Pat Bailey

Pat relaxes at one of the beautiful pools at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody

A Weekend Getaway in Arizona

Getting to Phoenix

I flew directly from San Francisco International Airport into the Phoenix Airport, Phoenix is easily accessible from any direction and the airport is manageable and easy to navigate. Search flights to Phoenix. Depending on your itinerary and plans, I recommend renting a car. Some of my favourite places are on long stretches of desert road and the drive to them is part of the magic.

The perfectly palm-fringed Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody

Where to Stay in Phoenix

Scottsdale, one of the many suburbs of Phoenix, is a beautiful place to stay especially if you book a room at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. The hotel, set to the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains, is an impeccable example of modern Frank Lloyd Write inspired architecture juxtaposed with the desert flora of cacti, wild flowers, green lawns and palm trees. It is indeed a desert oasis.

Earthy tones are carried from the outside in at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody

My suite, one of 493 rooms, included a luxurious king-size bed, roomy and modern bathroom with rain shower, small sitting area, and a sunny balcony with a view of the property’s lake and palm trees to add privacy and dappled shade. I loved the sunrise light that filtered in and the sound of the Gondolero paddling by at night. It was also the perfect spot to sit and catch my breath each day.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale features an incredible ten pools. Image © Ashley Drody

The property boasts ten pools, several of which are for swimming, and it was fun to explore the personality of each. The two main pools sit side-by-side, separated into an adult-only experience with a pool bar and a more family friendly option with wading pools and even a water slide. There is a miniature golf area, a climbing wall and plenty of pool-side beach in the family pool area with plenty to do for each person in the family. From the adult pool you have a beautiful view of the lake that surrounds the property, and just beyond it is a 27-hole championship golf course.

Al fresco dining is the order of the day at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody

I loved the open-air courtyard joining the pools to the property, with tall palms and plenty of lounging and al fresco dining options. Foodies will not be disappointed with a stay or visit to this property, there are three restaurant experiences available. SWB has a menu full of authentic Southwest flavours, NOH serves Japanese dishes and Alto Ristorante is an Italian restaurant. The Center Stage Bar serves handcrafted cocktails and just beyond it you can catch local musicians almost nightly on stage adding to the cozy ambience of the grand space.

Related: 48 Hours in LA: Where to Stay, Eat and Explore

Spa Avania features a beautiful open fireplace to encourage guests to unwind. Image © Ashley Drody

Spa Avania is the spa located on property and it is a sanctuary of its own. I enjoyed a traditional massage and spent the afternoon lounging in the private pool areas complete with hot tub and cold dipping pool as well as a cozy fireplace and sauna. This oasis is tucked away from the main property and feels remote and intimate, it was the perfect spot to catch my breath.

A Gondolero takes Pat on a trip around the lake at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody

A total treat during my stay was the gondola ride. Professional gondola rowers and singers take guests around the lake a few times each day. I loved my ride and I also loved hearing the singers row past my balcony each night. I also wandered into the Native American Museum located just off the lobby, this museum is a collaboration and labor of love between the Hyatt Regency staff and local tribe members – the spirit of these people can be found here and it was a nice surprise to find their culture and history celebrated and honoured in this way.

Check Prices for the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale

Visit Sloan Park, home of the Chicago Cubs spring training camp while in Mesa. Image © Ashley Drody

Things to do in Phoenix and Mesa

My Arizona itinerary for Mesa and Phoenix revolved around the Five C’s of Arizona: copper, cotton, citrus, cattle, and climate, and it included a few unique Arizona experiences.

Sloan Park

A trip to Mesa during spring time must include a visit to Sloan Park, home of the Chicago Cubs spring training camp. I was lucky to catch the Cubs play the Oakland A’s when I visited. This stadium, which opened in 2014, is the largest and newest Major League Baseball training stadium.  Fans flock here to watch the Cubs, on average the park hosts more than 15,000 fans per game.  And, because it’s the home of the Cubs, many iconic features have been added including Chicago Dogs and Deep-Dish Pizza. I was a happy Midwesterner in my element, and the Cubs won the game.

Related: 48 Hours in Chicago: A Local’s Guide on What to See and Do

Pat enjoying the spoils of a Cubs game at Sloan Park, Mesa. Image © Ashley Drody

Schnepf Farms

Schnepf Farms is a must-see if desert glamping and good old-fashion peach picking is on your list. This fourth-generation family owned homestead spans 5,000 acres and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of family farming in the area; it is the largest organic peach grower in Arizona celebrating over 50 years. 

Pat takes a tour of one of the lovingly homes Airstream trailers at Schnepf Farms. Image © Ashley Drody

The original farm has now expanded to include a complete complex for hosting yearly festivals of all kinds (including the most popular Peach Festival), a family adventure park and the newest addition of glamping in vintage Airstream trailers. Carrie Schnepf has lovingly devoted her time to finding and restoring the four Airstreams, two Spartans and two Silver Streaks, which now make up a unique overnight guest experience on the property called “The Cozy Peach.” 

Each trailer is a suite on wheels with a theme of its own and both vintage and modern amenities that make you smile and feel right at home. You can book your very own Airstream for one night or several and find yourself under the stars in the desert with full service attention which is the best of both worlds.

Related: How to Spend a Weekend in Park City Utah

Desert reflections bounce of the beautifully shiny Airstreams at Schnepf Farms. Image © Ashley Drody

Agritopia

Unique to the Mesa area is Agritopia, a project where rural and urban influences mix. This “urban farm” complex celebrates the rural setting of the desert and all of its abundance while creatively expanding opportunities to share the abundance and experience with a community. The Agritopia community is a tight one, not only does the community include housing and co-op farming, but it also provides opportunities for local business-owners, crafts people, and other partners to share in the ethos of building community and blending organic farming with intentional urban experiences.  I loved seeing the new, “urban” projects living in harmony with the 100-year-old trees and how the original family homestead ranch-style, slump block home has been repurposed into a modern 60’s era mid-century diner called Joe’s Farm Grill. This project has been named the leading “agri-hood” in the country by New York Times and the diner has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Agritopia nurtures community through housing and co-op farming. Image © Ashley Drody

Within the Agritopia complex you can find a glass of delicious local wine at Garage East Farm Winery, where Brian Ruffentine will leave you with a lasting impression of his passion for desert wine; he is the owner of this micro-winery showcasing the local wine of wine makers Todd and Kelly Bostock. Garage East Farm Winery is one of 12 resident craft brands that inhabit Barnone, Arizona’s newest Craftsman Community located inside a rustic Quonset hut built with metal from WWII planes that served the nearby Air Force base.  This innovative artesian collective is located on the urban agriculture campus and is a must-visit for supporting a variety of local, small brands.

Arizona Goat Yoga to brings together two passions – yoga and animals. Image © Ashley Drody

Downward Goat. Pat takes to the mat at Arizona Goat Yoga. Image © Ashley Drody

Arizona Goat Yoga

Goat Yoga wasn’t something I ever thought I would have on my list to try, but it was a whimsical experience that proved to be a great reminder to loosen up while connecting with animals. The yoga of this experience is about letting go, and about ahimsa. Sarah Williams, a 20-year old yoga instructor created Arizona Goat Yoga on a whim combining two things she loves: yoga and goats, and it is now a popular activity for both locals and visitors. The experience includes a guided group yoga class outdoors while the goats are free to interact with students if and as they wish, it is impossible to be unhappy or too rigid in your practice while you are sharing it with these happy, gentle creatures. 

