Yoga Tours: Miami, Florida

Beach yoga and a host of hip studios make this steamy locale a yogi's paradise.

By Jennifer Santiago

Sun, sand, and sex is South Florida's famous trifecta. But the beachside cities of Miami-Dade County—envied for their tropical weather, Latin-infused culture, and elite party scene—are also welcoming a steady transformation. While party-goers file out of clubs at sunrise, yogis are hitting the sand. There, on the city's oceanside stretch, you can connect with nature and practice asana by the waves on some of the finest sand in the world—a great foundation for an early-morning Warrior II.

Synergy Center for Yoga and the Healing Arts

Miami Beach's oldest yoga studio is located just off one of the city's more bohemian neighborhoods, Espanola Way. Synergy, a no-frills center with two studios, offers 47 classes every week in a variety of styles, from Power to Sivananda and from Ashtanga to Anusara. While most sessions take place in the spacious downstairs studio, there are classes held on the beach twice daily. And upstairs—in a smaller carpeted room kept simple and undecorated—Diana Dalton leads just a handful of students through what she calls "sweaty yoga." Unlike traditional Bikram Yoga, which requires that a room be set to temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, Synergy opts to keep the class at a cooler 82. Who would have thought South Floridians would want to avoid the heat? Mother Center, 435 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, (305) 538-7073. synergyyoga.org

Miami Yogashala

Voted best yoga studio on Miami Beach by the alternative weekly Miami New Times, Yogashala is one of the most popular studios on the beach because of its inspiring sunlit space, boutique, and mix of teachers from diverse yogic backgrounds. Co-owner Fred Busch teaches Power Yoga six times a week in the 'Shala's spacious second-floor studio. The school also offers Kundalini classes, early-morning vinyasa, and raw-food nutrition counseling. 210A 23rd St., Miami Beach, (305) 534-0784. miamiyoga.com

Prana Yoga Center

Prana owner Dona Piza has dodged her fair share of curveballs. When the Miami native almost lost her leg in a car accident a few years ago, she turned to yoga. She credits her practice with her return to health, and she used the settlement funds from the accident to open her studio in Coral Gables. The center is mostly female focused, offering prenatal yoga and classes like Mommy and Me: Wigglers in its spacious main studio. But even with all of Prana's feminine edge, men roll out their mats there, too: At least one Miami Heat player and a local TV news anchor come to Prana for meditation and private lessons. 247 Malaga Ave., Coral Gables, (305) 567-9812. pranayogamiami.com

Shakra Relaxation Oasis

This studio is outfitted with all the bells and whistles. Deirdre R. Sours, the owner of this spa and yoga studio in upscale Coral Gables, clearly had a stressed-out clientele in mind. Shakra is sandwiched between banks and offices—a literal oasis for nine-to-fivers who come to the studio's most popular class, which aims to squeeze a full practice into 45 minutes at noontime. Shakra oozes tranquillity—its quiet halls lit with candles and lined with white plaster Roman columns. 271 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, (305) 774-1355. shakramiami.com

Yoga Grove

This is where yogis in South Miami go to sweat and push their limits. Offerings include Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Power, core yoga (a mix of Pilates and yoga), and Mysore-style Ashtanga classes. There are also workshops in Trance Dance, breathwork, and kirtan. Located in the artsy Coconut Grove district, the fourth-floor studio has an outdoor terrace where students enjoy the warm Miami breezes and a view of palm trees. Some evenings, candle-lit classes are held in the glow of the sunset. On Friday nights, the studio hosts Lotus Power Happy Hour, a donation class that collects funds for local nonprofits. 3100 S. Dixie Hwy., Ste. 401, Coconut Grove, (305) 448-3332. yogagrove.com

Yoga Institute of Miami

The Yoga Institute, in the Kendall district near the University of Miami, is home to loyal students, some of whom have been coming since the studio opened 30 years ago. A quiet practice space is outfitted with all the props: a rope wall, benches, bolsters, a trestle, and chairs. Owner Bobbi Golden, a certified Iyengar teacher, offers yoga that quiets the mind and soothes the heart. There are 27 classes a week, including classes for people with special physical challenges. 9350 S. Dadeland Blvd., Ste. 207, Miami, (305) 670-0558. yogamiami.com

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