A place for quiet reflecting itself in a reflecting pool. NIYAMA’s pool hammock is very close to the Hammacher Schlemmer on my “Haven’t Seen” list (but it’s not quite the petiole model I had noted).
Just floating in the pool…
Best of the Maldives: Aqua Yoga – Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Bouncing around in the water takes a more controlled, purposeful and therapeutic dimension at Park Hyatt Hadahaa. Their Vidhun Spa offers its own special Aqua Yoga programme.
The developer and teacher of this innovative activity is spa yoga teacher Deeksha (see photos). Like many activities (especially those that involve a bit of pain and effort), her charisma and energy mutes the discomfort and difficulty. She personally turns the pool into an effervescent jacuzzi of can-do with her bubbly personality.
Water is such an immersive part of the Maldives experience, I love it when resorts take activities into the water. The cool and refreshing water provides a crisp contrast to the soothing heat of the ever present sunshine. But when it comes to yoga, the aqueous venue provides extra benefits. First, the natural buoyancy of your body in water facilitates a whole range of yoga moves for a beginner that would require guru level balance and proficiency to achieve standing on land. Secondly, water provides a natural source of resistance. Instead of bands or other devices to provide strength building resistance, Deeksha has devised a number of gentle movements in the water where the water itself is your resistance.
The whole concept does raise the potential for an entirely new range of yoga moves…
- Downward Facing Dogfish
- Dolphin Plank
- Eagle Ray Pose
- Half Frogfish
in water
Best of the Maldives: Jacuzzi Chess – Ayada
I have seen lots of ways to play chess. Fancy sets. Giant outdoor setups. But Ayada’s has to be the most ingenious master stroke of them all.
I love hanging out in the Jacuzzi or pool, but admit it can get a bit boring. You can’t read in the pool because the pages get wet and don’t even think about bringing in your iPad.
This is what 5-star luxury is all about (and the the focus of so many “Best of the Maldives” pieces) – taking a simple, ordinary thing (a game of chess) and making it extraordinary.
Check and mate!
Best of the Maldives: Lagoon Pool – Velassaru
Best of the Maldives: Pool Lighting – Atmosphere Kanifushi
The very folks who introduced me to the Maldives nearly two decades ago are still serving as one of my great inside sources as they’ve gone a couple time this year already. They sent over a field report of their visit to the newly opened Atmosphere Kanifushi with a Best Of scoop on their pool light globes….
“They are fab ! Rechargeable glo balls and cubes light up the resorts bars and pools at night . Color changing v effective.”
Best of the Maldives: Jacuzzi Cabana – Nika
Most outdoor Jacuzzis are set out in the open air I guess to provide the most expansive view, but in keeping with Nika’s distinction in the area of privacy, it offers charming Jacuzzi cabanas in the private beach area of each villa. It uses temperature controlled water like drawing a bath so you can get it nice a piping hot unlike many rather tepid Jacuzzis.
Best of the Maldives: Watsu Pool – One & Only Reethi Rah
Water based healing is the principle behind One & Only Reethi Rah’s Watsu pool. “Watsu” is Japanese for “water”, in this case mineral water from sea warmed to 36 degrees and used for stretching sessions overlooking the ocean.
“(WATer ShiatSU) is a form of aquatic therapy, which combines massage, yoga-like stretches and point work carried out in skin temperature water. The weightless environment of the water allows for graceful, fluid movements which can release muscle tension, improve circulation and increase your range of motion.”
Even without its therapeutic properties, it is a distinctive spa relaxation pool.
Best of the Maldives: Private Pool Deck – Constance Halaveli
If private shades are your thing, then Constance Halaveli offers it right out in the main pool. Mini, canopied private jetties are built over a shallow rock pool looking out towards the beach and ocean. Like having your own private deck but with a beach view (which water villas won’t give you) and instant access to a quick Olympic-sized freshwater dip.
Best of the Maldives: Pool Bed – One & Only Reethi Rah
I have wondered who might have a water bed, but One and Only Reeth Rah’s pool bed is not what I meant. Still, a bit more elegant than a seventies-style pleasure pit and probably just as seductive.
Best of the Maldives: Sunken Pool Seating – Soneva Fushi
Instead of bringing your pool into your sitting room, Soneva Fushi brings the sitting room into the pool. With its unique sunken seating area amidst its new sprawling private residence (which guests will be able to book and rent from the owners). A new twist to “under” water activity in the Maldives.