Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar or Yin: Which Yoga Style Suits You?

By Ulpotha · Published 16 June 2026

Tagged Vinyasa Ashtanga Hatha Yin Iyengar Yoga Retreat Prana Flow Jivamukti

If a yoga retreat schedule reads like a foreign menu (Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Yin), take heart: the styles overlap more than they differ, and a good yoga teacher meets you where you are. Still, it helps to know what the names mean.

The main lineages

• Ashtanga: a set, breath-linked sequence practised in the same order each time. Strong, meditative and rewarding to repeat. Often taught “Mysore-style”, at your own pace with individual guidance.
• Vinyasa & Prana Flow: creative, flowing sequences that link movement to breath. Every class is a little different. Energising in the morning, graceful any time.
• Hatha: a broad, steady approach holding postures a little longer, with breath and meditation woven in. A good foundation for any level.
• Iyengar: precise alignment, thoughtful use of props, and time to understand each posture. Excellent if you want to practise safely or work around an injury.
• Jivamukti: vigorous vinyasa wrapped in philosophy, chant and music. What happens on the mat carries into how you live off it.
• Yin & restorative: slow, passive, deeply held shapes that soothe the nervous system. The perfect counterweight to a strong morning practice.

You don't have to choose perfectly

At Ulpotha, a different international yoga teacher leads each retreat, so the style is set by your dates rather than chosen from a menu. Whoever is teaching, practice is open to all levels, beginners included. It's common to spend two weeks with a lineage you might not have sought out yourself. See which one each teacher brings on the yoga page, meet the teachers, then match it to dates on the retreats calendar.

Find your yoga retreat →