So I found myself in Virginia for the summer, hitting a serious rut compared to my wild summers in New York, I knew I needed a change of scenery. After a two-hour FaceTime call with my best friend, I impulsively booked a flight to Ubud, Bali for a month….a whole 31 days. I snagged a cheap Airbnb for $600 and texted my parents I was leaving the country the week before. I was o-u-t. (Very Aquarius of me… I know).

Bali did something mystic for my soul. My love for yoga, which was already pretty solid, turned into a full-blown obsession. I found myself doing classes two, sometimes three times a day. It felt like an instant dopamine boost, the buzz I got after a good Hatha or Bikram session was real. I finally got what people meant by that mind to body connection—it’s wild how much you can transform just by moving and breathing.

My favorite yoga studio in Bali was Ubud Yoga Centre: This place became my yoga haven, where I'd frequently run into Russell Simmons while reading "Becoming Supernatural" by Dr. Joe Dispenza.

When I landed back in NYC, it was a seamless dive into my beloved rhythm: the flow of a new school year, late-night catch-ups over fries at Soho Diner, and spontaneous nights at Piano’s with my homegirls. But even in the middle of all that, my mind was stuck in Bali. I craved the hummingbird calm of those yoga days in Ubud. Within 72 hours, I’d hustled through six different yoga classes, chasing that same vibe, making my friends join (shout out Paige and Cassidy), and also going solo.

The mission? To find the best yoga styles that hit both the soul and the senses. Here’s my breakdown of the best yoga classes and practices, from the most transformative to the most relaxed, perfect for when you just need a little zen.

1. Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is like the OG of yoga practices, and it's pretty much the foundation for most beginner classes. My go-tos in NYC are ISHTA Yoga on Broadway and Fierce Grace Yoga on the Lower East Side. But let me tell you, there’s a huge difference between the Americanized version and the body-to-mind, real-deal Indian-rooted Ashtanga. I took a traditional class in Uluwatu, with a teacher who’d trained in India for 30 years. He had me repeating sequences until I was seeing stars—literally. This practice is intense, focusing on strength-based flows synced with your breath. It’s all about structure and breathwork, and honestly, it clears your mind in a way that’s just different.

2. Vinyasa Flow

Vinyasa brings a whole new level of creativity to the mat. Unlike Ashtanga’s repetitive sequences, Vinyasa feels like a dance—a flow that’s all about embracing your body’s natural movement. It’s got this inner-child vibe that’s both energizing and graceful.

My NYC routine? Pilates at New York Pilates in the Lower East Side or Solidcore in Nolita, followed by a heated Vinyasa class at Heatwise in LES to loosen up. It’s this powerful, meditative experience that leaves my mind feeling both pumped and centered.

3. Hot Yoga

Hot yoga is my ride-or-die. It’s my go-to cure for everything, even hangovers. I love stepping into a room that’s blazing at 90 degrees after downing Moscow Mules like there’s no tomorrow… you’re literally sweating out all the toxins through movement. The heat helps with deeper stretches and detoxification, making it a sweaty but a reallll rewarding workout. My favorite spots in Miami are Sunshine Hot Yoga and Om Beats Yoga Studio.

4. Aerial Yoga

New Year’s in Brazil brought me to an aerial yoga class at a neighborhood gym called Bio Ritmo – Pepê. I found myself suspended in a hammock cloth, flipping upside down with full ocean views in front of me. The beauty of the moment hit just as the blood rushed to my head, my face turned red, and I realized I’d been holding the pose for five minutes. The practice blends playful inversions with deep, supported stretches that challenge both strength and stillness. If you’re feeling stuck in your usual routine, it’s a refreshing way to reconnect with your body from a new perspective.

5. Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is for those moments when you just need to sit, breathe, and feel. I took a Yin class where I held a pose for 10 minutes straight, and I legit thought I was losing my mind. But that’s the beauty of Yin—it's slow-paced, with long-held postures that force you to dive deep into your connective tissues and bring on serious relaxation. Perfect for when you need to reset.

6. Power Yoga

Power yoga is like yoga’s athletic cousin. It’s got all the traditional poses but with a focus on strength and stamina. It’s high-energy, sweat-inducing style is perfect for anyone who wants to combine yoga with a serious workout. Be prepared to do some squats or planks in between downward dogs and leave feeling a mix of what the hell and amazed. My go-tos in New York are CorePower Yoga (only the Nolita location) or VERAYOGA on Broadway.

There’s something for every luxury hippie’s body, mind, and spirit. Whether seeking physical strength, spiritual awakening, or deep relaxation, the perfect practice awaits.

Namaste Bitches!