Yoga is the new clubbing

September is here, and as we all know, it’s a very different Ibiza that we’re living and holidaying in this year. Gone is the anticipation for club closing parties that usually take place this time of year, or dancing in the sand as beach restaurants close their doors for the final time. In its place however, is a newfound love for getting out in nature (ahhh, those quiet beaches are so blissful), a desire to focus more deeply on ourselves, and a type of tourism that focuses on balancing the mind, body and soul, with yoga now being one of the most popular activities on any 2020 activity. Many of Ibiza’s most beautiful destinations continue to offer yoga classes throughout this month – we’ve put together a list of the best so you can practice in a different location every day.

Pure Seven, 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza, Cala Conta, South West

Pure Seven, the stunning wellness centre at 7Pines Kempinksi Ibiza – on the cliffs of Cala Conta – boasts one of the island’s most beautiful and peaceful spaces to practice yoga. An atrium style room with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that can be opened up to bring the fresh air in, or closed if the day is a little windy, the light-filled space boasts direct views across to Es Vedra, drawing in energy from the mythical, magical rock formation as you practice. Daily Wellness Rituals include yoga classes that are open to members of the public in addition to hotel guests, and on Saturdays, a very special Kundalini Activation Process takes place between 6pm and 8pm (through the golden hour to dusk and onto sunset). While not a traditional yoga practice, KAP taps into a powerful life force energy to awaken your natural Kundalini energy. Experienced yogis may be more familiar with the process, but the sessions are suitable for all levels. Reservations always essential.

Aiyanna Ibiza, Cala Nova, East

Set on the rugged shores of Cala Nova – one of the only beaches in Ibiza where you can actually hear the sounds of real waves – Aiyanna Ibiza is one of the most tranquil and beautiful spaces in which to start your day in a healthy way. Every Saturday morning, the beautiful beach club hosts a Hatha yoga class from 9am until 10.15pm, facing the sea and breathing in that beautiful fresh sea air as you bend and stretch to connect your mind, body and spirit. Classes are led by instructor Flor (in English and Spanish), who has been practicing for over 18 years, and pre-booking is essential due to the current regulations, as no walk-in spaces are available. Students are asked to arrive at 8.45am to check-in, settle in and relax, before the class begins. Classes are 18€ per person, or upgrade to include a breakfast with your class for just 30€, which includes freshly squeezed juices, fruit, eggs, cereaks, fresh-baked wholegrain goodies and more. Then, it’s time to hit the beach, for even more relaxation.

Amante Ibiza, Sol d’en Serra, East

The big sister venue to Aiyanna Ibiza, Amante Ibiza was one of the first beach restaurants on the island to tap into the potential for holding morning yoga and breakfast sessions and continues to lead the way in 2020. Set on the clifftop of Sol d’en Serra, on the east coast of Ibiza, the stunning sandy yoga platform overlooks the secluded bay which is one of the most famous views associated with the white isle. Classes take place on Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 9am until 10.15am (with guests requested to arrive 15 minutes prior to check in and find a mat space) and are taught in Spanish and English, and suitable for all levels. Wednesday classes are hosted by Satya, who uses yoga and meditation as tools for observation and a way of connecting with the self. On Friday, your instructor is Diana Naya, who is trained in classical and contemporary yoga and offers classes designed to give students of all levels a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Classes cost 30€ and include a healthy breakfast after the class – spaces are limited and these classes are extremely popular, so be sure to book early.

Atzaró Spa, San Lorenzo, North East

Renowned around the world for its wellness offerings, Atzaró Spa – set in the heart of an orange grove in the iconic Agroturismo in San Lorenzo, in the north of the island – also offers a daily program of yoga and wellness classes led by some of Ibiza’s finest teachers and practitioners. Classes take place seven days a week and range from Deep Dynamic Yoga and Ashtanga Fusion to Patanjali Integral Yoga and Kundalini. There’s also Mindfulness Hatha Yoga, Elemental Yin-Yang Yoga, Organic Vinyasa Yoga and Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga – basically, a class to suit your every mood. As with all studios these days, pre-bookings are essential and the space is distinfected and cleaned between each session, and a (minimum) two-metre space is maintained between all students. After class, book a session in the spa or to lounge on the stunning daybeds around the 42-metre lap pool – a truly authentic Ibiza experience.

