After a turbulent year which saw Google searches for anxiety soar to a record high, there’s  no better time to experience the transformative power of breathwork and where more  tranquil to hone your skill than the tropical setting of the Maldives… 

Baa Atoll, the Maldives. February 2021: Milaidhoo offers guests the opportunity to master  the art of breathing with the launch of brand-new workshops and practices. Breathwork has  rapidly become a global wellness trend and studies suggest that six weeks of practising  Pranayamic breathing, the ancient practice of breath control used in yoga, has a proven  positive effect on heart rate, stress levels and improving cognitive function and anxiety.  Stemming from the Indian school of Ashtanga yoga, Pranayama uses breathing techniques  to clear and calm the mind and allow breath and ‘prana’ (‘life force’) to flow freely. Milaidhoo  is excited to incorporate breathwork into their wellness offering and introduce these  transformative teachings to their guests. Through bespoke workshops and practices, guests  will learn how to control their breath, resulting not only in the enhancement of Yoga practice but a range of health benefits including relaxation, reducing anxiety and improving  blood circulation. 

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. 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 is deep-rooted within Shubh’s upbringing. 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 degree in Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Patanjali Yoga and Reki  Healing. 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: “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.” 

The programme, consisting of workshops and practices, is aimed towards guests interested  in learning how the mind and body are interconnected, keen to improve the capacity of their  lungs and understand how to use breath as a coping mechanism. Through a combination of  high and low intensity breathwork removing negative feelings of anxiety and strengthening  the respiratory system, participants will leave with mental clarity and inner peace. Arranged  on a request basis, private single and couple breathing workshops can take place in the  traditional thatched-roof suites of the over-water Serenity Spa. The spa’s soothing  environment, with stunning views across the Indian Ocean helps to relax the mind and body  and encourage guests to fall into a deeper meditative state during their practice.  Alternatively, private workshops can 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 total tranquillity, guests can also opt for a session onboard a  traditional Maldivian Dhoni (sailing boat), whilst cruising the lagoon listening to the calming  sounds of the gentle waves splashing around them.

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, whilst afternoon practices help  develop inner awareness and strengthen the mind and body through more gentle  approaches. After a full day snorkelling amongst coral reefs or exploring the tropical  surroundings, an evening practice is the perfect way to truly unwind in preparation for a  restful and deep night’s sleep. Breathing skills developed at Milaidhoo will stay with guests  long beyond their trip and can be easily practiced at home. The development of self awareness and self-control through breathing can also help guests to overcome stressful  and challenging situations in their own daily life. 

In addition to the psychological benefits gained from breathwork, a stay at Milaidhoo offers  the perfect setting for a stress-free tropical escape. Set over 13 acres atop the Baa Atoll’s  beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo boasts 50 spacious thatched-roof villas  each with a private pool as well as three world-class restaurants, a fitness centre and spa.  Offering a plethora of activities, guests can spend their days snorkelling in the incredible  house reef, deep diving amongst exotic marine life or simply enjoy Milaidhoo’s stunning  surroundings to switch off from their busy lives at home. Proudly rooted in local island  traditions, the island resort provides a sense of Maldivian living, complete with stylish,  thoughtful décor designed and created by local designers and artisans using responsibly sourced materials, offering the ultimate laidback island luxury.  

HOW: 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