Namasté
At Gecko Hotel & Beach Club, we have been committed to the world of yoga and its many benefits since our origins. For us, yoga is a discipline, but also a way of living that helps us connect with the natural environment of Formentera. It is precisely this connection that inspires us to continue working every day on respectful initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of our activity.
We hope that this yogapedia guide, which collects the different yoga techniques practised at Gecko, helps you find the one that best suits your needs, so you can be part of this exciting journey with us.
Hatha Raja Yoga
This practice works the physical (hatha yoga) and the mental (raja yoga) aspects, cultivating personal growth and guiding the student towards self-realization. This style of yoga is similar to vinyasa, but unlike vinyasa, hatha raja yoga offers a slow rhythm, holding the asanas for longer.
Suitable for…
Although hatha raja yoga is meant for students with some experience in yoga, our classes and retreats are adapted to all levels and can be practised by beginners and people who prefer a more gentle practice. This is possible thanks to our teachers’ knowledge and capability to propose variations of the postures, offering a versatile and respectful practice for everyone.
The classes…
Although each session is different, in general, the practice includes a few minutes of internalization, generally with the observation of the breath (pranayama); a sequence of postures (vinyasa) with variations that adapt to the different levels; and a deep relaxation exercise (in savasana).
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a relaxed, gentle and deep-felt practice offering the student time for self-exploration. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, the postures are held for a longer time, thus helping to calm the breath, clear the mind and stretch the muscles of the body more deeply.
Suitable for…
Yin yoga is recommended for everyone, especially for those who need time for themselves, peace and balance.
The classes…
Our sessions are made up of stretches, designed to unblock tensions on a physical, mental or emotional level. By focusing on the present moment, the student reconnects with themselves and with the natural environment that surrounds them, our gardens facing the sea being the ideal location for this practice.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa yoga consists of a sequence of dynamic movements that flow to the rhythm of the breath. The postures change with each inhalation and exhalation creating a dance that connects our body with our breath. Unlike hatha raja yoga, vinyasa is quicker, spending less time between poses.
Suitable for…
The practice of vinyasa yoga is perfect for people who need to disconnect from their routine and dedicate time to their well-being. It is worth mentioning that our classes and retreats vary in intensity and dynamism. Also, our teachers can add vinyasa to help beginners move from one position to another in a more comfortable way. Thanks to this, students of different levels can join the same group.
The classes…
As the class advances, the student feels how the energy flows with a sequence of uninterrupted postures. With each upward movement, we inhale and with each downward movement, we exhale, focusing all attention on handling our body and our breath.
Meditation and pranayama
Meditation and pranayama are techniques that help us to harmonize with our being through the observation of the breath. These techniques allow the student to become aware of himself and the present moment, calming the mind of worries and guiding it towards inner peace.
Suitable for…
This practice is highly recommended for everyone, especially for people with difficulty concentrating or suffering from stress and looking for a moment of calm to find themselves.
The classes…
Pranayama: through techniques that regulate breathing, the student performs a sequence of postures that favour the process of cleaning, draining and purifying the energy and mental system. Pranayama helps improve concentration, the key to leading the student to deeper states of meditation.
Meditation: Through concentration techniques and exercises inspired by mindfulness, meditation confronts the student with his fears and helps him to manage emotions to achieve mental clarity and to be able to move towards a state of freedom and fulfilment.
