Fitness

Downward Dogma: A Yogi’s tale from the Maldives

Published

12 years ago

November 24, 2012

Maldives Promotion House – Our minds and bodies take a lot of punishment over the course of a lifetime. By making an effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically, we can help prepare ourselves to take on whatever comes our way. Rajanish Govind, resident yogi at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, has dedicated his life to the practice of yoga in order to achieve this goal. A former pharmacist with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Govind turned to yoga professionally during a quest for mental satisfaction—and he hasn’t looked back. Here he imparts what he’s learned not only about the physical practice of yoga, but about the lifestyle it helps create.

Q: How did you come to practice yoga?
A: I started to practice yoga when I was 15 years old. I was inspired by Yogi Guru Mani Swami at Sadguru Yogashram in Palakkad, Kerala, India, where I ultimately received a diploma in yoga and completed my Yoga Teacher Training Course.

Q: What do you feel are some of the most significant benefits of yoga?
A: Practising yoga helps to increase the body’s flexibility while also increasing lubrication of joints, tendons and ligaments. Yoga is instrumental in helping to release toxins from the body. Through synchronization of the breath and body movements, it helps develop inner awareness by relaxing the mind and releasing mental, emotional and muscular stress.

Q: Balance seems to play a key part, both physically and mentally—how can guests relate this principle to the rest of their lives?
A: Due to busier modern lifestyles, stress is a more dominating factor now than it was before, and that causes a lot of imbalance in life. Practising yoga, meditation and breathing exercises helps to bring back balance. It is recommended that yoga be adopted as a lifestyle; when included as part of a daily routine, it can really help anyone to achieve a sense of well-being.

Q: Can you share some tips for taking what guests learn in your classes and incorporating it into their everyday routines?
A: My yoga sessions tend to be therapy-based; however, yoga practices may vary according to a guest’s own body comforts. Typically, I suggest that the guest practice some specific postures and breathing related to any specific health issues he or she may suffer from. I would then recommend that they practise those on a daily basis for better health results.

Q: What is the most important thing that both beginners and those well versed in the discipline should keep in mind?
A: I always suggest that guests focus on more synchronized breathing (Ujjayi Breath) during the yoga poses. It helps to boost detoxification, lung expansion and creates a deeper awareness within.

Q: What is the difference between yoga and other regular physical exercises?
A: There are a number of differences. First, one can practise yoga at any age. Other physical exercises, on the other hand, have certain age limitations. Practising yoga also helps to cure various health ailments that other physical exercises may not. It helps to loosen all the muscles and joints and increase flexibility, while other forms of exercise often have the opposite effect. Yoga develops inner awareness, and a lot of other activities don’t have such merits. Physical exercises also tend to develop lactic acid, while yoga helps to eliminate it. And finally, the postures used in yoga stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm body and mind; physical exercises stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which has opposite result.

Q: What drew you to yoga initially, and what keeps you coming back?
A: My lack of concentration on my studies led me to practise yoga, and my interest in spirituality helped me to learn its philosophies. My whole inspiration was my yogi guru and his selfless service to society. Working as a pharmacist, I found myself lacking in mental satisfaction. I then turned to yoga as a profession so that I would have the opportunity to interact with different people every day, which makes my job more interesting. Helping people with the healing power of yoga gives me happiness and satisfaction.

Q: Are there any new trends that you are particularly interested in or excited about sharing?
A: I usually do not depend on any particular type or style of yoga practice. I am more interested in Vinyasa Flow and intensive hatha yoga practices, or a combination of both depending on the guest’s comfort level. I do include Thai yoga stretches as they help improve flexibility in order to attain various different yoga poses.

Q: What is your best advice for the modern yoga student?
A: If you are looking for a fitness programme, yoga is the best. Be sure to practise yoga safely under the guidance of an experienced teacher and with proper breathing techniques that focus on awareness of the body. You’ll soon find that yoga and meditation help to bring about more positive thoughts and confidence.

