This autumn and winter, join Gabriel Baker in the Mahoney Wellness & Events Room for a pair of seasonally inspired yoga sessions. A dedicated instructor with a focus on Hatha, Yin, and Restorative styles, Gabriel offers practices that harmonise movement, breath, and mindfulness to support a deeper connection with yourself and the rhythm of the seasons. To learn more about Gabriel and her teaching approach, scroll to the bottom of the page to read her full bio.

UPCOMING SESSIONS WITH GABRIEL

Autumn Reset: Gentle Yoga for Grounding and Release

Saturday, 3 May, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

As the seasons shift and the air begins to cool, this two-hour yoga session offers space to slow down, reconnect, and support your body’s natural processes of release. Inspired by the gentle transition of autumn, this class invites you to notice what you’re ready to let go of — physically, mentally, or emotionally — and find steadiness in the process.

The session includes soft, flowing movement to ease tension, breathwork to support clarity and calm, and a deeply restful guided meditation using yoga nidra techniques. The practice is designed to help you feel more balanced and centred, and is suitable for all experience levels. Each participant will receive a seasonal care bundle to support your own wellness rituals at home.

Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters are provided. Classes are $50 and include a thoughtfully curated seasonal care bundle, with optional pool access available as an add-on.

SPECIAL OFFER

Use promo code EARLYBIRD15 to get 15% off your yoga ticket between now and the 18th of April 2025.

Winter Reset: Gentle Yoga for Rest and Reconnection

Saturday, 28 June, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

This nurturing two-hour yoga session invites you to rest, recharge, and find ease during the cooler winter months. Inspired by the stillness and depth of winter, the session offers space to pause from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with your inner resources.

The practice includes slow, supported movement, calming breathwork, and a deeply restful yoga nidra meditation to encourage deep physical and mental restoration. Suitable for all experience levels, this class supports both body and mind in tuning into winter’s quieter rhythm. Each participant will receive a thoughtfully curated seasonal care bundle to continue your self-care at home.

Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters are provided. Classes are $50 and include a thoughtfully curated seasonal care bundle, with optional pool access available as an add-on.

Meet Gabriel Baker – Yoga Instructor at Polynesian Spa

Gabriel Baker is a dedicated yoga instructor from Rotorua with a rich background in movement and wellness. Her journey began with contemporary dance; she later expanded into human geography for doctoral study and also gained a diploma in traditional herbal medicine.

During her doctoral studies, Gabriel discovered the benefits of a daily yoga practice, which helped restore balance and ease the effects of long hours spent behind a desk. In 2024, she completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training with Your Own Yoga in Heretaunga Hastings and now specialises in Hatha, Yin, and Restorative yoga styles.

In her classes, Gabriel emphasises inclusivity and personal agency, encouraging participants to listen to their bodies and make choices that feel right for them. She aligns her teaching with the natural rhythms of the body and environment, creating a nurturing space for all. Gabriel holds deep respect for the Indian and South Asian roots of yoga, honouring the traditions that continue to guide its practice today.

Find out more about Gabriel and her offering on her Instagram @soulskin_yoga

Yoga and Hot Mineral Bathing at Polynesian Spa – a perfect harmony of relaxation and wellness

Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience by combining geothermal mineral pool soaking with rejuvenating yoga. Our natural hot springs are renowned for their therapeutic benefits – the mineral-rich waters help relax muscles, ease joint discomfort, and promote overall wellbeing.

To enhance your visit, you’ll have the option to add on access to either our Pavilion Pools or the Deluxe Lake Spa at the time of booking. These add-ons are a beautiful way to extend your experience beyond the class — whether you’re looking to soak quietly and unwind or take a little extra time for yourself.

The Pavilion Pools offer a range of geothermal bathing experiences, while the Deluxe Lake Spa provides a more tranquil setting with lake views, plus complimentary towel and locker use. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to your practice, combining movement with mineral bathing is a powerful way to restore both body and mind.