Yoga is a beautiful spiritual practice in any form, and the variety on offer is almost overwhelming for anybody new to the ancient art of finding our inner balance. All forms have one thing in common, a focus on the breath and the ability to manoeuvre the body into stretching out the spinal ligaments and other muscles in order to create ‘oneness’ between mind, body and spirit. To find out which style suits you best, refer to our simple guide below:

Hatha

Hatha yoga is the basis of all yoga disciplines. Sitting at the top of the yoga tree, is considered a generic term to describe all forms of yoga that teach physical postures. A Hatha class is a wonderful introduction into basic yoga practice, and you will leave the class feeling stretched, supple and sublime.

Ashtanga

Pattabhi Jois was responsible for bringing Ashtanga to the west in the 1970’s. Based on ancient teachings, the vigorous practice follows a set series of postures, in the same order. These postures link movement into breath. Ashtanga is considered a dynamic practice, that will get your heart rate going!

Bikram

A firm favorite of models and celebrities, Bikram Choudhury invented this form of yoga around 35 years ago. The practice is performed in an artificially heated room, where a series of 26 poses are performed twice. It is a widely popular practice; however it is not popular amongst yogis! Proponents report detoxification benefits, a bikram ‘high’ after class, and an incredible amount of weight loss. Opponents complain of hyperextension in the heat and the trademarked series, which makes it impossible to teach this style of yoga in any other way. 

 Iyengar

B.K.S. Iyengar created this very meticulous style of yoga, with a firm focus on alignment. A wide variety of yoga props are used during this practice, such as blocks, straps and bolsters to help create perfect form.  Because the poses are held for longer periods of time, a strong mental and physical workout can be felt in an Iyengar class.

Kundalini Yoga

The white turban-wearing visionary Yogi Bhajan bought Kundalini to the West in 1969. With a focus on breathing and chanting—rather than movement. It unleashes the Kundalini energy found at the base of the spine. Controlled breathing is used to facilitate this release, and makes this class different from many of the other modalities. It is the perfect class to try if you want to unleash your inner yogi spirit!

Aerial Yoga

The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst relieving compressed joints and re-aligning the body. The practice uses graceful, trapeze-like movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful way to do inversion poses, aerial yoga really is an innovative fitness trend, and we are so proud to be the only center in Phuket offering suspended movement in every direction along with stimulation of the organs, muscles and bones.  Flying creates liberty, weightlessness, and a power that is hard to replicate, aerial yoga gives us a passage into the art of achieving the impossible.

At Santosa, our detox guests are treated to a wonderful view of the big Buddha under Phuket’s sunny skies. And what better way to find a retreat from the rigours of modern day life than on a mat on our lovely pavilion, under the guidance of Phuket’s most talented yogis.

We have a mixture of Yin (hips), Kundalini meditation, Hatha yoga and of course the latest craze, aerial! Discover the beauty of your essence by making a booking today.