Long-time Brazil convert but more recent resident Kiu Mars immersed himself in yoga whilst travelling around Southeast Asia and specifically India where he trained to become a teacher. Now hosting classes at the CasAlegre pousada in Santa Teresa as well as the Blyss centre in Ipanema, he emphasises the importance of music during the classes, which can be held in one-on-one as well as group settings. Specialising in vinyasa and ashtanga, the classes are designed to detoxify the body and encourage flexibility, tone and postural alignment.