I took my first class at the Pacific Grove location last Tuesday evening at 5:30 and really enjoyed it. The studio is very nice and clean. The electric fire place was sooting to zone out on during class. The teacher was very nice to listen to and made some discreet personal adjustments to students during the class. I liked how she emphasized listening to your body and allowing for modified poses. I will be back for sure! read more

I could see the potential the two teachers from whom I took class have, but was dissapointed with the classes overall. This unique studio is located in the top, back corner of the mall. It is not easy to find if you are using Google maps. Upon entering the space, I wasn't sure where the front of the studio was. The entryway extends along one side where you place your belongings. I had to be guided to the mats and tools. The large space has uneven floors that might be radiant heated. There is a loose check in process wherein you sign a piece of paper. Although we had registered online, no one ever asked us if we had done so, nor did they confirm our attendance by checking. The first class we attended was taught by a substitute. We set up against the wall for this Therapeutic Hatha practice. The sequence was fine, the teacher was nice and she used the props in creative ways. I modified as I needed to and felt the overall experience was good. The second class was with a male teacher. It was titled as "Hatha Yoga," but it felt much more like an ashtanga style class in regard to the posturing and cues. The teacher got our attention at the beginning by saying something like, "We're three minutes past start time, get settled so we can begin at a reasonable time." There were no introductions or any establishment of connection. He did not greet us as we arrived, check in, nor provide guidance for setting up. He directed us into the first posture, poorly explaining how to use the tools to set it up. As experienced practitioners, at first we felt like the practice had a good vinyasa krama. Then, we all agreed, it's like someone grabbed the wheel and turned it completely off course. The cueing was unclear (he would say "inhale your right leg," and provide no other guidance). The asana sequence did not feel good. The teacher didn't appear to have an awareness of the bodes or needs of those attending the class. Following the closing of the class, the group all said, "Thank you David," at which point we learned his name. While I may return to this studio, I will defintely be doing so with discernment after my experience. I visit Carmel often and have a friend there who is searching for a studio. She has decided this is not the one for her. However, as I said, the teachers and studio have potential to create a truly special place to practice in Carmel (plus you can get donuts and/or cheese afterward). read more

Called and spoke to Laura about attending the yoga class at Folktale Winery scheduled for May 1. After talking to Laura I canceled my plans to hike in Pt Lobos to go to the class and have brunch there. It was 10am and there I was with 3 other people and no instructor. The class was canceled. I wasted my last morning in Carmel and was not going to wait 90 minutes for my brunch reservation which cost me $32. This is very unprofessional, disappointing and a waste of my time. read more

Seaside Yoga is the best studio on the Monterey Peninsula. I don't live there anymore but whenever I visit I will stop in for a class.

I recently broke my arm and couldn't do regular fitness classes. SYS offered a series of Women's Circles which was perfect for me. I could still participate in life, without fear of injury! The series was amazing. Rachel created a beautiful, safe space. It was thought provoking and relaxing and inspiring and really such a gift to me at this time. There will be another cycle beginning in March and I highly recommend it for anyone who is searching for a deeper connection to yourself and your community. read more

This is such a cute little studio and a real Seaside sanctuary. If you're practicing yoga for the first time or are trying to get back into it after a long while then Seaside Yoga Sanctuary is a great place to start. However, for someone who has practiced ayangar, kundalini, and bikram for years but years ago I must advise a student of intermediate level seek sanctuary elsewhere. I came for a drop-in all-level session one evening to try out the place. The experience was uninspiring and pricy. There were 5 of us in the evening session, I was the only "new" student. All-levels should complete this course because of its general ease. But all the talking made it impossible to zone out. Bah. The instructor turned out to be friends with a student who actually was an instructor for the beginner level courses. All this I acquired from their overly loud, entire-session discussion. At the end I felt rested but not relaxed, I didn't feel challenged and all the talking was distracting. Cute place but I'm not planning a return until or unless they expand the types of classes and levels. read more

Love Love Loooove this place!! I went here for a month and I wish I could still continue to go (I moved out of Seaside). I would recommend this place to anyone. The classes do test you but you feel so much better afterwards. The studio is always nice and clean and the instructors are very inviting. The owner (Laura) is so sweet and her class will have you absolutely sweating. Every instructor is very hands on and helps with movements and poses and always gives you alternatives. I am in the middle of beginner and intermediate and I would definatly recommend this place to any level. You wont be sorry :)! read more

