There is actually no such thing as “yoga” in the abstract. The term encompasses a wide variety of styles. Some will make you sweat, while others will help you find inner peace. So, which style of yoga is right for you? To find out, we asked yoga instructors from our Green Pearls® partners. Their recommendations range from athletic flow sessions in Tyrol to traditional yoga philosophy in Nepal.
Almost everyone agreed on one thing: the style of yoga is important, but the teacher is just as crucial. Each teacher brings their unique experiences, areas of focus, and personality to the class.
Traditional yoga or modern trend?
Before we introduce you to the different styles of yoga and show you where you can practice them on vacation, let’s take a quick look at the origins of yoga. Its roots go back several thousand years.
According to the Yoga Alliance, the word yoga comes from the Sanskrit term yuj, which means “to connect” or “to unite .” It refers to the connection between the body, mind, and breath—a concept that remains at the core of yoga practice to this day.
Traditionally, yoga is understood as a holistic way of life. Meditation, breathing techniques, philosophy, and mindfulness are as much a part of it as the well-known physical exercises. Many of the yoga styles offered today in studios and hotels have emerged only over the past 100 years or so. These styles draw on elements of classical yoga and combine them with modern influences—such as sports science, anatomy, dance, and acrobatics.
What types of yoga are there? Our Green Pearls® partners’ favorites
From classic Hatha Yoga to dynamic flows and specialized classes for pregnant women—you can explore a wide variety of yoga styles at many hotels and studios, including those of our Green Pearls® partners. Here, we’ll introduce you to them in alphabetical order, explain the key differences, and highlight a suitable hotel that offers each style.
Hatha Yoga: The foundation of many modern yoga styles
Did we just say alphabetically? Before we get to A, we have to start with H because Hatha yoga is the foundation of many modern styles.
Hatha yoga originated in medieval India. Historians date its emergence to between the ninth and 14th centuries. Back then, however, the goal wasn’t to be as flexible or athletic as possible. The physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation were intended to prepare the body for long periods of sitting in meditation.
The name itself reveals something about the philosophy behind the practice. First, Hatha is translated as “strength” or “effort,” hinting that yoga requires discipline. Additionally, the two syllables are often interpreted symbolically: “Ha” stands for the sun and “Tha” stands for the moon. Yoga is meant to unite these opposites: activity and stillness, strength and serenity.
Hatha yoga today
If you sign up for a Hatha yoga class, you can usually expect a calm, mindful practice. The poses are built up deliberately and held a little longer than in more dynamic styles of yoga. There’s plenty of time to focus on your breathing and tune into your body. This is precisely why Hatha yoga is ideal for beginners.
This is how Stefanie teaches Hatha yoga at the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt
Stefanie Arquint is a member of the host family at the boutique Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt. She primarily teaches Hatha yoga, incorporating elements of Yin yoga into her classes.
„My goal isn’t to put my body into the asanas; rather, I want to use the asanas to connect more deeply with my body.“ – Stefanie
Her classes are intentionally unhurried. The poses are mindfully built up and repeatedly interspersed with short breaks for reflection. The practice is supported by gentle yin elements, down-to-earth spirituality, and, as Stefanie says, “a dash of humor.” Starting in 2027, she will offer regular yoga classes at the hotel again following her maternity leave. Until then, you can find the yoga offerings at Hotel Bella Vista here.
Aerial Yoga: Yoga between heaven and earth
And now for A, as in Aerial Yoga.🙂
Can you imagine practicing yoga while suspended in a hammock? That’s exactly what aerial yoga is all about! This modern style originated in the United States in the early 2000s. It combines traditional yoga poses with acrobatics, Pilates, and dance.
If you’ve always thought that inversions were only for advanced practitioners, you might be surprised by aerial yoga.
The sling supports some of your body weight and assists with various exercises. Simultaneously, you’ll strengthen your balance, core stability, and deep muscles while enjoying a sense of weightlessness.
