Yoga Tour: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Yoga, art, and mountain air so clean you can't help but breathe deeper.

By Carmel Wroth

Santa Fe is known for its art scene, spiritual and healing centers, and unique historic character as one of the oldest Spanish colonial towns in the country. But the mythology of Santa Fe is derived from something more elemental: its remarkable geography.

The city rests under the dreamy blue-green peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range at the edge of a vast, luminous desert. This location, with its sense of expanse and vertical uplift, seems to automatically induce deeper breathing. It doesn't hurt that the air is almost intoxicatingly pure.

"There is a wonderful communion with nature here," says Wendelin Scott, owner of Yoga Source studio. "It's a place where you can really clear your vision."

Santa Fe attracts world-class yoga teachers, committed students, and spiritual seekers. The city of 70,000 boasts more than 10 yoga studios, numerous meditation centers, and at least three schools of healing arts. "Santa Fe is a healing center," says Rima Miller of Yoga Moves. "If you have injury or stress in your life, it's a very good place to come practice."

Yoga Source

Founded in 2000 by Tias Little, Yoga Source offers precise and vigorous asana, rooted in Ashtanga and Iyengar traditions. In 2007 he sold the business to Wendelin Scott and Amy Spurlock, but Little and his wife, Surya, still teach there regularly. The studio hosts other guest teachers, including Kofi Busia and Aadil Palkhivala. 901 W. San Mateo, Ste. Y, (505) 982-0990. yogasource-santafe.com

Yoga Moves

True to its name, this studio explores yoga and other forms of creative movement. Its 23-foot ceilings provide the perfect environment for classes on the inversion swing—a double loop of padded rubber that makes for an exhilarating weightless experience of inversions, backbends, relaxation, and partner moves. The studio's signature yoga style is Chandra Yoga, a practice that follows the phases of the moon. 825 Early St., Ste. C, (505) 989-1072. yogamoves.com

White Iris Yoga

Gail Ackerman, an Intermediate Junior level Iyengar instructor has taught at her studio for more than 20 years. Eight classes are offered weekly, including beginning and intermediate levels, and there is one therapeutic class for students with injuries. 1701 Callejon Emilia, (505) 986-8212. whiteirisyoganm.com

Body

After running the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts for 24 years, Body owner Lorin Parrish opened this dynamic center for yoga, massage, and bodywork. The center offers eight or nine classes per day, including Mysore-style Ashtanga. It also has a juice bar and cafe, and offers childcare. 333 Cordova Rd., (505) 986-0362. bodyofsantafe.com

Santa Fe Community Yoga Center

This nonprofit center is a gathering place for the local yoga community. Classes in gentle yoga (Yin, Kripalu, and Gentle Eclectic) for all ages and skill levels are offered, including classes for seniors. The center also raises funds for yoga programs in local schools, has a lending library of yoga books and DVDs, and maintains an extensive bulletin board of community events. After class you can walk the outdoor mud-and-straw labyrinth. 826 Camino del Monte Rey, Ste. B1, (505) 820-9363. santafecommunityyoga.com

Yoga Different

This small studio offers up to two Iyengar Yoga classes most days of the week with owner-teachers who still regularly train in India. 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Oddfellows Bldg., (505) 955-9644. yogadifferent.com

(Bikram's) Yoga College of India Santa Fe

This school offers hot yoga classes seven days a week. 1310 Monterey Dr., (505) 955-1515. bikramyoga-santafe.com

Spandarama Yoga

The two-year-old Anusara studio offers several classes a day and often opens at 7:30 a.m. for self-guided meditation. Anusara Yoga founder John Friend makes an annual visit. 815-A Early St., (505) 989-1288. spandaramayoga.com

While You're Here

Enjoy a soak in one of the area's hot-water springs, such as Ten Thousand Waves Spa (3451 Hyde Park Rd.), Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort (50 Highway 414, Ojo Caliente), or Sunrise Springs Eco-resort (242 Los Pinos Rd.).

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