Why go on a yoga holiday?

Yoga breaks have become increasingly popular over the last five years. 'Yoga holidays are becoming de rigeur,' said the UK's Guardian last May - and indeed there are many advantages to a yoga holiday when considering a trip abroad.

An intensive (although not too intensive) burst of yoga is a great introduction to this . A yoga holiday offers the chance to practice free from the distractions of work, family or social life. If, on the other hand, you're a yoga newbie then it's a great way to learn. Many people think about yoga but somehow time doesn't allow them to practice as much as they'd like – a yoga holiday is a great way to kick start your practice or whatever you've learned so far.

Is it difficult? Like any skill or technique it gets easier the more you do. Almost all yoga holidays are tailored to beginner/ intermediate levels – teachers, for example, usually offer advanced variations on postures so you can go further if you like. And there's a careful distinction between a yoga holiday and a yoga retreat – with the latter being much more disciplined and challenging, the former being aimed at relaxation and fun.

“It's certainly can be challenging, says James Knight of Yoga Travel, 'but one of the interesting things about yoga is the more you do the more you want to do.” In other words: the more proficient you get the more you enjoy the benefits. So not only do you learn a new skill that will increase levels of relaxation and happiness - by practicing every day on holiday you also develop the motivation to keep going when you return home.

Surprisingly, perhaps, most people who join yoga holidays are travelling solo. Indeed, if you're holidaying alone, you're unlikely to be the only one. 'Sometimes sixty percent of our groups are single travellers,' says James Knight. Actually this is often a benefit – people are away from their normal environments and are really free to enjoy learning something new without the expectations and preconceptions of home life. And you get a chance to meet similar, like-minded people. 'The group bonding experience can really be something to see,' says James Knight.

So whether you're a regular yoga practitioner or a complete beginner, travelling alone or with friends, a yoga holiday is a great place to develop your knowledge. You'll return home feeling much better, more relaxed and healthy. Regular yoga practice develops discipline, self-awareness and increased concentration – and what other type of holiday can say that?