Related: Costa Dulce Nicaragua: A Nature and Yoga Retreat on the Pacific Coast

Connecting to nature, animals and new friends at Arizona Goat Yoga. Image © Ashley Drody

Get up early and hit the hiking trails in the Sonora Desert. Image © Ashley Drody

Hiking in the Sonora Desert

Hiking in the Sonora Desert is a popular activity in Arizona with many, many options for all levels of hikers. I hiked the Usery Mountain Wind Cave Trail one morning during this visit which provides breathtaking views from an elevation of 2,840 feet. The trail is an easy one with a short climb to the top of the tunnel in just a few hours. This park spans 3,648 acres and it is located at the western end of the Goldfield Mountains adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. The key to this hike, and many others, is an early start to avoid the heat, and the reward is an incredible view in all directions of the desert flora and beautiful natural skyline of the valley below.

A moment of reflection in the beautiful Sonora Desert. Image © Ashley Drody

Hiking in the Tonto National Forest is a must in Arizona. Image © Ashley Drody

The stunning Sonora Desert in Arizona. Image © Ashley Drody

Horseback Riding in the Desert

Maybe the sixth “C” in Arizona should belong to the cowboys, because many of them call this state home and nothing beats meeting a real one for an authentic Arizona experience. Fort McDowell Adventures provides just that. Horseback riding in the desert, guided by a local cowboy, is a must-do when you visit the area – I felt like I was riding in a postcard the experience was so beautiful. If you’d rather have a more modern experience, the ranch also provides Segway tours. I opted for the old-fashion adventure which included riding Ajax, a sweet old horse and crossing a belly high river along with listening to tales from our guide.

The picture perfect setting for horseback riding in Arizona. Image © Ashley Drody

A peaceful horse ride in the Arizona desert. Image © Ashley Drody

Where to Eat in Arizona

Food in the Southwest is full of flavour, both in taste and in variety. With a focus on local flavours, organic ingredients and farm-to-table concepts, I made my way through this trip discovering the many, many options for delicious dining.

Dining in the desert with Cloth and Flame. Image © Ashley Drody

Dine under the stars at Cloth and Flame

There’s something magical about a secret location, under the stars, in the desert, for cocktails and dinner. Find yourself at a Cloth and Flame immersive dining experience next time you visit the Phoenix area. Events range from intimate events for small groups, to corporate events for hundreds. Our intimate table was set when we arrived and accompanied by a small bar serving handcrafted cocktails with fresh herb garnish. Arriving at the location and walking into the open-air dining experience felt like a fairy tale. Fresh courses of organic and locally sourced ingredients were served by an attentive staff as we watch the sunset sky turn sorbet colours and the nearly full moon and stars take its place. Off in the distance we could see hot air balloons and the surrounding mountain backdrop. The dinner ended with dessert under twinkle lights strung above and around our table; the entire experience was picture perfect and delicious from start to finish.

A friendly and delicious welcome at the Cloth and Flame desert dinner, Arizona. Image © Ashley Drody

Evening glow over our al fresco dining setting in Arizona. Image © Ashley Drody

Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail

Both Schnepf Farms and Agritopia are on Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail in addition to a dozen other delightful stops if you are interested in a food-driven road trip adventure that will wind you through Mesa and beyond giving you great stops for education and sampling along the way.

Fire & Brimstone located in the Agritopia Barnone building is a delicious stop for dinner with wood-fire selections utilising the fresh, organic ingredients grown on the property. I stopped at B&B Citrus Farms to taste oranges and see how they are sorted and packaged and while I was there I feasted on vegetarian BBQ options at Jalapeno Buck’s the neighbouring feasting spot.

Related: A Guide to the Best NYC Healthy Restaurants

Stopping in at B&B Citrus Farms, Mesa. Image © Ashley Drody

Home made delights at Queen Creek Olive Mill. Image © Ashley Drody

Queen Creek Olive Mill

Also on the Fresh Foodie Trail is Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill.  When I think of Arizona I do not think of olives, this was such a nice surprise to find and everything I experienced at Queen Creek Olive Mill was both beautiful and delicious. This family owned and operated 100-acre farm with over 7,000 olive trees is a true farm to table experience and a true family passion. 

Gorgeous creations from the Olive Spa, Arizona. Image © Ashley Drody

I was given a private tour of the soap making facility by owner Brenda, her passion for creating beauty products with the oil is now part of the experience at the Olive Spa. I loved the olive oil lip balm so much that I brought one home for each of my sisters – the lavender lip balm is incredible.  Visitors can taste a mind-blowing selection of innovative extra virgin olive oils, in addition to balsamic vinegars, stuffed olives, and tapenades. 

The café, coffee shop, bakery and ice cream counter are filled with goodness, it was so hard to choose. We enjoyed a spread of sandwiches including their incredibly delicious bruschetta, tasty fresh salads, and yummy cupcakes (definitely try the chocolate olive oil and cupcake made with it). If weather permits definitely sit outside in the open air dining area, the breeze is perfect and you are surrounded by olive trees, it feels almost like Tuscany.

Wandering the olive groves at Queen Creek Olive Mill. Image © Ashley Drody

T.C. Eggington’s Brunchery

If breakfast is serious business for you then a trip to T.C. Eggington’s Brunchery is in order where they scramble, fry, poach or gently fold into delicious omelettes over 8,000 eggs every week. The sheer magnitude of production I witnessed during my brunch here was dizzying, the place was a buzz and is a popular destination for both visitors and locals. Try their famous French Toast made with fresh-baked cinnamon bread dipped in custard-rich batter – it is to die for.

Stopping in for a tipple at Postino Wine Bar. Image © Ashley Drody

Liberty Market

Two great stops in sweet Gilbert, Arizona just outside of Phoenix are Postino East Wine Bar and Liberty Market. With thirty-six unique, approachable wines and a whole menu of bruschetta to pair with them this is the perfect first course or feast on bruschetta place. 

Liberty Market is an urban bistro nearby, housed in a 1930’s building that was once a grocery store. This bistro is Zagat rated and offers a diverse menu of salads, burgers, pasta and the most incredible house-made desserts; is a comfort food haven. Definitely try the Salt River Bar and the Chocolate Death Ray Cake, you’re welcome.

The Farm at South Mountain is a beautiful country oasis providing the quintessential farm to table experience. Image © Ashley Drody

The Farm at South Mountain

The Farm at South Mountain is a beautiful country oasis providing the quintessential farm to table experience and a break from city life in the desert. I fell in-love with the canopies of pecan trees and the wandering paths darting in and out of small gardens and shady resting spots. There are three restaurants on the property, all of which utilise the abundant gardens daily to create truly farm fresh to table menus. The property is a beautiful backdrop for weddings and picnics, I enjoyed a late-afternoon lunch of veggie sandwiches, salads and homemade cookies at a picnic table under a shade umbrella on one of the lawn areas, it was perfection.

The delicious fresh spread at The Farm at South Mountain. Image © Ashley Drody

True Food Kitchen

I had one of the best vegetarian burgers of my life at True Food Kitchen in Scottsdale during this trip. This local chain has an open kitchen concept and a menu to delight any vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free eater. The burger is made with seventy ingredients, yes seventy, and it is impeccable. The “scratch bar” is brimming with a selection of wines, local beers and seasonal cocktails made using fresh pressed fruit and vegetable juices and organic spirits – making even the cocktails taste fresh and healthy.

The world’s most delicious veggie burger at True Food Kitchen. Image © Ashley Drody

Freshly poured cocktails at True Food Kitchen. Image © Ashley Drody

This weekend getaway in Arizona was filled with fresh goodness and local surprises as well as quintessential desert favourites that have been happening for years. With so many things to do in Mesa and Phoenix, a visit to the area is a must if you are craving a desert escape and you want to experience the surprising and stunning Southwest.

