Yoga

Who this page is for

For people who want to keep up their practice while travelling or come to Georgia for a yoga retreat.

And for foreigners living here who are looking for a studio, an instructor or a few days of rest.

Our role

We do not teach classes ourselves and we do not give medical advice.

We choose the instructor, studio or retreat, check their experience and terms, and arrange transfers and accommodation. We take no commission from instructors or retreats.

Studios in the city

Tbilisi and Batumi have several yoga studios with different styles and levels.

Many studios take drop-in students, which suits travellers.

We confirm the language and level of the class in advance.

Private instructor

A private session is best if you are a beginner, have an injury or have a specific goal.

The instructor comes to your hotel, apartment or a park.

At the first session they ask about your experience and any limitations.

Choosing an instructor

We check the instructor's training, experience and who they usually work with.

We ask whether they work with beginners, pregnant women or people with injuries.

If the instructor does not suit you, we find another.

Styles

Yoga styles differ: some are calm and slow, others dynamic and physically demanding.

If you are not sure which to choose, tell the instructor your goal: rest, strength or flexibility.

The instructor's approach matters more than the name of the style.

For beginners

You do not need flexibility or experience to start yoga.

For beginners a small group or a private session is better, where the instructor can see your posture.

You should not feel pain in the first sessions, and if you do, stop.

Retreats

A retreat is a few days when yoga, meditation, food and rest follow one rhythm.

The group is often small and the setting is in nature.

We ask for the retreat's programme, daily schedule and what is included in advance.

Mountain retreats

In mountain villages and hotels, yoga is often practised with a view and in fresh air.

Morning practice is often followed by a hike and evening meditation.

Altitude and weather in the mountains affect the schedule, and the instructor allows for this.

Wine region retreats

In Kakheti some retreats take place among vineyards and in old villages.

Yoga in the wine region is an interesting contrast: practice in the morning, local dishes in the evening.

Each retreat sets its own rule on alcohol, and we check it in advance.

Seaside retreats

On the Black Sea coast, yoga in summer is often held on the beach or in a garden.

Out of season, seaside hotels are quiet and work well for a retreat.

On a hot day we schedule practice early in the morning or in the evening.

Meditation

Meditation is part of yoga, but it can also be practised on its own.

For beginners a short guided meditation is often best.

Meditation does not replace medical or psychological treatment.

Breathing practices

Breathing exercises reduce tension and help with sleep.

Some intense breathing techniques are not for everyone, especially with heart or blood pressure problems.

So tell the instructor about your health beforehand.

Health and injuries

A back, neck or knee problem does not rule out yoga, but the instructor needs to know.

After a recent injury or operation, it is better to get a doctor's opinion first.

Yoga is not treatment, and with a serious condition we suggest physiotherapy or a doctor.

Pregnancy

There is special yoga for pregnancy, and not every instructor is trained for it.

In that case we look for an instructor who works with pregnant women.

Ask your doctor in advance what is suitable in your case.

Children and families

Some instructors run playful sessions for children or whole families.

Family retreats sometimes have separate activities for children.

We tell the instructor the children's ages and interests in advance.

Older people

Gentle yoga and chair yoga are a good choice for older people.

The instructor chooses poses according to health and mobility.

At a retreat we check distances, stairs and comfort.

Food at a retreat

At many retreats the food is vegetarian or light.

Georgian cuisine has many vegetable, bean and walnut dishes, so eating without meat is easy.

We pass on allergies and dietary requirements when booking.

Alcohol

Some retreats are alcohol-free, while others include a wine tasting.

That is your choice, and we take it into account when choosing a retreat.

We do not recommend alcohol on a hot day or after intense practice.

A digital break

Some retreats offer limited phone use or switching off completely.

This is often the most valuable part, though hard at first.

If you need to stay reachable for work, we agree this in advance.

Days of silence

At some retreats a day or half-day of silence is part of the programme.

It is not for everyone, so you should know what to expect in advance.

We explain this part of the programme before you book.

Yoga and hiking

Yoga and hiking complement each other well: stretching in the morning, a trail at midday, rest in the evening.

We match the difficulty of the hikes to your fitness.

We cover mountain tours and hiking in the tours section.

Practising outdoors

Practising in nature is special, but it depends on the weather.

A good retreat has an indoor space in case of rain.

When practising in the sun, a hat, water and sun protection are essential.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes, something warm for the evening and hiking shoes.

Many studios and retreats provide mats, but some people prefer their own.

A water bottle, sun protection and your regular medication.

Accommodation at a retreat

Accommodation at a retreat can be a family guesthouse, an eco-cottage or a hotel.

Rooms are shared in some places and private in others, and we confirm this in advance.

A quiet room and a comfortable bed matter on a retreat.

Travelling alone

Many people come to a retreat alone, and it is a good chance to meet new people.

For solo travellers we check transfers, accommodation and safety.

We confirm the option of a single room in advance.

