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For many years Bali was the default answer whenever someone mentioned going on a yoga retreat. It was spiritual, exotic and far away from everyday stress. But more and more European travellers have started to ask a different question: do I really need to fly halfway around the world to find deep rest, connection and clarity? Increasingly, the answer is no. The Canary Islands, and especially Tenerife, are becoming a serious alternative for people who want all the benefits of a yoga retreat without the exhausting long haul journey.
A new era for wellness travel in Europe
Wellness tourism has grown rapidly across Europe as people look for ways to recover from burnout, digital overwhelm and constant pressure. Instead of packed city breaks, they want slow mornings, nourishing food and time in nature. That is why searches for phrases like “yoga retreats in the Canary Islands” and “yoga retreat Spain” keep increasing. Travellers want somewhere that feels different enough to be an escape but is still easy and stress free to reach.
Tenerife fits that need beautifully. It offers warm weather all year, dramatic volcanic landscapes and peaceful villages where life moves at a slower pace. A guest can leave London or Berlin in the morning and be sitting under the sun with a herbal tea in the afternoon. There is no jet lag to recover from, no complicated visas and no need to adjust to an extreme time zone difference. The body has space to relax almost immediately.
Why Tenerife is overtaking long haul retreats
One of the big reasons people are choosing Tenerife over Bali now is practicality. Many travellers have less free time than before, and they want every day of their retreat to count. Spending two of seven days on planes and in airports no longer feels appealing. Tenerife offers the same sense of getting away from normal life, but the journey is short, simple and affordable.
Another important factor is atmosphere. Areas of Bali that were once peaceful are now crowded and heavily developed. Tenerife still has quiet corners where retreat groups can practise in silence, surrounded by nature and beautiful mountain views. It feels exclusive without being cut off from local culture. Guests can visit small restaurants, swim in hidden coves and hike mountain paths, all while returning to a calm retreat space at the end of the day.
Authentic retreats with beautiful mountain views
The rise of Tenerife as a wellness destination is also linked to the quality of retreat providers on the island. Many travellers now look specifically for small group retreats that value connection, slow living and genuine care. One example is Bliss Yoga Retreats, who host nature centred programs in Tenerife that focus on rest, nervous system regulation and community. Their retreats are held in tranquil locations framed by stunning mountain scenery rather than busy beachfront strips.
People who want to explore yoga retreats in the Canary Islands with this kind of intimate, nurturing feel can read more about the experience.
What a Tenerife retreat week looks like
A typical retreat in Tenerife includes daily yoga practices, guided meditation, nourishing meals and plenty of free time for reflection or exploration. Mornings may begin with energising movement and breathwork as the sun rises over the mountains. Afternoons are often left open for massage, reading by the pool, quiet walks or optional excursions to the coast. Evenings can include gentle restorative practices, journalling or simply sharing conversation with other guests.
This balance of structure and freedom is a big reason people leave feeling rested rather than rushed. Those who want to see exactly how a week is shaped, including schedules and practical details, can explore the dedicated page for Tenerife yoga retreats.
A destination with a strong future
Tenerife offers something that modern wellness travellers value deeply: the chance to feel far away from daily life without putting the body and mind under extra strain just to get there. It combines easy travel, reliable sunshine, powerful natural landscapes and a growing number of thoughtful retreat providers. As more people discover how accessible and transformative a European based retreat can be, it is easy to see why Tenerife is rising fast as one of the most attractive alternatives to Bali for yoga retreats and holistic travel.
