Paddleboarding is the glamorous holiday fitness pursuit beloved of just about every A-lister from singer Taylor Swift to President Obama.
And, of course, who could forget those pictures of singer Katy Perry on a paddleboard with her nude partner, Lord Of The Rings actor Orlando Bloom.
For those not in the know, the activity basically involves balancing on an extra-large surfboard while using a paddle to propel yourself across the water.
And if you haven’t got a Hollywood body to show off, then a rash vest — a kind of stretchy fabric top — is the recommended attire.
And it’s good exercise, requiring balance and coordination while helping to strengthen the upper body.
When I was offered to try a rather different version — doing yoga atop a paddleboard — it sounded challenging.
Lady Gaga is said to be an expert, and even posted some eye-popping pictures on her Instagram a few years back to prove it.
But the location was to be a luxurious hotel on a private island in the Florida Keys — how could anyone say no?
Lady Gaga is said to be an expert in yoga paddleboarding, and even posted some eye-popping pictures on her Instagram a few years back to prove it.
Paddleboarding is the glamorous holiday fitness pursuit beloved of just about every A-lister from singer Taylor Swift to President Obama
And Little Palm Island Resort & Spa really is a hideaway for the rich and famous: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and the late Ivana Trump have all been regulars
THE PLACE
Yoga paddleboarding is being offered as a spa wellness therapy on Little Palm Island, which is possibly the glitziest resort in the Florida Keys.
There are 30 private suites, and a ‘hut’ in the most luxurious sense of the word — think deluxe sofas and a four-poster bed, along with its own slice of beach and a hammock.
There are no TVs, no children and guests are requested 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 coast which gave the whole experience a Robinson Crusoe-like feel.
As we settled in we were visited by cute Key deer that apparently swim over from the mainland.
There are also curious raccoons who, if you’re lucky, might poke their heads around your front porch to see what’s going on.
You couldn’t enjoy more luxurious seclusion unless you actually did hire a private island.
And Little Palm Island Resort & Spa really is a hideaway for the rich and famous: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and the late Ivana Trump have all been regulars.
Yoga paddleboarding is being offered as a spa wellness therapy on Little Palm Island, which is possibly the glitziest 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 coast which gave the whole experience a Robinson Crusoe-like feel
There are 30 private suites, and a ‘hut’ in the most luxurious sense of the word — think deluxe sofas and a four-poster bed, along with its own slice of beach and a hammock
THE TREATMENT
My one-on-one session (£180 for 80 minutes, £270 for two people) was booked for 10am, by which time it was already blisteringly hot.
I slapped on a layer of factor 50, donned a rash vest and had a ten-minute induction before setting off.
We made our way to a patch of saltwater mangrove forest for the lesson.
Being fairly uncoordinated, and much more accustomed to the sport of having cocktails by the pool on holiday, I was surprised by how easy I found it.
My coach was supremely patient, helping to keep the board stable while I wobbled around in a mildly haphazard way.
The board is very stable, as long as you stand in the right spot. And falling off (which does happen) is a nice way to cool down.
With some gentle encouragement, I managed to master a downward dog and unsuccessfully tried a headstand.
And Little Palm Island Resort & Spa really is a hideaway for the rich and famous: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and the late Ivana Trump have all been regulars
My coach was supremely patient, helping to keep the board stable while I wobbled around in a mildly haphazard way
I’ve done yoga before, and while it did take a bit to get used to the wobbling paddleboard, I’d recommend it to even the least sporty person.
It’s good fun and, by the end I really did feel like I’d had a workout and earned my supper.
THE COST
A stay on Little Palm Island costs an eyewatering £2,750 a night (peak months from December to March are even more expensive) including breakfast.
More conventional spa treatments, such as facials, are available. Packages with UK tour operators that include flights are also available.
