“Rivers flow not past, but through us; tingling, vibrating, exciting every cell and fiber in our bodies, making them sing and glide.” - John Muir
It would be hard to find in the history of the United States someone who appreciated a pristine river or mountain view more than John Muir, the person we owe our National Park System to. From Smoky Mountain National Park west to Yosemite, every time a guest on vacation in a tent, cozy cabin, RV, cottage, whatever, visits one of our 424 National Parks, they need to give thanks for the great place they are in that has been saved by John Muir.
This, of course, explains why there are so many wonderful river retreats taking place worldwide in 2024.
What's the great appeal?
Once we get out of our living room, away from the TV and other mindless distractions, where do we desire most of all to go on vacation? A cabin rental or campsite on a river is a great location many recall from family vacations back in the day. I remember fondly being outside all day, fishing, boating or swimming in the river when me and my siblings weren't out on a hiking trail. At night we are around a fire pit or inside our rental space playing board games with the entire family. Good times for sure.
Here are some top river retreats taking place in 2024. Real favorites, each in a great location you'll remember forever.
I hope we can help you find your perfect place.
The Best River Retreats Worldwide in 2024
5 Day Yoga Retreat: River, Waterfalls and Massage in Costa Rica
This amazing river retreat takes place in lovely Costa Rica at a rural village near the mountains of the South Pacific coast.
It's a peaceful place surrounded by primary forest, a waterfall, a variety of farm animals, and of course, a magnificent river.
A guest will stay at Rancho Rana Roja, a farm focused on sustainability and well being in nature using the local resources efficiently.
What can you expect? Here’s a 5 star review:
“Everything about this experience was so incredibly fulfilling. Quaint. Peaceful. Serene. The farm is beautifully set back way off the main roads along the river where crystal clear waters pool-up making a great place to take a dip after a rejuvenating yoga class.”
Sounds like a great place, doesn't it?
How about river rafting on a very affordable all-inclusive retreat in spiritual Bali?
I thought you'd be interested :-)
This tremendous retreat experience takes a guest into the very heart of local Balinese life to experience Balinese cultural events and excursions, such as a river fishing excursion, Gamelan (traditional Balinese music) workshop, river tubing, and beach fun.
And it is a deal if there ever was one. A 5 day package costs only $456, but includes all this:
- 5 days, 4 nights stay in our eco-friendly & close-to-nature Balinese traditional style villas surrounded by stunning greenery and beauty!
- 3 delicious meals together with all-natural juices/smoothies every day!
- Daily Morning Vinyasa/Hatha/Ashtanga/Yin /Power Yoga & meditation classes led by our experienced instructors every single day !
- Deeply Relaxing Sunrise/Sunset Cycling
- Tamas & Klangsah — Coconut Leaf Weaving Workshop
- Delightful Balinese Cooking Class
- Gamelan—Balinese Traditional Music Workshop
- Immersive Culture Event— Balinese Traditional Hindu Ceremony (depending on availability)
- Super Fun River Fishing Excursion
- “Lazy River”— River Tubing!
- Deeply relaxing 1-hour Balinese Spa treatment every single day!!!
- Rice Paddies Sightseeing & Trekking
- Airport Pickup (limited time only!)
- Wifi Connection
- Water, Coffee and tea served all day long
Rishikesh, the sacred yoga capital of India, has one of the world's most revered rivers flowing through it.
The Ganges River, otherwise known locally as Ganga Ma or Mother Ganges, winds over 1,500 miles from the Himalayan Mountains south to India's Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean.
On the 7 day Silent Meditation & Yoga Retreat guests practice Hatha yoga and meditate near the Ganges, plus enjoy local village tours for cultural immersion.
One previous guests describes the experience this way:
"This retreat is an amazing opportunity to connect with nature and yourself. Highly recommend it as Shubham and Tilakare amazing and there’s no better location at Rishikesh with the river by your side."
This women's river adventure in majestic Colorado offers wellness, yoga and so much more.
Spend your days paddling the river, relaxing at camp, practicing yoga and meditation along the river and beside a campfire, and hiking colorful side canyons.
It's a 3 day getaway package at $750 providing all of the following:
- Daily yoga classes
- Daily meditation classes
- Daily pranayama classes
- Transportation during the retreat
- Nature hikes with a trusted guide
- Welcome drink
- Group excursions/activities
- Pre and post retreat support from our team
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner nutritious meals
- Photos
- SUP instruction
- Paddling equipment
- Safety equipment
