Over the last two decades, Yoga has evolved from a marginal sport with sun salutation, which was often smiled at as esoteric, into a permanent trend. Yoga is supposed to be 5000 years old and originated in India. 

But what does the word yoga mean? It is derived from Sanskrit, one of the oldest written languages in the world. It means unity, the connection of body and mind. 

Nowadays, we mainly practice the well-known Asanas and most of you have probably heard of the yoga sun salutation. However, yoga is much more than that! In the Western world, Hatha Yoga is the most commonly practiced yoga. Today, there are about 130 protected yoga variants. 

The benefits are manifold: Yoga can relieve your physical and mental ailments, it can be used to build up strength and improve flexibility, or help you relax. There are now innumerable studies dealing with the effectiveness of yoga. It is also proven by now that yoga can prevent and significantly improve many (if not most) of the ailments of our “diseases of civilization and affluence” such as overweight, hypertension, insomnia, and diabetes.

Fun fact for you: Yoga was recognized as an ” Intangible World Heritage Site “ by UNESCO on December 1, 2016.

Pilates, by the way, even though it is very similar to yoga, is not considered an Indian philosophy of life. It was developed much later, during World War I, by Joseph Hubert Pilates to serve as a military strengthening program. The main difference between yoga and Pilates is the emphasis placed on mind and body: Pilates focuses mainly on the body. Yoga is primarily about creating a unity of body and mind.

Hatha Yoga and Retreats in Leutasch 

In our Green Pearls® hotels, Hatha Yoga is also the most widespread. For instance, in the Naturhotel Aufatmen. Your level does not matter here, beginners and advanced and of course yoga teachers are welcome. “ In our case, it’s about being with yourself and arriving and calming your mind,” says owner Wolfgang Pfeifer, explaining the focus of their yoga classes. Thus, he says, it is possible to enter into a special kind of relaxation. 

The Austrian hotel also hosts an annual week-long Pilates retreat, which is offered in June.

Yoga and much more in Zermatt 

At CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, a colorful mix of different yoga styles is offered. You can take advantage of the complimentary activities in the ritual room and the tearoom every day. You can also go to the outdoor yoga deck, —weather permitting. 

Besides Hatha Yoga, they also offer Vinyasa Yoga. It is a modern form of classical yoga. This style is energetic and synchronizes the breath with the movement, allowing you to achieve an intensive physical flow.

In addition, Yin Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Yoga Nidra also await you at CERVO. 

• Yin Yoga is slow physical exercise where you hold the poses for a longer period of time. This allows your muscles and mind to relax further.
• Iyengar Yoga emphasizes detail, precision, and alignment in the execution of postures. In this style, you will often use assistive devices such as belts, blocks, and chairs.
• Yoga Nidra is used to heal trauma, deep relaxation, and restore the mind/body connectivity.

Should you prefer to practice alone, the ritual room is always available, or you may book a private lesson.

Yoga at sunrise

For a similar wide range of classes with a holistic approach, check out Keemala in Thailand. Try a sunrise class, where the classic sun salutation is performed. 

In addition to Vinyasa yoga and Yin Yoga, you can also try herbal yoga. This combines the healing powers of yoga and herbs—designed to boost your health and well-being. The beautiful forest landscape around the Keemala does the rest to help to unwind.

If one hour of yoga a day is not enough for you, or you just wish for more intensive exposure to it, try a retreat.

Yoga meets SPA-Days

The Mawell Resort has various yoga retreats or yoga meets SPA days on offer. Yoga time-outs are held over several days at the resort and offer the perfect combination of yoga and wellness. If you want to escape from everyday life for a short time, take a look at the Yoga meets SPA-Days. This is a day at the nature resort that includes use of the entire spa area and a 2-hour yoga class.

Pilates or Jivamukti Yoga Retreats 

There are also retreats at ADLER Lodge RITTEN. Pilates or Jivamukti Yoga challenge you physically, but don’t lose sight of your well-being. Jivamutki represents a very spiritual type of yoga, through some fast movements, but it is also very strenuous and is classified as a subcategory of Hatha Yoga. 

If you would rather have more rest for your yoga routine: You can also book private classes at some of our partner hotels or use the beautiful locations for your yoga class on your own. 

Yoga inside or in the garden  

Biohotel Sturm, for example, has its own 86 m2 large yoga room, available for you twenty-four hours a day. You do not have to worry about mats, blankets, and pillows—the material is provided for you. If you prefer a fixed yoga lesson with a teacher, you can do this with the external yoga teacher of the Biohotel Sturm. She can cater to all levels.

In summer, you can also use the garden for a yoga session of your choice. You can either practice in the middle of the meadow under the rustling trees or right next to the splashing pond. This makes especially the final meditation an experience.

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Aeriol Yoga and zero gravity

The Farmhouse Smiling Gecko in Cambodia also offers a different form of yoga: Here you can try weightless aerial yoga. Traditional yoga postures are combined with Pilates and dance: During the exercises, you will be assisted by a special hammock. 

Would you have known all the types of yoga? What is your favorite?

 

If you’re interested in Yoga you might also like: Slow Food- Eat Smarter

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