Latest news with #EmiliaMétaireau
Arab News
17-07-2025
- Arab News
Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives
MALDIVES: There are few places in the world that truly embody serenity the way the Maldives does, and my recent yoga retreat at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort was nothing short of transformative. The resort — set among turquoise waters, white sand and swaying palm trees — was not just a getaway; it was a reset for the body, mind and soul. From the moment I arrived, it felt as though time slowed down. Each day began with yoga classes overlooking the endless blue of the Indian Ocean with the sound of the wind rustling through palm trees and the gentle rhythm of waves crashing on the shore. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. One of the most peaceful sessions took place around sunset, as the sky shifted from soft gold to dusky pink. A yoga retreat at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau. (Supplied) The retreat was led by Dubai-based instructor Emilia Métaireau. Each day, we explored one of the 'koshas' — the five layers of the self in yogic thought — starting with the physical and gradually moving on to the emotional, mental and spiritual realms. Métaireau's ability to guide us gently into each theme, while adapting to every participant's level, made the experience both grounding and expansive. And while the classes make you sweat, you remain in constant Zen mode. During the final relaxation, there was no escaping the inevitable: drifting into the deepest, most peaceful sleep. Post-practice, we had plenty of time to explore and unwind at the resort. Our villa came with its own bicycles, which made exploring the island feel peaceful and playful. Riding from one side to the other with the sea breeze on my face was one of the small joys that made the trip so memorable. The dining options were another highlight — whether at the Fish Market, The Retreat or at Café Umi for breakfast. The Lighthouse was undergoing renovations during our stay, but we were still able to enjoy its menu in a different setting. Fresh seafood, balanced flavors and thoughtful plating made each meal feel special. The resort is also on the edge of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and offers rare access to graceful manta rays in their natural habitat. We headed out on a boat, gliding across crystal-clear waters in search of them, stopping at three different spots. Mantas have a vast area to explore, so sightings are never guaranteed and, after a while, we began to lose hope. But just as we were about to head back, the team spotted them near the surface. Guests — including my husband — were able to get into the water with the rays. He said they were much larger than he expected, yet graceful and fascinating to watch up close. The resort's spa — set above the water — was the perfect complement to the physical and spiritual work on the retreat. The treatment rooms offer panoramic views of the ocean, which only deepens the relaxation experience, and every aspect, from the scents used to the post-treatment tea, was curated to bring a sense of calm and renewal. This retreat gave me the space to reconnect with myself in a truly meaningful way, and Métaireau's guidance gave me a deeper understanding of yoga. I used to attend classes in Dubai, but I struggled to focus, often skipping the breathing exercises, weighed down by the stress of a busy workday. But being in the Maldives, surrounded by nature, was a completely different experience. With every session, I felt more present, more grounded and more in tune with myself. If you would like to try yoga — or if you've already tried but found it hard to engage properly — then I highly recommend going on a retreat, even within your own country. Stepping away from your daily routine makes all the difference.
Al Bawaba
20-06-2025
- Al Bawaba
Celebrate International Yoga Week in Paradise at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
This summer offers the perfect opportunity to realign mind and body amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives. In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21st, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is hosting an immersive five-day yoga retreat from June 20th to 24th. Led by renowned Dubai-based instructor Emilia Métaireau, the retreat is offering a transformative escape from the everyday. Thoughtfully timed for a mid-summer reset, the experience welcomes wellness seekers to disconnect from routine and rediscover inner harmony through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the world's most idyllic island as a signature event for International Yoga Day, this retreat celebrates holistic healing, blending ancient yogic traditions with modern techniques to create a soul-stirring experience. Daily sunrise sessions awaken the senses, while thoughtful evening practices help ground the body and soothe the mind. Guided meditations and energy healing techniques further enhance self-awareness and spiritual instructor for the retreat, Emilia Métaireau, is a passionate advocate for mindful movement and self-care, with over a decade of dedicated practice. Internationally certified in London and having led more than 2,500 hours of classes and retreats around the world, she brings a grounded yet expansive energy to every session. Her approach blends conscious movement, breathwork, and ancient wisdom to guide guests back to their bodies and inner the heart of the retreat lies the ancient yogic philosophy of the five koshas - a powerful framework for self-discovery and holistic wellbeing. According to yoga tradition, each human being is made up of five interconnected layers, or sheaths, known as koshas, which shape our experience of life, spirituality, and self-realisation. These include the Annamaya Kosha (physical body), Pranamaya Kosha (energy body), Manomaya Kosha (mental body), Vijnanamaya Kosha (intellectual body), and the innermost Anandamaya Kosha (bliss body). Each kosha holds the potential to guide us inward - toward balance, clarity, and the essence of who we truly are. Through thoughtfully curated practices of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement, this retreat offers a deeply experiential journey through these five koshas, helping you peel back each layer and return to a place of inner harmony, joy, and embodied Spa, the resort's luxury wellness retreat, welcomes guests to their overwater sanctuary to enjoy signature treatments and wellness therapies, perfect for guests seeking peace and serenity. AVI Spa translates to "sunshine" in the language of its island home, beautifully reflecting the transformative experiences it provides for its guests. The resort's retreat program offers guests a unique opportunity to embark on a deeply holistic journey that nurtures every aspect of your being, restoring balance, enhancing vitality, and reconnecting you with your authentic on the idyllic southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and bordering a juvenile manta ray aggregation spot, the resort is perfectly situated for indulging in a retreat experience. