Fitness
Downward Dogma: A Yogi’s tale from the Maldives
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
Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to embrace the new year with a rejuvenating 3-Day Detox Journey this January. Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, this private island sanctuary provides an idyllic setting for relaxation, disconnection, and restoration of balance to the mind, body, and spirit.
Designed in line with the latest wellness trends and the growing demand for holistic renewal, the exclusive program is curated in partnership with TheraNaka. Drawing inspiration from traditional healing practices and modern wellness insights, the journey focuses on dosha identification, balanced nutrition, mindful movement, and soul-soothing treatments, enabling participants to leave 2024 behind and step into 2025 feeling recharged and renewed.
The 3-Day Detox Journey:
- Day 1: Personalised Wellness – The detox journey begins with a 45-minute private consultation to identify the guest’s unique dosha—the body’s elemental energies—and includes a basic nutrition consultation tailored to individual needs. This insightful session provides the foundation for the days ahead, helping participants align their lifestyle for optimal balance and vitality.
- Day 2: Movement and Nourishment – The second day starts with a rejuvenating yoga session designed to awaken the body and mind. Following the practice, guests enjoy a refreshing detox juice crafted specifically for their dosha, accompanied by a carefully prepared dosha-balancing breakfast. The culinary team provides an explanation chart and ingredient list, ensuring participants can replicate the experience at home. The day concludes with a 90-minute treatment aimed at harmonising the body and senses.
- Day 3: Empowerment and Transformation – On the final day, participants dive deeper into the detox journey with a hands-on DIY class led by the resort’s chef, where they learn to create their own nutrient-rich, dosha-aligned meal. The experience continues with a two-hour chakra-balancing treatment to realign energy centres, leaving guests feeling grounded and restored. Before departure, a personalised consultation offers actionable takeaways for integrating wellness into daily life long after leaving the island.
Milaidhoo is described as more than just a destination—it is a haven of serenity, understated luxury, and heartfelt hospitality. From the turquoise waters surrounding the island to the gentle sway of palm trees, every detail is meticulously designed to help guests reconnect with nature and themselves.
The resort’s wellbeing program combines the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern approaches, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fresh start. Whether a seasoned wellness enthusiast or new to the detox experience, the journey is tailored to meet participants wherever they are on their wellness path.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of the Active Escapes retreats in 2025. The week-long Active Escapes Maldives Festival will be held from 27 April to 4 May 2025 at the private island resort. This event is set to be the largest Active Escapes event of the year, attracting those who enjoy combining energetic recreation with a serene holiday atmosphere. Prices for the retreat start from US$2,600++ per person, twin share.
Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, expressed excitement about collaborating with Active Escapes again in 2025. “The week-long retreat-style festival offers a unique mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s perfect for individuals who prioritise health and fitness while on vacation or are looking to start fresh,” she said.
Garrett further noted, “It’s not a boot camp where you feel deprived of all the enjoyable aspects. On an Active Escapes retreat, guests can indulge in delicious cuisine prepared by the resort’s talented chefs and enjoy an impressive drinks list. The concept is to work out hard during the day and reward yourself in the evening.”
Active Escapes curates experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences, from water-based activities like snorkelling and kayaking to scuba diving and more. In addition to aqua-centric pursuits, there is also time for holistic well-being. This includes yoga sessions against the backdrop of breathtaking sunrises or sunsets, visiting the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala in the resort gardens, or simply taking a moment to relax and reflect by the beach with the soothing sounds of the waves. Active Escapes emphasises both the thrill of leisure pursuits and group fitness activities, as well as the tranquility and balance that can be achieved by embracing nature’s beauty and being present in this island paradise.
The Active Escapes Maldives Festival 2025 is all about having fun and attracting people from all around the world. It’s not solely for fitness enthusiasts; on the contrary, it offers a welcoming environment where the goal is for participants to leave a bit fitter than when they arrived in the Maldives, although the ultimate decision on participation level is up to them. There are varying degrees of difficulty in the program to ensure that those seeking a more intense workout feel challenged, while those needing a less intense workout are 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, although there have been guests in their late 50s on occasion.
