
SOUL Festival Announces its Third Chapter – 9th to 13th October at Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi – Wellness Group Activity with Sanctum
The 2025 edition welcomes an inspiring line-up of international thought leaders and practitioners. Returning to the Maldives are Sanctum founders Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski, whose energising morning rituals set the tone for each day. Also featured are Peign Crowley, founder of Ground Wellbeing and a champion of intuitive healing; Tim Gray, Europe's leading biohacker and a global voice in optimised health and longevity; Nathalie Schyllert, CEO of Bodyism, offering a holistic approach to physical and emotional wellbeing; Frida Redknapp, wellness advocate and creative collaborator at Bodyism; Dr Timm Golke, renowned dermatologist and pioneer in anti- ageing skin health; and Roses Gabor, sound therapist and musician known for immersive healing journeys.
SOUL Festival 2024
The line-up also includes Kirsten King of Fluidform Pilates, whose signature method balances strength and grace; Adrienne Adhami, wellness content creator and advocate for movement-led living; Dong Juan, Traditional Chinese Medicine expert and movement guide; and Anika Lefebvre, transformational breathwork facilitator. Closing the roster is Nils Behrens, a leading voice in longevity and preventive health.
Each day is thoughtfully composed to guide guests through a full spectrum of wellness experiences that nurture both body and mind. Mornings begin with invigorating movement – from barefoot Sanctum sessions on the sand to Pilates overlooking the ocean – creating space for mindfulness and embodied awareness. After a nourishing breakfast, panel discussions explore themes such as longevity, emotional health, recovery and modern wellness innovations. Afternoons offer deeper engagement through hands-on workshops and one-on-one sessions, including trauma-informed bodywork, clarity breathwork and somatic therapy designed to support deep relaxation and inner balance. As the sun sets, the island transforms with immersive sound journeys and social sensory dinners beneath the stars. Each night concludes in celebration, with musical performances and closing rituals that invite reflection and reconnection.
A natural treasure where luxury meets soulful living, Soneva Fushi offers vast, secluded villas nestled within jungle clearings or set directly on the sand, each designed to dissolve the boundaries between indoors and nature. Nourishing, health- led cuisine crafted from organic island ingredients, healing therapies at Soneva Soul and endless opportunities to explore both land and sea create the ideal setting for deep a meaningful reset.
Guests can enjoy the full SOUL Festival experience with a dedicated package that includes luxurious villa accommodation, full board dining, return seaplane transfers, access to the complete programme, a complimentary Soneva Soul treatment and exclusive savings on therapies. Packages start from USD 3,360 per night for two adults, with a 10% reduction available for bookings confirmed before August 31, 2025.
For more information, visit www.soneva.com To download images, click here.
About Soneva Fushi
The original Soneva and 'No News, No Shoes' blueprint for barefoot luxury, Soneva Fushi lies within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on one of the Maldives' largest and most unspoiled islands. A two-time winner of the World's Best Beach Hotel Award, its vast one- to nine-bedroom villas offer secluded sanctuaries hidden amid dense jungle or gracefully poised over the shimmering lagoon. Here, every moment unfolds in a rhythm of discovery – from immersive fine dining and transformative wellness at Soneva Soul to rare celestial encounters and exclusive events with world- renowned experts. And with thrilling family adventures at The Den, one of South Asia's largest children's playgrounds, magical experiences await at every turn.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
How to workout without raising stress hormones: Best time and type of exercises