Cas Gasi, Santa Gertrudis, Centre

Luxurious Ibiza boutique hotel Cas Gasi has always had a strong focus on wellness for its guests, and in 2020 the hotel has introduced a daily Namaste Morning, which includes a yoga session and breakfast (for 35€ per person) in the new restaurant, and is open to the public. The gentle, nurturing class commences at 8.30am on the beautiful open-air custom-built yoga platform that looks out over the countryside. After you’ve activated your body and relaxed your mind, move onto the all new Cas Gasi restaurant for a healthy breakfast before heading back out to experience the wonders of Ibiza. All that peace, love and energy can only mean the day is going to get even better.

Hot Yoga Ibiza, Ibiza town

Sebastien Carincotte, founder of Hot Yoga Ibiza – one of the longest-running yoga studios on the island – is an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to all elements of yoga, from the asanas (poses), obviously, and breathwork to the ancient history of the practice, the human anatomy, the central nervous system and so much more. Don’t let the name of the Ibiza town studio fool you – yes, there are hot classes if Bikram is your thing – but Sebastien’s Hatha Vinyasa, Breathwork & Meditation classes have been winning more and more loyal followers since he developed and introduced the class to the studio earlier this year. The class is adaptable for all levels – you don’t need to be able to put your feet behind your head to ‘do the work’ even if the student beside you can. It features an hour of physical practice, followed by a variety of pranayama (breathwork) techniques that ultimately lead you to a deep meditative state. Classes are held from Monday to Friday (plus there’s a Bikram class on Sundays), and are ideal for both drop-in classes if you’re on holiday, or for a deepening your practice if you are a resident on the island. The class timetable and prices (including a resident’s special) are found on the website, and Sebastien also offers private one-to-one classes or group sessions in villas if you’d prefer to stay in the privacy of your own home.

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, Talamanca, Ibiza town

The spectacular five-star surrounds of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is the perfect place to immerse yourself in wellness, and the resort regularly invites visiting practitioners to host classes, one-to-one sessions and workshops throughout the year. Until September 8, 2020, Balancing Life Coach and Kundalini Yoga Teacher Sandra VOX will be in session, teaching a combination of Kundalini Yoga, meditation and breathwork, incorporating movement, deep breathing techniques and meditation to activate meridian points in the body, strengthen the nervous system and raise levels of serotonin and dopamine – not only that, she teaches you the tools to incorporate these techniques into your lifestyle, so that you continue to benefit long after your Ibiza holiday is over. Reservations are essential.

Pikes, San Antonio, West

This buzzing boutique hotel hidden in the lush green hillside of San Antonio has always been known for its hedonistic leanings, but in recent years – and particularly in 2020, given the new health and safety regulations we’re all getting accustomed to – Pikes has also been embracing wellness and yoga. In addition to fortnightly Cosmic Pineapple events, where participants (table reservations are required for admission) can take part in Yoga Nidra sessions and more wellness classes within the beautiful Rockovery geodome, there’s also a weekly DO Yoga Brunch on Tuesday mornings with instructor Debs O’Brien that incorporates an hour of yoga practice suitable for all levels, followed by 30 minutes of meditation and then the legendary Pikes brunch in Pamelas restaurant (where in true Pikes style, you can upgrade to add a Bloody Mary or Mimosa if you’re feeling that way inclined). The cost is 40€ per person, and includes the class (which kicks off at 9am) plus a refreshment and brunch. Spaces in the dome are limited to just ten people, so be sure to book in advance.