What makes a class "best" for you
No ranking can tell you which class is best, because people want different things. One person wants a calm morning stretch, another a strong flow, a third a teacher who explains every pose. Start by deciding what you want from the next hour.
Think about three things: your level, the style you enjoy and the time of day you can keep up. A class that fits these is far more likely to become a habit than one that merely has a famous name.
Choose a style
Hatha is a steady, slower class where poses are held and explained, a good first choice if you are new. Vinyasa links poses with the breath in a flowing sequence and warms you up more. Yin holds soft poses for a few minutes and suits evenings and tired legs.
If the description does not say, ask the teacher before you book. Words such as beginner or all levels usually mean the class can be adapted.
Ashtanga and power yoga ask for more strength and stamina, so they suit people who already practise regularly. If you are coming back after a break, a gentler class for the first few days is a sensible way to ease in, and you can always move up once your body feels ready.
Choose a time and a place
Arambol is in the far north of Goa, with narrow lanes and hills between the beach and the village. Allow time to get to class, and think about whether you will walk, ride a scooter or take a taxi. A class a few minutes away that you attend beats a perfect one that you skip.
In the season, from about November to March, early morning is the coolest time and a popular one. Evening classes catch the sunset but can be busier. If you stay a little further along the coast, Mandrem and Ashwem are close by.
Try before you commit
Take two or three different classes in your first week. Notice how the teacher gives instructions, whether you can follow them, and how your body feels the next morning. Child's pose is always available if you need a rest, and downward-facing dog is a good pose to ask about if you are unsure.
Once you know a teacher you like, ask about a regular schedule. If you are planning a longer stay, the page about yoga in Goa explains the areas along the coast and how the season works.
What to bring and how to arrive
Bring a mat if you have one, though many places lend or rent them. A light layer is handy for the cool start of a morning class, and a water bottle matters in the heat. Wear clothes you can move in without adjusting them all the time.
Arrive five to ten minutes early on your first visit. You can ask where to leave your shoes, tell the teacher about any injury or discomfort, and choose a spot near the door or the wall if you want to feel more at ease. Most teachers are glad to hear a question before the class starts.
Eat lightly before class, especially in the heat, and leave about two hours after a full meal. Afterwards, drink water and give yourself a little time instead of rushing straight to the next thing.
Where to find the current schedule
Schedules in Arambol change through the season as teachers arrive and leave. On Aura you can see classes on a map by time, place and style, read a teacher's profile and reviews, and book a spot in one tap. Classes appear as teachers publish their schedules, so look again close to the date.