How Exercise Influences Cortisol Choosing Best Time to Exercise How to Work Out Without Spiking Cortisol Prioritize moderate aerobic activity: Brisk walking, swimming, or light cycling for 30 minutes daily can reduce baseline cortisol, especially when done consistently. Brisk walking, swimming, or light cycling for 30 minutes daily can reduce baseline cortisol, especially when done consistently. Incorporate mind-body practices: Yoga, tai chi, and Pilates engage the parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body relax and recover. Yoga, tai chi, and Pilates engage the parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body relax and recover. Strength train in moderation: Short, moderate sessions build resilience and improve metabolism. Avoid overtraining by spacing out sessions. Short, moderate sessions build resilience and improve metabolism. Avoid overtraining by spacing out sessions. Limit high-intensity training: HIIT should be done no more than 2–3 times a week, with proper rest and nutrition support. HIIT should be done no more than 2–3 times a week, with proper rest and nutrition support. Fuel properly: A balanced pre-workout snack with carbs and protein helps regulate cortisol. Post-workout meals support recovery. A balanced pre-workout snack with carbs and protein helps regulate cortisol. Post-workout meals support recovery. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can raise cortisol, so drink enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can raise cortisol, so drink enough water throughout the day. Sleep well: Poor sleep raises cortisol. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality rest. Poor sleep raises cortisol. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality rest. Incorporate relaxation: Breathing exercises, meditation, and light stretching can help reset your stress response. Balanced Weekly Plan Monday – Brisk walk or light jog (30–60 minutes) – Brisk walk or light jog (30–60 minutes) Tuesday – Moderate strength training or HIIT (20–30 minutes) – Moderate strength training or HIIT (20–30 minutes) Wednesday – Rest or gentle movement – Rest or gentle movement Thursday – Yoga or Pilates (30–60 minutes) – Yoga or Pilates (30–60 minutes) Friday – Combination of cardio and light strength – Combination of cardio and light strength Saturday – Outdoor activity (hiking, biking) – Outdoor activity (hiking, biking) Sunday – Stretching, breathwork, or complete rest While exercise is well-known for improving physical health, mood, and energy, not many realize that the way you exercise—and when—can significantly impact your body's stress response. At the center of this response is cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate metabolism, inflammation, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle. Often referred to as the 'stress hormone,' cortisol naturally rises in the morning and falls in the chronic elevation of cortisol, often triggered by persistent stress or poor lifestyle habits, can lead to issues such as fatigue, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and a weakened immune system. According to Dr. Anne Friedlander, an exercise physiologist at Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, consistent physical activity helps cortisol levels follow a healthy rhythm—rising and falling as needed—rather than staying high throughout the temporarily increases cortisol, particularly during intense sessions. This is a normal physiological response and can even be beneficial—helping the body train, perform, and recover. But working out when cortisol is already high, such as early in the morning or when under chronic stress, can cause overexposure to the hormone, leading to fatigue, poor recovery, and slower routines like HIIT or prolonged cardio, if done too frequently or without proper rest, may keep cortisol levels elevated, according to Stanford experts. On the other hand, moderate aerobic activity, strength training in moderation, and mind-body exercises like yoga and Pilates can help manage and even reduce cortisol over workouts (6 AM to 9 AM) are popular but may coincide with your body's natural cortisol peak. If mornings are your only option, experts recommend sticking to low to moderate-intensity workouts—such as walking, light cycling, or yoga—and avoiding fasted HIIT or heavy workouts (5 PM to 8 PM) are generally better for more intense training, as cortisol levels are lower. Strength, endurance, and flexibility also tend to peak in the evening. However, working out too late (after 8 PM) can disturb your sleep, as heart rate and body temperature take time to most optimal window, according to multiple studies, is late morning to early afternoon (10 AM to 2 PM). Cortisol levels naturally begin to decline during this period, and energy levels are typically high. Training during this time strikes a balance between performance and hormonal get the most out of your workouts without triggering excess stress, consider these practical strategies:Here's a sample week that supports cortisol balance, as recommended by experts:Dr. Friedlander emphasizes the importance of listening to your body. 'Consistency is more important than intensity,' she explains. 'And enjoyment is key—find a routine that feels sustainable.'


