When I heard of a place in Auckland combining two of my great loves – yoga and good food – I knew I had to check it out. This is the most blissful yoga studio: Auckland’s Loft Yoga Lounge.

Describing itself as a yoga lifestyle centre, The Loft Yoga Lounge offers classes in Hatha, Ashtanga and Bhakti yoga, as well as cooking classes, kirtan chanting sessions and talks from visiting speakers. Located close to the city centre, it runs evenings several nights a week where you can come and enjoy a 90-minute yoga class and then indulge in a delicious vegetarian feast, all for just NZ$19. What a delight. 
 
yoga studio auckland

On entering the venue you receive a warm welcome, and the yoga space itself is simple and spacious, with a window facing out into some jungly greenery.  The classes are usually busy, with complimentary mats, calming music and accommodating teachers. The general atmosphere of this place is gentle and open.

Towards the end of the class the aromas of the cooking start to hit your nostrils and, after a blissed out savasana under a soft blanket, everyone arises and a queue forms for the shared dinner.

yoga studio auckland

Served by friendly staff from a heated glass counter, awaiting our hungry stomachs is an epic veggie feast of a main dish such as a curry or chilli, a side dish – perhaps a scrummy corn cake – with a tasty sauce and a heap of salad leaves, accompanied by a spiced tea to wash it down. Tables are shared, encouraging everyone to chat and make new acquaintances with your fellow class-goers.  Before you’ve even finished, there will be offerings of seconds and then there’s a delicious dessert – if you can squeeze it in after all that veggie goodness.

yoga studio auckland

Even the kitchen itself is a blessed, sacred place, so this ‘soul food’ is shared with love by the dedicated staff who teach and work here.

All this leaves you with a truly satisfied feeling as you leave Loft Yoga Lounge with stretched and toned muscles, a relaxed mind and a stomach busy digesting the plentiful food.

yoga studio auckland

An ideal place to end a hectic day, to slow down and nourish your body and spirit, in the heart of this bustling city.

Now, read my review of the world’s top yoga places for when you’re travelling, here.