As a relatively recent convert to yoga, I’ve been looking for a way to, ahem, 'stretch' my yoga abilities beyond my weekly class. So when I heard about Yoga June at The BodyHoliday at LeSPORT, St Lucia, it sounded perfect - idyllic beaches, delicious food, spa treatments, a whole lot of yoga - it sounded perfect.
For Yoga June, LeSPORT brings in yoga teachers and experts from all over the world, so every type of yoga is covered. It’s perfect for everyone from yoga beginners to yoga bunnies wanting to try out new styles or improve their salutations.
Find out more about Yoga June at LeSPORT
When I arrive at LeSport, it’s early evening and starting to get dark but I still manage to take in a little of the resort as I walk along the winding, wooden decking towards my room. Set on a beautiful bay and surrounded by acres of tropical gardens, the West Indian style apartments sit discreetly within it. It’s all so quiet, I think the hotel must be pretty empty, so I’m surprised to hear it’s actually full.
The next day kicks off with the first of many yoga classes. It’s with renowned yoga expert and dancer (and occasional West End musical star), David Olton, in the fitness studio, set within The Oasis - the beautiful spa and wellbeing centre. Spotting David on the water donuts that morning, I’m worried his larger-than-life personality won’t sit very well with the meditative nature of yoga but I couldn’t have been more wrong. David’s sivananda yoga class is resting and invigorating at the same time, and his surprisingly calming and encouraging nature is spot-on.
Inspired after my first class, I’m keen to try more and with a mixture of the standard kundalini, hatha and pranayama classes and the more unusual yoga-ballet fusion, namaskars (constant movement) and yoga-Pilates fusion classes, I’m spoilt for choice.
Admittedly, I’m a little worried some of the classes would be filled with ultra-bendy, Lycra–clad types but fortunately everyone seems to have different capabilities. When I find something tricky, I’m gently eased into it or given a simpler version rather than left to work it out for myself.
I opt to start each day with a cup of yogic-tea and hatha yoga and end it with a namaskars class, which, though completely exhausting, challenges me far more than the yoga classes I’ve been doing at home.
Find a yoga class to suit your style
Of course, there are also all of LeSPORT's regular facilities to make the most of too. In between classes, I relax even more with daily treatments, swimming in the pool and lazing by the beach with a cocktail. Every day, I feel a bit more tension leave my body.
Even my initial anxiety about eating alone in the restaurant is quickly dispelled. A ‘singles’ table is formed of many of my yoga classmates (meals are even marked as yoga-friendly, so no chance of pretending you thought the lasagne was the lighter option!).
Whether it was the yoga, massages, ocean views or just having some time to myself, I leave feeling LeSPORT's slogan couldn’t be more true – ‘Give us your body for a week, and we’ll give you back your mind’.
Travel facts
Contact Kuoni (www.kuoni.co.uk) for a seven-night all-inclusive stay at The BodyHoliday LeSPORT.
