The Wildest Places to Take Yoga Classes in the U.S.

We’re more than a little in love with yoga. In fact, you’ll find a yoga mat in every Kimpton guest room. While we encourage everyone to enjoy their regular yoga routine, sometimes you have to switch things up. Turns out, you can “om” just about anywhere — including wild, wonderful and downright obscure places. In honor of yogis everywhere, we have the scoop on six unlikely spots where you can take a yoga class. And they just happen to be in cities we call home.

1. On a yacht at Daybreaker – San Francisco
What You’ll Do: For some, it’s a party. For others, it’s a blissful retreat. In either case, the Daybreaker “morning movement” is totally memorable. Held once a month at a different venue (one recent event was held on a huge yacht), it includes our favorite wellness ritual — yoga. This digital detox event at which cellphones are sometimes forbidden also includes healthy goodies (acai bowls, KIND bars, etc.) and a dance party with a DJ. So you can wake up, shake it up and then stretch out with your favorite poses.
Where You Should Stay: Sir Francis Drake Hotel in Union Square

2. In the scenic foothills of Rocky Mountain National Park – outside of Denver
What You’ll Do: The YMCA of the Rockies has yoga classes throughout the season, and the picturesque backdrop instills tranquility. Recently, it’s added an annual Yoga & Nature Retreat during which yogis go straight into the mountains to meditate and practice their craft. Is the terrain rugged? Sure. But there’s nothing like hitting tree pose in the midst of the world’s most wondrous nature.
Where You Should Stay: Hotel Monaco Denver in downtown Denver

3. Under faux stars at Adler Planetarium – Chicago
What You’ll Do: There’s a whole vast universe out there, and this yoga class is the perfect place to ponder it. The planetarium’s semi-regular Sun Salutations yoga classes take place in its Grainger Sky Theater, a dome that features projected images of constellations throughout the class. It’s a Vinyasa Flow class with a bit of far-reaching food for thought blended in.
Where You Should Stay: Hotel Burnham in the Loop

4. In the underground dance club, Verboten – Brooklyn
What you’ll do: Breathe and flow to the beat of legendary DJs on a legit dance floor. Every Monday and Tuesday night, Willkommen Deep House Yoga takes over the club when visiting instructors teach Vinyasa Flow and more. To set the mood there are psychedelic video projections, lights and a disco ball.
Where you should stay: Eventi Hotel in Chelsea

5. On a paddleboard in glimmering bay – Seattle
What You’ll Do: Keep your balance — and your state of Zen — on a paddleboard at Surf Ballard, within steps of the waters of Shilshole. After a helpful training, reach for the sky during sun salutations before doing strengthening and lengthening postures, breathing exercises and guided meditation. If you lose your footing, no problem; splashing is expected. Wasup Yoga was the first to offer this kind of class in Washington State, and the season runs June through October.
Where You Should Stay: Alexis Hotel in downtown Seattle

6. In a historic chapel at Grace Cathedral – San Francisco
What You’ll Do: Talk about getting in touch with your spiritual side: every Tuesday evening Yoga on the Labyrinth is offered in the chapel of iconic Grace Cathedral. Led by yoga teacher and author Darren Main, this nurturing class focuses on restoring calm and even has live music to help you on your way.
Where You Should Stay: The Buchanan in Japantown

Did we mention YOUR favorite out-of-the-ordinary yoga class? Shout about it in the Comments below!

photos: Daybreaker SF, Adler Planetarium, Wasup Seattle