A Moroccan-looking building with royal blue domes and natural stonework sits majestically one block from Tucson’s Fourth Avenue.
This building isn’t a museum or a temple, but a new yoga studio and day spa. Its name, Anjali, is a Sanskrit word that translates to “”offering.””
Co-founder Janis Herradora said she sees Anjali as an offering to the Tucson community.
“”Anjali offers the opportunity for people to take better care of their self through yoga, spa treatments and vegan dining,”” Herradora said.
Anjali’s newly remodeled facility includes two yoga studios, a day spa and a vegan restaurant. The yoga classes are the only facility open for business yet. According to Herradora, the day spa is due for completion in six months and the restaurant will open later next year.
The various hatha and kundalini yoga classes attract all levels of people and suit their experience level and style of practice. Anjali believes yoga is movement that brings unification of the spirit, mind and body.
“”My vision is to have an eclectic blend of different yoga traditions,”” Herradora said. “”I hope to start a children’s yoga class.””
The classes take place daily in two different wood-floored studios. The larger, west-facing studio measures an incredible 2,000 square feet and the smaller studio is approximately 800 square feet; both with vaulted ceilings.
Anjali’s owners recognize and appreciate their proximity to the UA campus. Therefore, they offer student discounts as well and transportation discounts. The rate for one yoga class is $12 and $8 for students.
“”We are proponents of the environment,”” Herradora said. “”So we reward our yoga students with a free class if they walk, ride a bike or take the bus to class.””
There are seven yoga instructors, including Guru Ravi, who recently started teaching kundalini yoga. Guru Ravi described Anjali as an exciting new lifestyle center in the heart of Tucson.
“”I am looking forward to the opening of our raw foods vegan restaurant,”” Guru Ravi said.
Anjali is also used for special events such as concerts and yoga workshops. It?s also anticipating a visit from Ubaka Hill, a female drummer who will hold drumming circle workshops for women Oct. 27 and 28.
Although it’s new, Anjali is already attracting a strong group of yoga students, from downtown businessmen to university students.
“”The style of this building strikes (the) curiosity of people walking by,”” Herradora said.
Ashley Carrillo, a physiological sciences senior who lives a few blocks from Anjali, was curious about the services they offer.
“”I’ve walked by it many times,”” explained Carrillo. “”I was curious about what was inside, but now that I know, I can’t wait to try their new restaurant.””
“”Here at Anjali, we value a holistic view of healing through yoga, vegan eating and massage,”” said Herradora. “”It is a great feeling of self-empowerment to take care of your body by taking it into your own hands.””
Anjali is located at 330 E. Seventh St. For more information about Anjali’s services and yoga schedule, visit www.anjali.com.
