Yoga has become very popular throughout the past few years in Lebanon. Many Lebanese people are setting aside their religious and ethnic differences in a country/region that is still often torn by these trivial matters for a step towards oneness. The best yoga teachers do a phenomenal job in bringing a diverse range of people together within a community. And these yoga classes in Lebanon listed below are prime examples of such success.
The word “Yoga” is rooted from the Sanskrit word of “Yuj”, which literally translates to: “Yoke”, “Join, or to “Unite”. Yoga is more than the physical practice of “asanas“. It’s about union through breathing, meditation and going inwards. Once we are able to master our own mind, our own emotions and bring peace from within, that is the only path of bringing peace into the world.
Best Yoga Classes in Lebanon
What makes yoga classes in Lebanon especially unique is how they incorporate nature in through the outdoors and organic food. It’s the intersection of nature and breath incorporated into these yoga classes that make the experience so lovely. You can find these yoga teachers hosting classes over the weekends on the beach, in a garden, by a resort pool or in a remote mountain village. Some of these yoga studios also have their own health cafés with locally grown ingredients.
Yoga Studios in Beirut
Yoga Souk is located in Saifi Village in Beirut Central District. It’s located within a 5 minute walking distance to the heart of all the action of Downtown Beirut and the upscale shopping center of the Beirut Souk. Or a 20 minute walk from Mar Mikhaël where I stayed. Upon entering Yoga Souk, sweaty and a bit anxious from the chaotic Beirut traffic, I felt immediately calm due to the ambiance of the studio. You can tell that the architecture, white airy decor, Feng Shui, props and high ceilings were designed with the comfort of the students’ needs in mind.
A Souk is traditionally an open area where people (locals and travelers) come from all walks of life gather to exchange goods, enjoy tea, share food and information. Yoga Souk Beirut is just that in the Yoga world of Lebanon. A space where all are welcome to openly gather and put away feelings of intimidation and judgement. A place to open up further and become vulnerable. Resulting in becoming more fearless in the world.
The teachers at Yoga Souk were carefully selected as part of the Jivamukti and Ashtanga lineage. They have had trainings from around the world as well as teachers visiting from other countries stationed to teach here for a certain amount of time. Bringing a touch of global love into oneness.
STYLES OF YOGA OFFERED:
- Jivamukti
- Ashtanga
- Kundalini
- Hormone Yoga Therapy
- Yoga Nidra & Meditation
- Yin
Address: Saifi Village, 752 Said Akl Street, Beirut Central District
Website: http://yogasouk.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogasoukbeirut
Phone: (+961) 81 608 607
Other Yoga Studios in Beirut:
- Shiva Lila Yoga Studio: Open since 2010 (the 2nd ever to open in Beirut)
- Yoga classes, Workshops, Retreats, Teacher Trainings and a mission to preserve the essence of the Teachings of Yoga
- Beirut Sivananda Yoga Center
- Sarvam Yoga: Studios in Gemmeyzeh & Naccache
- Beirut Yoga Center
Yoga Studio with a View near Beirut
Ohana Space Studio is a pleasant getaway from the busy agenda of Beirut. Just a 30 minute drive northeast from Downtown Beirut takes you into the hills of Kornet Chehwan near Dbayeh and Rabih. Serah Barakat is a young passionate Yogi who has had multiple Yoga Teacher certification trainings (including her first 200 hour training through Yoga Works she took in Morocco). At the young age of 28, she opened up this popular yoga studio in March 2018. Ohana also has a health bar where Yogis can lounge at for organic vegan snacks, nuts, bars and juices.
While the main studio is in Kornet Chehwan, yoga classes are also offered in the mountainside of Naas (20 minutes uphill) at the gorgeous, private Barakat Garden-Naas as well asOhana by the Sea in Batroun.
STYL
ES OF YOGA & SERVICES OFFERED:
- Vinyasa
- Aerial Yoga
- Hatha
- Yin
- Kids Yoga
- Restorative
- Private classes available with Serah
- Health Café with organically made energy bars, juices, smoothies, salads and more
Address: Antelias – Bikfaiya Rd, Lebanon
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ohanayogaspace
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohanaspace
Phone: +961 76 409 351
Affiliated with: YogiVentures – Yoga Retreats around the World
Yoga by the Sea in Batroûn
Ohana By the Sea is a beautiful space, consider it like a Community Center. On the large open property is Mayouli Bed & Breakfast, as well as a large open space for Yoga studio. There is a cafe on site and lounge areas throughout to relax any time of the day.
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Visiting Batroun? Here are my posts on Things to Do in Batroun and a Bike Tour with Routes you must take!
Other Yoga Classes to Look Out For in Lebanon:
Special workshops are offered weekly by all of these studios listed above. Check their website for updates!
International Yoga Day happens annually in June around the world. The yoga teachers of Lebanon do a wonderful job in celebrating and sharing this holiday with their students. Check in with your favorite Yoga studios for special events they are hosting. Teachers often organize their own Yoga class along with a day of wellness and outdoor festivities. Often outdoors to take advantage of the perfect June weather. I was in Batroûn during International Yoga Day in 2019. Many beach resorts and bars were holding special Yoga classes (some free) including: Colonel Brewery (at Colonel Reef), Pierre & Friends and at Barracuda Beach Bar.
Besides dozens of classes hosted on International Yoga Day, yoga classes in Lebanon are also taught throughout the year at various festivals such as Art, Music, Dance, Business conferences and more.
Read more related blogposts on Lebanon:
Hello Jackie, thk you for writing about the yoga in Beirut, i would like to inform you that the Shivalila yoga space is the second yoga center in beirut it opened in 2010. And was not mentioned in your article. Thk you for taking it into consideration.
Regards
Mira