The Fit Traveller was a guest of Visit Mesa and Visit Phoenix for this trip. As always, our opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

Pat Russo

Pat Russo is a Mystic, Muse, and Spiritual Teacher guiding women into their hearts with a journey of softening. She is a published poet, a lover of hearts, and a forever student.

Feeling the impossibility of choosing between her two favorite cities, she considers San Francisco and Paris home.

www.patricia-russo.com/

Sophie Palmer

Increased circulation and better digestion are just two of the many health benefits of yoga inversions. Image © Sophie Palmer

Yoga Inversions for Beginners

What Are Yoga Inversions?

So what exactly is a yoga inversion?

Typically, an inversion is any posture where the head is below the heart.

Do handstands, forearm stands, and other exotic variations may spring to mind?

Well, there are a number of accessible and gentler inverted poses (including downward dog, half-bridge, and legs up the wall) for friends newer to yoga, or those wanting a more restorative practice.

Who can do Yoga Inversions?

The benefits of yoga inversions are huge when including inversions in our yoga practice.

But, it’s essential we learn the correct setup and alignment of each posture to ensure we receive the maximum benefits and most importantly prevent injury, especially on the back and neck.

If you have a history of high blood pressure, or heart problems or have had a neck or spine injury, practicing inversions with caution and the assistance of a yoga teacher is recommended.

There is also a lot of debate about women practicing inversions during their moon days.

My general recommendation is to avoid practicing more dynamic inverted postures during the first few days of a woman’s menstrual cycle, as turning the body upside down goes against the body’s natural rhythm during this time.

In saying this, no one knows your body as you do, so most importantly listen to your body as you move through the cycle mindfully and tailor your practice to how you feel, and to how you feel best.

Related: Bali Yoga Studios: 5 of the Best Yoga Studios in Bali

Like every part of yoga practice, take a mindful and safe approach to inversions. Image © Sophie Palmer

The Benefits of Yoga Inversions

Here are 10 reasons why turning upside down is not only fun but also very good for the health and vitality of your body and mind.

Improves circulation and brain activity – flushing refreshed blood and nutrients around the whole body, especially the brain.

Gives the heart a break – as the heart is constantly working to pump blood upward towards the brain, inversions assist in the flow of blood to the brain, with little work from the heart.

Improves immunity – inversions help to stimulate lymphatic cleansing and drainage which assists in clearing toxins from the body.

Stimulates the nervous system – increasing mental alertness and clarity.

Natural antidepressant – flushing the adrenal glands and stimulating the release of endorphins.

Glowing skin – by reversing the flow and aging force of gravity, new oxygen stimulates the capillaries in the skin and face.

Increases the digestive fire – aiding the digestive and elimination process.

Energizes the body – increasing core strength and improving posture.

Calms the mind – relieving stress, and assisting with better sleep patterns.

Builds confidence – and most importantly is fun!

How to Do Yoga Inversions Safely

Practice safely and mindfully – Start gradually with variations that allow you to build up strength and flexibility.

Try using a wall for support to begin before freestanding.

Be aware of your body in alignment – If you feel like your alignment is not quite right, come out of your inversion first, make the adjustments, and then come back into the pose. Avoid making adjustments while inverted.

Work through this list of yoga inversions one at a time, taking care to rest between each new pose, without rushing your body.

Related: Hariharalaya Yoga Retreat: Waking Up in Cambodia

Sophie shows how the Downward Dog (three-legged dog) is practiced. Image © Sophie Palmer

Yoga Inversions for Beginners: Downward Dog (Ardho Mukha Svanasana)

Begin in Child’s Pose (sitting back on your feet, arms outstretched, head to the floor), reaching both hands forward, tucking the toes under, pressing evenly into the hands and feet – lifting your hips up towards the sky.

Spread the fingers, press the hips back, and reach the chest towards the thighs, maintaining a long spine.

Check-in with the hands and feet – make sure they’re hip-width apart, relax the neck, looking back towards the thighs.

Try lifting one leg high to the sky, and repeat the other side.

To come out, lower the knees down and press back into Childs Pose.

Related: Yandara Yoga Institute Baja

Sophie Palmer demonstrates Wheel Pose (eka pada forearm variation). Image © Sophie Palmer

Yoga Inversions for Beginners: Wheel (Urdhva Dhanurasana)

To begin: Lie on your back with your knees bent and heels close to your body.

Bring your hands to the floor beside your ears with your fingertips just below your shoulders and pointing towards your feet.

Engage your legs and slowly raise your hips off the floor, peeling your spine off the mat.

Press your hands into the floor rot straighten your arms and raise your body up.

Relax your neck, and press firmly through both legs – ensuring your knees remain hip-width apart.

To come out, tuck the chin in and lower the top of your head gently to the mat, rolling your spine down slowly.

Related: Weekend Wellness at Desa Seni Village Resort Bali

Supported Headstand. Image © Sophie Palmer

Yoga Inversions for Beginners: Supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana)

Begin on your hands and knees in the Table Top position, bring your forearms to the mat so that your fingers wrap around the elbow of the opposite arm.

Interlace your fingers tucking your bottom little finger inside the cup formed by your hands, creating a stable, sturdy platform.

Tuck your toes under, lean forward, and press strongly through the arms and shoulders as your shoulders press away from the ears and slide down the back.

As your shoulders come away from the ears the head slightly lifts off of the ground to ensure the weight isn’t on the head.

Engage the stomach muscles and straighten your legs to lift the hips high and walk the feet forward until your torso is nearly perpendicular to the floor

Start by bending one knee in, squeezing it into your chest.

Bring your hips forward and tilt just enough to lift the second foot off the ground.

Try to balance with one knee into the chest, and the other foot off the ground. Eventually, you’ll squeeze both knees in and lift with the legs squeezing together.

It’s the strength of the upper body along with squeezing the legs, pointing the toes, and keeping the body tight and firm that creates control, which in turn creates balance.

To come out, engage the core and slowly lower your toes down to the mat and rest in Childs Pose.

Related: Omega Movement Yoga Retreat Andalucia Spain

The supported shoulder stand. Image © Sophie Palmer

Yoga Inversions for Beginners: Supported Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)

Lie down on your back with arms alongside your body, and bring your knees into your chest nice and slowly, taking care not to swing the legs quickly up.

With legs either bent or straight, lift your hips and reach your feet toward the floor behind your head.

Interlace your fingers with arms straight on the ground, and squeeze your shoulder blades and elbows close together.

Bend your elbows and support your middle back with your palms, fingers facing up.

Either one at a time or together, lift your legs up vertically, gently pressing your knees and ankles together.

To come out, use the core to extend the legs, slowly lowering down, and rolling down the spine with the legs close to the torso.

In Shoulder Stand ensure the neck is always looking ahead, and never turn your head whilst in the pose.

Related: The 5 Best Yoga Studios in London

Knee Ear Pose is practiced following a Shoulder Stand. Image © Sophie Palmer

Yoga Inversions for Beginners: Knee to Ear Pose (Karnapidasana)

The knee-to-ear pose is practiced following Shoulder Stand.

With your legs straight up to the sky, keep your torso vertical and tip from the hips lowering the tips of your toes to the floor.

Either keep your toes curled on the floor or straighten them so the tops of your toes are in contact with the ground.

Lift your hip bones up high to the sky and straighten your legs rolling the inner thighs towards each other.

Release your hands from your upper back and extend them in the opposite direction as your legs.

Roll your shoulders under even more and place your palms flat on the ground or clasp your hands together.