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, guests are truly spoiled with indulgent complimentary benefits alongside luxurious five-star Maldivian facilities such as overwater villas, an adults-only area including pool and restaurant, and a tranquil spa where guests can enjoy guided meditation and yoga sessions to support mindfulness and recentering. With six restaurants and bars and 81 villas and residences, guests have the luxury to choose their hideaway as well as exceptional food and beverage Highlights & Activity ScheduleWhen: 20th – 24th June 2025Day 1 - June 20thTheme: Annamayakosha - Awaken to your bodyDynamic Vinyasa Flow (90 minutes)Time: 9:00 AMDay 2 - June 21stTheme: Pranamayakosha - Cultivate vibrant vitalityYin & Yoga Nidra (90 minutes)Time: 6:00 PMDay 3 - June 22ndTheme 1. Manomayakosha - Calming the mindDynamic Vinyasa Flow (90 minutes)Time: 9:00 AMTheme 2. Vijnanamayakosha - Ignite your intuitionYin & Yoga Nidra (90 minutes)Time: 6:00 PMDay 4 - June 23rdTheme: Anandamayakosha - Blissful stateDynamic Vinyasa Flow (2 hours)Time: 9:00 AMDay 5 - June 24thTheme: Integrating the five koshas: A journey withinYin & Nidra (90 minutes) Time: 6:00 PM © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Web Release
05-05-2025
- Web Release
Celebrate International Yoga Week in Paradise at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
This summer offers the perfect opportunity to realign mind and body amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives. In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21st, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to an immersive five-day yoga retreat from June 20th to 24th. Led by renowned Dubai-based instructor Emilia Métaireau, the retreat promises a transformative escape from the everyday. Thoughtfully timed for a mid-summer reset, the experience welcomes wellness seekers to disconnect from routine and rediscover inner harmony through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the world's most idyllic island destinations. Curated as a signature event for International Yoga Day, this retreat is a celebration of holistic healing, blending ancient yogic traditions with modern techniques to create a soul-stirring experience. Daily sunrise sessions will awaken the senses, while thoughtful evening practices help ground the body and soothe the mind. Guided meditations and energy healing techniques will further enhance self-awareness and spiritual connection. Lead instructor for the retreat, Emilia Métaireau, is a passionate advocate for mindful movement and self-care, with over a decade of dedicated practice. Internationally certified in London and having led more than 2,500 hours of classes and retreats around the world, she brings a grounded yet expansive energy to every session. Her approach blends conscious movement, breathwork, and ancient wisdom to guide guests back to their bodies and inner clarity. At the heart of the retreat lies the ancient yogic philosophy of the five koshas—a powerful framework for self-discovery and holistic wellbeing. According to yoga tradition, each human being is made up of five interconnected layers, or sheaths, known as koshas, which shape our experience of life, spirituality, and self-realization. These include the Annamaya Kosha (physical body), Pranamaya Kosha (energy body), Manomaya Kosha (mental body), Vijnanamaya Kosha (intellectual body), and the innermost Anandamaya Kosha (bliss body). Each kosha holds the potential to guide us inward—toward balance, clarity, and the essence of who we truly are. Through thoughtfully curated practices of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement, this retreat offers a deeply experiential journey through these five koshas, helping you peel back each layer and return to a place of inner harmony, joy, and embodied freedom. AVI Spa, the resort's luxury wellness retreat, welcomes guests to their overwater sanctuary to enjoy signature treatments and wellness therapies, perfect for guests seeking peace and serenity. AVI Spa translates to 'sunshine' in the language of its island home, beautifully reflecting the transformative experiences it provides for its guests. The resort's retreat program aims to provide guests with a unique opportunity to embark on a deeply transformative journey that nurtures every layer of your being. The retreat offers a holistic experience designed to restore balance, enhance vitality, and reconnect you with your authentic self. Sitting on the idyllic Southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and bordering a juvenile manta ray aggregation spot, the resort is perfectly situated for indulging in a retreat experience. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, guests are truly spoiled with indulgent complimentary benefits alongside luxurious five-star Maldivian facilities such as overwater villas, an adults-only area, including pool and restaurant and a tranquil spa where guests can enjoy guided meditation and yoga sessions to support with mindfulness and recentering. With six restaurants and bars and 81 villas and residences, partaking guests have the luxury to choose their hideaway as well as exceptional food and beverage options. Retreat Highlights & Activity Schedule When: 20-24 June, 2025 Day 1 – June 20 Theme: Annamayakosha – Awaken to your body Dynamic Vinyasa Flow (90 minutes) Time: 9:00 AM Day 2 – June 21 Theme: Pranamayakosha – Cultivate vibrant vitality Yin & Yoga Nidra (90 minutes) Time: 6:00 PM Day 3 – June 22 Theme 1. Manomayakosha – Calming the mind Dynamic Vinyasa Flow (90 minutes) Time: 9:00 AM Theme 2. Vijnanamayakosha – Ignite your intuition Yin & Yoga Nidra (90 minutes) Time: 6:00 PM Day 4 – June 23 Theme: Anandamayakosha – Blissful state Dynamic Vinyasa Flow (2 hours) Time: 9:00 AM Day 5 – June 24 Theme: Integrating the five koshas: A journey within Yin & Nidra (90 minutes) Time: 6:00 PM With limited spaces available, this retreat promises to be an unforgettable wellness highlight at InterContinental Maldives. Guests are encouraged to reserve early to secure their place in this transformative celebration of yoga, wellness, and self-discovery.
