To round off the year, Velaa Private Island in the Maldives – arguably the most exclusive and luxurious resort in the world – invites fitness seekers to re-energize and fulfill their fitness ambitions while taking care of the mind, body and soul with their Visiting Practitioners Programme. Mirroring Velaa’s passion for ultra-luxurious personalized experiences, the programme works with world class athletes and practitioners to tailor exclusive workshops designed to promote inner balance, health and harmony, working in perfect synergy alongside the range of high-tech spa and fitness facilities Velaa has to offer.
Joining the series this year is Daniela Caputo, a world-class aerial dance performer, who will host life-enhancing workshops and one-to-one classes with guests, followed by Casper Ruud, the 10th best singles tennis player in the world, who will host one-two-one lessons during his residency. Last but not least, Antonio Herrer, the master of osteopathy, will be on hand to help guests reach optimal physical function during their stay. With more practitioners to be announced for next year’s programme, Velaa is also excited to welcome back Dr Song Qinggeng and Buathon Thienarrom, experts in holistic healing, sound vibration and body balancing.
Daniela Caputo: Aerial performer and dancer (1st – 31st October) Aerial yoga, dance, flexibility yoga and ballet barre to improve fitness and stamina
• Daniela Caputo is an experienced Italian dancer, performing around the world alongside famous artists and singers as well as appearing on TV in shows including the “X Factor” and “Amici di Maria De Filippi”. Daniela will be bringing her talent and skill to Velaa Private Island to personally teach guests in one-on-one sessions in Aerial Dance, Flexibility Yoga and Ballet Barre. Guests will learn how to increase their flexibility and perform various movements, while improving their fitness, posture, balance and stamina, as well as learning how to master mental limitations and reduce stress levels.
Casper Rudd: 10th Best singles player in the world (29th October – 6th November) Professional Tennis player
• Casper Rudd is an international tennis sensation, ranked as the 10th best singles player in the world. At just 22-years-old he has become the first Norwegian tennis player to win an ATP title and to reach the semi-finals of the ATP Tour masters 1000 events. Bringing his world-class tennis skills to the pristine shores of Velaa this November, guests looking to improve their back hand can pick up some tricks by booking a private lesson. Guests can also take advantage of Velaa’s state-of-the-art range of fitness facilities, including the only covered tennis court in the Maldives, a squash court, football pitch, climbing wall and ‘Technogym’.
Antonio Herrer: Physiotherapist and personal trainer (9th-24th November) Specialist in posture analysis, offering private osteopath and physiotherapy sessions
• Recognised as a world-class physiotherapist and personal trainer, Antonio originally specialised in posture analysis graduating with a double degree in Physiotherapy and Sports Science. He has a wealth of experience in osteopathy and physiotherapy and will be available for private sessions throughout his residency at Velaa Private Island. Alongside assisting with immediate tension relief, Antonio’s speciality is long term posture correction, where he teaches preventative exercises to help strengthen the weaker areas of the body, taking a holistic approach, he is able to help keep muscle tension at bay. For full body regeneration, guests can also take advantage of Velaa’s spa including the Maldives’ only snow room, a sauna and stream room, or indulge in a deep tissue Oriental Fusion Massage.
Dr Song Qinggeng: Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2022, exact dates tbc) Qi Gong, acupuncture and energy balancing
• A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and an expert in drug-free treatment, Dr Song specialises in neck, back and acute care treatment using Tuina and acupuncture, as well as weight loss and mental health focused programmes for those suffering from anxiety, depression and insomnia. Dr Song is also an expert in anti-ageing treatments and teaches martial arts and Qi Gong – an Asian form of yoga practice that translates to ‘energy work’. During his residency at Velaa Private Island, Dr Song will guide guests to restore balance through his teaching of Qi Gong and carry out acupuncture sessions to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote both physical and emotional wellbeing by balancing a person’s energy.
Buathon Thienarrom Ph.D.: Director of Sukkasart Institute of Healing Arts (2022, exact dates tbc) Integrative bodywork, sound healing and mind training
• Originally from Thailand, Buathon is a holistic practitioner with extensive knowledge of alternative medicine and specialises in Taoism, sound healing, Tibetan medicine and mind training. Following extensive training, Buathon went on to create her own unique approach to holistic healing, ‘ZenNaTai’, which encourages inner peace through releasing tension and generating chi flow in the body. Having worked with a network of celebrity clientele, Buathon is now set to bring this unique healing practice to Velaa Private Island, where she will carry out bespoke consultations with guests to analyse the influence of body structure on an individual’s lifestyle, followed by energy-enhancing sound vibration rituals. These sessions are designed to offer an insight into developing personal awareness, and a guide to mindfulness that can be implemented in guests’ everyday lives.
