177 Knyaz Boris I Str, Sofia
Tel: 089/ 997 22 22, 088/ 684 38 24 
[www.yogamandala.net]

Visitors often describe the atmosphere and feel of Sofia by citing various restaurants, night clubs, bars and shopping malls that shape its identity as a European capital. For those eager to escape the metropolis’ noise and crowds, however, you can find spots offering a peaceful ambience and an unassuming conviviality.

Yoga Mandala, an atmospheric and accessible new yoga centre near Luvov Most (Lions’ Bridge), is one such place. Located close to one of the town’s hubs and next to the busy Zhenski Pazar (Ladies' Market), it occupies 240 sq m on the top floor of a building on the corner of Slivnitsa Boulevard and Knyaz Boris I Street.

As you cross the threshold, you are greeted by soft and soothing music, a scent of incense and candles and a smiling receptionist. You’ll be asked to remove your shoes, but that’s only natural as you wouldn’t wear them at home. And people at Yoga Mandala genuinely want to make you feel at home.

The staff and the yoga instructors are all young and friendly and speak good English. Visitors are likely to come across one or both of the founders who opened this oasis of serenity last October: the energetic Teodora, a former advertising agency employee now completely devoted to yoga, or the charming Maria, a seasoned yoga instructor whose portfolio boasts two years of yogic studies in India and various seminars and workshops in Greece and England.

Yoga classes range from gentle to vigorous. One 90-minute yoga session costs seven leva for adults. Special groups cater to pregnant women and children (five leva for a 60-minute session) and you can also book private lessons. You can also enjoy an eight-session one month membership for 50 leva or a 12-session subscription for 72 leva. Or perhaps you’d rather have the freedom of an unlimited six-month membership, yours for 440 leva.

Exotic offerings such as capoeira or yumeiho massage also spice up the menu. You can start your day with an early stretching session before work or let the stress drain away with your sweat after an evening Vinyasa Flow class. At least twice a year, in winter and summer, Yoga Mandala moves its practices to scenic Bulgarian locales on one-week yoga vacations or weekend retreats.

The small and cosy reception area is a perfect place to relax over a cup of organic tea (complimentary to visitors), browse through English-language yoga and wellness magazines, and maybe admire the graceful Shiva Rea flow from posture to posture on the wide-screen TV.

Several shelves represent the yoga shop where you can acquire anything from a yoga mat and a tote to carry it in, through to aromatic candles and cosmetic products based on natural ingredients, to – why not? – a gift certificate for any amount that you can give an over-stressed colleague or best friend. Mandalas – a form of art representing the universe and the microcosm in colourful circular patterns, perfect for concentration or just for admiration – are also on sale. In fact, mandalas grace every room here, as the circles – of Earth, the Sun, our family, our friends – are the governing principle of this studio.

Yoga classes take place in two halls, the smaller one named Prana (vital energy) and the larger one – Shakti (sacred force). Prana boasts a huge window that lets in plenty of natural light on a sunny day, making the Sun Salutation as exhilarating and fulfilling as possible in the city centre. Shakti, with its interesting L-shape and cosy nooks, would accommodate those wanting to feel the vibe of the group around them as well as those who’d rather retreat for quiet inward exploration in a corner. Mats and props are freely available in both halls, and the rooms are air-conditioned, maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature.

The unisex changing room is partitioned into four curtained cubicles and has more than 30 lockers. The yoga touches are visible even in the bathroom where candles replace the standard lighting and incense comes in handy instead of chemical air fresheners.

Once your class is over and you have enjoyed an hour and a half of pure delight for the body and the soul and total disregard for petty problems that have pestered you before, you might not want to return to the noise and crudeness of the outside world. But when you do, you would probably be more prepared to deal with it than ever before.