Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives, is delighted to announce its partnership with Royal Ballet trained dancer, Karis Scarlette, for a ten day residency from 5 to 15 April 2018. Karis, who began ballet classes aged two, had a successful career performing with the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Ballet before turning her attention towards teaching. 

Since 2009, Karis has cemented herself as the go-to lady for adult ballet training in London, changing how classical ballet is perceived in the fitness community, both at home and abroad, and counts Hollywood actors, singers, models, athletes and royalty amongst her ever expanding international client base.

In 2015, she launched En Avant Ballet offering beginner and intermediate ballet classes in London to men and women of all ages and fitness levels. With her classes proving a huge success, the chance to experience one of Karis' workshops in this paradisiacal setting – and discover a love of dance - is truly not to be missed. 

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives, is delighted to announce its partnership with Royal Ballet trained dancer, Karis Scarlette, for a ten day residency from 5 to 15 April 2018. Karis, who began ballet classes aged two, had a successful career performing with the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Ballet before turning her attention towards teaching. 

Since 2009, Karis has cemented herself as the go-to lady for adult ballet training in London, changing how classical ballet is perceived in the fitness community, both at home and abroad, and counts Hollywood actors, singers, models, athletes and royalty amongst her ever expanding international client base.

In 2015, she launched En Avant Ballet offering beginner and intermediate ballet classes in London to men and women of all ages and fitness levels. With her classes proving a huge success, the chance to experience one of Karis' workshops in this paradisiacal setting – and discover a love of dance - is truly not to be missed. 

The Ballet Retreat with Karis Scarlette at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa will incorporate traditional ballet techniques, artistry and strength training to ensure guests achieve their personal fitness goals, whilst learning in a relaxed environment set against the calming backdrop of Villingili's turquoise waters, white sands and lush foliage. Guests are invited to participate in group classes inspired by the Royal Ballet's most famous works, with special Mini Ballet sessions for children.

Karis will also hold one-to-one Sunset Guided Meditation and Stretching sessions for those seeking improved flexibility and a sense of absolute relaxation. Budding dancers can also unwind at CHI, The Spa with a “Tutu Perfect” body treatment that uses all-natural live spirulina algae to impart essential vitamins, minerals and protein to nourish and revitalize the body post class. Guests can celebrate their balletic achievements with a moonlit “Swan Lake” themed Dine by Design experience by the tranquil waters of the island's majestic lagoon. 

In addition to improving technique, Karis believes in helping guests discover how healing classical ballet can be, even for complete beginners. Commenting on her upcoming residency Karis enthuses: “Ballet is a highly focused and empowering art form that benefits all areas of one's life, from fitness and wellbeing, to memory, concentration and grace. Not only are my classes carefully curated to focus on improving posture, strength and flexibility, but I also aim to build guests' confidence through a holistic and friendly approach.”

Karis continues: “I can't wait to bring classic ballet to the blissful shores of Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa as it is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to share my love of dance in such a heavenly setting!”  

Other activities available at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa include tennis, golf, diving, snorkelling, coral planting, Maldivian night fishing and exploring the neighbouring islands and local village communities by bike. 

Karis' exclusive retreat is part of the ongoing Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa 'Masters in Residence' programme which aims at bringing experts from around the world in the fields of arts, sports, wellness, to name a few, for their guests to enjoy unique interactions and experiences with the Masters of this world, in the property extraordinary settings.

Previous Masters include celebrity personal trainer and fitness influencer, Faisal Abdalla, meditation and mindfulness expert, Jody Shields, top yoga instructors from London-based collective Yogasphere, former multiple Grand Slam winner and former number-one tennis player, Jim Courier and the highly regarded marine biologist and underwater photographer, Uli Kunz. The resort has also recently partnered with Lux Tennis Academy, with renowned Tennis Pros in residence from 20 March to 20 April. 

Guests can book the Ballet Retreat with Karis Scarlette package which starts from US$999 (approx. £725) per person/night. Includes:

 Four ballet fitness group classes, per person, with Karis Scarlette, for two persons (option of Mini Ballet classes for children)

 One private session of Sunset Guided Meditation & Stretching with Karis Scarlette for two persons

 A “Swan Lake” Dine by Design experience on the Green Lagoon, for two persons

 A “Tutu Perfect” body treatment at CHI, The Spa. available for two persons

Available from 5 – 15 April 2018. Terms & conditions apply. 

For more information and reservation: Tel: 0800 028 3337, slmd@shangri-la.com  www.shangri-la.com