Press your arms firmly into the ground to help you lengthen your tail even further upwards to the sky.

Let your knees fall on either side of your head so that your knees touch the ground in front of your shoulders.

To come out, use the core to extend the legs, slowly lowering down, and rolling the spine down with the legs close to the torso.

Related: Experience Seven Senses Retreat at Habitas Tulum

A Perfect Fish Pose by Sophie Palmer. Image © Sophie Palmer

Yoga Inversions for Beginners: Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Begin by lying on your back, work the hands next to your body with the palms facing down.

Press your elbows into the floor to lift your head up, moving the elbows closer together.

Expand the chest and arch your back to lower the crown of your head towards the mat.

Continue pressing the elbows into the mat, lifting your sternum up towards the ceiling.

To come out, important to lift your head to look at your feet first, then roll the body down slowly.

I wish you luck with these yoga inversions for beginners. Take your time- there’s no rush to learn these. Remember to breathe.

Consult your own physician before undertaking these exercises. The directions and medical information in this article are provided as an information resource only and are not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. 

Sophie Palmer

Sophie Palmer has been practicing yoga for over 9 years and teaches a dynamic style of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga.
Like many, Sophie first turned to yoga for its physical benefits, but with time found the practice of yoga (both on and off the mat) was taking her on a deeper journey; allowing her to feel more open and connected to her heart, mind and surroundings.
Sophie has studied in Sydney, in Bali under Louisa Sear and Lucy Roberts and has completed intensive workshops with Clive Sheridan. She recently returned from India on retreat, where she studied Vedic Meditation and Ayurveda.
When she’s not practicing or teaching yoga, you can find her volunteering with A Sound Life charity, at the beach, exploring nature or in the kitchen experimenting with raw food creations.

www.sophiepalmeryoga.com/

Annie Scott

Total Chi in central London feels more like a spa oasis in the busy centre of town. Image © Annie Scott

Total Chi | 243 Baker Street, London

Small but perfectly formed, Total Chi is a tiny oasis of tranquillity in bustling central London. A relatively new joiner to the London fitness scene, it has 2 studios and offers yoga, reformer and mat Pilates 7 days a week. Wander past the daily queue for the Sherlock Holmes Museum next door and step into a white haven of all things good.

Total Chi feels more like a spa than a yoga centre. The staff is incredibly friendly, and its top-notch changing rooms are stocked with fluffy towels, Malin and Goetz products and even complimentary razor blades. Free bottled water is provided pre-class and don’t expect to even have to roll out your own mat. There’s a chill-out zone stocked with yoga magazines and thought-provoking books – and the juice bar offers clean drinks and snacks, as well as Monmouth coffee (in my opinion the finest coffee in London). The maximum class size is 8 – so classes are never crowded and it’s easy to ask for help or advice during a class.

Both yoga studios look out over a tiny Zen garden and I never fail to emerge refreshed and re-balanced. Classes on offer range from warm vinyasa to power yoga, kundalini, yoga for stress, pre-natal yoga, yoga nidra and even yoga for kids. The teachers are carefully vetted and the teaching is of an exceptionally high standard. A real find when it comes to the best yoga studios London has hidden away. 

Triyoga is a big name in the London yoga scene with five studios spread across the capital. Image © Annie Scott

Triyoga | Multiple Locations

From its beginnings in London’s fashionable Primrose Hill in 2000, Triyoga has grown to become the big daddy of the London yoga scene, boasting five yoga centres across the capital. With its distinctive purple branding and buzzing vibe, Triyoga really is a hub of all things mind, body and spirit, offering everything from osteopathy and massage to healthy lunches and even its own teacher training programme.

Virtually every style of yoga is taught here, and at all levels. Everyone is catered for from beginners to teachers. Mats are provided, although this is a busy centre and some are a little warn. If you have your own it’s worth bringing it.

Triyoga also offers mat and equipment pilates, barre classes and, most recently, Gyrotonic classes, a movement class using a “pulley tower”, that feels like a hybrid of reformer pilates with a yoga twist.

The centres also offer meditation and mindfulness classes and a wide variety of workshops, ranging from a few hours to a few days, through which you can deepen different elements of your practice, or just learn something new.

The treatment rooms cater for every need you can think of for mind and body, whether you’re looking for physiotherapy, acupuncture, reflexology, homeopathy, cognitive behavioural therapy, diet advice or even a massage or facial. Triyoga has excellent therapists and offers it all.

The Camden, Soho and Chelsea centres also have cafes offering healthy snacks or a post-yoga smoothie. And if you’ve forgotten your yoga pants don’t worry! Each centre also has its own shop, stocked with great quality yoga gear as well as skincare, books and even jewellery. Something for everyone.

The gorgeous boutique at Triyoga Chelsea. Image © Annie Scott

Indaba | 18 Hayes Place, Marylebone, London, NW1 6UA

I first discovered Indaba through its workshops – I love the variety on offer here. From gong baths, chanting and connected breathing, to yoga basics and Ashtanga introduction – all of yoga life is here. Which feels appropriate, given Indaba means “gathering”. I’ve had my eye on their various headstand courses for a while, as this particular skill still eludes me.

Indaba feels like a “proper” yoga centre. Friendly, clean and more of an authentic spiritual vibe than some of its more commercial feeling friends in London. Conveniently located behind Marylebone Station, you may wonder where you are when trying to find it – but once inside you’ll find a surprisingly spacious and welcoming space.

The centre also offers treatments and healing – from the traditional to the more “out there”, just reading the menu of options makes me smile. Head to Indaba for sports massage of hot stone therapy – or take the plunge with ancestral healing or transformational breathing. Indaba encourages you as far as you want to go on your spiritual journey. Namaste.

Yotopia | 13 Mercer Street, London

Simple and modern surroundings offering yoga and hot yoga in pretty Covent Garden. Covent Garden is a great area of yogis. A tourist mecca and shopping hotspot, the area as a great alternative culture if you know where to look. Crystal shops rub shoulders with high street chains, yoga studios are dotted around above the busy streets and nourishing organic food is never far away.

Yotopia is an excellent, straight-forward yoga studio. Lots of natural light and good clean equipment, functional changing rooms and great teaching. It offers a wide range of yoga styles and different levels, including an excellent beginners course. I took my first tentative steps on the mat at Yotopia when I was working nearby and really benefitted from the welcoming and encouraging atmosphere the studio promotes. Without this, I may not have continued what has been such a life-changing journey for me.

As well as daily classes, Yotopia offers a number of workshops, many of which focus on the spiritual side of yoga. Gong baths, mediation and chakra work are all on offer. A simple, elegant studio where things are just done well.

Good Vibes | Multiple Locations

Good Vibes focuses its attention on “Glow” yoga and pilates. The crux of this approach is the gentle heat of the classes, achieved using cutting-edge infrared heating, which encourages the body to open. The first studio in Europe to offer this technology, Good Vibes also use SAD lighting to improve one’s mood – an excellent benefit in the depths of the UK’s winter months! Although class sizes are large, there’s something about the atmosphere here that makes it feel cosy and intimate. The dark wood floors and great lighting make you feel tucked away in womb-like safety.

As the name suggests, these studios are all about positivity. Students are encouraged to focus on what feels good in the body, rather than worrying about achieving the perfect pose – which, for me, is what makes great yoga teaching.

The facilities are functional but good. Mats are clean, good quality and pre-laid out (so no awkward “where shall I put myself” moments) – but remember to bring a pound coin for the changing-room lockers.

