The Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, a haven for sunseekers that graced the Maldivian shores in April 2023, is set to enchant its guests with a delightful fusion of classical ballet and tropical island vibes. In a groundbreaking move towards holistic wellness beyond conventional spa and fitness offerings, the resort is unveiling its inaugural “Baa Atoll Ballet Retreat” from November 6th to 19th, 2023. This exclusive event promises to infuse the tranquil island of Fares with the grace and beauty of classical ballet.

The driving force behind this enchanting retreat is none other than the accomplished Royal Ballet-trained dancer, Karis Scarlette. With her extensive expertise, Karis will bring the art of ballet to life on the sun-soaked shores of the Maldives. Guests of all ages and skill levels will have the opportunity to experience the magic of classical ballet through a series of group classes and one-on-one sessions held in a dedicated dance studio complete with barres and mirrors.

From pliés to pirouettes, these classes will focus on perfecting posture, footwork, and the essential “port de bras,” which refers to the graceful carriage of arms. Even young aspiring dancers aged five and under can join in the fun with the “Tutus & Twirls” class, blending storytelling elements and interactive props. For those seeking a more holistic connection with nature, the “Sunrise Serenity” session combines stretching, mobility exercises, and mindful breathwork against the backdrop of the island’s natural sounds at dawn.

Adding a touch of indulgence to the ballet experience, the resort offers unique spa treatments such as the “Tutu Tension Release Massage” and the “Dancer’s Delight Detox Wrap,” all accompanied by melodic ballet scores at the AvaniSpa. After the dance and relaxation, guests can transition seamlessly from the barre to the bar with imaginative cocktails like the “Tutu Tini” and the “Grand Jeté Gin Fizz.” To top it all off, they can savor starlit dining concepts right on the sandy shores.

Karis Scarlette, the driving force behind this extraordinary retreat, boasts an impressive career as a ballet dancer. Her journey began at the tender age of two, and she honed her skills through rigorous training at the Royal Ballet School, eventually gracing the stage of London’s renowned Royal Opera House. In recent years, Karis has shifted her focus towards teaching, making ballet accessible and inclusive to people of all backgrounds and ages.

Expressing her excitement about the retreat, Karis stated, “I’m thrilled to partner with Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort to introduce ballet to Baa Atoll. The resort’s contemporary, sun-soaked setting provides an incredible backdrop for guests to discover the joys of ballet, regardless of their age or experience. My classes emphasize movement, mobility, and mindset, and I can’t wait to use these techniques to help guests unlock their inner dancer.”

At Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, wellness takes center stage. The resort offers numerous ways for guests to embrace a healthy lifestyle, including sunrise sound healing, nourishing smoothies, and unique vinotherapy massages at the AvaniSpa. In addition to the ongoing wellness retreat series featuring international experts, the resort boasts its dedicated wellness team, which includes Dr. Aleena Simon, an Integrative Wellness Practitioner blending Eastern and Western traditions; Ashna Hanma Hurbansee, a well-being therapist and cupping therapy specialist; and Rithik Aggarwal, an International Tennis Federation-certified coach known for transforming beginners into accomplished athletes.

For those eager to partake in this ballet extravaganza, the resort’s special opening offer for villas starts from USD 510 per night in a Beach Villa, based on double occupancy, and includes breakfast and lunch or dinner. The dance classes are priced reasonably, with options like “Adult Ballet Basics for Beginners” at USD 60 per person, “Tutus & Twirls: Ballet for Tots” at USD 35 per person, “Kid-Friendly Ballet Basics” at USD 35 per person, and “Sunrise Serenity: Breathwork in Baa” at USD 50 per person.