Roberts trained in the US under Richard Freeman, with whom she later taught in Colorado. She conducted classes in Paris from 2002 to last year, and her enthusiasm for ashtanga recently led her to Mysore in South India, where she studied with Sri Pattabhi Jois, the founder of ashtanga, and his grandson, Sharath Rangaswamy.

Roberts, who is authorised to teach the ashtanga system, also earned a teaching certificate from Ganga White and Tracey Rich's White Lotus Institute in California. She also has a master's degree in psychology from Naropa University, the only accredited Buddhist university in the US.

Being a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhist meditation, she has directed meditation retreat programmes in the US, France, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

How did she get into yoga?

Roberts was a ski junkie living in Colorado when she came across yoga and began studying with Freeman. That was about 14 years ago. She most recently lived in Sri Lanka and has been at the Mandarin Oriental for about two months.

What was the class like?

Impressive. Compared with yoga classes at some Hong Kong gym chains, Roberts worked me quite hard, but without being pushy. This resulted in a good sweat and the satisfaction that it was actually working the muscles. Aching limbs the next day were expected, and the desire to go back has persisted.

What was so good about it?

Roberts has a calm manner when speaking and explains the moves simply and clearly. Having a one-on-one with her is a good idea to start with, or you can try the group class on a Sunday. She holds drop-in sessions from 6.30am-10am every weekday, after you've got the basic idea of what she teaches. 'I have one woman in her 60s who comes in and does two sun salutations and then sits quietly for the rest of her time,' Robert says. 'It's best to get an idea of what the class is, but you can then work at your own pace.'

Don't I have to be a member?

No, this class can be taken by anyone. You only have to book first and pay HK$180 on arrival (it increases to HK$220 after August 31).

There's a one-hour Sunday class from 12.15pm-1.15pm, as well as other weekly group classes. A one-on-one session with Roberts is HK$800.

There are various monthly packages for unlimited use of the studio during the weekday drop-in sessions and for classes, but these can be pricey.

What about the yoga room?

It's like the hotel itself - a combination of dark and light wood, uncluttered and relatively small. But Roberts has a limit of 20 people for each class, which makes it easier to get the gist of what's going on.

What's the address?

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2132 0188