Written by Jennifer Sanchez for Four Seasons Magazine

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Featured

Float & Flow Yoga debuts at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives

Published

1 week ago

May 12, 2025

m@ldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives now offers guests a unique wellness activity: Float & Flow Yoga. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of crystal-clear waters, this innovative session blends balance, movement, and mindfulness on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), fostering a joyful connection with nature.

Designed to accommodate both experienced yogis and beginners, Float & Flow Yoga provides a 60-minute session on the resort’s SUP Yoga Dock. This specially designed floating platform, shaped like a flower, features eight “petals,” each securing a SUP board around a central space designated for the instructor. Participants are guided through gentle yoga sequences that emphasise balance, breath, and flow.

Courtney Chambers, the resident Yoga Instructor at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, describes the activity as a joyful and liberating experience. She notes that SUP yoga encourages participants to embrace the playful side of the practice while reconnecting with nature.

Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:00 am, with a maximum of eight participants per session to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere. A minimum of three guests is required for each session. The class fee is priced at US$45 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charges.

Additionally, a professional drone photo and video package is available for US$25 per person, providing guests with a memorable keepsake of their experience.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable swimwear or yoga attire and to arrive 10 minutes early at the Perfect Wave Surf Shop for a pre-session briefing.

Whether the goal is mindfulness, gentle movement, or simply a splash of fun, Float & Flow Yoga at Kandooma offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with both self and sea.

Fitness

‘F45 Festival’ added to 2025 event line-up at Kandooma Maldives

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2025

m@ldives

The private island Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives welcomes the return of Active Escapes fitness retreats 27 April to 4 May, with the 2025 F45 Festival added to the annual event line-up. Running 22-29 September 2025, the F45 Festival at Kandooma Maldives is a highlight on the Active Escapes event calendar, and perfect for those who like to combine fitness with their vacation.

“Everyone’s idea of the perfect holiday is different. For some of our guests, it’s all about soaking up the sun, taking ocean dips, and sipping cocktails until sunset – and that sounds pretty amazing. But for others, it is about staying active, trying new things and connecting with like-minded people. That’s where Active Escapes shine – creating unforgettable getaways tailored for those who want more than just a holiday in the sun. We are thrilled to welcome Active Escapes back to Kandooma again this year offering the ultimate balance of fitness, adventure and relaxation in our tropical island paradise.” said Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

Active Escapes curates experiences that cater to diverse preferences. From water-based activities like snorkelling and kayaking to scuba-diving and more. Beyond the aqua-centric pursuits, there is time for holistic well-being too. Think yoga sessions against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunrise or sunset. A visit to the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala in the resort gardens or just taking a moment to breathe and reflect by the beach with the sounds of the waves enveloping you. Active Escapes emphasises not only the thrill of leisure pursuits and group fitness activities but also the tranquillity and grounding that can be attained by embracing nature’s beauty and being in the present at this island paradise.

F45 workouts combine elements of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and functional training aiming to achieve real and noticeable change. An F45 workout can burn 400-600 calories, delivering an amazing, post-workout euphoria, in 45-minutes.

Joining an Active Escapes Retreat or the F45 Festival isn’t about going without. Guests are welcomed with mouthwatering cuisine crafted by the resort’s culinary team led by Chef Eddie Ng complemented by an impressive selection of drinks. The philosophy is simple: train hard by day while having fun and indulge guilt-free at night.

The Active Escapes getaways are all about having fun with other like-minded people from around the globe. It’s a welcoming environment where the hope is you will leave a bit fitter than when you arrived in the Maldives, but the ultimate decision is yours. You can participate in everything and go hard-core or pick and choose. There are varying degrees of difficulty in the programme to ensure those seeking to work out super hard feel challenged and those who need to be a little less intense in their workouts feel well catered for.

Active Escapes are particularly popular with solo-travellers, who make up half of their bookings globally. The main age-group is 20-40 years, however on occasion there have been guests in their late 50s.