Here’s how you can experience aerial yoga at the Hotel Korinjak on the island of Iž
For many years, yoga has been part of the holistic wellness program at the Hotel Korinjak in Croatia. In addition to Hatha, Vinyasa, yin, and other styles of yoga, the hotel now offers aerial yoga as well.
„Aerial yoga has been on our wish list for a long time. So, we’re especially excited to now offer this style to our guests in our newly redesigned yoga studio.“ – Hotel Korinjak
In time for the new season, the largest yoga studio has undergone a complete renovation and has been equipped with aerial silks. In addition to aerial yoga classes, gong baths are offered—gentle sounds envelop you as you relax in the silk. Thanks to its peaceful location on the island of Iž and proximity to the sea, the studio intentionally connects you with nature during your yoga practice.
Ashtanga Yoga: Dynamic and powerful with set sequences
Do you want to not only relax, but also work up a sweat during your yoga practice? Then Ashtanga yoga might be the style for you. Developed in the 20th century in South India by Pattabhi Jois based on the teachings of his teacher T. Krishnamacharya, this form of yoga is characterized by a fixed sequence of asanas performed fluidly and in sync with the breath. Unlike Vinyasa yoga, the sequence never changes.
Ashtanga is considered physically demanding and requires equal measures of strength, flexibility, and concentration. Many modern yoga styles—including Power Yoga and Vinyasa Flow—have been influenced by Ashtanga.
Experience an energizing flow at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten
At the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten on the Moselle, yoga instructor Kristin blends the powerful elements of Ashtanga yoga with the fluid movements of Vinyasa yoga.
„My yoga style is a fluid, powerful combination of Vinyasa and Ashtanga.“ – Kristin
In her 60-minute yoga flow classes, breath and movement flow together seamlessly and are complemented by Pilates exercises. The result is a class that promotes strength, flexibility, balance, and mental clarity.
Flow Yoga: Where movement and breathing become one
Once again, we’re going to deviate from alphabetical order. Before introducing more specific styles of yoga, there’s a term you’ll hear repeatedly in yoga: Flow.
Flow means that the individual asanas aren’t practiced in isolation. Unlike in Hatha yoga, you don’t hold a pose for a long time and focus on the sensation. Instead, the movements flow seamlessly into one another and are synchronized with your breathing. This is why many describe it as a kind of meditation in motion.
The two most well-known styles of flow yoga are Vinyasa and Inside Flow, with the latter being developed from the former.
Vinyasa: Powerful or meditative—both are possible
Vinyasa yoga, which originated in the 20th century, is based on Ashtanga yoga. Unlike Ashtanga’s fixed sequences, however, Vinyasa teachers are free to structure their classes as they see fit. This is precisely why no two Vinyasa classes are alike.
This demonstrates just how differently the same style of yoga can be interpreted.
Laura Seyrling-Rieß: Music, dynamism, and plenty of energy
Yoga has been an integral part of the wellness program at the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld for many years. Laura Seyrling-Rieß, a member of the host family, is a certified Vinyasa Flow instructor who brings mindful movement, music, and a sense of lightness to her retreats.
„My classes feature a blend of dance, incorporating the modern Inside Flow yoga style, as well as light to moderately challenging Vinyasa Flow sessions.“ – Laura Seyrling-Rieß
With Laura, you can work up a sweat. Music plays a central role, and the movements flow seamlessly into one another. Her classes are geared toward people with some yoga experience. She recommends that beginners start with traditional Hatha classes to learn the basics of the asanas.
Marnie Spögler: Strength from Calm
Marnie Spögler offers a different interpretation of Vinyasa philosophy at the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm.
A yoga practitioner of over 20 years, she combines Vinyasa with Ashtanga, Yin, and Restorative Yoga in her daily classes. While the movements flow harmoniously, they represent mindfulness and a connection to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Dolomites more than dynamism.
Daily yoga classes are included for all hotel guests and take place in the yoga studio and outdoors, always with a view of the Seiser Alm mountains.