Time of India
01-08-2025
- Time of India
Can you grow taller after 20? Study shows how Pilates can help you appear taller and improve posture
Maintaining good posture is crucial for maintaining spinal health, boosting confidence, and achieving overall body alignment. Poor posture can make you look shorter and lead to long-term back and joint problems. Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout that improves core strength, spinal flexibility, and postural alignment, helping you appear taller naturally. In a study shared by the New York Post, participants who followed a consistent Pilates mat routine for 10 weeks gained an average of 2.7 cm in visible height. While their bones didn't grow, spinal elongation and improved muscular support reduced hunching, making them appear taller and more upright. Other effective workouts, such as yoga, stretching, swimming, and dead hangs, also support height and posture. What is Pilates and how does it help in height growth Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout that focuses on core strength, postural alignment, spinal flexibility, and controlled breathing. The method aims to improve body awareness, balance, and coordination, all while strengthening the deep muscles of the abdomen, lower back, hips, and thighs (known as the "powerhouse"). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo By realigning your body and retraining postural habits, Pilates can help restore your natural height and make you appear taller and more confident. Mechanism Effect on Height Appearance Spinal Decompression Restores natural disc space, reducing compressed posture Posture Realignment Brings head, spine, and pelvis into optimal vertical alignment Core Strengthening Supports better balance and upright body structure Chest Opening Movements Reduces rounded shoulders and forward head posture Flexibility in Hamstrings/Back Frees up tight muscles that pull the body downward Pilates exercises for spinal lengthening and better posture Here are some effective Pilates moves that help improve posture and make you appear taller: Swan dive – Strengthens the back muscles and opens up the chest Spine stretch forward – Encourages spinal articulation and stretches the hamstrings Roll-up – Builds core strength and enhances spinal mobility Shoulder bridge – Realigns the pelvis and activates the glutes and core Wall roll-downs – Helps lengthen the spine and relieve spinal compression Practicing these exercises consistently can lead to improved posture, better spinal alignment, and a taller, more upright appearance. Other workouts that support height and posture While Pilates is one of the most effective workouts for posture and height appearance, others can complement your routine: Yoga: Builds flexibility, especially in the spine and hips Dead hangs: Temporarily decompress the spine and improve grip strength Stretching routines: Keep the hips, hamstrings, and shoulders open Swimming: A low-impact, full-body workout that encourages spinal extension Combining these with Pilates creates a holistic, posture-improving regimen. Also read | Empty stomach walk vs post-meal walk: Which works better for weight loss and blood sugar control


Indian Express
24-07-2025
- Indian Express
Natasa Stankovic and friend Aleksandar crush their weekday challenge with an intense workout; the benefits of step-based cardio
Dancer and model Natasa Stankovic recently shared a glimpse of her morning cardio routine, showcasing an intense workout session with her friend Aleksandar Alex Ilic. Sharing the clip, Natasa wrote in the caption, '#Mondaychallenge.' The video featured the duo performing exercises on an aerobic stepper, incorporating jumps and torso twists. Their routine combined basic yet effective movements that elevate heart rate and engage multiple muscle groups. Step-based cardio workouts are known for improving endurance, coordination, and overall cardiovascular health. But how effective are these exercises for long-term fitness goals? Dr Vajalla Shravani, MPT, fitness and Pilates expert at Tone30 Pilates, explains, 'Using an aerobic stepper introduces vertical movement that engages more muscle groups and increases workout intensity. Unlike floor-based exercises, stepping requires you to lift your body weight repeatedly, elevating heart rate and burning more calories.' A post shared by @natasastankovic__ This repetitive elevation enhances cardiovascular endurance while targeting lower body muscles like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Adding movements such as jumping and twisting further boosts calorie burn and improves coordination, making it a dynamic and effective workout. Proper form is crucial for maximising benefits and avoiding injuries. 'When performing step-based jumps, land softly with a slight bend in your knees to absorb impact and protect your joints,' says Dr Shravani. Keeping feet aligned and weight centered over the step helps maintain balance and reduces missteps. For torso twists, engaging the core and maintaining a neutral spine is essential. 'Avoid over-rotating to protect your lower back. Keep movements controlled rather than rushed to ensure stability and target the correct muscles,' she adds. Warming up and gradually increasing intensity can further prevent injuries. 'Holding light dumbbells during step routines adds upper body work and increases overall muscle engagement,' suggests Dr Shravani. Resistance bands can also provide extra tension for both the upper and lower body. Exercises like step-ups combined with squats or push-ups on the stepper effectively target multiple muscle groups. 'Performing slower, controlled movements maximises muscle contraction while keeping the heart rate elevated,' she notes. These modifications allow for a balanced mix of strength and cardio in one workout.