The finest yoga and meditation studios

In our busy, fast-paced world, it is increasingly important to take a break. To relax, come to yourself and clear your head. Yoga and meditation are perfect tools for that. Nowadays there are fortunately plenty of places where you can work on your mental and physical well-being. We have searched for you for the finest yoga and meditation studios throughout the Netherlands where you can really come to yourself.

Get stronger and relax in Amsterdam

The New Yoga School

In the heart of the Jordaan, at Laurierstraat 109, lies a place where the hustle and bustle of the city is momentarily stilled. As soon as you step inside De Nieuwe Yogaschool, you feel: here you can breathe. In this characterful, bright building, yoga is not only about strength and flexibility, but mainly about coming home to yourself.

Every week there are more than sixty classes on the schedule: from powerful vinyasa flows to soft yin yoga, from pilates to deep breathing work and meditation. You can participate in the school’s cozy halls. Don’t live in Amsterdam?Then you can take almost all classes online from home. Whatever your level or mood, there is always something that fits.

After your class, you can linger in the DNYS Café. Think homemade soup, fresh juices, vegan goodies or a warm cup of chai. A time to feel after, catch up or just be. The New Yoga School is more than a yoga studio. It is a place with a soul, where attention is paid to body and mind and where you are always welcome as you are.

More yoga studios in Amsterdam

Do you love yoga in a warm space? Then Equal Yoga is the place to be. This studio has locations in both Amsterdam and Utrecht and offers hot yoga classes from 26 to 36 degrees. You will find relaxing yoga classes like Equal Yin for ultimate relaxation, but also tough Core Power classes where you really get to work. The infrared heating allows you to relax even more and your muscles are stretched deeper.

Stretch & Fold is a truly unique place not to be missed. This special studio in Amsterdam North not only has a fantastic yoga room, but also a large roof terrace with pool, sauna and a nice restaurant. Besides yoga, you can come here for workshops and Pilates. It is the perfect place for a complete wellness day, combining yoga with relaxing on the roof with a view of Amsterdam.

Yoga between the books in Utrecht

You may already knowthe Utrecht Book Bar from our blogs, but did you know that it also regularly hosts yoga classes? This inspiring place on Westerkade combines books, meetings and well-being. Check their calendar for special yoga events in this special setting.

Mindfulness and meditation in Rotterdam

Since 2011Centrum Bodhi has been the place in Rotterdam where you can immerse yourself in yoga and mindfulness. Both in their studio and online they offer a variety of yoga, mindfulness training and personal coaching. In a safe environment where you have all the space you need to discover yourself. Age plays no role!

Founders Claudia, Mikis and Fianne are happy to guide you to more relaxation and focus in everyday life. In a professional and personal way, where your needs and possibilities are central. Among other things, they teach the scientifically proven 8-week mindfulness training (MBSR) that helps you better deal with stress and difficult emotions.

At Zen.nl Rotterdam-Zuid you can learn to meditate in an inspiring and challenging way. The Zen meditation course gives you peace, focus and insight. It teaches you to think what you want to think and feel what you want to feel. More than 30,000 people have already learned to meditate here and students give Zen.nl an average of 9.2!

Zen Master Rients Ritskes has been meditating since he was 17 and has more than 30 years of experience. He has trained under several American and Japanese Zen masters and is the author of 12 books on the practical application of Zen in daily life.

Vipassana Meditation Rotterdam at Gimsel Academy offers insight meditation courses for anyone seeking peace of mind. You learn to be attentive to everything that presents itself to you, from outside and within. Loving attention teaches you to better understand the workings of the busy head and uncertain heart. The classes consist of guided sitting meditation, walking meditation and exchange of experiences.

Silence and awareness in The Hague

Center for Mindfulness The Hague is led by the highly experienced Hende Bauer and offers mindfulness and compassion trainings that are effective, down-to-earth and profound. The trainings are accessible to everyone and help you to be more attentively present in the here and now. You learn to make conscious choices instead of reacting automatically.

Mindfulness training allows you to recognize stress signals earlier and deal with them better. You also learn to deal differently with old thought patterns, which leads to better concentration and more relaxation. At the basis is the scientifically proven MBSR method.

Zen.nl The Hague offers the same high quality Zen meditation courses as their branch in Rotterdam. Here you will be guided by Raoul Destrée, psychologist, coach and experienced trainer. He was first introduced to zen in 1978 at Leiden University and later spent several months in zen centers in Japan and Thailand. At Zen.nl The Hague you will learn to meditate in a serene and professional environment.

Meditation The Hague has been offering free meditation classes since 1977. They share the joy of spirituality through free meditation classes, concerts and events. Their meditation center reflects a belief in the harmony of meditation, exercise and healthy living. A special place where everyone is welcome, regardless of background or experience.

Buddhist meditation throughout the Netherlands

Shambhala is a worldwide community of people inspired by the principle that every human being has a nature of fundamental goodness. In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Haarlem and Utrecht, they offer open house and introductory programs throughout the year.

You can meet experienced meditation instructors who will guide you in the practice of Buddhist meditation. Online sessions are also available, so there are many ways to connect. Shambhala welcomes people from all walks of life, faiths and backgrounds.

Tips for beginners

Unsure if yoga or meditation is for you? Rest assured! Most studios offer special beginner classes or introductory workshops. You don’t have to be flexible to start yoga, it comes naturally. And meditation is precisely not about clearing your head, but about kindly observing what is happening.

Many studios offer a trial class or introductory offer where you can try several classes for an attractive rate. That way, you can discover which style and studio suits you best. Remember to bring your yoga mat (although most studios have them available), wear comfortable clothing and come with an open mind.

Credits photos: The New Yoga School and Canva.com