With upwards of 20 million Americans practicing yoga these days, downward dog and child’s pose have arguably never been more popular. People of all levels and intentions throw themselves into the practice, and large-scale yogic get-togethers are bigger than ever. But the Nantucket Yoga Festival (July 12–14) may just be one of the hottest tickets around.
In other words, the perfect backdrop for a weekend built around yoga. Classes will be held under a tent at Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm, the oldest family-owned farm on the island, surrounded by 100 acres of land and those eponymous vistas. More than 20 renowned yoga teachers are scheduled to appear, including master instructor Sri Dharma Mittra, founder of Dharma Yoga Center New York, and Sadie Nardini (pictured here), known for her edgier approach and a TV show, Rock Your Yoga, on the health-and-wellness channel Veria.
Complimentary community classes by local instructors will also be available (all levels welcome), and other activities include a spirited opening-night celebration, a farm-to-table dinner on Saturday night and plenty of opportunities to experience yoga’s widespread appeal.
“People are searching for peace, for happiness, for a little slice of calm,” says Burnham. “A complete yoga practice can offer refuge from the fast pace and stress that exists in the world today. People simply begin to feel better.” July 12–14; festival pass, $350; one-day pass, $175; nantucketyogafestival.com.