Are sedentary desk jobs yet fast-paced lifestyles keeping physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing out of balance? Are the world’s marvellous technological advances actually hindering health? Are excess and addiction becoming coping strategies?

Under the leadership of Ayurvedic guru Dr. Shylesh Subramanya, The Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru – the first to introduce AntiGravity yoga, a Yoga Energy Trail, and Panchakarma to the Maldives – is the world’s first Resort to offer Yoga Therapy Courses: personalised condition-targeting programs devised in conjunction with S-VYASA, the world’s first "university for yoga" and pioneer of yoga therapy through scientific research.

“If guided by a medical doctor, most people wouldn’t hesitate to take prescription medicine for a personal condition,” explains Dr. Shylesh. "That’s exactly how we invite our guests to view the new scientifically-backed courses: personally prescribed movements and breathing to be ’taken’ daily for long-lasting improvements.” 

From its new Yoga Therapy Centre – in the pulsing jungle heart of Landaa’s Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat – each Yoga Therapy Course is open to all ages and conditions.

Each three or five day program begins and ends with consultations – including comprehensive questionnaires – to help align each course to individual needs and lifestyle. Daily 60-minute sessions then teach bespoke breathing techniques and postures designed for each ailment, aim, injury or intention.

“Yoga isn’t restrictive – it is a healing tool to help you subtly adjust the way you do things to better serve you,” continues Dr. Shylesh. “Healthy changes aren’t going to stick if they don’t integrate with your lifestyle or serve a real purpose. And that’s our goal – to make sure individuals leave equipped with all the knowledge they need to be the masters of their own wellbeing.”

Starting modules target specific common ailments and lifestyle diseases – Stress Management, Diabetes Care, Spinal Care, Thyroid Health, Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Addiction Management – across Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced levels.

Guests are invited to consult with the Resort’s Yogis to tailor a program to suit other symptoms too, as well as any combination of the above. Follow-up care and support come in the form of personal video conference sessions, as well as on-site access to complementary Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat treatments, classes and cuisines.