So much more than a new-wave fad for the lycra-clad set, yoga is an ancient practice that connects the mind, body and spirit. While celebrities flock to top studios for those coveted toned arms, others turn to the low-impact workout as an alternative cure for common ailments including depression and anxiety. Proven to activate the mind’s ‘pleasure centre’, regular practice can lower heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and cardiac output, leading to improved emotional positivity.
Ready to reap the rewards of a more mindful life? Throw down a mat at one of Hong Kong’s best yoga studios, from Kowloon to South Side. Adapting to the transient nature of the city, most studios offer special ‘drop-in rates’ or short-term contracts ideal for travellers popping in and out of the city. Take a look at our picks for the city’s best yoga studios, and get your zen on.
Pure Yoga
Born in Hong Kong, this international fitness powerhouse has a wealth of spacious and modern yoga-centric venues across the city from Mong Kok to Quarry Bay. Innovative classes like Aerial and Wheel Yoga are available alongside the classics, and are suitable for all skill levels. If you’re new to yoga, their custom ‘5 Pillar System’ will help you find the perfect class to start your journey. Jet-setting members can enjoy daily rates at their worldwide locations including New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Taiwan.
Pure Yoga, various locations | pure-yoga.com/hongkong | Facebook | @pureyogaofficial
Drop in rates are HK$350 per class, with multiple membership packages available
Yoga BamBam
These two chic and intimate studios are tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s no sales team or membership fee, you just reserve your space online, get your ohm on, and pay the teacher after each session. Their AcroYoga sessions, a combination of yoga and acrobatics tap into your inner child while increasing flexibility, balance and strength. They also hold bilingual classes in English & Cantonese, a relaxed way for expats and visitors to pick up on the local lingo.
Yoga BamBam Sheung Wan or Central | yogabambam.com | Facebook | @yogabambam
Classes begin at HK$200, with bundle packages available
Kita Yoga
Founded by Hong Kong native and former New Yorker Nikita Ramchandani, Kita Yoga is a favourite boutique studio for those in the know. Hidden among hip cafes and coffee shops in Sheung Wan, this unique studio is a minimalistic space which offers both regular and guest-teacher sessions. Kita Yoga offers drop-in classes and passes for those who are regular yogis. Try out their introductory offer: unlimited classes for one week, for only HK$300.
1 U Lam Terrace, Hong Kong | +852 5323-1978 | kita-yoga.com | Facebook | @KitaYogaHK
Prices start from $300 per class.
Anahata Yoga
Named after the fourth Chakra, or the ‘heart chakra’, each practice at this intimate studio aims to inspire a more mindful life. The modern space hosts over 100 classes each week, so there’s always something to suit your busy schedule. Their tailored ‘Yoga Therapy Series’ is perfect for those with specific issues to target, including ‘Golf Yoga’-to improve that swing- and ‘Back Care Yoga’, created to ease the stress of frequent flyers. They have short-term contracts, monthly contracts and prepaid contracts, so they’re as flexible as you are (or will be).
Anahata Yoga, 18/F, One Lyndhurst Tower, No. 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central | +852 2905 1822 | anahatayoga.com.hk
Monthly packages available, call for more information
The Yoga Room
A boutique studio with four different spaces, The Yoga Room focuses on small classes and personalised instruction, welcoming students of all ages and levels. Bond with the little ones during a ‘Mum & Baby Yoga’ class, or take an hour to yourself to cocoon during a hammock-based class. Check out their Wednesday boot-camp sessions to super-charge your practice, they’re held weekly at Pier 10— advanced reservation required.
The Yoga Room, Xiu Ping Commercial Building, 104 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan | +852 2544 8398 | yogaroomhk.com | Facebook | @theyogaroom
Packages begin at HK$2,000 for 10 classes, with yearly memberships available
The Oriental Spa
Hong Kong’s most revered hotel is also home to one of the city’s best yoga studios. Befitting the icon’s immaculate reputation, the Oriental Spa hosts nine classes a day in their state-of-the-art studio that features all the newest gear. Replenish with a cup of holistic tea in the tranquil poolside dining area for a completely immersive experience.
The Oriental Spa, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central | +852 2132 0188 | mandarinoriental.com
Classes begin at HK$380 per session, with multiple packages available
Bodywize Yoga & Spa
A serene oasis in the middle of Causeway Bay, Bodywize has won multiple awards over its 10 years in the city. Known for its spiritually-inspired spa journeys and diverse yoga programmes, the 3,000-square-foot space oozes blissfulness, with abundant natural light and a zen-inducing interior. Flow Yoga, Core Yoga, and beginners-only classes heal students from the inside out. After your session you can always nip into their luxurious spa for a scrub or massage — we won’t tell.
Bodywize Yoga & Spa, 3/F Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay | +852 2838 5686 | bodywize.com.hk | Facebook | @bodywizehk
Drop in rates are $300 for regular yoga sessions and $350 for aerial yoga
Flex Studio
Hong Kong’s most comprehensive studio for Pilates and barre workouts also offers a host of invigorating and restorative classes for all abilities and ages. Their space in Central is around 1000 square feet, so there’s plenty of room for your inner fighter to unleash her outer Warrior pose. The Detox Yoga Flow is great for those feeling run down, as the carefully combined sequence of asanas stimulates the lymphatic, digestive and circulatory systems and flushes out harmful toxins. They also have aerial yoga classes for the truly adventurous!
Flex Studio Central and South Island | flexhk.com | Facebook | @flexstudiohk
Classes begin at HK$245, with multiple packages available
Yoga Central
Hong Kong’s first custom-built yoga studio has been helping students achieve a more spiritual life for over 16 years. Their Iyengar-based classes focus on precision and alignment. Almost meditative, this niche style of yoga connects practitioners to their bodies in a spiritual, harmonising way. The well-equipped studio hosts several classes each day in addition to various workshops and ‘progressive learning’ classes for those looking to delve into their practice further. There are no contracts or membership fees here, just pay as you go for a no-stress escape from hectic Hong Kong life.
Yoga Central, 2C Welley Bldg., 97 Wellington Street, Central | +852 2982 4308 | yogacentral.com.hk | Facebook
Classes begin at HK$180, with multiple packages available
Prajna Yoga
Founded by husband and wife yogis, this Kowloon-side boutique studio embraces the spirit of intent. The name itself, Prajna, is a Sanskirt word for ‘best knowledge’ or highest wisdom. This is the spirit they bring to their practice, imbuing every session with a conscious, vibrant and transformative energy. Check out their Hot Flow classes, which can improve strength and flexibility while burning fat, or sink into a state of deep relaxation during Yoga Nidra and get some serious ‘Yogic sleep’.
Prajna Yoga, Unit 03, 10/F Yuen Shing Industrial Building, 1033 Yee Kuk West Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon | +852 2371 2515 | prajna-yoga.com | Facebook
Drop in rates are HK$180 per class, with membership packages available
