Walking down Fradique Coutinho, Gam Yoga is a storefront you might easily pass by without noticing…read more Out front, there's just a small window with a logo and palms and trees slightly blocking the path towards the back of this yoga shelter. But, if you tread up the pressed dirt steps, you'll find a humble retreat where city-dwellers escape the noise for a few hours of body-bending heaven. The rustic, but perfectly clean, respite offers a host of different yoga classes (from ashtanga to vinyasa to a newer concept called free yoga) and they even have capoeira, massage therapy and other body healing practices. We stepped in for the Sunday 12pm ashtanga class with Miguel (a calm and talented yogi hailing from Mozambique). With about 6 other people in the room, we set up our mats and began Mysore. Unfortunately for me, this wasn't a lead class and Miguel had to spend a little more time with me showing me how to properly perform certain poses. Meanwhile, the rest of the class went on with the series unaided by Miguel (until he stepped in to help them with adjustments). Portuguese was spoken the whole class, but Miguel speaks perfect English and Spanish too (in case that might be a concern). If you're looking for a lead ashtanga class, André might be a better option, since Miguel mostly does Mysore. The center also does something called Yoga Surf Camp (lead by André) where you spend the weekend at a nearby beach practicing your poses and hang-ten ability. I'll certainly return to Miguel's class (perhaps while mixing in some of André's lead classes to better improve my knowledge of the poses). A great refuge overall.

A true gem right in Moema! Been living here in SP for about 3 years, yet have not found a massage…read moretherapy clinic that would be as professional as the ones found in America. Place is spotless clean, several rooms, clean decor, and very knowledgeable therapists. Made my reservation by phone a day prior, was greeted and had to fill out a form about myself, and choose a deep tissue massage. Room had climate control, soft music in the background, and therapist even gave me a choice of three aromatherapy scents to choose from, one soothing, reinvigorating one and a relaxing one, then mixed in the massage lotion. Never had given an option, I think this was neat and awesome. Their pricing is pretty normal compared to other massage places in town, but their service and customer service is outstanding. Can't wait to get back!