Paddleboarding is the glamorous holiday fitness activity loved by almost every celebrity, from singer Taylor Swift to President Obama.
And of course, who could forget those photos of singer Katy Perry on a paddleboard with her naked partner, Lord of the Rings actor Orlando Bloom?
For those who don’t know, the activity basically involves balancing on an oversized surfboard while using a paddle to propel yourself through the water.
And if you don’t have a Hollywood body to show off, then the recommended outfit is a tank top, a kind of stretch fabric blouse.
And it is a good exercise that requires balance and coordination while also helping to strengthen the upper body.
When I was offered to try a quite different version (doing yoga on a paddleboard), I found it a challenge.
Lady Gaga is said to be an expert and she even posted some amazing photos on her Instagram a few years ago to prove it.
But the location was going to be a luxury hotel on a private island in the Florida Keys. How could anyone say no?
Lady Gaga is said to be an expert at yoga rowing, and she even posted some amazing photos on her Instagram a few years ago to prove it.
Rowing is the glamorous holiday fitness activity loved by almost every celebrity, from singer Taylor Swift to President Obama.
And Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is truly a hideaway for the rich and famous: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and the late Ivana Trump have been regular guests.
THE PLACE
Yoga rowing is offered as a wellness therapy at the spa in Small island of palm treeswhich is possibly the most ostentatious resort in the Florida Keys.
There are 30 private suites and a “cabin” in the most luxurious sense of the word – think plush couches and a four-poster bed, plus your own slice of beach and a hammock.
There are no televisions, no children and guests are asked to leave their cell phones alone.
We arrived at dusk on the private ferry run by the hotel, with bonfires and torches illuminating the shoreline, giving the whole experience a Robinson Crusoe feel.
As we settled in, we were visited by cute Key deer apparently swimming in from the mainland.
There are also curious raccoons that, if you’re lucky, might poke their heads around your porch to see what’s going on.
You couldn’t enjoy more luxurious seclusion unless you actually hired a private island.
And Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is truly a hideaway for the rich and famous: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and the late Ivana Trump have been regular guests.
Yoga paddling is offered as a wellness therapy at a spa on Little Palm Island, which is arguably the most stunning resort in the Florida Keys.
We arrived at dusk on the private ferry run by the hotel, with bonfires and torches illuminating the shoreline, giving the whole experience a Robinson Crusoe feel.
There are 30 private suites and a “cabin” in the most luxurious sense of the word – think plush couches and a four-poster bed, plus your own slice of beach and a hammock.
THE TREATMENT
My individual session (£180 for 80 minutes, £270 for two people) was booked for 10am, by which time it was already scorching hot.
I donned a factor 50 layer, put on a protective vest and had a ten minute induction before setting off.
We headed to a saltwater mangrove forest for the lesson.
Being quite uncoordinated and much more accustomed to the sport of having poolside cocktails on vacation, I was surprised at how easy it was for me.
My trainer was extremely patient and helped me keep the board stable while I wobbled around in a slightly haphazard manner.
The board is very stable, as long as you are in the right place. And falling (which happens) is a good way to cool off.
With a little encouragement, I managed to master a downward facing dog and tried, unsuccessfully, to do a handstand.
And Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is truly a hideaway for the rich and famous: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and the late Ivana Trump have been regular guests.
My trainer was extremely patient and helped me keep the board stable while I wobbled around in a slightly haphazard manner.
I’ve done yoga before and although the wobbly paddle board took a little getting used to, I would recommend it to even the least athletic person.
It’s a lot of fun and at the end I really felt like I had worked out and earned dinner.
THE COST
a stay in Small island of palm trees It costs £2,750 per night (peak months December to March are even more expensive), including breakfast.
More conventional spa treatments, such as facials, are available. Packages are also available with UK tour operators that include flights.