While visiting Monterey for some training at the Naval Postgraduate School (see my other reviews for the Embassy Suites Monterey-Seaside and Harumi), I wanted to find a place where I could continue my Yoga practice without significantly interrupting my demanding training schedule. Fortunately (though the website wasn't updated with this information), Seaside Yoga Sanctuary offers a Tuesday morning "Sunrise" Hatha yoga practice from 7:30 - 8:30. Parking near the studio is easy, and unlike other studios where I've practiced as a guest, the folks--both the students and Laura, the instructor--greeted me warmly and kindly. The class was $10--pretty affordable, considering other "drop-in" class prices in the area--and the instruction top-notch. A nice touch is that you don't have to rent a mat or props. Laura is a excellent yoga instructor: She carefully explained every position, her pacing was rigorous without being taxing, and she circulated throughout the small studio helping students make adjustments. It doesn't hurt that she's also beautiful (although in yoga that can be a distraction!). In summary, if you're looking for a easy-to-access, low-key, friendly and affordable yoga studio in Seaside or the Monterey area, you can't go wrong by visiting Seaside Yoga Sanctuary. read more

There are many yoga studios to choose from in the area but this place has set themselves apart with reasonable prices (slightly lower than the competition), free yoga mats & props to use during class, and a variety of yoga styles to choose from. Discounts for students and military, making yoga accessible to people of varying income levels and gratitude for those who've served. I also like that the three instructors I've had keep the mood light. Some yoga places get way to serious for me. Parking is off street on either Hamilton or Freemont Blvd. The studio has 2 bathrooms, shoe cubbies, cute clothing rack, seating area, and they take credit cards. read more

Seaside Yoga Sanctuary won the Weekly's Best Yoga studio in 2010 and it deserves it. I have been going for three years and love the instructors and the space. There are a variety of classes at different levels so everyone can find a class that works. There are props available for use for no fee, which is nice. You can pay on a drop in basis or you can get a discount by buying a multiple session card. They also have yoga for parents/tots and yoga for pregnant moms and gentle yoga for people who are recovering from injury. read more

Having never done yoga before, I was excited and nervous for my first yoga class! The studio itself was very clean and had soothing elements (light green wall, tranquil music, and what appeared to be new wooden floors). Parking was easy and the workers were very friendly. Although anxious at first, two minutes into the meditation, all my anxiety washed away. Mindful Yoga was extremely calming (almost felt as great as a massage!) and more difficult than I expected (engages a lot of different muscles I'm not used to using as a runner,yet still doable). There were varying levels of difficulties for each position. The instructor helped me with a few moves along the way. All in all, it was a great experience that was soothing for body and mind. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed my first yoga class. You should check this place out! read more

I absolutely love the SYS. It's got such a wide variety of classes, reasonable prices and a nice, clean, wide-open space that really does feel like a sanctuary from the whirling world. The classes keep me grounded in my stressful work week. The instructors are patient and knowledgable, and keep the mellow vibe needed to truly meditate with your practice. (I've had bad experiences elsewhere with yoga teachers who gab and giggle, really disrupting concentration. Not here.) Also, SYS has an eye to social responsibility--with free community yoga on Sunday nights, military discounts and bilingual classes. Seaside needs more businesses in this spirit. read more

Loved the postnatal yoga class Monday mornings. The instructor is amazing however it was a bit too expensive after the initial promotion. Probably will go back occasionally in the future. Wish the drop in rates applied to this class too! read more

Shakuntla is an amazing practitioner and guide. She noticed my weak areas and made them the focus of the class. Additionally, she gave me tips on how to maintain wellness at home. I truly benefited and will be attending as many of her Sivananda classes as possible. read more

Seaside Yoga Sanctuary - Easy parking in front of entrance. - Yoga Near Me - Carmel, California

I've had friends who loved (and worked) at this studio. I took a chance and went randomly to Shakuntla's class. It was the BEST yoga class I have ever taken. I have taken her classes now 6 times and I've never seen such a different in my yoga on and off the mat. Shakuntla's classes are more than physical yoga and it speaks to the soul. I truly love her classes and I joined the studio simply to take her classes. read more

