Yoga Retreat at Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives

Morning classes cover the Yang side of the practice: Hatha and Vinyasa sequences that are meant to build flexibility, mobility, strength, stamina and balance. They are held at sunrise and are the more energetic of the two daily sessions. Evening classes switch to the Yin side — postures held longer, working on connective tissue and joints, and the sessions are positioned as a cool-down after a day at the beach. Every class ends with a brief guided meditation, and the resort also runs separate Yoga Nidra and meditation classes (stress relief, chakra-based and visualisations) for guests who want to go further.

Instruction is adjusted class by class. Complete beginners are taken through the foundations in a small group, while experienced practitioners get deeper work on alignment, pranayama and more advanced sequences. There are no drop-in crowds — classes take a maximum of 10 people and you book your spot in advance. If you want one-to-one time, private sessions are available daily in 60 or 90 minute blocks; the resort suggests these for working on a specific posture, learning pranayama or meditation in more detail, or for tailoring a practice around an injury or personal circumstance.

This is a resort-based yoga programme rather than a residential yoga school. You aren't locked into a set retreat timetable — you pick which of the twice-daily classes you attend around your other plans. The rest of the week can be filled with diving and snorkelling in the South Ari Atoll, watersports, excursions, tennis coaching, the Tamara Spa, and dining across the resort's restaurants and bars, including Lily Maa, Vibes, Tamarind, AQVA, Teppanyaki, Les Turquoise and D'Aqua. The atmosphere is quiet and beach-focused; class locations look straight out over the lagoon.

Maldives logistics apply: you fly into Velana International Airport in Malé and transfer to Huvahendhoo island in South Ari Atoll, either by seaplane or domestic flight and speedboat depending on the time of day. The resort publishes its own app for planning and booking experiences such as classes during your stay, and the sister property Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa in Haa Alifu Atoll is offered as an alternative when Lily Beach is fully booked.

What's included

- Accommodation at Lily Beach Resort & Spa in your chosen villa or suite category - Access to the daily group yoga programme by appointment (max 10 participants) - Morning Hatha and Vinyasa Yang classes - Evening Yin and restorative classes - A short guided meditation at the end of every class - Use of the Tamara Spa outdoor lounge, Yoga Pavilion at Vibes Beach and AQVA beach class locations - Access to the resort's restaurants, bars, sports and recreation facilities and Tamara Spa

What's not included

- International flights to and from Malé - Airport transfers to the resort (seaplane or domestic flight and speedboat) - Travel insurance - Private yoga sessions (available daily in 60 or 90 minute blocks) - Yoga Nidra and specialised meditation classes booked separately - Spa treatments, diving, watersports and excursions - Meals and drinks outside your booked board basis - Personal expenses and gratuities