Yin Yoga: Patience instead of speed
If you’re interested in relaxation rather than exercise, check out a Yin Yoga class. Unlike other types of yoga, the poses are usually held for three to seven minutes. Developed in the U.S. in the 1980s, Yin Yoga combines elements of Hatha Yoga with insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as yoga teacher Maren Geisler-Oklemann explains. The focus is on fascia, connective tissue, and slowing down intentionally.
While holding the poses for such a long time can be challenging, it’s not because you need a lot of muscle strength. Rather, it’s because you’re learning to endure stillness, let go, and become fully aware of your body.
Maren Geisler-Okelmann: “Every yoga class is different.”
At Hotel Okelmann’s in Lower Saxony, host Maren Geisler-Okelmann leads yoga retreats and mini-retreats year-round. Although she is a certified yin yoga instructor, she also incorporates elements of hatha and vinyasa flow yoga into her classes.
„I would say it depends greatly on the yoga teacher’s personality. While there are basic rules for distinguishing and practicing different styles of yoga, the structure of the class, the sequence of asanas chosen, and the teacher’s style result in a wide variety of classes.“ – Maren Geisler-Okelmann
She likes to start her classes with Hatha Yoga postures, which she aligns carefully, and then incorporates flowing Vinyasa sequences. Often concluding the session with Yin Yoga.
„In my opinion, Yin Yoga is unbeatable for releasing deep-seated emotions and working on the fascia and meridians. The ability to release all muscle tension and hold a pose for at least three minutes has a lasting effect on nervous system regulation.“ – Maren Geisler-Okelmann
Prenatal Yoga: A companion during this special time
You don’t have to stop doing yoga just because you’re pregnant. In fact, Specially designed classes can help expectant mothers adjust to the physical changes they’re experiencing. Gentle movements, breathing exercises, and relaxation can relieve tension, strengthen the pelvic floor, and provide an opportunity to consciously set aside time for yourself and your baby. Prior experience is generally not required. The most important thing is to consult your doctor or midwife before starting.
The Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain is one hotel that caters specifically to expectant parents. Its babymoon package is one of the best-known in Germany.
This is no coincidence. The wellness hotel has its own medical health center directed by Dr. Andreas Färber. As a result, many expectant parents feel they are in good hands here. In addition to personalized wellness programs, the Klosterhof activity program includes yoga classes for pregnant women.
How can I find the right yoga style for me?
If you’re asking yourself now: “That all sounds exciting, but where should I start?” you’re not alone. We asked Ajoy Biswas in Nepal that very question. He has over 20 years of experience working in the fields of yoga and wellness. At our Green PearlsⓇ partner, The Pavillons Himalayas – The Farm, they take a traditional approach to yoga.
For Ajoy, the answer doesn’t start with a specific style of yoga.
„Don’t choose the style of yoga that’s currently the most popular; instead, choose the one that your body, your mind, and your current life situation need right now..“
If you’re looking for relaxation and inner peace, he recommends a gentle Hatha practice. If you want to build strength, flexibility, and energy, a dynamic style like Vinyasa might be a better fit. However, something else is much more important to him than the name of the yoga style:
„The true essence of yoga always remains the same: to create harmony between body, breath, mind, and soul.“
In his experience, yoga is often reduced to just a form of fitness nowadays. Yet, asanas are only one part of a much broader practice. They prepare the body and mind for meditation, helping to cultivate greater mindfulness, compassion, and inner balance both on the mat and in everyday life.
Conclusion: The fusion of styles is yogic
Initially, I planned to write a yoga article listing various styles in alphabetical order. However, I quickly abandoned that idea because the styles cannot be viewed in isolation from one another (much like the body and mind, which are meant to merge into a single unity in yoga).
Our recommendation: Start with the style that appeals to you right away. When you’re on vacation, you have the luxury of time, so you can try out different classes or delve deeper into a specific style during a retreat. After all, yoga is a personal journey that can evolve alongside you.
