If you're new to yoga, you might have noticed that you can study it just about everywhere - from your local youth centre to grand hotels in the highlands. But don't let yourself get stressed out simply trying to find a course that suits.
If you're new to the technique, or even if you're an old hand, one fantastic way to learn more is to get away from it all. Take a Break, book a course and head off for peace and quiet.

One perfect spot lies just five miles from the Atlantic coast, in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the west of Ireland. The Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre is situated amongst gorgeous countryside, which always helps if you want to relax mind and body. The centre runs its courses all year round, including weekend and week-long courses. You can choose from one of the five main types of yoga, take your family or friends, and even combine it with a bit of hill-walking or sightseeing in the Burren, a stunning area of natural limestone. Weekend courses begin at about £175.

Alternatively, if you prefer sun bleached rock to lush green fields, you might want to spend a week at Donalegge; a remote, family-run four-star "agriturismo" located in the spectacular mountainous region between Palermo and Enna in Sicily. Perched high in the central Madonie Mountains, this is pastoral tranquility at its best. And here, relaxation specialists, Beyond Retreats, run week long yoga holidays that combine traditional yoga, fine Sicilian cuisine, guided walks in the mountains and excursions to hilltop villages and the Tyrrhenian coast. Guaranteed to recharge your batteries.

Get the experience:

Ireland:
A weekend course of yoga at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre costs £174 per person. Flights and transfer extra. For details visit the website or call: +353 (0)91 637680.

Sicily:
A week of yoga in Sicily with Beyond Retreats costs from £1545 per person. Flights extra. Booking for 4th-11th June or 10th-17th September. For details visit the website or call (020) 7226 4044.