Six of the best yoga retreats

Pinetrees Lord Howe Island

Yogi to the stars Charlotte Dodson leads retreats at Pinetrees Lodge on the World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island – far from traffic jams, emails and mobile phones (no phone reception here). The historic guesthouse offers a daily program of yoga taught by Dodson, Ayurvedic and spa treatments, massage, aerobic fitness, low calorie cooking classes and organic gardening classes. Swimming, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, walking and biking is on offer along with three gourmet meals, organic wine tasting and a chance to digitally disconnect. Yoga classes are held at the Pinetrees Boat Shed facing Lagoon Beach which Dodson describes as; "One of the most beautiful and natural locations to practise yoga". Six night packages from $2130 twin share (flights not included). See pinetrees.com.au

W Singapore Sentosa Cove and W Retreat Koh Samui

"Yoga rebel", author and New York celebrity Tara Stiles partners with W Hotels On FIT, a program bringing her own branded Strala Yoga classes and healthy recipes to properties globally. Stiles also runs events and retreats at W Hotels. In June, she will run a Strala intensive training course at the W Hotel Sentosa Cove (June 11-12) for those interested in teaching yoga, or deepening their practice. From June 17-19, Stiles will take part in a jam-packed retreat at the W Koh Samui involving sunrise yoga with Stiles, Muay Thai boxing lessons, a sunset yoga party, mediation at a waterfall, and runs on the beach. The intensive yoga course costs $US595; see strala.myshopify.com/collections/strala-training. Tickets for the W Retreat Koh Samui, see wretreatkohsamui.com.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

This sublime riverfront resort in the sacred Ayung River basin offers an impressive line-up of international yoga masters. Classes range from Bali's first certified AntiGravity (flying) yoga, laughing yoga and full moon yoga are held in the Elora Hardy-designed Dharma Shanti Yoga Bale constructed entirely from sustainable local bamboo. The comprehensive wellness program also offers loving kindness meditation, mindfulness classes and life talks with resident wellness mentor (and former Buddhist nun) Ibu Ferawati. Yoga masters-in-residence include Matt Julian, Lisa Tonelli, Australian AcroYoga couple Claudine and Honza, while Robert Thurman (Uma Thurman's father) recently ran a retreat here. From $US555 per night including complimentary year-round yoga classes (16 per week) for in-house guests. Power yoga and visiting master classes cost extra. See fourseasons.com/sayan/spa/visiting_practitioners

Lumeria Maui

In upcountry Maui on the lush lower slopes of Haleakala volcano, Lumeria sits on eight acres of manicured gardens with the island's legendary beaches in the distance. The historic inn is the oldest wooden structure on Maui and was originally built to house ageing sugar plantation labourers. The experiential retreat's new age feel may not be everyone's cup of tea, however the excellent daily classes including yoga, hula and meditation, chic rooms and wholesome garden to table meals can't be faulted. From $US369 per night inclusive of all meals. See lumeriamaui.com