Classes are busy so book in advance. Teaching is concentrated mainly on Vinyasa flow but other yoga styles are also on offer – including “yang and yin” and candlelit “bliss” classes for the ultimate wind down. The studio also offers mat pilates and “ballet burn”.

Practical workshops are also available – from meditation, arm balancing, and breathing, there’s a number of options to deepen your practice in a way that’s less “woo woo” than some of its more spiritual sisters. A friendly, warm, fun and positive studio.

Annie enjoys a post-practice green juice at Total Chi London. Image © Annie Scott

Annie Scott

Annie Scott is a freelance writer, communications pro and wannabe urban hippy. Since quitting corporate life you’ll find her saying yes to anything that terrifies her, lurking at the back of West London yoga classes and pretending to like kale.

www.anniescott.co.uk

Lucy Pearson | Cover Image © Yoga Barn

The beautiful, warm and welcoming yoga space at Yoga Barn, Ubud. Image © Yoga Barn

Bali Yoga Studios

Yoga Barn | Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Bali

When you hear of Bali yoga studios, Ubud’s Yoga Barn is bound to be mentioned.

The iconic bale has a jam-packed schedule. They offer everything from community classes to Sunday morning ecstatic dance to Tibetan Bowl healing and yoga with weights. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing which class to take.

The Yoga Barn also boasts The Garden Café. The organic café offering fresh coconuts, juices, smoothies, vegetarian bowls and an impressive buffet every Sunday.

Related: Ubud Travel Guide

Weekend outdoor yoga classes at W Bali in Seminyak, Bali. Image © Lucy Pearson

W Bali | Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Bali

Fancy getting stretchy to the sound of lapping waves?

Head to the impressive W Hotel in Seminyak. With a stunning location overlooking the ocean, few places will have you feeling quite so at one with the earth as here.

The W offers Saturday sunrise and Sunday sunset practices. Prepare for a serene yet challenging experience that ends with a world-class savasana listening to the surrounding sounds of the sea. It is followed by a healthy juice shot before you go on your merry way. 

Yoga Searcher | Jl. Labuan Sait Suluban, Uluwatu, Bali

Nestled near a cliff’s edge in Uluwatu, Yoga Searcher is a beautiful eco yoga retreat. Complete with eco-lodges made of recycled wood, a swimming pool and a stunning yoga Shambala.

Offering everything from private yoga classes to detox nights on Tuesdays and Fridays. They also offer an on-site organic spa. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your holistic needs. 

Related: A Pocket Travel Guide to Seminyak, Bali

The iconic Desa Seni in Bali is like stepping into an oasis of healing in Bali. Image © Desa Seni

Desa Seni | Jl. Subak Sari No.13, Canggu, Bali

In the heart of this surfer town, you’ll find a hippy retreat and one of the most iconic Bali yoga studios, Desa Seni. Desa Seni is a space that brilliantly fuses sustainable living, wellness and yoga.

With a wealth of classes on offer, from Hatha to meditation to restorative yoga, there’s something for everyone; whatever your style.

Home to beautiful Indonesian artefacts and antiques, Desa Seni is the very best of Balinese culture in one serene and tranquil place. Read more on our stay at Desa Seni here.

Power of Now Oasis | Jl. Merta Sari, Sanur, Bali 

A beautiful beach shack on the shores of Sanur’s stunning beach, The Power of Now Oasis offers yoga by the sea on this serene stretch of sand.

A two-story bamboo building with an on-site sacred cow called Angelique (yes, really). The Power of Now offers yoga teacher training, daily meditation and holistic retreats, as well as a lovely collection of yoga wear; perfect for looking the part during child’s pose.

And with a free class every Sunday morning there’s a lovely homely and community vibe that’s pretty hard to beat.

Related: 15 Amazing Bali Cafes

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Steph Ridhalgh

Inscape is New York’s newest cult wellness trend, making meditation accessible for busy corporates. Image © Steph Ridhalgh

Inscape, along with other meditation wellness spaces in New York is the new soul cycle or Barry’s Bootcamp. They already have and likely will grow even more a cult following of city slickers looking to take the small time they have in their day to switch off and escape the city, even if it is located between two nightclubs and next to the busiest street in New York.

The French take a two-hour lunch break with a glass of wine, New Yorkers stop for a 33-minute meditation class and eat a grab-and-go meal back at their desk. Kind of ironic when you think about it.

So, I was interested to find out what it was all about. I decided to leave my skepticism and cynicism at the door in hopes to finding my inner self. 

The lounge area, library and gift shop at Inscape, New York. Image © Steph Ridhalgh

I walked up 21st street, sirens and horns reverberating, to Inscape which was wedged right between two nightclubs and a sports bar and ironically, that day, a huge film set. The perfect scenario to head into a meditation session. I was eager to see how switched off I could be from the outside world. Worried I would be judged by my clear lack of culture, they were very welcoming and sympathetic, taking the time to introduce me to the concept. I was ready to escape with Inscape.

Charlotte, a fellow Australian, living in New York, met me. Unlike me though, was her buttery hypnotic voice that guided me around with. Was this part of the meditation? It was like anything she said could have cured the world. Taking me around the lounge area in the front by the library and gift shop, followed by the relaxation bean bags by the studios. She showed me the hydration station with fruit flavoured water, which honestly by that point I could have been told it was hand delivered from the depths of the Amazonian river. Then onto the lockers and bathrooms and finally by both studios. The Dome, geared toward seated meditation and the Alcove, for horizontal relaxation – not to be confused with sleep.

Steph gets comfortable for a class in The Dome at Inscape, New York. Image © Steph Ridhalgh

I was enrolled for a seated meditation, which was just as well. Lay me down anywhere and I will be out cold – snoring – not quite relaxing for the other patrons. I walked up to the door of The Dome ready to embark on my 33-minute practice. Sandalwood perfume placed on my wrists for a calming effect. I took a seat cross-legged on a navy blue beanbag towards the edge of the room (the equivalent of the back of a class) and draped myself in a matching alpaca blanket. The room itself was very cool and stylish, resembling what I imagine I would have lived in for nine months in the womb.

Charlotte, my tranquil speaking friend was the facilitator for this session. The facilitator does not run the class, but rather leads by example through cues from pre-recorded audio tracks, also voiced by a hypnotic woman, designed specifically for each session.

Steph describes the space at Inscape New York at womb like. Image © Steph Ridhalgh

As we got in to the session, I wondered if I would make it through 33 minutes. That’s a long time to do nothing. It took a while for me to stop thinking about pizza or the last time I cleaned the shower. Then I had to compete with my natural ability to fall asleep just about anywhere. I took a look around the space, probably when my eyes should have been closed; there was the businessman on his lunch break, suit and all, an elderly gentleman, a girl in her twenties and the young entrepreneur in sweats. A range of people all looking to switch off for 33 minutes without any phones, emails, screaming babies, loud friends, annoying bosses, to do lists or errands to run. Unaware of how much time had actually passed, I eventually started to feel lighter, mentally.

The Inscape app means that those who travel often or don’t live in New York can practice anywhere. Image © Steph Ridhalgh

A big misconception in meditation is, many believe it is the idea of not thinking about anything, just black. In fact, the concept is to acknowledge the thoughts that come into your head and look at them from outside the mind and body. Something still hard in itself. It’s an ongoing practice.

After 33 minutes had passed, I was much more relaxed and ready to enter the zoo of New York. I don’t think I was an A+ student on my first try, maybe more like a C-, but I realised something valuable; even if we are not actively engaging in meditation every single day, that small window of time without any electronic devices or distractions is actually something we probably need as we become more and more connected.

Inscape | 45 W. 21st Street, #1 New York | Single session starts at $US12

For those who don’t live in New York, Inscape has a subscription-based app with hours of guided meditation tracks.

