Raising the Barre: Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort Brings Ballet Retreat to Baa Atoll

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, a natural island hideaway on the western edge of the heart-shaped Baa Atoll, is bringing classical ballet to its shores with the launch of a new “Baa Atoll Ballet Retreat”. This exclusive retreat, featuring Royal Ballet-trained dancer Karis Scarlette, is set to grace the island of Fares from 6th to the 19th of November 2023.

The resort, which opened in April 2023, beckons sunseekers to indulge in the art of ballet and experience a classical touch in an upbeat island setting. Representing a shift towards holistic wellness that goes beyond the gym and spa, this event marks the first in a series of innovative retreats planned at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort this year, and beyond. 

Echoing the balletic performances of marine life beneath the waves, Karis will introduce guests of all ages and levels to classical ballet, breaking the steps down and adding her own energy for an uplifting experience. Group classes and one-to-one sessions will take place in a dedicated dance studio complete with barres and mirrors.  From pliés to pirouettes, group classes and one-to-one sessions will focus on perfecting posture, footwork and the all-important port de bras, or carriage of arms. Young dancers aged five and under can delight in the “Tutus & Twirls” class, blending storytelling elements and interactive props. Guests looking to connect with nature can join “Sunrise Serenity”, a revitalising session that combines stretching, mobility exercises, and mindful breathwork, set to the natural sounds of the island at dawn.

Karis Scarlette, the inspirational force behind this unique retreat, is a ballet dancer par excellence, whose expertise have attracted actors, models, singers and even British royalty. Her remarkable journey began at the age of two, and she honed her talents through training at the Royal Ballet School, gracing the stage of London’s illustrious Royal Opera House. In more recent years, Karis has turned her attention towards teaching, making the world of ballet inclusive and accessible to all.

Commenting on the retreat,

Wellness takes centre stage at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, offering guests a multitude of ways to embrace a healthy lifestyle, from sunrise sound healing and nourishing smoothies to unique vinotherapy massages at the AvaniSpa. In addition to the ongoing wellness retreat series featuring international experts, the resort boasts its own dedicated wellness team, including Dr. Aleena Simon, an Integrative Wellness Practitioner bridging Eastern and Western traditions; Ashna Hanma Hurbansee, a Wellbeing Therapist and cupping therapy specialist; and Rithik Aggarwal, an International Tennis Federation-certified coach renowned for his ability to transform beginners into accomplished athletes.

The resort’s special opening offer for villas starts from USD 510 per night in a Beach Villa based on two people sharing and includes breakfast and lunch or dinner. Classes include Adult Ballet Basics for Beginners (USD 60pp), Tutus & Twirls: Ballet for Tots (USD 35pp), Kid-Friendly Ballet Basics (USD 35 pp) and Sunrise Serenity: Breathwork in Baa (USD 50 pp). 

For more information and to book, please visit here, email fares@avanihotels.com or call +960 7225604.

About Avani Hotels & Resorts:

Avani Hotels and Resorts, part of the global hospitality group Minor Hotels, was launched in 2011 and designed for the millennial-minded traveller whose priorities are style, value and comfort. Avani is an upbeat and contemporary hotel concept that delivers the perfect balance, with a focus on good sleep, designed social spaces, locally inspired sustenance and friendly service.

Avani welcomes guests to over 30 properties in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, the United Arab Emirates and Portugal, with a rapidly growing pipeline across Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

To learn more about Avani Hotels, visit www.avanihotels.com. Follow Avani on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube and engage with #AvaniHotels.