The seven-night Active Escapes F45 Festival 2025 hosts have been confirmed as Alice Evans, Cristina Chan and John Karpathakis.

Packages start from US$2,800 per person twin share (excluding flights) and US$3,700 for a single room. Packages include:

7 Nights accommodation
Day 1 is arrival day and boat transfers are included at any time from Male Airport
Brunch and dinner included daily (except arrival day)
All fitness workouts
Yoga sessions
Choose your activity (Surfing, SUP, Shark Snorkeling)
Snorkel Maldives Reef Boat Trip
Free scuba diving
Breath work and Ice baths
Live music and DJ’s
Open Mic Night
Themed Party Day
Reverse Raffle – Lots of prizes to be won!
Photo Package
Active Escapes Welcome Pack

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has a variety of different room types. Ask about upgrading to a Beach House or Overwater Villa – upgrade charges apply. Payment plans are also available taking the US$400 deposit now and the remaining amount split into regular payments up until the retreat. Note that package prices quoted are likely to increase as the event draws closer. All prices are quoted in US dollars and subject to local taxes and Maldives mandatory green fees.

Active Escapes operates fitness retreats year-round in locations all over the world – Bali, Maldives, Noosa, Byron Bay, South Africa, Greece, Thailand, New Zealand and more!

Featured

ELE|NA teams up with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health for personalised wellness in Maldives

Published

1 month ago

April 8, 2025

m@ldives

ELE|NA, a trailblazer in transformative wellness experiences, has announced a strategic partnership with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health. This collaboration brings together world-class wellness programs and advanced DNA-based health insights to ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to holistic well-being. Guests can now enjoy an integrated approach to fitness, mindfulness, and personalised health optimisation in a luxurious island setting.

Through this partnership, ELE|NA now offers expert-led wellness experiences curated by Fit Bodies, Inc., the world’s largest provider of fitness, yoga, and sports instructors for luxury resorts. At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, guests have access to:

Two daily group fitness sessions, including Paddle Yoga, Aqua Fitness, Water Pilates, Latin Dance, and Tai Chi.
One private session per week with a visiting instructor, offering personalised attention and skill development.
Two weekly workshops covering diverse topics such as self-care rituals, breath work, sound healing, and mindful movement.

Guests are also invited to participate in immersive experiences such as Luxury Sleep Recovery techniques, Sunrise & Sunset Rituals, and Art Therapy. These offerings provide a comprehensive approach that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. Additionally, year-round wellness experiences like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling are available to support deeper transformation.

Throughout April, special wellness workshops featuring live music are available, creating a serene yet energising environment that enhances each practice.

ELE|NA’s partnership with Muhdo Health adds a new dimension of personalisation to the wellness journey through DNA-based insights. Guests can access Muhdo’s exclusive DNA Kits—available only in the Maldives—to receive customised recommendations in the areas of:

Nutrition and fitness, based on individual genetic profiles.
Sleep optimisation strategies for improved recovery.
Cognitive and stress resilience methods to enhance mental clarity and overall well-being.

To ensure a seamless experience, DNA Kits must be pre-booked prior to arrival, allowing each guest to begin their wellness journey with a fully prepared health report.

By blending scientific innovation with expert-guided wellness programming, ELE|NA continues to redefine luxury wellness travel, offering unique experiences that empower guests to pursue optimal health both during their stay and beyond.

ELE|NA offers a vibrant year-round schedule featuring practices such as Power Yoga Vinyasa, Deep Slow Flow, Yin Classes, Sweat & Surrender, and Restorative Yoga. These are complemented by holistic services like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling. During April, guests can also enjoy enhanced sessions with live music, amplifying the tranquil yet invigorating ambiance.

This innovative collaboration signals a new era in customised wellness travel. By combining leading-edge health insights with transformative lifestyle experiences, ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invites guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, movement, and renewal—guided by some of the most respected wellness experts in the world.