Featured
Fairmont Maldives: Sun, sand, salutations on Intl Yoga Day
Set in the remote Shiviyani Atoll, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is one of the world’s best destinations to practice yoga.
Guests can perfect their sun salutations against a stunning Indian Ocean backdrop with resident expert, Lamy, a former gymnast, swimmer and professional in the healing discipline of yoga.
In honour of International Day of Yoga, June 21, we spoke with Lamy to learn the secrets of this fascinating, healing practice.
When did you first start practicing yoga, and why?
I started practicing yoga, almost by chance, when I was at university. Back then my daily routine was quite intense, keeping up with classes, two jobs and sports; this busy lifestyle caused me to burn out and I was diagnosed with gastritis and a rare skin condition, called Fox-Fordyce disease. I used to lift weights, run and swim. It was after one of my swimming sessions that a friend of mine introduced me to yoga, as we were stretching after the training. Being a gymnast for almost a decade, stretching wasn’t new to me and my body was capable to perform the basic yoga postures. But it was when I first combined it with meditation that my perspective changed: I was completely amazed by the power of this discipline that it quickly became a habit.
The more I practiced the more I felt the benefits: within five months my gastritis attacks became sporadic and my skin condition healed. I wanted to share the powers of yoga with others, so this is why I decided to become a yoga instructor, actually the first registered Yoga Teacher of my region, Manaus (Amazons) in Brazil.
What are the key benefits of yoga that might surprise people?
Yoga is the perfect discipline to align and balance mind and body. The practice can help with an array of stress-induced conditions that manifest as diseases or disorders – like the Fox-Fordyce disease, as it happened with me. It’s effective against migraine, gastritis, depression and anxiety.
How much yoga should we incorporate into our lives to feel the benefits?
We’re in desperate need of self-connection and holistic integration after over a year spent in lockdown. If there is a silver lining is that we’re now more aware than ever of the importance of wellness to keep us strong, healthy and centred when navigating uncertainty. I think everyone should dedicate some time every day to self-care and wellness. I do this in the form of yoga and I would recommend practicing daily, this is the quickest way to see consistent results and improve vitality and energy levels. Of course, beginners can start with a 15-min daily practice, so it’ll be easier for them to genuinely integrate yoga in their routine.
After months of working from home, people are suffering from poor posture – what are the best yoga poses to combat this?
Before I even get into how you can improve your posture with yoga, I’d recommend people to get active again and don’t let this new sedentary routine became a normality as it’s damaging for physical and mental health alike. If you happened to lose mobility and you’re struggling with posture as a result of the indoor life, I would recommend you try yoga’s restorative and grounding postures, such as spinal twist or pranayama, aka breath awareness.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start practicing yoga?
Practicing Yoga is an act of self-love. It might feel intimidating to start, especially when you join a class with people that have been practicing for a while, but I’ve been there before, and I can assure you that once you start practicing you’ll stop thinking about what others do and just get in the groove.
Look for online classes (there are so many these days), get inspired with themed books, blogs or podcasts and of course, try to find a local studio where you can attend in person lessons and meet likeminded people
Remember that yoga is a journey, a mind-body practice that is never the same. Like with fitness, listen to your body and understand when it’s appropriate to stop and rest or when you can push your limits
Don’t get disheartened if you don’t see results immediately, it doesn’t mean the practice isn’t working. It takes time to see results and part of the challenge of yoga is that it forces you to cultivate patience, listen to your body and be compassionate towards yourself
What appeals to you about the Maldives as a destination? Does it inspire mindfulness?
Settling in Maldives to teach yoga is a dream come true for me. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the most tranquil destination for those seeking a complete energetic reset, while taking care of their wellbeing and improving a healthy lifestyle. In the Maldives you can disconnect from the intense and stressful routine and connect with all the elements of nature: sun, sea, wind, sand.
Dhigali Maldives has officially commenced its festive season in grand style, highlighted by the lighting of its sustainable driftwood Christmas trees—a cherished tradition that combines creativity with environmental awareness. Enhancing the evening’s charm, the resort’s Christmas carollers surprised guests with a lively dance performance, spreading festive cheer and excitement.
This year, the resort unveiled a captivating Christmas train, designed to transport guests around the island with a delightful touch of holiday magic. To celebrate the season’s arrival, a vibrant street market was organised, offering an array of cuisines prepared by the resort’s skilled chefs. The market created an authentic and lively atmosphere, bringing guests together in celebration.
