I have found a new favourite store. I didn’t even know this place existed until my friend told me about it. I think I want almost everything in there. They have everything from incense, new age décor, books, and so much more. Prices are amazingly inexpensive for what they carry. They even had vegan bags and so many other items that were perfect for my pseudo hippie self.
Jade C.
Place rating: 5 Halifax, Canada
Excellent little alternative store with knowledgeable and friendly staff. This is THE place to go for incense. They have lots of hand made incense directly from India, Tibet, China, Japan, etc. It is quite pricey but I think it’s worth it. Always a great experience and I leave feeling happier.
Shannon H.
Place rating: 4 Halifax, Canada
This is one of the stores where you really don’t know what you might fall in love with. For me, it’s the standing paper lanterns that would look so great in our bedroom. Also the hanging lanterns that would look awesome anywhere. They even have those tiny little lanterns on a string of lights here! I love those! A lantern for every occasion! Don’t worry, there are other things too. There’s some amazing hand cream, a selection of beautiful wind chimes, and a lot of perfect«little touch» items. You know, the kind of items that pull a room together. This would be an excellent place to find a wedding or a housewarming present. Also, the staff member who was there when I took a look was super helpful and let me browse without interfering. I love when they do that.
Dee L.
Place rating: 5 Halifax, Canada
Drala really is one of Halifax’s gems, and is one of my favourite places to visit. Walking into the this store is like entering a tranquil, soothing oasis. Peaceful music gently plays in the background. Visually, it is uncluttered and the displays of products for sale are beautiful to look at. I often find myself wanting to curl up on one of the colourful meditation cushions and stay all day. It is an environment that leaves me feeling centered and refreshed. I love that, as a customer, I am warmly greeted and then left alone to browse quietly. Drala offers a variety of high quality, thoughtfully chosen products to enhance spiritual practice and meditation. I was initially drawn into the store by a selection of gorgeous stationery displayed in the window. If you are a lover of beautiful cards, you simply must stop by. I was also delighted to find sweetgrass incense here — pure, with little to no filler — and snapped up a box immediately. Decorative lanterns, a lovely selection of Japanese teas, delicate pottery bowls and cups, many interesting books on Buddhism, ritual, and meditation, inks and brushes, and beeswax candles are other items of note. The current owner, Rand, is warm and friendly. He always takes the time to answer my questions and to get to know me as a customer. It is my hope that more and more people discover this wonderful shop and that, with the completion of the new Public Library on Queen Street, that walk-by traffic increases greatly. Tough economic times have effected most small businesses, and Drala is no exception. Spread the word, and put Drala on your list of must-visit shops on your next outing in downtown Halifax. You’ll be pleased you did!
Kirk F.
Place rating: 4 Halifax, Canada
Find your inner peace at Drala. Or at least the supplies to get you one step closer! I’ve shopped at Drala many times and been happy with all my purchases and experiences. Staff are friendly but not pushy. If you ask for help, you’ll get it. Bear in mind, this is a small shop so there’s usually only one person working. Prices can be on the higher end but it’s a small local business and their products are both higher-end and durable. The atmosphere certainly lends itself to slowing down and appreciating all they have to offer. My only complaint? Not open on Sundays which is my favourite time to meander around downtown Halifax.
Laura P.
Place rating: 5 Toronto, Canada
Drala is one of my favourite shops to browse. Its quiet mentality and wholesome offerings makes it just an overall replenishing experience, and whether I buy something or not, my own emphasis on lifestyle is clearly reaffirmed. I am budgeting for the ultimate yoga mat sold here. A pricey investment, the quality of my yoga practice will be upped and worth it. I also enjoy paging through the shelves of literature here: spirituality, Buddhism, gurus lifestyle advice, and more, there is a carefully selected collection of readings for those interested in a little inner working. The tranquility transcends from the quiet music, flushing waterfall(displayed décor), and range of product for the mind, body, soul. This is a shop run by good people with an authentic regard for its product. One of the co-owners teaches Ayurveda seminars from time to time as well. I hope this spot continues to thrive, as its good vibes and eye for awesome product is impressive.
Courtney M.
Place rating: 5 Ottawa, Canada
Love this place even more now that i’ve had a chance to purchase a couple items and try them out! I headed in today with the intent of picking up a good travel read or two as well as perhaps a tea blend. Now that i’m home and have had a chance to try out my purchases i’m even happier with Drala! The Herbal Therapy Detox tea is delicious! Definitely an excellent recommendation by the employee helping me. I also picked up a copy of ‘Saltwater Buddha: A Surfer’s Quest to Find Zen on the Sea.” Only a few pages in but this will definitely serve as an excellent adventure companion.
Shawna D.
Place rating: 4 Halifax, Canada
Drala had such a draw as we were walking up the street. Entering into the shop, you can feel the stress leave your body. The store carries beautiful selections of special books, yoga needs, as well as wonderful teas. There is a lot packed into this store, and it is a pleasure to walk through. The owners are wonderful people and will assist you in your needs.
Lacey H.
Place rating: 5 Berlin, Germany
I find myself in Drala weekly — pulled to the store by a magnetic field that draws me into all that is calm and affirming. I was in yesterday and today perusing their yoga mats and books. I have been in the market for a new mat for some time now and told myself that by the end of the month, I had to be in possession of a new one! I’ve been using a fantastic Jade, natural rubber mat which has held up for about four years. The thing with natural rubber is that it is biodegradable, thus starts to decompose after a lot of use. Today, I took the plunge and bought a Manduka EcoLite mat in Acai, a rich royal purple color. Manduka is an eco-friendly, low-earth impact line of yoga goods. For me, buying a new mat is like starting a new relationship, and when I got home I couldn’t help but get it on the floor to give it a test run. It is super thin and very grippy, perfect for travelling and getting sweaty. The people who run Drala are super sweet and helpful. They understand the importance of being happy with what you purchase and are eager to assist you in your shopping endeavors without ever being pushy. The mat was one of the more inexpensive Mandukas, coming in at $ 60 with tax. I highly recommend this store for yoga and mediation practise purchases, as well as for a variety of other inspired wares, such as statues, flags, home décor, cards and gifts. Enjoy shopping in this well-balanced, airy and thoughtful space. Namaste.