“North of Golden Gate 🌁 Bridge” Yoga Studios

Cloudbreak Yoga
Corte Madera, CA

Cloudbreak has 3 locations (Sausalito, Corte Madera, and San Rafael). Only the Sausalito location shows up on Google and Apple Maps for some reason, but they do provide the location’s address in the email after you complete the booking. I went to the location at 8 Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera, CA 94925. They don’t offer “hot yoga” in the form of a super sweaty class; they do “warm yoga” and heat the rooms to about 85 degrees. There were a lot of people in the class I went to, and it felt like a hot yoga class.

Pros

1. The network of 3 studios and $59 / person introductory month for new guests is good
2. There seems to be a strong community and set of intermediate to advanced teachers here (the Rhythmic class I went to with Phina was packed)

Cons

1. I got the sense that the classes here tended to skew more towards the “exercise” aspects of yoga, instead of the flow and spiritual aspects, which is a con for some people
2. I didn’t particularly like the room we practiced in (it felt like it got hot and stuffy and it was cramped)

Sol Rio at Dawn Ranch
Guerneville, CA

This yoga practice changes locations and the instructor teaches at various locations. I went when MK, the owner of this practice, was teaching yoga and sound bath at Dawn Ranch, near Russian River. However, you should check the website for where she is currently holding the classes.

Pros

1. Very zen and beautiful practice in a gorgeous setting
2. MK’s instruction and flow was good; it’s clear she has been teaching yoga for years and has refined her instruction

Cons

1. The uneven brick floor outside can be uncomfortable to practice on, so bringing a dense and supportive yoga mat (like a Manduka Pro yoga mat)
2. It can be hard to find your first time since the location changes and it’s not actually its own studio. If it’s at Dawn Ranch, the address on Google Maps is: 16467 CA-116, Guerneville, CA 95446

Santosha Yoga
44797 Main St.
Mendocino, CA 95460

This is a small business that offers 4-5 person yoga classes, massages and other Ayurvedic body treatments and sound healing rituals. I took a class with Cindy Sims who led an Ashtanga primary series and gave a lot of hands on adjustments. It’s a small and intimate space, and leaves you feeling calm and relaxed. If you happen to be in Mendocino and want to start your day with a mindful practice, this is a great studio to come by.

Pros

1. Very small class so you get individualized attention; it’s clear the people who own the practice and teach also are deeply embedded in the yoga community and care about their work
2. Quaint spot that is in the heart of Mendocino, easy to get to on foot if you are staying in Mendocino, and also has plenty of street parking

Cons

1. This wouldn’t work for large groups because it is a very small space

This is the practice space at Santosha Yoga and it fits 6 yoga mats at the most; you sign up online on Schedulicity for $0 and then send a Venmo payment of $20/ person for the class in person