The festivities continue with a dynamic lineup of events, including a Classic Christmas celebration and a Tropical Carnival-themed New Year’s party. Guests can anticipate live entertainment, mesmerising fire and samba dancers, and a cultural highlight with the Dhigali Island Fire Ritual, which blends tradition with dazzling performances to create unforgettable experiences.
This holiday season at Dhigali Maldives promises to deliver a truly magical experience, where the tropical allure of the island meets the joy of the holidays.
The Maldives has long been synonymous with romance, and now it takes centre stage in Condé Nast Traveller’s curated list of the ‘Most Romantic Places in the World’. The magazine highlights the archipelago’s unparalleled ability to create dreamlike escapes for couples, setting a gold standard for intimate getaways.
From the moment you set foot in the Maldives, the enchantment begins. Confetti-like tropical fish flit through crystal-clear lagoons, while overwater villas offer vistas of mantas gliding gracefully beneath. Add in the luxury of floating breakfasts served in your private pool and intimate dinners on pristine beaches, and you have the perfect recipe for romance.
Condé Nast Traveller notes that while the Maldives caters to families too, its essence of romance is unrivalled. The country’s private island resorts, nestled amid lush jungles and encircled by house reefs, redefine luxury. With world-class spas, fine dining, and starlit experiences, the Maldives effortlessly marries natural beauty with bespoke hospitality.
The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most celebrated resorts, and Condé Nast highlights a few that stand out:
- Vakkaru Maldives: A lush retreat where couples can enjoy a private dinner and movie at the island’s jungle cinema under the stars.
- Six Senses Laamu: The brand’s latest addition to the Maldives offers an exceptional spa experience, complete with a couples’ suite for ultimate relaxation.
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: This eco-luxury resort epitomises romantic aesthetics with its overwater villas set against one of the country’s most mesmerszing lagoons.
For hoteliers and hospitality professionals in the Maldives, this recognition underscores the archipelago’s enduring allure as a romantic haven. It’s a reminder of the importance of maintaining world-class service, crafting unique guest experiences, and preserving the pristine beauty that defines the Maldives.
The Condé Nast Traveller mention is more than just an accolade; it’s an opportunity for local hoteliers to further cement the Maldives’ position as the ultimate destination for couples seeking an off-grid escape steeped in romance.
As the Maldives continues to set benchmarks in hospitality, there’s no doubt that its reputation as a lovers’ paradise will only grow stronger. For the industry, this is a call to celebrate the archipelago’s unique offerings and ensure that each guest leaves with memories as enduring as the turquoise waters that surround them.
Celebration
Ring in 2025 with spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
As the countdown to 2025 approaches, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to celebrate the New Year with a festive feast and a toast to new beginnings. This unforgettable evening promises an array of culinary delights, live music, and exciting giveaways.
On 31st December 2024, guests can indulge in an exquisite buffet at Azur Restaurant, featuring a wide variety of flavours, including a selection of tapas, live grills, and decadent desserts. The festive ambiance will be enhanced by live music, setting the perfect tone to welcome the New Year. In addition to the celebration, JEN Maldives will offer exclusive giveaways, providing guests with the opportunity to win amazing prizes.
“We are delighted to end the year on a high note by expressing our gratitude to our valued guests,” said Manisha Chhetri, F&B Manager at JEN Maldives Malé. “This New Year’s Eve, we aim to create an evening filled with joy, delicious food, and exciting surprises as we welcome 2025 together.”
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve gala dinner will have the chance to win one of the following prizes:
- A 3-day, 2-night stay in a deluxe room at Shangri-La Singapore, including daily breakfast for 2 adults
- An exclusive Pool Brunch experience for 2 people at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
- A 1-hour Balinese massage for 1 person at Aristo Spa
The winners will be selected and announced on the same night, following the countdown celebration at Azur Restaurant. JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to join this unforgettable evening, with gala dinner tickets available for purchase directly at the hotel.
-
Featured1 week agoSAii Lagoon Maldives achieves Gold certification for sustainability excellence
-
Featured1 week agoJW Marriott Maldives unveils luxury wellness escape
-
Awards1 week agoForbes Travel Guide ranks Maldives among top destinations for 2025
-
Featured7 days agoELE|NA champions mindfulness on World Digital Detox Day
-
Celebration1 week agoCinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes Santa on scooters for festive island Christmas
-
Fashion7 days agoAquazzura collaborates with JOALI Maldives to launch Maldives’ first-ever limited-edition capsule collection
-
Family1 week agoJourney of renewal, family bonding: Celebrate Easter 2025 at The Nautilus Maldives
-
Action6 days agoHoliday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives presents Active Escapes 2025