If yoga is part of your regimen even when you’re on vacation, consider these out-of-the-box options — no mat needed.
Aerial Yoga – Basics
Hotel Wailea, Wellness Studio
In this introduction to aerial yoga, beginner-level poses are partially or fully held in a soft silk hammock hanging about 3 feet off the floor. It’s a gentle but effective way to support your weight while allowing you to achieve proper alignment and a deep lengthening stretch that releases tension, helps attain stability and balance and provides traction for muscle and spinal relief.
“The hammock not only provides support, it enables your body to feel light and free, to move and swing, and it becomes like a dance partner once you feel comfortable using it,” said Andrea Fors, owner and primary instructor of Uplift Maui, which offers the classes. “Even better, people of any ability can participate, and the hammock can be raised or lowered to modify postures according to their level of experience.”
>> Where: 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea Resort, Maui
>> When: 8 a.m. Mondays and 4 p.m. Thursdays
>> Class length: 70 minutes
>> Cost: $30 per drop-in class for kamaaina. Ask about rates for multiclass passes.
>> Phone: 808-495-7154
>> On the net: upliftmaui.com
>> Notes: Open to the public and resort guests; participants must be at least 16 years old, and previous yoga experience is advised but not necessary.
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Beyond Bouldering – Wall Climbing Yoga
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hualalai Fitness Center
Start with al fresco yoga to open your shoulders, wrists, fingers, hips and hamstrings, said Steve Vujnovich, a certified climbing instructor with the American Mountain Guides Association and Beyond Bouldering’s lead instructor, it’s a great prep for and complement to rock climbing. You’ll then learn bouldering techniques on a 24-foot climbing wall without the use of ropes or a harness. Sound perilous? Not to worry — you’ll be no more than 2 feet off the ground.
“Meditation, stretching, controlled breathing and other aspects of yoga are essential in rock climbing,” Vujnovich said. “They help build strength, flexibility and focus, which enable you to place your fingers, toes and palms in precise spots to make solid, stable moves on the wall, whether you’re going up, down or sideways.”
>> Where: 72-100 Kaupulehu Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii island
>> When: 9 a.m. Fridays
>> Class length: 50 minutes
>> Cost: $50
>> Phone: 808-325-8000
>> On the net: 808ne.ws/2ITAStY
>> Notes: Open to resort guests ages 14 and older (not suitable for expectant mothers)
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Floating Yoga
The Fairmont Orchid
In the early morning, when the waters of Pauoa Bay are calm, you’ll balance on a stand-up paddleboard that’s steadied with weights. Recite your mantras and hold poses as you welcome the sunshine and trades, and keep your eyes peeled for fish and turtles.
“When you practice yoga on land, you have the stability of the earth; when you practice yoga on the water, you’re in constant motion,” said instructor Sarah Pulcino. “You’re able to get deeper into poses because the ocean is constantly rocking you back and forth. This forces you to let go of control and teaches you to go with the flow.”
>> Where: 1 North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii island
>> When: 7 a.m. daily
>> Class length: 60 minutes
>> Cost: $20
>> Phone: 808-887-7540
>> On the net: fairmont.com/orchid-hawaii/spa
>> Notes: Open to the public and resort guests; participants must be at least 6 years old (kids ages 6 through 16 must attend with a parent or adult guardian).
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SUP Glowga
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Never been on an stand-up paddleboard before? It’s OK! Trying yoga for the first time? No problem! Held at night in the resort’s swimming pool, SUP Glowga (glow plus yoga) is ideal for novices. Multicolored LED lights beneath each board make it easy for students to follow the teacher, Ashley Steyaert, owner and operator of Yoga Kai.
“Doing yoga at night in the water heightens the experience,” Steyaert said. “It’s quieter during that time, making it easier to concentrate, and LEDs shining in an otherwise dark setting add a bit of drama. Moreover, the pool is a safe, controlled environment, putting those who aren’t comfortable in the ocean completely at ease.”
>> Where: 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki
>> When: 8 p.m. Thursdays
>> Class length: 45 minutes
>> Cost: Free
>> Phone: 808-923-0711
>> On the net: 808ne.ws/2xvoTOj (click on the Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga & Glowga link under Guest Services)
>> Notes: Open to resort guests ages 9 to 60 (kids ages 9 through 16 must attend with a parent or adult guardian)
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Zen Horse Sunset Yoga
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Yoga with animals is one of the latest fitness trends in America; instead of the usual dogs, cats, goats and rabbits, however, this luxury resort’s offering involves horses at the Lanai Ranch at Koele. Focus on them during your meditation, and, if you like, stroke them, breathe with them and be in the moment with them before honing poses on a wooden platform in the pasture. Studies have shown interacting with animals can lift your spirits and reduce stress and anxiety.
“Being outdoors in the mountains at dusk, near horses that are grazing peacefully, enhances the mind-body practice of yoga,” said Shaw Cote, director of the resort’s Hawanawana Spa. “The fresh air, beautiful sunset views and proximity to majestic animals put guests in close touch with nature and themselves, and draw them into a more rewarding yoga experience. They wouldn’t be able to obtain the same joy and relaxation in an enclosed studio.”
>> Where: Four Seasons Resort Lanai
>> When: By appointment only at sunset (48-hour advance notice is required)
>> Class length: Two hours, including transportation
>> Cost: $200 for a one-person, private class. For a class with two or more people, the cost is $100 per person, maximum of six.
>> Phone: 808-565-2088
>> On the net: fourseasons.com/lanai/spa/yoga
>> Notes: Open to resort guests ages 12 and older (kids ages 12 through 17 must attend with a parent or adult guardian)
Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.
