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Yoga

travel

Dhigali: The Maldives Unfiltered

I just love the Maldives, the blue open waters interspersed with these idyllic little islands that offer seclusion, peace and the ultimate retreat. Dhigali is one of the newest resorts to open in the Raa Atoll, welcoming the world only since May this year.

Dhigali, Maldives

It’s modern and minimalistic designs attract the younger travellers and families who are looking for a little more luxury and a little less fuss. 5 star’s by all accounts, the newness of this island helps to give an almost untouched appeal to its surrounding crystal reef’s and sands. With only 180 rooms in total, 5 restaurants and 2 bars give you enough places to hideaway and enjoy the sunset from, without lacking atmosphere or losing out on your favourite seat.

Dhigali, Maldives

An excursion list full of aquatic adventures and island hopping discoveries, there’s plenty to do both on and off Dhigali itself. It’s the perfect place to pick a sport and give it a go, as the pier drops straight onto the reef itself. Looking for a little adventure? Discover more about neighbouring Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where the largest seasonal groupings of manta rays are waiting amidst UV corals and the occasional whale shark too.

Dhigali, Maldives

The highlight of this gorgeous hotspot is the bird’s nest bar – Haali, from which the sun sets directly in your eyeline, dipping below the horizon in a stunning display of shadows and light that only the Maldives is renowned for. Sitting below is a bar with swing seating that will give even the most travelled, the ‘wish you were here’ feels.

Dhigali, Maldives

At 18.5 hectors, Dhigali is a large island for the area and the resort’s 8 room categories are all fully equipped, contemporary hideaways that offer seducing views of the Indian Ocean.

Dhigali, Maldives

Dhigali’s dip away from the norm also extends to its various cuisine options (there’s no Teppanyaki tables here…) from exploring the spices of Asia, to the classic tastes of Europe and traditional Maldivian flavours, with a real focus on fresh Asian dishes at the infamous Battuta.

Dhigali, Maldives

There’s a real jungle vibe throughout the island, having only relocated 30% of its natural foliage during the build, the Dhigali Spa is a hidden amongst the trees in a lush sanctuary with 12 treatment rooms all offering indigenous therapies and healing traditions. This is the ultimate place to lay back and start paying back your body.

Fitness yoga

Underwater Yoga with Lululemon

There are plenty of places out here to practice yoga that will blow your mind, from skyscraper rooftops to desert haven’s and even on a boat out at sea, but this one just set a new bar. Not satisfied with having a cool studio to do yoga in, Piloga instructor Allie McLaughlin brought her strong vinyasa flow to a new level, underwater to be exact. Supported by the amazing team at Lululemon, the session was hosted last Saturday morning in The Dubai Mall‘s famous Aquarium tunnel.

So practicing Savasana surrounded by sharks has got to be one of my all time favourite ways to meditate, although it’s pretty hard to keep your eyes closed the entire time and you can forget about focus… all the while, filtered through a beautiful blue light, you gain a sense of clarity and energy that just isn’t there in a white four walled room.

If it’s something that appeals to you too, they have plenty more sessions coming up… book here!
Piloga X Lululemon at The Dubai Mall

Piloga X Lululemon at The Dubai Mall

Piloga X Lululemon at The Dubai Mall

Fitness

Testing Out: 1SIX8 NuPowerYoga

Yoga is all about bending, stretching and breathing right? So power yoga… something a little stronger perhaps? Described as where strength meets flexibility, NuPowerYoga was introduced to us last week at one of my favourite hotspots, Hautletic, through Dubai based fitness studio 1six8. It cites more than just using weights in its vinyasa flow, with innovative Nubell-technology designed, circular hand weights, which are created to be ergonomically optimal, providing an even, all-round weight distribution for your hand, wrist and (occasionally) ankle too.

