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Downward Dogma: A Yogi’s tale from the Maldives

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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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Hideaway Beach Resort combines running and wellness for World Wellness Weekend

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa successfully concluded the second edition of the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026 on Friday September the 18th as part of World Wellness Weekend, bringing together running, wellness and the spectacular natural surroundings of the beautiful all-natural Island of Dhonakulhi.

The event welcomed 68 runners, with esteemed athletes Sunny Schippers leading the 10K race and Clara Abbona leading the 5K race, inspiring participants through three scenic island runs (including a relaxing shake out run) surrounded by the turquoise waters and lush tropical landscape of Hideaway.

Held in line with World Wellness Weekend, the programme extended beyond running to embrace a more holistic approach to wellbeing. Participants enjoyed a series of wellness experiences, including sound healing with Naga Healing, Yoga with in-house instructor Shubham, alongside fitness sessions led by Shaffa – Fitness Expert from TfG, and Ask a PT and Physio sessions with Yoosuf as the Personal Trainer Consultant.

The second edition celebrated movement in all its forms, combining physical activity with recovery, mindfulness, and connection with nature. From the energy of the starting line to restorative wellness experiences, the event brought guests and participants together through a shared appreciation for healthier living.

Following another successful edition, the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run continues to build its identity as a unique resort island running and wellness experience, bringing together sport, community and the beauty of the Maldives at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.

The initiative is endorsed by Visit Maldives and delivered in partnership with TFG as race partner, with race consultation, registration, timing, and bib services powered by TFG Races. Maldivian joins as transport partner, Coral Glass as content partner, and Sporting Vacanze as agent partner. This partnership reflects continued collaboration between tourism, aviation, media, sports, and lifestyle stakeholders in supporting wellness tourism in the Maldives.

Participants received a race timing bib powered by TfG Races, a partner goodie bag compiled of little treats by the partners, and the official Flora & Fauna Greenery Run T-shirt. Trophies were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K categories. And the esteemed 1st place winners all received a scaled Maldivian Flight model kit by Maldivian Airways.

“Following the success of the historic inaugural edition in 2025, we are delighted to run the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run in 2026,” said Mohamed Muzaffar Ahmed, Business Development Manager of Lily Hotels. “With the continued endorsement of Visit Maldives and the support of our partners, this event reflects the growing opportunity to position the Maldives as a destination for luxury wellness, sports, and active travel. Our ambition is to develop the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run into one of the country’s and inevitably the world’s leading luxury destination running events, offering participants an experience that is truly unique to the Maldives. I am proud of the fact that we are the first luxury running event focused on the sporting tourism niche which has trophies, timing, and medals making Lily Hotels yet another pioneer in experiences in the tourism sector.”

Maldives Hideaway Resort Run – The 2nd Edition might be over, but its revelry carries on with celebrating the runners on social media. In addition to that the resort is looking to clear the remaining stock of the runner’s kit which consists of a goodie bag, t-shirt, and medal via any resort guest running at least a 5k in the official mhrr2026 route at the resort during this year. More details will be available on their social media.

As an intended annual event after celebrating sunrise in the original run in 2025 and flora and fauna in this year, the resort aims to launch its theme for Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2027 – Visit Maldives Year Edition in February next year so stay tuned for any teasers about what they have got in store for the next edition of this spectacular destination running event with amazing views to be experienced by being there and experiencing running in a destination like no other.

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort celebrates World Wellness Weekend with movement, mindfulness and nutrition

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to reconnect with their well-being during World Wellness Weekend, taking place from September 18 to 20, 2026. Guided by Westin’s signature wellness pillars—Move Well, Eat Well and Sleep Well—the three-day program brings together energising fitness activities, mindful movement, nourishing workshops and restorative experiences amid the naturally inspiring surroundings of the Maldives.

The weekend begins on Friday morning with a guided Sunrise Walk along a scenic island route, encouraging guests to start the day with purposeful movement while discovering the benefits of walking for physical and mental well-being. Guests can continue moving with Water Volleyball at the Main Pool before turning their attention to mindful nourishment during the Wellness Food & Drink Workshop at Green Delight. The interactive session will introduce practical ways to prepare nourishing food and refreshing beverages, along with simple nutritional insights that guests can incorporate into their daily routines.

Friday afternoon brings a playful change of pace with Fun Games, giving guests an opportunity to connect, compete, and create memorable moments together. The day concludes with Sunset Yoga at Sunset Beach, where a calming guided flow will be complemented by refreshing wellness drinks and wholesome energy bites.

On Saturday, the program begins with Sunrise Yoga at the Yoga Pavilion, followed by an uplifting Aqua Fit session at the Main Pool, an approachable and refreshing way to improve mobility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. The day ends with a restorative Yoga Nidra session at the Yoga Pavilion. Often referred to as “yogic sleep,” this deeply relaxing guided practice is designed to calm the nervous system, release mental tension, and prepare guests for a more restful night.

Sunday opens with Beach Fitness before heading to the shoreline for an energising full-body workout. Guests can then return to the water for another friendly Water Volleyball session. As evening approaches, a guided Run & Stretch experience invites participants to explore the benefits of regular movement while learning more about calorie expenditure and physical well-being.

The weekend concludes at Heavenly Spa by Westin with a DIY Body Scrub Workshop, where guests can create a personalised scrub infused with lavender essential oil. Inspired by Westin’s Sleep Well pillar, the soothing workshop provides a fitting final ritual of relaxation, restoration and renewal.

Participation in World Wellness Weekend activities is open to all resort guests, with advance registration recommended. Throughout the week, guests can also enjoy a special offer at Heavenly Spa by Westin: a 50-minute Relaxing Balinese Massage for USD 100 per person.

Set within the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers a naturally restorative setting where guests can experience well-being at their own pace. With 69 spacious beach and overwater villas, rejuvenating treatments at Heavenly Spa by Westin, thoughtful dining experiences, and comprehensive fitness facilities, the resort brings Westin’s holistic approach to well-being in one of the Maldives’ most remarkable island destinations.

For more information, visit westin-maldives.com.

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Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme

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Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.

Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.

On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.

The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.

The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.

At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.

Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.

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