to carry into your future as a yoga teacher.
Bali, India, Thailand, Portugal, and Costa Rica each offer something special. Take time to reflect on what kind of experience you want—not just during your training, but in how you show up as a teacher afterward. With the right location, everything aligns: your practice, your focus, and your transformation.
Discover the 5 best locations for yoga teacher training in 2025. Compare top spots like Bali, India, and Thailand to find your perfect YTT destination.