The benefit of all this is that it helps to alleviate any stress or tension on your joints, often seen with other weights and bells. I know from personal training that I much prefer kettle bells to barbells as I feel I can keep my wrist more controlled when using them. The creator of these circular designs did so due to an accident where he needed to regain strength in his hands and wrists.
1SIX8 NuPowerYoga
Created in the States (of course) there’s been a real trend towards combining different fitness techniques and classes, to ultimately try and create a more thorough body workout. What Nu Power Yoga does is aid those long muscle movements in yoga by adding a little more resistance, helping to get everything firing and ultimately engage with more core.

NuPowerYoga classes start in June, at their hotspot in 168, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai.

Fitness

Getting To Grips With AnimalFlex Yoga

I thought i’d pretty much tried my hand at everything yoga wise, from aerial to Bikram and everything in between, so as soon as I saw we were trying AnimalFlex, I was intrigued…

Not your average workout I have to admit, but a lovely 7am start down in the Marina (why can’t all workouts be outside), with the crew from Fit Squad Dubai and Exclusive Yachts, aboard a double decker boat that carried us around the Palm whilst we soaked up the morning sun and tested out what’s sure to be the new fit trend. AnimalFlex Yoga, Fit Squad Dubai

AnimalFlex is a curious combination of yoga with what I can only describe as playing. It isn’t for kids though, oh no… this is a test of balance, core and agility with well-known yoga positions like the scorpion and crab. To top it all off, our mini-workout saw us racing in cat (or was it cow) from one side to another. The fun of it all certainly helped keep your body from realising the brutal ab and thigh practice too. AnimalFlex Yoga, Fit Squad Dubai

To continue the #MINDBODYSEA experience of the morning though, we headed downstairs to enjoy a little meditation. I have to say, trying to keep my mind aligned and body focused after all that running around was trickier than i’d imagined, but it was a thoroughly uplifting recovery. Here’s to more workouts on the sea!

Fitness

Waking Up With Roxy Fitness

What better way to kickstart the day, especially now the weather’s getting hotter, than an early start down by the sea. I’m totally a water baby and I love the way we get energy from it too, so when ROXY, a brand I haven’t seen in ages, calls us all in for a #RUNSUPYOGA event, i’m 100% in! ROXY

ROXY’s a brand I grew up with but I have to admit, I haven’t noticed much of their presence here in the region in a long time. Promoting their new activewear, which is surf to sand appropriate, we tested out their latest pieces down at sunset beach with Surf House Dubai. #ROXYFitness

Kickstarting the morning with a beach yoga session to wake up our tired limbs, we put our balance to the test before heading out in two groups for an SUP fit session with the Surf House team. Harder than it looks, even for the most practised SUP’er; balancing, squats, push up’s and burpees when there’s a few waves underneath you is a testing experience to say the least. #ROXYFitness

A brand inspired by both the mountains and the sea, it launched in 1990 with the first women’s specific boardshort inspired by Lisa Andersen, and have been mastering the art of fashionable surf wear since…

WEELLOW SHORT, FEMALE, ROXY

THAT'S A LAP SH, FEMALE, ROXY

STAY ON CAPRI, COLOUR - TRUE BLACK, FEMALE, ROXY

STAY ON CAPRI, COLOUR - MARSHMALLOW PSYCHE, FEMALE, ROXY

LHASSA BRA, FEMALE, ROXY

LEMONEE BRA, FEMALE, ROXY

JAMLIN BRA, FEMALE, ROXY

Fitness

Testing Out: Define Body

I though all barre classes were the same, that there was some governing body that decided which exercises best assaulted all your teeny-tiny muscle groups in one area of the body, at any one given time… and I wasn’t totally wrong. Barre is the name given to a stationary handrail that provides support for people during various types of exercise. Barre work is essentially any and all exercise that uses one, from ballet to booty.Define Body

So why is Define Body so different?

Well not only is their morning class taught by a 7-months-pregnant teacher, who will put all of you to shame working out just as hard as you are in the studio, but it also focuses on a much more cardio-based rhythm of movements. Defined as a “one-stop shop for the tone and length you’ve been looking for”. It’s very much a combination of pilates, yoga, ballet to form a bit of a HIIT workout. Also suitable for the boys…Define Body

The class aims to get your heart rate right up, whilst aiding the toning process with weighted exercises, standing work, and of course seated movements dedicated to working your core. It doesn’t, thank god, require too much dance, i’ve very little rhythm and almost 0 ability to follow direction too. It will however leave you swearing and sweating your way through a 1 hour session.

