The Green Planet is alive with the calls of vibrantly coloured macaws, Cuban Amazon parrots and other tropical avian species. The soothing sound of flowing water drowns out of the noise of the city beyond this fascinating bio-dome’s walls, which is home to over 3,000 species of tropical fauna and flora including sloths, three free-roaming Madagascan lemurs, emerald tree boa and motoro rays. Core Direction couldn’t have picked a better spot for its immersive yoga experience.
A walkway leads from the floor of the forest all the way to the canopy. The rainforest yoga and meditation class every Friday morning at 8.30am combines 60 minutes of yin yoga followed by meditation. Mats are placed along the walkway – try to get there early to grab a spot right at the top where you are more than likely to be entertained by the antics of the flamboyant hyacinth macaw and his friends.
The teacher guides participants through gentle flows to reduce stress and shake off fatigue. Don’t be surprised if one of the dome’s feathered residents alights on the railing near your spot during the class and goes about its business as usual. Mid-way through the meditation I heard a loud splat and cracked open an eye to investigate. I’d narrowly missed being pooped on, but hey, the birds only eat fruit and other greens plus it’s good luck! One thing’s for sure with this class, you come away with a huge smile on your face.
Rainforest Yoga and Meditation: Dhs149 (incl VAT); Friday: 8.30-9.30am; Green Planet, Dubai; coredirection.com/thegreenplanet; all classes to be booked via the Core Direction app
Yoga At the Top
For breathtaking views of Dubai, head to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa for an early morning Vinyasa flow class.
Dhs149 (incl VAT); Tuesday & Friday: 7.00-8.00am; Burj Khalifa, Dubai; coredirection.com/atthetop
Twilight Yoga Flow
Wrap up your weekend with yoga in the garden of Dubai Opera surrounded by Downtown Dubai’s spectacular skyline, or head on over after work on a Monday evening. As the sun sets, relaxing music fills the air to inspire participants as they begin to transition between asanas.
Dhs105 (incl VAT); Monday & Saturday: 6.00-7.00pm; Dubai Opera Garden, Dubai; coredirection.com/dubai-opera
Mountaintop Yoga
Don’t miss the opportunity to practice gentle Vinyasa flow and meditation at sunrise and sunset on the viewing deck of RAK’s Jebel Jais Mountain on the 4th and 5th of December. Soak in the ancient beauty of the surrounding Hajar range as you follow the teacher’s movements. Food trucks will be available on site after sunset yoga and participants attending the morning class can head to 1484 by Puro for breakfast.
Dhs105 for class (incl VAT) on 4 Dec; Friday: 4.00-5.00pm; Dhs105 for class (incl VAT) on 5 Dec; Saturday: 9.00-10.00am; Jebel Jais Mountain Viewing Deck, Ras Al Khaimah; coredirection.com/jebel-jais-mountain
The Dubai Frame
Attend an early morning class 150 metres above ground at this iconic city landmark with stunning views of old and new Dubai.
Dhs150 (incl VAT); Monday & Wednesday: 7.00-8.00am; Dubai Frame, Dubai: coredirection.com/dubaiframe
