BEACHES WITH BENEFITS
Not a book and sun lounger type? We’ve got you covered
Words Ceri Moorehouse, Rosalind Ryan and Francesca Specter
Yoga with a view to truly inspire those oms
YOGA BY THE AEGEAN
You don’t have to be a social media star to practise your sun salutation on a picture-perfect shoreline. Head to Crete where you can join a five-day yoga retreat at Daios Cove, a luxury resort in the north-east of the island overlooking the crystal waters of a private sandy bay. Every day guests can take part in two ‘jivamukti’ sessions, a style of yoga that’s dynamic enough to trim and tone (and make you sweat) but contains some meditation, too.
Morning and evening classes last 75-90 minutes and are run by the hotel’s yoga specialists, who are accommodating to everyone’s personal level of ability and needs – it’s recommended you arrive with a basic knowledge of yoga, but the retreat provides its own intensive introduction, so there’s no need to worry about confusing your tadasana (mountain pose) with your trikonasana (triangle pose). Weather allowing, the sessions take place outdoors, where you can enjoy the fresh air and dramatic views between asanas. Daios also run Pilates courses, if that’s more your bag.