Steph Ridhalgh

Hailing from ‘down under’, Steph Ridhalgh is a journalist, producer, and blogger who suffers from a serious case of geographic schizophrenia.

Currently fulfilling her dream of living in New York, you can usually find her wandering the city streets, camera in hand.

www.stephridhalgh.com/

Brittany Lillegard

Handstand Practice at the beautiful Tunnel Beach, New Zealand. Image © Brittany Lillegard

I love the handstand because it is not only brilliant for building upper body strength, but it also increases shoulder stability, and wrist and forearm strength. The movement is also fantastic for core stability and strength and it is one of the best movements for creating wicked levels of balance and body awareness. The fact that this one movement packs in so many total body benefits is wonderful, but my favourite aspect of handstand training has nothing to do with its body benefits and everything to do with the fact that it is just a playful movement.

Doing handstands on different surfaces will present new challenges. Handstands at Moeraki Boulders, New Zealand. Image © Brittany Lillegard

As someone who has trained hundreds of clients over the years, I am well aware that exercise programs are more successful if there is some aspect of enjoyment to them, and I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t enjoy tapping into their inner child and getting upside down. It is a movement that makes people smile which in turns helps reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. The mood boosting benefits and strength building prowess are only enhanced by the fact that you can take this miracle movement with you anywhere, making it my favourite travel workout.

To start working on your handstand, try this quick 15 minute workout and you will be well on your way to nailing your freestanding hold in no time (repeat 5 times, resting as needed):

Quick Travel Handstand Workout

• Chest to wall hold – Start with 20-30 second holds and work your way up to 1 minute
• Hollow Hold – Start with 20-30 second holds and work your way up to 1 minute
• Wall Kick Ups – Set a timer for one minute, and practice gently kicking up to the wall into a handstand for the full minute
• Inchworms – 10 repetitions

For the chest to wall and wall kick ups, you can use any solid structure you can find, such as cliffs, trees, or park equipment. Anytime your hands are on the ground, actively press the ground away from you – your hands should be doing a lot of work here. While you’re upside down, do your best to try and replicate the hollow hold. It is harder than it sounds so don’t get frustrated if this takes a while to click. Just have fun playing with it.

Practicing chest to wall and kick ups can be done anywhere, anytime. Image © Brittany Lillegard

The hollow hold is the foundation of the handstand, so don’t skimp out here. To perform the hollow, lie on your back with legs extended and arms over head. Engage your core to press your lower back into the floor and lift your arms and legs to hover without letting your low back arch. In the full position, your body will resemble a gentle boat or banana.

Brittany demonstrates the hollow hold – the foundation to the perfect handstand. Image © Brittany Lillegard

The inchworm is a dynamic core exercise the strengthens the whole body. Image © Brittany Lillegard

To perform inchworms, start from a standing position. Bend at your hips bringing your hands to the ground (you can bend your knees slightly if you need to). Once your hands reach the ground, begin walking them out until you end in a plank position. Hold this position for one second before walking your hands back towards your feet and coming back up to a standing position. Hamstring flexibility is key in being able to perform a good kick up, so don’t skip out on these.

Brittany Lillegard

Brittany is a traveling strength coach and yoga instructor from Chicago. She fuses her travel stories with her coaching background to help inspire and empower women to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and to take charge of creating their own adventures.

She thrives off of coffee and wine, prefers to spend her days barefoot, and when she isn’t coaching or working on her handstand skills, she can be found plotting her next adventure.

Mary Tilson | Cover image by Vibe Tribe Creative

Sumbanese Warriors racing down the beach, Sumba Island, Indonesia. Image © Tania Araujo

The Sumba x Joriki Story

I was first drawn to Sumba by an opportunity to teach yoga at Nihiwatu, a luxury resort acknowledged for its raw, natural beauty, fascinating tribal culture and local people who are known for stealing the hearts of every guest that comes their way. Landing on Sumba Island is like uncovering a rare gem – people often tell me they aren’t sure if they want to shout about it to the world, or keep it hidden in fear of the island losing its magic.

But the harsh reality is, behind the surface of awe-inspiring views and beautiful “Sumba smiles”, many people on the island are still in a struggle to get their basic needs met every day, and diseases, which are otherwise treatable often become fatal due to lack of proper health care. This is where aligning our Yoga & Wellness program with Joriki’s mission became a match made in heaven.

As Langer explains, “Joriki saw this as a perfect fit to celebrate the beautiful textile traditions from Sumba while at the same time creating the ability to give back into the community through donating a percentage from each sale directly to the Sumba Foundation.”

Nihiwatu guests tucked away in the jungle of Sumba Island in Mamole Treehouse Villa. Image © Ken Kochey

Local women weaving Ikat Textiles native to Sumba Island. Image © Ken Kochey

Yoga Pants with Purpose

The purpose of The Sumba Warrior Collection and Joriki as a brand is to connect inspired Yogis who are capable of making change with the people who need it the most. “At the time I started Joriki,” Langer explains, “I was deep into my yoga practice. While developing my practice, I noticed that the yoga apparel did not represent the foundations of a yoga mind-set. Yogis are individualistic, altruistic, mindful, and socially conscience.”

Let’s be real. So many of us modern-day yogis are running around with all sorts of bright, eye-catching designs on our bodies. Why not start sporting yoga pants with purpose?

Mary Tilson wears the Ombre design from the Sumba Warrior Collection. Image © Tania Araujo

Look Forward, Give Back

The thing I love about Joriki is that their mission to give back doesn’t need to start with a sob story. “There are so many different locations around the world that have amazingly rich textiles and traditions that people in the United States have never been exposed to,” says James. With the Sumba Warrior Collection, we aim to share the richness, depth and beauty of Sumbanese culture, while raising awareness and giving back in the process.

Mel Wells walking through the lush, green rice fields of Sumba wearing the Indigo Ikat designs. Image © Mel Wells

Learn more about The Sumba Foundation

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Mary Tilson

Mary Tilson is an international yoga teacher, retreat leader, and passionate world traveler. She has completed over 1,000+ certified training hours in Eastern and Western approaches to yoga and healing in order to make her teaching accessible to all levels.

Mary loves seeking out new learning opportunities, outdoor adventure and building community on one of her retreats held in exotic locations around the world.

sunandmoonsoberliving.com/

Claire Martin

Lake Atitlan offers an oasis for those looking for an escape from the chaos of Quetzaltenango for a Guatemala yoga retreat. Image © Claire Martin

Claire Martin works on her asanas in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Image © Claire Martin

Yoga in Guatemala

Quetzaltenango to Panajachel

Guatemala is a mad country. I spent four weeks in Quetzaltenango, its second-biggest city, and quickly learned that it is completely socially acceptable to salsa dance at all hours of the day and night, loud music has to be blaring from every street corner and there is no limit to the number of times a bus can honk its horn in one minute, even at 5 am.

Don’t get me wrong, Guatemala is a beautiful nation, my favourite in fact. Despite its madness, Guatemala is incredibly safe and I relished and adored the chaos of the country, but after four weeks of manic city life I was desperately seeking some inner zen.

So, I travelled from Quetzaltenango to Panajachel in Lake Atitlan, where those dreams were met. It’s there I experienced a completely different dimension to the Central American country. Even just driving towards Lake Atitlan, I felt a sense of amazing calm wash over me. As I descended upon the lake, which has been deemed by many as one of the most beautiful in the world, I felt pretty awe-stricken. The waters glistened and sparkled like a thousand fairies were dancing on the ripples, and the volcanoes fringed the lake and proudly pointed straight up into the blue sky. This beat all of the exotic beaches I’d ever walked on, or every snow-capped mountain my eyes had witnessed. I felt like I’d just stepped into paradise. This seemed like the perfect place to reconnect with myself through a yoga retreat Guatemala style.