What does it help:

Develop proper alignment & form
Target all major muscle groups
Create leaner and longer muscle
Improve strength and flexibility
Get and stay in shape

travel

Kuramathi – The People’s Island

So far on my travels to this beautiful blue archipelago, the island’s have been one beautiful breathe of fresh air and nothing but relaxation awaiting you. They all persuade you with a wide array of sandy, tropical and underwater sanctuaries to explore and all have a similar variety of cuisine on offer, with copious luxury-laden opportunities for you to fully enjoy your weekend away. KuramathiKuramathi is however, without doubt, the island you could quite happily move to more permanently. Kuramathi went through major refurbishment in 2009, where more than a third of the rooms were completely redone and environmentally friendly methods implemented across the island. Kuramathi

It is the Maldives but on a much larger scale, boasting 1.8km from tip to tip, it’s the largest one I’ve visited so far. It houses 4 different water villa complexes and it’s actually fairly easy to get a little lost in the midst of all their footpaths. I was a bit affronted by the golf buggies tearing up and down the island as their main mode of transport, because I wanted nothing more than to remain barefoot and enjoy the jungle trails as I had done on the past few islands. Here however, they are more of a necessary evil, especially welcomed when the giant fruit bats start flying about in the canopy and you can’t quite see what’s making all the noise!Kuramathi

One of the nicest traits the island has is the full community vibe in the middle of it, where staff are kept almost hidden in other areas, here there’s frequent football and cricket matches held in the middle of the island for their 1000+ employees. Amidst such a big community, it’s a welcome sight to see the sustainable hydroponic garden producing all the deliciously fresh produce and plant life across the island. Kuramathi

If you’re looking for a longer trip then this is the perfect place for you to enjoy getting lost in. Not only is there plenty to do above the water during the day, the evening’s are well covered with restaurants like Reef – the local seafood restaurant, with a substantial wine cellar, that boasts nothing but 100% fresh catch where nothing goes to waste – all set to the sound of absolutely no music, so that you are settled solely by the waves all around you in their open dining hotspot. Kuramathi

Looking for a way to explore the reef’s but finding the water a little chilly? We’ll there’s two options for you here… Kuramathi offers a unique diving experience like no other – in a submarine! Expect to be fairly surface-side most of the time, so it’s ok for those who are a little claustrophobic like me. KuramathiIf you’d rather get a tan in the process too, take out the monokini– a see through canoe – for the afternoon. It’s a great way of being able to drift across the reefs and spot all the fish below without getting wet. But if you are a diver… this island has a full Hyperbaric Chamber available to you too – especially if you’ve been out on one of their early morning boats to Hammerhead Shark Point – only 8 minutes by boat from Kuramathi and these gorgeous creatures can be seen all year round! Kuramathi

If you’re an early bird like me, there’s a sunrise yoga session that’s sure to stretch you out, after all, it’s hard doing almost nothing ☺ If that’s not for you however, the spa certainly will be! Treat yourself to the signature massage (which I’ve checked – differs from island to island) and enjoy the post-relaxation thrum of the jungle around you. Kuramathi

Because it’s such a vast island, the eco-sanctuary and marine station have a much bigger job of keeping it all growing. We spoke with their resident biologist who’s having a tough time with the thorny crown fish in the area, attacking what’s left of their mostly bleached reefs. It’s not a total loss though as if it’s even 10% of the Maldives at their best, it’s still 100% better than most other places in the world! Kuramathi

travel

Kurumba: An Underwater Haven

If it’s the fish you fancy most about the Maldives and its abundant blue ocean, then the underwater world at Kurumba is for you. Named Vihamanaafushi after the word for coconut, this diver’s paradise opened back in 1972 and is one of the longest running resorts in all the atolls. Kurumba began with just 30 rooms that were all constructed using local materials with walls made from coral stone and roofs composed of palm thatch. It’s close to Male airport in the North, which makes it even more appealing for the weekend warrior. Kurumba, Maldives