The seven-night Active Escapes Maldives Festival 2025 hosts have been confirmed as the highly popular Peter Day and Nathan Ryles. ‘Second Release’ Packages start from US$2,600 per person twin share (excluding flights) and US$3,500 for a single room, and include:
- Shared speedboat transfer airport-island-airport (Day 1 and Final Day)
- 7 nights accommodation at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
- Daily brunch at Kandooma Cafe (except on arrival day)
- Nightly dinner at Kandooma Cafe (except on departure day)
- Fitness, yoga, and other activities daily (starting on Day 2)
- Choose your activity (surfing, SUP, shark snorkelling)
- Snorkel Maldives Reef boat trip
- Free scuba dive (certified divers only, terms and conditions apply)
- Breath work and ice baths
- Live music and DJs
- Open mic night
- Themed party day
- Reverse raffle – lots of prizes to be won!
- Photo package
- Active Escapes welcome pack
Canareef Resort Maldives achieved a historic milestone by hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress 2024, a prestigious event that enhanced both the resort’s reputation and the Maldives’ prominence in international sports.
From November 5th to 11th, 2024, over 450 athletes and delegates from 41 countries gathered at Canareef Resort to compete in one of the year’s most significant bodybuilding events. The resort’s exclusive villas, lush tropical surroundings, and turquoise lagoons created an ideal setting for the competition, while its exceptional hospitality contributed significantly to the event’s success.
The championships’ opening ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Mr. Lawrence Leow, Chairman and CEO of Crescendas Group (owner of Canareef Resort Maldives), the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, H.E. Munu Mahawar, and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, H.E. Ranga Goonawardena. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and Canareef’s commitment to delivering a memorable experience.
The event schedule included key moments that highlighted its significance:
- November 1-5: Arrival of Executive Council members, Sub-Committee Members, teams, delegates, and officials.
- November 6: Team Managers’ and Judges’ meetings, the WBPF Executive Council discussions, and the WBPF Electoral Congress.
- November 8/9: The Opening Ceremony marked the official start of the championships, drawing significant attention from audiences and media.
- November 10: The championships concluded with the Closing Ceremony and Final Prize Distribution, celebrating athletes’ achievements.
The Maldives National Bodybuilding Team delivered an impressive performance, winning three medals: two Gold and one Silver. Key highlights included:
- Shaheen Ibrahim Didi: Gold in Men’s Bodybuilding 55 Kg.
- Azneen Rashad: Gold in Sports Physique 170 cm.
- Yoosuf Ayaan Rizvee: Silver in Junior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 75 Kg.
Other notable performances included top placements by Mohamed Nahyan Khan, Shaalu Ibrahim, Abdulla Ahsan, and Ismail Shuau Abdulla in their respective categories.
In the team rankings, India won the Men’s Team Championship, Vietnam secured the Women’s Team Championship, and Saravanan Mani of India was named Overall Champion.
Datuk Paul Chua, President of the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, commended the event’s success and the resort’s warm hospitality. He remarked on the beauty of the island and expressed enthusiasm about returning to Canareef, even outside of championship events.
Ahmed Hamza, Director of Canareef Resort Maldives, expressed pride in hosting the event, emphasising its positive impact on Addu and the southern Maldives. Mohamed Jaish Ibrahim, AGM, lauded the teamwork and resilience that contributed to the event’s success.
Hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress has firmly established Canareef Resort Maldives as a premier venue for international sports events. This accomplishment not only highlights the resort’s capabilities but also reinforces its status as a destination where luxury, hospitality, and world-class events converge.
Looking forward, Canareef Resort remains committed to hosting significant global events and welcoming guests to experience its unparalleled beauty, tranquility, and hospitality.
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