Although I maintain that Guatemala is safe, Panajachel is where I felt my safety the most compromised. The town is the ‘hub’ of Lake Atitlan, but definitely the least scenic. For that reason, coupled with the fact that there didn’t seem to be much in the way of yoga meant that the town wasn’t for me, so I quickly caught a boat heading to San Pedro.

San Pedro

San Pedro is split into two: the area around the Panajachel dock and the other around the Santiago dock. The Panajachel dock area hosts most of the budget accommodation and typical tourist restaurants, but the Santiago dock area offers vegan cafes, a yoga school, and an abundance of smoothie and juice bars.

If you’re in the pursuit of clean eating and downward dogs, San Pedro has what you require for a day or so. The area around the Buddha bar is pedestrian-friendly, brightly coloured with quirky signs, and it is a pleasant spot for a stroll.

Vegetarian and gluten or dairy-free food is fairly easy to locate. However, the town is rather expensive; and the one yoga school is aware that it has the monopoly in San Pedro.

If you’re after yoga in San Pedro, the aptly named San Pedro Yoga is your answer. The classes are professionally taught in a wonderful air-conditioned studio. However, at $US5 a class, they’re a bit on the expensive side. Still, the classes enjoy unbeatable views of the lake, so if you’re only looking for a picturesque spot for a little Lake Atitlan yoga, San Pedro could be the answer.

Related: Costa Dulce Nicaragua – A Nature and Yoga Retreat on the Pacific Coast

Perfect blue-hued view across Lake Atitlan to the volcano from San Marcos, Guatemala. Image © Claire Martin

Yoga in San Marcos

No more than twenty minutes by boat from San Pedro is the sleepy village of San Marcos la laguna. At first glance, it seems an extraordinarily quiet area with very little going on. However, the village is fabled to be built upon sacred land and has become a mecca for all things spiritual. Today, it hosts many yoga retreats and meditation classes.

The village itself submits to complete relaxation and serenity. There aren’t really any cars; dirt paths and handmade painted signs guide you to the yoga classes and different cafes around the village. It’s a perfect destination to forget about any niggles of day-to-day life and focus on being in the present moment.

Retreat: Yoga Inversions for Beginners

Bathroom with a view at The Yoga Forest, Guatemala. Image © Claire Martin

Where to Stay in San Marcos

Hostal Del Lago

Hostal Del Lago is situated just outside the village and provides serene yoga classes twice a day, with an unbeatable lake view. This is ideal spot to practice yoga in San Marcos, particularly for those who wish to just drop into a yoga class.

Mahadevi Ashram

Mahadevi Ashram is an eco-friendly sanctuary focusing on spiritual growth through yoga, meditation, and peaceful living. The site is strictly alcohol, tobacco, meat, and fish-free and promotes a detox for the mind and body. The course is an all-inclusive two-week intensive Guatemala yoga retreat and takes place right at the gorgeous shores of Lake Atitlan.

Room at The Yoga Forest, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Image © Claire Martin

Yoga Forest

The Yoga Forest was my favourite Lake Atitlan yoga experience. It is a retreat-based community, and offers a drool-worthy location, a peaceful community, and fantastic classes. This yoga retreat is isolated; a 20-minute walk from Lake Atitlan itself, but there is everything you need there for an off-the-grid yoga experience.

At The Yoga Forest, the day begins with 6 am meditation, followed immediately by morning yoga. Breakfast generally consists of tropical fruit and oatmeal with homemade honey and peanut butter. All of the fresh fruit and vegetables served at The Yoga Forest are made in the forest itself; they grow fresh papaya and serve some of the most delicious avocados I tried in Guatemala (I ate a lot, the country is known for them).

Prayers follow breakfast, and then the mornings are free to spend as you please; forest tours are available, or the peaceful surroundings make for the perfect place to catch up on reading or writing in a journal (there is no WiFi at The Yoga Forest). Lunch is a Guatemalan-inspired vegetarian feast, and the afternoons are taken up by restorative yoga.

During the week, there are different activities happening including the chance to use an authentic Mayan sauna. Dinner is just as delicious as lunch, and bedtime is early, ready to be up for early morning meditation the next day.

As The Yoga Forest is a community, retreaters are expected to clean up after themselves and long-term guests undertake daily chores such as making the lunch salad or gardening. Prayers are said before every meal, and ceremonies are had at full moon or half-moon. The community vibe and the layout of The Yoga Forest are something pretty special, but what extenuates this is that it is set in paradise.

I arrived at The Yoga Forest with food poisoning which had given me a bad case of the travelling grumps. Five days and a dozen mugs of papaya leaf tea later and I left reminded of how lucky I was to be on this adventure, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Related: The Best Bali Yoga Studios

Lake Atitlan yoga at the Yoga Forest.

Santa Cruz offers visitors a quiet escape from the tourist trail and yoga classes footsteps from the water at Lake Atitlan. | © Claire Martin

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is well off the tourist trail. The village is nearly vertical, built into one of the steep inclines surrounding the lake. It has little in the way of tourist accommodation, with one exception; La Iguana Perdida. This is a different kind of community; it is less focused on spirituality and more on Lake Atitlan activities. However, there are still fantastic yoga classes that are definitely worth a mention.

These Lake Atitlan yoga classes are done right on the shores of this quiet village. During the class, you have the chance to gaze straight over the crystal waters of the lake, marvel at the awe-inspiring volcanoes, and breathe in the fresh air. The classes are taught by professionals and offered cheaply, making La Iguana Perdida one of the best places for some morning yoga in Lake Atitlan.

La Iguana Perdida in Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan encourages guests to explore the local area and offers yoga classes by the lake. Image © Claire Martin

La Iguana Perdida offers an ideal view of the lake, surrounding landscape and volcanos across the water. Image © Claire Martin

Could this be the most idyllic yoga spot? Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. | © Claire Martin

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/

Skye Gilkeson

The Fit Traveller’s new Yoga and Wellness Expert, Mary Tilson. Image © Tania Araujo

Mary and I have been eagerly following each other’s respective journeys around the globe since that time. Mary travelled on to India to help educate communities about yoga and meditation and has since taken on the role as Yoga and Wellness Director for Nihiwatu Luxury Wellness Resort, recently named “No1 Hotel in the World” by Travel and Leisure. While she has been a contributor for TFT for some time. I am very excited to announce she is new The Fit Traveller Yoga and Wellness Editor.

Mary will soon fly to the US and Central America to cover the yoga and wellness scene where she will be reporting for The Fit Traveller and holding her first yoga retreat in Nicaragua.

Mary Tilson at Nihiwatu Luxury Wellness Resort in Indonesia. Image © Tania Araujo

You can learn a bit more about Mary’s travels and training and connect with her via her own website, Facebook, Instagram @marytilson and watch her in action on YouTube.

If there is an event or retreat you would like Mary to attend or someone she should interview in the yoga and wellness space, send an email to skye@thefittraveller.com.au

Introducing Mary Tilson

Mary, tell us about your personal journey to the mat…

I got it from my mama! Seriously, my mom is an incredible role model both on and off the mat. I used to watch her practice to yoga videos in our living room growing up or any spare minute she could fit in for her personal practice. Later on I fell in love with Power Vinyasa, which, as a teenager more focused on working up a sweat was the perfect gateway drug to hook me into yoga and eventually meditation. Now that I’ve learned to appreciate yoga as a way of life, it’s become much more about the journey off the mat.

