I Tried The Cult Mindful Movement Workout, Sanctum

It’s 7pm on a balmy June evening and I’m on the rooftop terrace of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, holding hands in a circle with a group of strangers. To anyone looking on from a neighbouring building, we must look like some kind of (albeit super-luxe) cult – but in fact we’re in the final minutes of a Sanctum class: a 55-minute music-led mindful movement experience which combines kundalini yoga, primal movement, HIIT and breathwork.

Ending a workout class in this tactile way in your average Fitness First would, generally, be an absolute no-go – especially in Britain – and I must admit, when first instructed to do so I inwardly squirmed. But Sanctum is all about togetherness and pushing boundaries. Founded in Amsterdam in 2020 by Gabriel Olszewski and Luuk Melisse, the collective was initially created as a way of combatting loneliness mid-pandemic. After gaining a fan base, larger-scale classes began taking place in atmospheric locations across the city such as Gothic churches, Roman ruins and art galleries. 

Then, in 2024, Sanctum launched in London as part of a wider global rollout, popping up at places like Holy Trinity in South Kensington and Paddington’s Inhabit Hotel. And now, the nomadic concept is bringing its signature class high above the streets of London, launching a series of sunset sessions atop the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair.

Review: Sanctum Sunset Sessions, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

The Mandarin Oriental group has long been known for its wellness offering, but recently the Mayfair hotel has begun delving into new territory with zeitgeisty launches. First was a floating sound bath, and now the Sanctum residency. 

The experience begins by being whisked several floors up to the penthouse suite, where we’re led out onto the sprawling roof terrace complete with far-reaching views across the London skyline. Some Sanctum classes are attended by hundreds of people, but here there are just eight of us. Initially, I wonder if this will impact the atmosphere – but in fact the intimate nature of the session adds its own kind of magic. Plus, headphones are given to all Sanctum participants to create an immersive, sensory experience, blocking out external distractions while pumping powerful music and piping the instructor’s voice directly into the ears. Like a silent disco, it has the effect of cocooning you in your own world of sound, aiming to remove any feelings of self-consciousness.

After some grounding breathing to regulate the nervous system, our charismatic instructor begins by leading us through a warm-up, getting our heart rates up with squats, pulses, arm swinging and swaying. But your classic HIIT class this is not: we’re also being encouraged to chant ‘Ha! Ha! Ha!’ with each movement (not in a laughing way, but derived from ancient sounds designed to open up the energy of the heart). At first everyone remains quiet, giggling awkwardly. But as we relax into the class, I spot people’s mouths beginning to move – particularly so when we’re told if the ‘Ha!’ sound doesn’t get louder we’ll be doing burpees. 

This is stage one of the Sanctum workout: the activation and build-up. The focus is on repetitive, high-energy primal movement designed to take you out of your head, exhaust the body and bring you into a slightly meditative trance. Our instructor encourages us to channel our inner child, to lose our inhibitions; inspired by her fun, free energy (and the uplifting dance music blaring in my ears) I gradually feel myself moving more freely – and notice others are too. ‘Be ugly!’ she shouts. ‘Be silly!’

Soon enough, it’s time for stage two, the active meditation. The pace slows and a Florence and the Machine song starts to play, we’re encouraged to lie down and really feel the music as the body calms. Rather than close our eyes, the instructor tells us to look up at the clouds and breathe. 

It’s a blissful moment, but it doesn’t last long. One track later we’re onto stage three, which is all about cathartic release. After some more upbeat tracks and a burst of jumping, there’s a freestyle dance section – usually my worst nightmare, but today the positive energy of the instructor and my fellow class-goers is infectious. 

The instructor ends by telling us to hold hands with our neighbours, stand by the edge of the rooftop and look out at London bathing in the light of golden hour. The rooftop setting adds to the poignance: it’s a second to appreciate the beautiful city we’re so lucky to live in, the incredible sights that so often pass us by. We end the class by rubbing our palms together to create energy then placing our hands on a part of our body that needs some extra love (most people go straight to their heads). 

Many Sanctum devotees liken the experience to therapy, and it’s common for people to end the class crying. I don’t spot any tears shed today, but I certainly see how it serves as a kind of emotional release. There’s a warm sense of bonding among the group, and I leave on a high, feeling noticeably less anxious about niggling worries. 

London can feel overwhelming and disconnected sometimes, as everyone rushes past one another and sits with their headphones on, scrolling on the tube. Sanctum feels like an antidote to this – a reminder to get out of our own bubbles, to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and just have a bit of fun. 

BOOK IT:

The Sanctum Sunset Series at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair takes place monthly from July to September, with each session limited to just 15 guests. £75pp, wearesanctum.com