Namaste: Yoga on the Islands
Photo by Dennis Yang
Yoga has been a form of spiritual and physical healing dating back to 3000 B.C., originating in ancient India. It was first brought to the Western world in the late 19th century by Hindu monks. In the '80s, yoga became extremely popular as a form of physical exercise. Since then, yoga has spread rapidly. It is unknown by many that yoga is indeed present in the Caribbean. Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico have embraced and welcomed this foreign practice. There are U.S. non-profit organizations that allow teachers to provide yoga in Haiti to children. In both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico there are various yoga retreats as well as yoga studios and centers to offer locals and travelers daily access to the practice.
In Haiti...
Go Give Yoga: is a foundation that empowers children to maximize their physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being through yoga. They focus on uplifting impoverished communities. Go Give Yoga offers yoga teachers the opportunity to teach yoga in Haiti for a span of one-two weeks. There are other volunteer opportunities on their website.
Jacmel
Yoga Ventures: coordinates humanitarian yoga retreats to provide cultural and meaningful experiences. They are currently in the process of building Jacmel Children's Center, a 13,000 square foot school and home for orphans of 3-10 years old. Yoga Ventures offers a volunteer yoga trip to Jacmel where you can assist with supporting the Haitian youth and playing with the children. Note: They also offer a yoga retreat to the Dominican Republic.
In Dominican Republic...
Cabarete
Natura Cabana Boutique: Tucked away in a luscious garden next to the beach, Natura Cabana is a hideaway in Cabarete that provides a regular program of yoga classes. They also have ten cozy bungalows where anyone can refuge from the world. They also have two open-air restaurants and a swimming pool. Yoga classes are offered to everyone; not just guests at the hotel.
Boca Chica
Hotel Zapata: This small beachfront hotel offers Hatha yoga every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Advance sessions are from 8:30-9:30am and beginner sessions are from 9:35-10:35am for only $8 per class! Their website says yoga classes are for guests of the hotel, however, you can call ahead and ask if non-guests are welcomed.
Santo Domingo
Sun Blue Yoga: Located in Santo Domingo, Sun Blue Yoga Center dedicates its teachings to Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga. For just $350 RD a class (about $8.50 US), let your body transform and relax. Vinyasa classes are also taught here.
In Puerto Rico...
San Juan
It's Yoga: Practicing Ashtanga Yoga , It's Yoga in San Juan, provides daily classes everyday for the mind, body, and soul. Aside from yoga, pilates and even Spanish classes are taught here! It's location and varied selection of classes is what makes this place unique.
Condado
Condado Fit: Located in the chicest part of Puerto Rico, the studio offers various classes, everything from Salsa to Pilates. Yoga is given every Tuesday and Sunday. No fee to matriculate! Contact them or stop by for prices. condadofitness@hotmail.com, 787-433-3636
Caguas
Bikram Yoga Puerto Rico: Comprised from traditional hatha yoga techinques, bikram yoga has been popular since the 1970s. All classes are 90 minutes long, at 105 degree Fahrenheit room temperature and a series of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. With Bikram Yoga now in Caguas, locals and travelers alike can experience the magic of detoxing. If you are looking for a retreat, they currently have one for August.
San Germán, Mayaguez, Cabo Rojo
YogAsana: On a mission to share the experience of yoga, Yarilis and Yamilette are committed to teach yoga on the Southwest of the island. Their schedule is:
Mondays at 5:30pm in San Germán
Tuesdays at 8:00am in Dorado Beach, open to the public
Thursdays at 8:30am in Mayaguez in Park of Heroes
Fridays at 9am in Restaurant in El Bohio in Cabo Rojo
Namaste
Until next time...
Saludos!
Updated: June 3, 2014