How has yoga and meditation changed your life? 

My practice has changed everything and nothing at the same time. On one extreme, it moved me from a cubicle in Chicago to a breathtaking hilltop yoga pavilion at Nihiwatu, which I jokingly refer to as my corner office. But the truth is, it just taught me to listen better to the messages that have been there all along, to follow my intuition, and trust that everything will work out and so far it has.

Mary’s yoga teaching ethos is “Come as you are.”. Image © Tania Araujo

What gets you jumping out of bed in the morning? 

Sunrise. It never gets old.

What is your yoga ethos? 

Come as you are.

What is something you hope every client takes away from a yoga class with you? 

That they are 100% capable of integrating a yoga practice into their life, and hopefully have already gotten a small taste of its benefits.

Describe your ideal setting to do yoga…

In nature.

Why do you think yoga retreats are important? 

Any opportunity to travel and break your regular routine offers a new perspective and encourages you to think more creatively. Adding yoga and meditation to the mix helps you work through tension in your body and mind, and feel better. For me, one of the best parts has always been the connections you develop with like-minded people that will support you moving in a positive direction.

Do you follow a particular nutrition lifestyle? 

I am vegetarian and also gave up alcohol several years ago. I’ve learned first and foremost to listen to my body.

You have a retreat coming up soon. Tell us what we can expect from it?

Magic! The schedule offers a mix of yoga (of course), exploring Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, and creativity workshops put on by Vibe Tribe Creative. One of the greatest parts about going on a retreat is bringing an inspiring group together and that’s what I’m most excited about with this one.

What have been your favourite travel destinations so far and why? 

India, of course. I could go on forever. I once heard it described as an “attack of the senses” – the colours, smells, noise – you either love it or you hate it. It really trained me to see the beauty in things (and there’s a lot of it). I felt a lot of personal growth happening there. I also found the contrast with American culture so interesting. Despite that, I’ve made the most amazing connections with the people there.

Cambodia, it was my home for over a year while I was at Hariharalaya Yoga & Meditation Retreat Center and I will always consider the people there my family. The ancient temples of Angkor Wat are some of the most beautiful sites I’ve visited in the world.

Do you have any favourite travel tales? 

My best friend and I spent 18-days trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal on the Annapurna Circuit. We crossed through every type of landscape imaginable – think green rolling hills, white sand beaches in between mountain peaks, crossing rivers in the jungle, all the way up to the peaks of the Himalayas which feels like walking in the clouds. It was one of the most enriching experiences on a physical, mental and spiritual level.

Mary will be travelling to the US and Central America to report on yoga and wellness and hold her first retreat in Nicaragua, this October. Image © Tania Araujo

What do you have planned for the next year? 

I’ve created a pretty ideal schedule of teaching, training and travelling. My first stop will be the Yoga Journal Conference in Colorado and what I’m most excited for, the retreat I will be putting on with Vibe Tribe Creative in Nicaragua.

What are you hoping to bring to The Fit Traveller as our Yoga and wellness editor? 

In addition to my own retreat, I’ll be attending events with some of the top Yoga & Wellness professionals around the world, and I want to be able to make that information accessible to more people! I am equally excited about the unknown. Yoga & Wellness encompasses far more than yoga retreats and teacher trainings. I want to be able to offer a more integrated approach to healthy, happy living.

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/

Skye Gilkeson

“Some guys think that yoga makes you less of a man, the truth is it makes you a better one” – Michael James Wong, Founder Boys of Yoga. Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

How do you describe BOYS OF YOGA?

BOYS OF YOGA, the uncelebrated minority, a crew that believes in the strength and flexibility that yoga offers both on and off the mat. To us, yoga is a culture and a lifestyle, not just a practice. And similar to surf, skate and snow sport cultures, yoga creates a community of the like-minded. The deeper you go, the more it pulls you in. Once you move past the stereotype, it’s pretty simple: yoga is good for everyone, the benefits are undeniable.

What started as a casual conversation about how guys are seen as the secondary citizens in the yoga scene, has turned into a movement to challenge the way we view yoga in the Western world today. 

Victor Chau holds a pose in the streets of Hong Kong. Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

What do you think is the biggest misconception about men who practice yoga?

Some guys think that yoga makes you less of a man, the truth is it makes you a better one.

You fell in love with yoga when you were in Australia, right?

Australia will always be a my yoga home. It was where I found my voice and the place where I was first inspired to teach. Over the years of living, traveling and teaching abroad, Australian yoga has always been the benchmark of amazing teachers and practitioners. It’s an inspiring community to be a part of, and it’s a part of me that travels with me wherever I go in the world now.

Ryan CM says yoga “Yoga makes my body feel healed and nurtured in a unique way.” Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

What is it that yoga gives you on a daily basis?

For me, yoga is all about creating space – in my mind, in the movements of my body and in the daily chaos that surrounds our everyday.

You teach yoga, do you find you attract more men to class?

Teaching yoga for me isn’t about attracting a certain type of person male or female, it’s about providing an experience that helps anyone and everyone connect and wake up to what’s happening in their lives physically, mentally and emotionally. Yoga is the full package and I’m just glad to have anyone in the class bold enough to step inside and spend some time with themselves in practice

Brian Crawford combines his passion for the practice and photography, travelling the world as a yoga photographer. Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

Professional basketballer Jason Anderson‘s love of yoga began through the practice of Yoga Nidra to help him fine tune his performance. Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

After training in India, Victor Chau left his corporate PR job behind to teach yoga full time. Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

What would you say to men who are intimidated by the idea of starting yoga?

The best advice for guys who are new to the practice is to just do it and then talk about it after. For so many guys the biggest issues with the practice isn’t the class, it’s the word yoga itself.

How do you see yoga evolving over the next 5 years?

The world is finally waking up to being more mindful, awareness and willing to happy. And yoga is such an amazing vehicle to bring this to the world. In the not so distant future, I see and believe that more and more people will give yoga a try, and taking the first step is the hardest.

Octavio Salvado is building THE PRACTICE – BALI where yogis can experience teachings from the Kriya lineage. Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

Father-of-two and yogi Jonas Pinzke describes yoga as “a transformative nectar”. Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

What is your role with Wanderlust 108?

This year at Wanderlust 108 in Australia and New Zealand I’ll be bringing my project BOYS OF YOGA to four amazing cities that brings together a crew of different BOYS from around the world to share their version of the practice. It will be the ultimate yoga taster for all to enjoy, and most of all it’ll be fun and great way to see the power of connection in our global yoga community.

What do you hope to get out personally from the event?

If the BOYS OF YOGA project can help to inspire just one guy to step onto the mat, then we’ve done our job. BOYS OF YOGA and amazing events like this are about opening more doors to the practice and creating as much accessibility for guys to give it a go. Once you’re on the mat, the practice will sort out the rest.

What’s next on the agenda for BOYS OF YOGA?

This year there is a lot going on for BOYS OF YOGA with loads of festivals and events all over the world. My intention this year is to continue to spread the project and continue to share the stories of amazing teachers from around the world.

Rory Hopkins came to the mat to heal and strengthen his travel-weary body. Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

“Yoga had it all for me: the philosophy, an approach to life, and the awareness of my mind and self.” – Pro footballer Marc Laws II Image © BOYS OF YOGA LLC

Connect with BOYS OF YOGA here, Instagram @boysofyoga + Facebook @boysofyoga

Connect with Michael James Wong via his website + Instagram @michaeljameswong

Book your ticket to Wanderlust 108 here + follow events on Instagram @wanderlustausnz

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

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