The best yoga studios in Miami

Without a doubt the most gorgeous studio on this list, Mimi is the first brick-and-mortar hot yoga studio from lifestyle and yoga entrepreneur and certified yoga teacher, Mimi Ghandour. Aside from the tranquil, aquamarine space filled with soft curves and lined wall-to-wall with LED-illuminated mirrors, Ghandour herself is the studio's biggest draw. Known for her signature power flows, enchanting mantras and positive energy, Mimi leads several of the daily classes, teacher trainings and workshops. A monthly pass is $155 with a six-month commitment, or drop in for $25 per class. 278 NW 27th St

For yoga in the clouds, head to the 16th floor of EPIC Hotel on the Miami River. Exhale is part yoga and barre studio, part full-fledged spa. For an off-beat take on the meditative practice, check out a "Power Flow" class, which infuses hip-hop, rock, reggae or any other music you like to down dog to.

After years of operating as a nightclub and laser tag facility (yes, laser tag was a thing here), one of Coconut Grove's largest commercial spaces found its footing as a wellness center: vegetarian restaurant Choices Cafe on the first floor and ultramodern yoga studio Om Movement on the second. Classes at Om focus on strength (physical and mental) as well as flexibility and general well-being. No equipment? No problem; towels, mats and other necessary items are available to rent.

This soothing studio is an oasis from the chaos of Wynwood, offering a mix of vinyasa and power vinyasa-style classes. Unlike traditional hot yoga, SOL Yoga uses infrared heat to gently warm the body to help release toxins, increase circulation and burn fat. Though there is only one main practice space, it is well-appointed and dimly lit, and amenities like a marble-clad shower and curated boutique amp up the spa vibes. A drop-in class costs $25, while a 10-class package goes for $170 and a month-to-month pass will run you $160 per month with a six-month minimum. 48 NW 25th St

This South Beach staple has been a pioneer of the local yoga movement since 2006, when husband and wife team Tim Feldmann and Kino MacGregor opened one of the neighborhood's first holistic spaces. From then on, Miami Life Center has offered a wide range of yoga classes, community workshops and training opportunities. The only downside to its super central location is the occasional street noise, but that's a small price to pay for accessibility in an area where traffic and limited parking are usually the case. 

No matter how soothing or positive the experience, your first foray into yoga can be intimidating. Green Monkey has helped curb some of that pressure with bright, modern spaces and a range of instructors, many of whom are students-cum-instructors turned on to the possibility of teaching by their experiences at Green Monkey (both at the Miami Beach location and in Coral Gables). Even with all its modernity, classes are authentic and uphold the tenements of wellness and spirituality associated with this ancient practice.

Technically, it's not a yoga studio, but the classes are up to par with other local institutions. So, instead of sitting in rush-hour traffic, head over to Tina Hills Pavilion at Bayfront Park on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm to fill yourself with powerful ohms in the midst of the bustling city. Just because classes are free doesn't mean the instructors are going to take it easy on you—prepare to sweat, stretch and flex your muscles during a full 75-minute session.

Considered a holistic gym, I Am Equilibrium in Doral is a place to heal and inspire. Classes range from ab- and glute-intensive aerial sessions to breathing and stress exercises, as well as chakra classes. If you’re looking to reap the mental and spiritual benefits of yoga, opt for a sound bowl meditation class, which features the soothing vibrations of Tibetan crystal singing bowls.