October brought on a busy season in the UAE that some of us are still getting to grips with. If you’re stressed and looking for a pick-me-up or need to recharge your batteries as we sink further into the bustling winter months, then maybe Bab Al Shams’ day and weekend yoga retreats can provide some relief.
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Dubai may have its fair share of madness going on in the city, but what’s great is it more than makes up for that with a host of great escapes either right on your doorstep or a short drive away, and the award-winning desert resort is nestled in the heart of deep sand dunes, with 360-degree views of nothing but nature, and yet remains just a 45-minute drive from the grind downtown.
Held in partnership with The Lifestyle Company, a wellness venture in the business of providing Dubai with everyday joy and wellbeing through yoga, meditation classes, social events and networking; Bab Al Shams’ upcoming yoga weekend includes three invigorating Bikram Yoga classes and two deep meditation sessions, and of course all the trimmings associated with a five-star stay.
Sink into the pleasures of true Arabian hospitality from checkin on Thursday afternoon before meeting the group and practising stillness of mind in a gorgeous candlelit courtyard within the hotel’s vast, picturesque grounds.
Dinner offers a lush spread of healthy and indulgent foods from all corners of the globe, and there’s nothing but time to enjoy the facilities and old-world charm of Bab Al Shams in between.
There is a sunrise session on Friday that will put you in a goodplace for a relaxing day ahead, not to mention plenty to feast on at the famous brunch buffet, but the highlight of our retreat stay was surely on that evening when the group was whisked away to a majestic desert location, only reachable by 4×4 Jeep, for Bikram yoga (minus the associated heated atmosphere, and instead with sweet breezes).
Done against the backdrop of an Arabian sunset, it was truly an aweinspiring experience. In fact, The Lifestyle Company founder Ibis Perea, who leads the practice, says: “The first time we ran this retreat and did the sunset yoga there, I had trouble even talking, I felt so emotional. The energy, the sun, the whole setup was just beautiful, I wanted to cry.”
It all wraps up on Saturday with a 06:00 practice, then you’re free to soak up as much of the resort as possible before checkout – a dip in its many shallow, deep, fountained and hydrotherapy pools is a must!
The perks of spending a weekend in a plush desert oasis aside, yogini Perea is also a fantastic teacher to get to know if you love, or want to love, yoga. She has that effortless ability to ease you into tough postures with calm, clear direction, as well as fun and spiciness. A nod to her Mexican heritage, let’s just say you’ll hear descriptions like ‘folding over yourself like a taco’, among other witty quotes.
Perea has practised various forms of yoga since 1998 but found her true calling in the Bikram Yoga style and has heralded respect and praise for the method ever since.
A series of 26 Hatha Yoga postures and two Pranayama breathing techniques, Bikram Yoga was designed to provide a challenging, yet invigorating workout for yogis that doubles as an all-natural body detoxification.
The 90-minute routine requires some discipline as you always follow the same sequence. But no matter how many times you do it, you are sure to work, stretch and massage every muscle, tendon, ligament, joint and organ as you unfold into a state of inner and outer bliss and balance.
“We started this retreat in the summer and were relying on the natural heat and humidity to make the classes as much like Bikram classes as possible, but regardless of the cooler weather now, I love this style and I believe in the benefits, in the sequence and its ability to provide a complete workout, and yet still be so simple that it’s perfect for beginners,” Perea said.
“That said, for the next retreat we’re also thinking to alternate the styles offered in the morning and the evening. In the morning we may do a slower Vinyasa-style session incorporating a lot more postures and sun salutations.”
Yoga weekends are a rising trend in Dubai lately, but Perea believes this getaway is truly unique too for its symbolism.
“The meaning of Bab Al Shams is ‘gateway to the sun’, which I love because it’s kind of what we want to get to within the weekend – guide people toward the light, to their sun, to finding themselves. And that’s what The Lifestyle Company is about too.”
She also believes it’s more welcoming than most because of Bab Al Shams’ emphasis on championing the Arabic culture and heritage.
“It’s nice that Bab Al Shams embraces the soul of Arabic culture and their amazing hospitality. It’s important that those coming, whether you’ve practised yoga before or not, feel welcome.
“It’s up to you when you come for the retreat to go off and do your own things outside of the classes, but it turns out that everyone ends up enjoying the energy of the other’s company while at the resort so much that we end up doing everything together, creating that sense of family and belonging.”
Just a couple more retreats are scheduled before year-end with the next on October 29-31, 2015. Four flexible packages will be offered to suit your availability.
Option 1: Walk-In Class – inclusive of water, yoga mat and 4×4 Jeep ride to and from the yoga venue from the resort. Dh135 per person.
Option 2: Day Use Bikram Package – inclusive of food, 2 Bikram Yoga Sessions, 1 Posture clinic & Meditation session (only on Friday). Dh885.
Option 3: One Night Stay – inclusive of single room accommodation on Thursday night, breakfast lunch and dinner, Thursday and Friday Bikram yoga sessions, first posture clinic and meditation session. Dh2,355
Option 4: 2 Nights Stay – Accommodation from Thursday to Saturday noon, inclusive of dinner on Thursday & Friday nights, Breakfast on Friday & Saturday mornings and Lunch on Friday; 2 Meditation sessions, 3 Bikram Yoga Sessions and a Friday afternoon posture clinic. Dh4,050
What: Weekend yoga retreats at Bab Al Shams
Where: Bab Al Shams resort
Contact: +971 4 809 6498 or email [email protected].
Visit www.meydanhotels.com/babalshams; www.thelifestylecompany.me
