Keith Kachtick, founder and director of Dharma Yoga, one of Austin’s premiere yoga studios, has traveled all over the world, as a travel writer—for publications like Esquire, New York Times Magazine and Texas Monthly—and a yoga and meditation teacher.

In 2004, after visiting Austin during a book tour for his first novel, Keith decided it was the perfect place to open a Buddhist yoga studio--and he’s been here ever since. I sat down with Keith recently to ask him all about his favorite ways to relax and why he chose Austin over everywhere else.

What does a regular day in the life of Keith Kachtick look like?
Up around 7:00. Jog or walk the dog. Attend or teach a class at Dharma Yoga. Refresh with an acai smoothie at Wheatsville. Design a flier for an upcoming workshop or plan that weekend’s teacher training. Answer emails and phone calls. Complain to someone about how lame Yoga Journal is. Teach another class. Answer more emails. Have dinner at East Side Showroom. See some live music or watch a movie. Shower. Count my blessings. Sleep soundly. Repeat.

When or where are you happiest?
I love teaching at Dharma Yoga. Thirty people breathing and flowing through asanas together is pretty magical. During my Vinyasa flow classes I sometimes feel like the conductor of an orchestra.

Name one reason why it’s easier to stay sane in Austin over any other city.
Sunday nights that include both Uchi and Barton Springs.

What‘s something you do every day to unwind?
Sit on my screen porch and drink Japanese tea.

Where is your favorite place in the city to get away from it all?
My partner Camilla and I kayak every Thursday morning around Red Bud Island. It’s just the two of us and a bunch of white herons and swans and sunbathing turtles.

Four Seasons or Hotel San Jose?
I’d rather go across the street to the Continental Club.

If you could hop on a plane to anywhere in the world, guilt-free, this weekend, where would you go?
Probably either Tulum or Bali. Or maybe Marfa. Or let’s just embrace some guilt, make it a long weekend, and hit all three.

Which of your classes at Dharma Yoga would you recommend for people who need an inner city escape?
Whether it’s a Sunday night candlelit Restorative Class, a Buddhist-flavored Dharma Yoga class, our morning meditation series, a vigorous Vinyasa flow session, or a Thai Yoga Massage workshop, we offer ample opportunities for Austinites of all ages and shapes and levels of experience to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and drop deeply into the sanctuary of their hearts.

Take him up on his word and visit Dharma for a restorative class during a busy week or sign up for a couples yoga and meditation weekend retreat (September 23rd-25^th). It’s a great opportunity to escape the city and spend an entire weekend with your significant other.