There’s a much more relaxed and casual atmosphere here, as apposed to the other often-intimidating 5* resorts in the area, it’s perfect for families or for the solo traveller looking for a bit of winter sunshine. Kurumba, Maldives

Currents and reef at this time of year bring with it an abundance of fish feeding on plankton – the current moves around the island with a strong pull and limits your efforts snorkeling so you wont get exhausted quickly, you can just enjoy the ride and take in the array of aquatic action. Kurumba, Maldives

The reef here is less damaged than the rest of the Maldives, with less bleaching affecting the corals as apposed to the more southern atolls. Sky blue lagoons and darker reef drops are visibly different in vibrancy to the deeper turquoise shallows elsewhere. Kurumba, Maldives

Expect to get up close and personal with the local black tip sharks, barracuda, eels and a few house reef turtles too. There’s an app in the Maldives that’s used by the marine biologists across the islands to help identify turtles, whale sharks, manta’s and stingrays, with just a couple of close up shots, you can determine if you’ve stumbled across a newbie (which you get to name) or if they’re locals and have been named before! Kurumba, Maldives

For those looking to keep their head above water for a bit longer to enjoy the beautiful weather… the spa on Kurumba is a breathe of fresh air. Take in a signature massage for an hour to truly enjoy your time off. If like me you’re looking to stay a little more active in between your snorkeling sessions, sign up for a sunrise yoga with their dedicated island instructor and wake up with a little extra good energy. Kurumba, Maldives

Fitness

Testing Out: SUP Yoga

Now I think of myself as a fairly fit person, with relatively good balance, but all of that went out the window when I was asked to Vinyasa flow through a downward dog on a moving SUP, out on JBR’s early waves. What a great workout!

SUP Yoga is one of those awesome classes where you feel challenged but don’t quite realise just how much your core is working to help keep you upright (dry) until the next day’s ‘doms’. A total mixture of yoga and pilates (yogalates if you prefer) this class is a fantastic way to wake up your weekend. SUP Yoga

Situated off the shoreline of the Doubletree Hilton in JBR, the class is run by their in-house centre Watercooled, where dancer Sophie will take you through a tailored program under the early sunshine. The idea is not to fall in, but I did and in all honesty it wasn’t that bad… bring a towel with you just in case, but on the SUP during the class, all you’ll need is some sunscreen and sunglasses. SUP Yoga

From some strengthening V-sits to shoulder testing side planks, the toughest part of your workout here is to remain on the board itself. Never before have I been so aware of staying ‘grounded’ throughout my practice, which of course is totally ironic as we’re floating around on inflatable boards. SUP Yoga

fashion Fitness

New Year, New Workout Gear

Ever feel like your workout wardrobe is better than your evening one? I certainly do… but that means it’s time for it to get a bit of a karmic cleanse too (I mean who wears neon to the gym anymore!?). I always wear my newest gym gear, because like everything, when it’s new, I feel confident in it. Admittedly there’s a few colour heavy/trendy pieces mixed in with the more classic black leggings, but all in all, I can honestly say I’d be happy to downward dog in just about everything in there.

Even though it’s my current favourite gym wear, it’s worth recycling the pile every so often. If you can’t work out what to throw out, turn the pile upside down and see if you go for those forgotten leggings next time you book a class or if you pull from within the pile itself!

For me though, a workout isn’t just in the gym! My swimwear also gets a refresh every January – to whittle out those few favoured bikinis that are turning a little see-through…

Check out my fave new pieces you can buy online in the U.A.E!
Workout Gear for the New Year THE UPSIDE paddle suit from Sun & Sand Sports

Workout Gear for the New Year DHARMA BUMS leggings from yApparel

Workout Gear for the New Year BODY LANGUAGE capri leggings and crop top from Sun & Sand Sports