SpaDoctor: I visited celebrity ‘private’ lair Little Palm Island… and joined Gaga for yoga on a paddleboard
Paddleboarding is the glamorous holiday fitness activity loved by virtually every A-lister, from singer Taylor Swift to President Obama.
And of course, who can forget those photos of singer Katy Perry on a paddleboard with her nude 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 across the water.
And if you don’t have a Hollywood body to show off, a brash vest – a kind of top made of stretchy material – is the recommended attire.
And it’s a good exercise that requires balance and coordination while helping to strengthen the upper body.
When I was offered to try a completely different version – doing yoga on top of a paddleboard – it sounded challenging.
Word has it that Lady Gaga is an expert and even posted some eye-catching photos on her Instagram a few years ago to prove it.
But the venue 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 paddleboarding, and a few years ago she even posted some eye-catching photos to her Instagram to prove it.
Paddleboarding is the glamorous holiday fitness activity loved by virtually every A-lister, from singer Taylor Swift to President Obama
And Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is truly a haven for the rich and famous: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and the late Ivana Trump have all been regulars
THE PLACE
Yoga paddleboarding is offered as a spa wellness therapy Little Palm Islandpossibly the most upscale resort in the Florida Keys.
There are 30 private suites and a ‘cabin’ in the most luxurious sense of the word: think plush sofas and a four-poster bed, along with a private stretch of beach and a hammock.
There are no televisions, no children and guests are asked to leave their mobile phones alone.
We arrived at dusk on the private ferry run by the hotel, with fire pits and torches lighting up the shore, giving the whole experience a Robinson Crusoe-esque feel.
As we settled in we were visited by adorable Key deer apparently swimming over from the mainland.
There are also curious raccoons that, if you’re lucky, will poke their heads around your porch to see what’s going on.
You can’t enjoy more luxurious seclusion unless you actually rent a private island.
And Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is truly a haven for the rich and famous: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and the late Ivana Trump have all been regulars there.
Yoga paddleboarding is offered as a spa wellness therapy on Little Palm Island, possibly the chicest resort in the Florida Keys
We arrived at dusk on the private ferry run by the hotel, with fire pits and torches lighting up the shore, giving the whole experience a Robinson Crusoe-esque feel
There are 30 private suites and a ‘cabin’ in the most luxurious sense of the word: think luxurious sofas and a four-poster bed, along with a private stretch of beach and a hammock
THE TREATMENT
My one-on-one session (£180 for 80 minutes, £270 for two people) was booked for 10am, and by then it was already blisteringly hot.
I slapped on a layer of factor 50, put on a brash cardigan and had a ten minute introduction before I left.
We went to a patch of saltwater mangrove forest before class.
Being fairly uncoordinated and much more used to the sport of drinking cocktails by the pool on holiday, I was surprised at how easy I found it.
My coach was extremely patient and helped keep the board steady as I wobbled back and forth in a slightly haphazard manner.
The board is very stable, as long as you stand in the right place. And falling off (which happens) is a nice way to cool down.
With some gentle encouragement, I managed to master downward dog and attempted a headstand without success.
And Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is truly a haven for the rich and famous: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and the late Ivana Trump have all been regulars
My coach was extremely patient and helped keep the board steady as I wobbled back and forth in a somewhat haphazard manner
I’ve done yoga before, and while the wobbly paddleboard took some getting used to, I’d recommend it to even the least sporty person.
It’s a lot of fun and by the end I really felt like I had trained and earned my dinner.
THE COSTS
A stay at Little Palm Island costs a whopping £2,750 per night (the peak months of December to March are even more expensive) including breakfast.
More conventional spa treatments, such as facials, are available. Packages with UK tour operators including flights are also available.