Downward Dog With Dogs: Do Yoga With Animals At These 9 Hotels And Retreats

Sharon Nolan | Top 10 specials for America Today

Yoga classes are often on the list of amenities at hotels and resorts, and some include classes that involve animals. The addition of friendly creatures can give yoga participants an extra layer of calm and comfort, facilitating relaxation and reminding them of what yoga really means: mindfulness and a deep connection with nature.

In some cases, animals may lose balance, feel pain, stress, anxiety, depression, loss, grief, pain or injury. Other times, you can simply smile, uplift, and cheer. Take your dog for a walk among the adorable creatures big and small at this hotel and resort.

Flamingo Yoga in the Bahamas

Try Flamingo Yoga at Bahamian resorts (including the Grand Hyatt, Rosewood and SLS hotels). Led by a CFO (Chief Flamingo Specialist), the course takes place in the Rosewood Rose Garden and allows guests to stand beside four Flamingo Ambassadors: Baha, Linden, Indy and Luca.

Guests strike meditative poses while the birds imitate them. You'll also learn about the Bahamas' national bird and learn how to protect its population. Advance reservation is required; They cost around $80. Guest must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Hummingbird Yoga at St. Lucia

An elegant resort on the northwest coast of St. Lucia, Windjammer Resort offers exotic villas with stretches of fine sand and views of the sea for miles. The resort has introduced an exciting new yoga program that allows guests to practice yoga at multiple resort locations — and these locations are often home to colorful hummingbirds.

Sit, lean forward and breathe as you look out over the water and hear the hummingbirds chirping. Hummingbird Yoga is currently prescription only, making it a truly personalized group experience. It costs about 25 dollars.

Yoga with Adopted Puppies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In recent years, the Logan Hotel in Philadelphia has partnered with a local animal shelter to hold a puppy yoga fundraiser. A yoga instructor offers class time, and the animals come from the animal shelter on the hotel grounds. The event is held at least once or twice a year with two to three courses to cover the weekend and weekday audience. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to purchase tickets (usually under $20) with proceeds going to animal shelters.

More yoga with puppies in Miami Beach, Florida

At Eden Rock Miami Beach, you can also participate in yoga with the adoptable puppies. Animal Lovers Rescue (ALR), a local nonprofit, visits the hotel with furry friends who just want attention and a forever home. Spa staff leads guests through courses focused on bonding with themselves, others, and the friendly animals who visit the facility. 100% revenue generated from ALR benefits. Classes cost $15 and are suitable for yogis and beginners alike.

Goat yoga in Switzerland

Do goat yoga at the Grand Hotel Kronehof in Pontresina, Switzerland. Friendly and curious goats roam as guests move and soar across the stunning landscape. Goats can climb, push or sleep peacefully on a nearby mattress. Having a goat in one sitting reduces stress and anxiety and improves mental health. 90-minute classes cost $39 for a minimum of six participants and are available upon request from staff. cheap...

Yoga Lama in Georgia

Alpaca Treehouse Atlanta (starred in the Netflix series Love Is Blind and World's Greatest Vacation Rentals) offers llama yoga classes with experienced instructors in a beautifully restored, light-filled bamboo shed where alpacas and other animals live.

Figgy, a gentle llama – and sometimes Queen Dali Llama or Lira – helps with lessons. Yoga isn't just a hobby (though it is) and can help participants overcome all kinds of physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. A 1.5 hour class costs $50, with 15% of the fee going to a local pet charity. From 12 years, reservation is required.

Yoga with fish in Maldives

Practice yoga amidst the colorful marine life at Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives. Classes are held on the first Tuesday of every month at the resort's 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the largest glass-enclosed underwater restaurant in the world. Watch as the fish twist and turn, luring you in as they hold your ground. Lessons are given to a maximum of six participants, so guests can be spread out. Reservations are required and costs around $95.

Yoga in Dubai with marine life

Underwater yoga and meditation classes at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai in a giant aquarium surrounded by colorful and relaxing floating sea creatures. Yoga classes at The Lost Chambers Aquarium are perfect for clients of all skill levels looking to improve their strength, flexibility and balance. Socks can be purchased on the day of the course or it is advisable to bring your own towel. Advance booking is required for up to 15 guests per room. The price is around $44.

Goat Yoga in New Berlin South, New York

Experience life in the moment at Gilbertsville Farmhouse, a stunning weekend getaway destination in beautiful New York City. Popular as a wedding, retirement or special event venue, guests here are offered goat yoga as part of their experience. Themed yoga events are also held here for fun. Lessons start at $30.

No matter what type of yoga suits your health, sharing it with living people can create a sense of connection and well-being and make your hotel or resort truly special.

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