Great venue for yoga! There are plenty of props if you don't have your own. Mara is a great instructor and accommodates many skill levels. She helps you center yourself and helps your posture if you're a beginner. If you want to take her class, she teaches at 530pm on Tuesdays. I highly recommend giving her class a try! read more

I am a movement person but I had never found the right yoga class until I took the beginning yoga series with Laura McKinnion, the owner, at Seaside Yoga. She is so incredibly knowledgeable and my body felt so aligned and stretched after each class. The studio is a gem amidst the busy Fremont street - you must step inside to see it's sweet charm. I will definitely be back for more classes! The studio also offers a wide array of classes, from prenatal to yoga in Spanish. What other studio can offer such a variety? read more

Ive taken a few classes here now and I finally made the decision to not go anymore. I am an intermediate yogi and left feeling very underwhelmed. The last class I went to the teacher was uninspired and quite lackluster. The studio is positioned on a very busy street and the noise from the road is very loud. Also I could hear people walking around upstairs which was annoying and distracting. The studio has some cute decor but with the below average instruction and loud noises Ill be seeking yoga elsewhere. If you are a beginner this might be ok for you. read more

Went here this morning for the first time- Saturday 8:15 am class. I was the first person to walk in at 8:00 and I loved the studio! It smelled fantastic, the decorations are perfect.. I immediately felt at peace and comfortable. Danielle is a fantastic person and instructor. I had never met her before, but felt she was super grounded. She ran a fantastic class. The thing I liked about it most was that we 'Om'ed three times at the beginning of the practice and once at the end. I am a regular at Stacey's Power Yoga at the Monterey Sports Center, and that is the one thing I liked about this yoga class that Stacey doesn't do. All in all, I will definitely be going back here. Thank you! read more

I took a prenatal class here during my first pregnancy in 2017. I was 8 weeks pregnant and was an excited new mom-to-be. I also was eager to join a community of people that shared something with me, being new to town. I walked in, told the teacher the basics and how far along I was and that I was completely new to prenatal yoga though I've been doing yoga for many years. She raised her eyebrows and said "8 weeks only? We typically would want women who are further along in the pregnancy because the risk of miscarriage is high in the beginning. I had my miscarriage when I was 8 weeks along actually." Another student who was nearby chimed in and said "Oh, me too." They they proceeded to talk to one another about their respective miscarriage stories all right in front of me. She then turned to me and said "You are welcome to stay if you want though." I was embarrassed. And stunned. And they had scared me. I don't think I even had any words to respond to her. The whole thing wasn't right. I am ALL for speaking about miscarriages to support one another as women but there's also a time and a place. If there are risks of prenatal yoga, there are other ways to deliver the message. I am in my 2nd pregnancy now and have been to other prenatal yoga classes this time around. All have been welcoming and have provided a stark contrast to my experience at Seaside Yoga Sanctuary. read more

I went for the first time last week...been wanting to go for awhile-sound familiar? Well, I am certainly glad that I went. Great instruction and beautiful atmosphere. This is a win-win for all. They could use more clients and let me tell you gentle yoga let me know my body certainly needed them! It's not too late to do something good for yourself and keep a neighbor hood business right where it is! Good luck to you all. read more

The positives: The instructor was very inviting and kind and the studio was clean and easy to find. I would absolutely recommend this studio to anyone who is beginning yoga or who likes an easier, no traditional (In the sense of principled asana structure, slower class. The cons: My experience with the level 2 class I took was sub par at best. The asana structure was very unorganized, with quite a few "make-up-your-own"asanas intertwined. This was advertised as a level 2 class (the most intense offered), but this was on the level of a basics or beginner class. (Very slow, choppy and disjointed allowing time for detailed instructions.) The class was advertised as a 75 minute class but ran over 30 minutes turning into a 105 minute class. During this 105 minutes, maybe 15 different poses or less were done. The price was $15 for a class. My overall observation is that I will more than likely not be going back. To pricey for classes that are not as advertised. read more

This was my first experience with yoga ever and it exceeded all of my expectations. We had Jenny as our instructor and both my fiance and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the type of yoga we did was not the complex stuff you see on TV or in movies, but it was both challenging and ultra relaxing at the same time. I now can see all of the benefits of yoga and will likely do more in the future. Maybe it was the awesome ambiance, maybe it was the great instructor or maybe it was just a combination of everything but I felt so relaxed and comfortable like getting a massage. This studio is so friendly and inviting for all levels of yoga that I'd recommend it for newbies and advanced people. I was amazed they even have yoga for adults and their toddlers or babies to do together. read more

