We all know the craze around yoga and its health benefits. I start every new year with the resolution that yoga will, somehow, infiltrate itself into my weekly schedule and, each year, fail wholeheartedly on that. So if, like me, you struggle to do yoga on a regular basis, you might be intrigued by the option of doing it on holiday alongside your children. You’re only committing to doing it for a week or two, rather than all year round, and you couldn’t be doing it in a more beautiful place than Skiathos, Greece.
Simple, relaxing, and as good for them as it is for you, yoga for young ones is a rapidly growing trend and the fine folk at the Skiathos Princess Hotel are more than aware of that. They launched the immensely successful YOGAqua last year and, so popular was it amongst guests, that they are reintroducing it again this year. Only, this time around, it won’t just be available for parents but YOGAqua for Kids launches, too. The resort reopens in May this year, at which time little ones will be able to learn YOGAqua alongside their parents in the warm, calm, and very beautiful waters surrounding the hotel.
Available until October 2014, class sizes are delightfully small (they are limited to a maximum of six at a time) and last for an hour. Originally out of LA (no surprise there), this new trend blends Yoga with the water (hence the name) and focuses on a combination of traditional Yoga exercises and Stand-Up Paddle-Boarding. Take part and you and your children can learn how to use a Stand-Up Paddle-Board and perform different Yoga poses, with guidance from the instructor of the course. This is extremely interactive – you and your child will work together – so, not only is it fun and healthy, but it is bonding, too.
Classes start on the beach where young yogis learn how to perform different poses while becoming comfortable with the boards before taking to the water. Throughout each YOGAqua for Kids session, the instructor will ensure that each child and parent receive additional guidance by making their way around the class to assist with poses and answer any questions so, if you’re not fluent in the ways of paddle-boarding or yoga, you won’t be left to fend off your child’s questions alone.
These classes may not make you the perfect yogi yourself, but they are fun, relaxing and a wonderful way to introduce your children to tried-and-tested mental and physical well-being. And being at the Skiathos Princess Hotel you couldn’t ask for more stunning surroundings…
YOGAqua costs €20 per person, per session and is available to children aged 7 and up.