As the pandemic continues on, Milaidhoo Island Maldives invites guests to unwind and soothe the mind by mastering the art of breathing through their workshops and methods.
Pranayamic breathing is an ancient practice used in yoga and meditation for breath control, which provides many benefits including improved health in heart rate, stress levels and improving cognitive function and anxiety in just six weeks of practice, according to studies. As a result, due to the global pandemic affecting numerous lives across the globe, the practice of meditation and breathing has become a recent wellness trend.
Stemming from the Indian school of Ashtanga yoga, Pranayama uses breathing techniques to clear and calm the mind and allow breath and prana (lifeforce) to flow freely. Thus, Milaidhoo encourages their guests to join in the transformative teachings guided by Milaidhoo’s resident Yogi Shubh. Each technique has been thoughtfully designed to help participants understand and learn to control their breathing in order to release any built up physical and psychological tension.
Shubh, born in Rishikesh, the birthplace of Yoga in the foothills of the Himalayas where culture is centred around a core Yogic way of life, the art of Yoga has been a significant part of his life. Fortunate to learn the ancient teachings at his local Ashram in the spiritual surroundings of the Ganges River, Shubh pursued this passion further, trained in different Yoga schools and worked as a qualified yoga teacher before achieving his Master’s degree in Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Patanjali Yoga and Reki Healing. After moving to the Maldives, Shubh embraces the natural harmony and beauty of the islands and finds them to be the perfect backdrop to deepen and advance breathing and yoga techniques.
Shubh said, “The Maldives is a naturally beautiful destination offering a very calm and peaceful atmosphere which enhances breathwork. Here, you truly have time to slow down and focus on the core elements of breathing and being present as you are free of everyday life’s distractions.”
On a request basis, the sessions may be placed in the over-water Serenity Spa for private single or couple workshops. Private workshops may also be arranged in-villa on the guests’ deck, or on an offshore sandbank surrounded by nothing but crystal-clear waters to aid an incredibly focused practice. For complete tranquillity, guests can also do a session onboard a traditional Maldivian Dhoni (sailing boat), to enhance the skills learned in the workshops, bespoke practice sessions are available to book throughout the day. Early risers can opt for a morning session with energy boosting techniques helping to prepare them for the day ahead, while afternoon practices help develop inner awareness and strengthen the mind and body through more gentle approaches.
Opened in November 2016, Milaidhoo is a boutique luxury resort in the Baa Atoll UNESCO biosphere reserve, close to Hanifaru Bay, 126km northwest of Male. The resort is perfect for nature lovers with a coral reef, which encircles the island, a protected area and noted as an outstanding snorkelling and diving site in its own right. The tiny beautiful island is abundant with tropical greenery, measures just 300m by 180m and is fringed by soft deep white sand beaches. Milaidhoo can be easily reached via a 30-minute seaplane from the international airport in Male or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo domestic airport in Baa Atoll, followed by a 15-minute speedboat to Milaidhoo Island. For more information and bookings, please email [email protected] or visit www.milaidhoo.com.
Photo Credit: Milaidhoo Island Maldives