Groups

For a group of friends or family we can arrange a private retreat or a private instructor.

We tailor the programme to the group's level and interests.

A yoga morning before a wedding or on a birthday is a frequent request.

Corporate wellness

Companies sometimes combine yoga, meditation and rest in one away day for their team.

In that case we allow for participants of all levels so nobody feels awkward.

Regular classes in the office can be arranged too.

For people living here

People living here often look for a studio pass or a regular private instructor.

We help find a studio near your home that teaches in your language.

Weekend retreats are a good way to get away from the pace of the city.

Language

Some instructors teach in English or Russian, others only in Georgian.

In a group class language matters less, since much is shown by demonstration.

In a private session or meditation language matters more, and we choose the instructor accordingly.

Faith and yoga

For some people yoga is purely physical exercise; for others it is a spiritual practice.

We ask the instructor how far their class includes religious or philosophical elements.

Your faith is your own business, and we choose the class accordingly.

Season

City studios are open all year round.

Mountain retreats usually run from spring to autumn, and in winter some move to ski resorts.

For seaside retreats, summer and early autumn are popular.

Transfers

Retreats are often far from the city, in villages or the mountains.

We arrange transfers from the airport or the city and coordinate group members' arrivals.

Mountain roads are sometimes difficult in winter, and we allow for this in the schedule.

Safety

When practising or hiking in nature, stay with the group and the instructor.

In the heat and in the mountains, always carry water and warm clothing.

In an emergency call 112, and then us.

Appropriate conduct

An instructor should only touch you to adjust a pose with your consent.

If you do not want to be touched, say so beforehand - it is a normal request.

If anything seems inappropriate, stop and tell us.

Reviews and reality

Retreat photos are often perfect, while reality depends on the weather and the group.

We read reviews from the last season and ask the organiser specific questions.

We will tell you honestly what is outstanding about a retreat and what is simply good.

Booking

Popular retreats fill up early, especially in summer.

When booking we confirm what the price includes: accommodation, meals, transfers and activities.

We write out the cancellation terms for you in advance.

Insurance

Insurance does not normally cover yoga classes.

Travel insurance is still important, especially on a mountain retreat and when hiking.

We check whether your policy covers hiking in the mountains.

Yoga and spa

Many retreats combine yoga with a spa or the baths.

Morning practice and an evening massage are the most pleasant combination on a retreat.

We cover spa options on a separate page.

Yoga and resorts

At a resort, gentle yoga is sometimes added to a treatment programme.

In that case the instructor and the resort doctor take each other's recommendations into account.

We cover the resorts on a separate page.

A typical day on a retreat

The day often starts early with meditation and yoga before breakfast.

Midday goes on a hike, a walk, reading or free time.

In the evening there is gentle practice, dinner and an early night, which is what differs most from city life.

Local culture

Some retreats include a Georgian cooking class or dinner with a local family.

This adds novelty and human warmth to the calm rhythm of yoga.

If you want only peace and quiet, you can skip such activities, and that is fine.

Preparing before you come

If the retreat includes hiking, walking and light exercise for a few weeks beforehand will help.

Try new shoes at home before the hike so you do not hurt your feet.

The instructor may send you a short questionnaire before you arrive - answer it honestly.

Village sounds

Village quiet is often different from city quiet: roosters, dogs and church bells.

For many it is part of the charm of a retreat, while others find earplugs help.

If you are a light sleeper, we choose a room away from the village centre.

Animals at a retreat

At a village retreat there are often animals: dogs, cats, horses or poultry.

If you have an allergy or a fear of animals, we clarify this in advance.

At some retreats you can bring your own pet, and we check that rule separately.

Group make-up

Some retreats are mixed, while others are for women only or a particular age group.

We confirm the size and make-up of the group in advance so there are no surprises.

A small group often means more attention from the instructor and a calmer atmosphere.

Practising after you get home

After a retreat many people want to keep practising at home.

Some instructors offer online classes or a short programme for home.

Small but regular practice often gives more than one intense week.

Sleep and rest

One of the most common results of a retreat is better sleep.

Early nights, screen-free evenings and fresh air all help.

Sleeping in a new place is sometimes hard for the first few nights, and that is normal - within a few days the body gets used to the new rhythm.

Photos

Many people want a yoga photo in the mountains or a vineyard.

You may only photograph other participants with their consent.

During practice the phone often needs to be put away.

Common mistakes

Choosing a dynamic class for your very first experience.

Hiding an injury or health restriction from the instructor.

Booking a retreat without reading the programme and terms.

What we need from you

What you would like - a class, a private instructor or a retreat - and for how many days.

Your level, any health restrictions and dietary requirements.

Your language, whether you are coming alone or with a group, and your accommodation preference.

Cost

The instructor or organiser sets the price of a class or retreat.

Transfers and extra activities are often separate items.

Our coordination is agreed in advance, and we take nothing from instructors.