Today was my first visit to the Seaside studio. I have been practicing yoga for about 10 years, and was in town for the weekend so I thought I would give it a try. The moment I walked in I received a warm greeting from Laura (studio owner). I took a Saturday morning Hatha class from Candice and enjoyed it immensely. Her instruction was clear and she always gave alternative postures for the yogi's with injuries. What I enjoyed most, was using all the props that are readily available for use within the studio. We even did some poses with chairs, which I have always wanted to do. The entire studio was very clean, including the bathroom. I will definitely come back to this studio again and recommend it to old and new yoga practitioners. Thanks for a great day! read more

Nice, warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's a very clean and beautiful studio with just the right spiritual overtones without being in your face, or over the top. No pretense, no sense of forced pleasantries. Very nice people all around (both patrons and staff). Will visit again at some point. read more

I'm so grateful for this studio. Many incredible instructors. I always leave feeling lighter. There is no judgement or any pretentious behavior. It's truly a community of heart-centered people who don't take yoga so seriously, but are devoted to the practice. I highly recommend for any level -beginner to advanced student. I also graduated through their 200hr teacher training and it was the best decision I've made. read more

The best yoga classes I have ever experienced! This place was clean, easy to find, and the owner is extremely helpful and nice. Any time I visit Monterey, I make a point to come here. I feel amazing after every class. Worth every penny! read more

SYS is welcoming to people of all shapes, sizes and abilities. There is a diverse teacher base, too, making it easy to find a class that meets your ability level. They also offer free community classes every Friday and Sunday. I think that reflects on the community-oriented culture at the studio. read more

I recently took the beginner six week series with Laura as the instructor- she was really informative and clear, and made sure everyone was on the same page and was always open to questions. The studio is very clean (including the bathrooms!), and was ambient/relaxing all around. All the staff I encountered were friendly too. I wasn't sure what to expect since I've never been to a yoga studio, but I'm glad I took a chance and tried it out. I'll definitely be trying out more classes they offer, just not sure where to start since they offer so many! read more

I've been loving doing yoga here. Our instructor is great, but somehow I can't think of her name at the moment. The parking is rough, but as of this writing you can park next door at Church's chicken. The sanctuary does get a lot of street noise and other noises from the apartments upstairs, so if you're into total silence this probably isn't the place. The classes and teachers are great, though! read more

This place is great!! Started coming for prenatal yoga. I go to the Pacific Grove location on Mondays & the Seaside location on Thurdays. The classes are very different & I love them both. I look forward to going to the postnatal classes after the baby comes. Highly recommend to any expectant mama:) read more

New to yoga and signed up for an introductory class. Laura made it understandable and worked with my limatations. I felt great afterwards and immediately signed on for a series. I highly recommend. read more

I'm definitely coming back! I was searching for a yoga studio nearby and wanted to try this place out since I'm only visiting for a month. I went in on a Sunday morning at 10 AM for the Hatha Yoga class. There were 2 other people with me so it wasn't crowded. This was a perfect time to go because it wasn't crowded and there were available street parking. The yoga instructor, Lisa, did a wonderful job in teaching us each movement and making sure we did the it correctly. I felt so relaxed and at peace after the class. My lower back was hurting me since I had ran 12 miles the day before so this yoga class has helped me tremendously to erase the tension. read more

What a charming studio. It has immaculate floors and beautiful murals on the walls. The studio is very clean, the prices are reasonable and the teachers are so friendly. I can tell the "regulars" come for more than just the ambiance, though. The teachers are knowledgeable and welcoming. I never felt out of place or lost. read more

I just came from the mommy and me Saturday morning class for babies between the ages of 6 months and 18 months and it was delicious! Warrior poses with babies on hips and much needed hip stretches with the sounds of little ones babbling about was well worth the morning wake up. I've also attended the beginner monday night class and I've found the environment to be unpretentious and super inviting. The poses we did in that class were completely new to me and I've been doing yoga for the past 13 years. What a great neighborhood addition to this side of town. read more

All three studios are clean and welcoming. The teachers are kind, knowledgeable, and loving. The core of yoga is abundant here. Check it out! There are also free community classes each week. read more