Beach Bodies

The best yoga classes delivered to your door

by Deborah Schoeneman

During summer weekends, securing a morning slot at Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor can prove harder than getting a Saturday-night reservation at Nick & Toni's, particularly when co-founder Jessica Bellofatto is on the schedule. Snagging prominent yoga-mat real estate can often turn into a full-contact sport.

Why not avoid the stress before you de-stress? Book Bellofatto for a private lesson either at your home or at Yoga Shanti, which she founded five years ago with fellow famed instructor Colleen Saidman (who is married to yoga guru Rodney Yee). This spring, the pair upgraded to a new, street-level studio. Bellofatto's star students have included Christie Brinkley, Russell Simmons, and Christy Turlington.

Bellofatto gave me some intense adjustments and transitioned me from a handstand into a plank--something I'd never done before. She assured me that she happily instructs beginners on the basics of yoga, and confidently guided me, a relatively experienced student, how to properly hold the Triangle pose.

Bellofatto, who trained more than a decade ago at Jivamukti, New York City's leading yoga school, teaches a mix of Vinyasa, Anusara, and Iyengar traditions. Her style is physically challenging with an emphasis on breath and alignment.

Bellofatto recommends attending private and group classes. "I always tell students it's a good idea to do a little bit of both," she says.

Besides being an inspiring yoga teacher, Bellofatto is a lovely presence. After class, you'll want to invite her out for brunch at the American Hotel or make her a smoothie--anything to keep her around. Her rates vary, depending on how far from her studio she has to travel. And she's worthy of that tiny bit of diva behavior.

Best Private Yoga Teachers In The Hamptons