Touch down on Planet Yoga

Charismatic local yoga guru, Master Kamal (right), has quit California Fitness to launch Planet Yoga - the city's first 'total ashram experience'.

Torey Lee, a co-founder of California Fitness who became a disciple of Kamal's three years ago, has also quit the company to oversee the $7 million project.

The move has delighted many of 37-year-old Kamal's A-list clients. Local supermodel Vanessa Yeung told SAR: 'This is the best news. Master Kamal's classes are so important to my physical and mental health. But you know, it's hard to meditate when people are weight-lifting to techno-pop music next door.'

Speaking from India, Kamal, who began his yoga training in an ashram when he was five, said: 'Planet Yoga will be for everyone. It will be affordable and will also offer classes for children and older people.

'We want to bring the true meaning of yoga to Hong Kong. Along with familiar classes to promote body sculpting and stretching we will introduce lessons to build strength, physical, sexual, spiritual and creative energies.'

The three-storey complex will occupy the same building as California Fitness' Central branch, but 20 storeys higher. Visitors will be greeted with fountains and statues of Indian deities.