IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
NEVER ONE TO REST ON ITS LAURELS AS ONE OF BALI’S PREMIER BEACHFRONT RESORTS, THE SEMINYAK BEACH RESORT & SPA HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED THE INNOVATIVE ‘SWIM & BE HAPPY’ AQUATICS ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME OPERATED BY CATHERINE AND GERALD MELIERES.
Highly trained in the art of exercise, relaxation and overcoming a fear of water, several new programmes are available at the resort for both in-house and day guests.
Although Asia is blessed with thousands of pristine white sand beaches and inviting swimming pools that beckon a peaceful dip in the water, not everyone is comfortable with taking a plunge. “One out of seven people is afflicted with an acute fear of the water, or aquaphobia,” says Gerald Melieres, a doctor who specialises in psychology, Morph psychology and breath control with over 15 years of experience. “We have a custom designed course that lasts three days, starting slowly with simple breathing exercises that promise to help even the most traumatised person, allowing him or her to realise a new level of confidence and an ability to enjoy spending time in a swimming pool or the ocean.”
Designed for advanced swimmers, surfers, and divers as well, the Melieres offer a complimentary one-hour breathing session to help train you to learn how to breathe more effectively while swimming freestyle or when under water. “We all tend to exhale through our mouths when swimming for leisure or during water activities that require exertion such as surfing,” explains Catherine, a Sophro Therapist, Hypno Therapist and Aqua Therapist who also holds a degree in water activities for handicapped people. “In reality, exhaling through our noses allows us to conserve energy, a skill that is crucial during certain water sports such as when a surfer finds him or herself caught under the water. Practicing the art of exhaling through one’s nose also elevates our confidence and ability to stay calm, avoiding a panic during stressful situations.”
In a time when hardcore exercise programs such as CrossFit are all the rage, often leading to serious injuries, The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, in conjunction with ‘Swim & Be Happy,’ is offering the very latest underwater exercise equipment for the people of Bali to enjoy. Creating less pressure on your joints and more resistance for your muscles, the Aqua Bike is one of Europe’s most popular exercise trends with over 8,000 Aqua Bikes found throughout the stylish swimming pools of Paris alone. During Catherine’s last journey from France to Bali, she hand-carried two Aqua Bikes for the exclusive use of The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, the first and only facility on Bali to offer this cutting-edge fitness option. “When we are submerged in the water, our bodies are totally supported, weighing just five-percent of what our bodyweight is when we are outside of the water, “ explains Gerald. “Aqua Bikes are perfect for people of all ages who want to add a little spice to their workout with great results.”
During a recent holiday to The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, a young German couple was the first to participate in the newly launched Aqua Activities programme. Admittedly not very sporty, they were attracted to the new programmes offered poolside and joined one of Swim & Be Happy’s Aqua Gym classes. “It didn’t look very hard, but on the first day I found it quite difficult to perform even ten repetitions of the abdominal exercises,” says the 29-year-old guest. “By the third day, I was up to fifty repetitions and I found myself looking forward to the next class. I hope I will be able to find an aqua exercise class like this when I get back to Germany.”
In addition to their specialised classes for aquaphobia, relaxation and exercise, the Melieres are also offering reasonably priced swimming classes for non-swimmers starting from age four and up. Not only do they promise to have you swimming like a fish in six classes, you will be doing it in the lap of luxury.
