A ballet retreat in the Maldives changed my outlook — here's why everyone should do a hobby holiday

A stuffy room above a west London pizza restaurant, a pale pink tutu, teetering through primary positions, that siren song of ‘Good Toes, Naughty Toes’. My memories of childhood ballet lessons are hazy and fragmented. Like many, I dabbled in the practice as a toddler — more as a way for my parents to get an hour of respite each week than anything, I suspect — before abandoning the practice altogether after a year.

At the end of last year, it had been more than two decades since I last donned a pair of ballet slippers. So when I signed up for a ballet retreat in the Maldives at Avani Fares Resort on Baa Atoll, I was met with an unfamiliar mix of anticipation and nervousness. But what attracted me to the trip was actually a sentiment not usually associated with this form of dance — mediocrity.

In recent years, there has been something of a hobby renaissance. A 2022 survey revealed that 59 per cent of Brits discovered a new pursuit over the past two years, with 91 per cent maintaining regular engagement. Particularly post-pandemic, there has been a move away from the relentless perfectionism of the side-hustle hobby, and towards approaching activities simply for enjoyment’s sake. Rather than an incentive to monetise or share on social media for validation, more and more of us are embracing the incompetence of leisure.

Psychologists have long touted the benefits of hobbies – a 2023 survey of 93,000 older adults found that respondents with hobbies – defined as activities done for pleasure during leisure time – reported increased health, happiness, and life satisfaction. Similarly, another study from 2019 showed that adults with hobbies were better able to mitigate the mental health impacts of long working hours.

See also: The best hotels in the Maldives

This renewed interest in hobbies has also extended to the world of travel. The ‘hobby holiday’ trend has seen more travellers swapping passive relaxation for active learning, from ceramics workshops in Tuscany to surfing retreats in Bali.

Or in my case, a five-day ballet retreat in the Maldives. When I arrived at Avani Fares Resort, I was unsure what to expect. Would I be utterly hopeless? Would I embarrass myself? Would my body — so unaccustomed to the poise and precision ballet demands — refuse to cooperate?

Karis Scarlette, the retreat’s host, is a Royal Ballet-trained dancer with years of experience both on stage and as an instructor. Her approach was warm and encouraging, dismantling the idea that ballet is the sole preserve of the childhood prodigies or the classic ballerina build. “It’s never too late to reconnect with movement,” she told our small group of participants. “You don’t need a dancer’s body; you just need to be open to the experience.”

Located in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, Avani Fares blends luxury with laid-back charm. Thatched-roof villas sit above crystal-clear waters, while private pools and overwater hammocks make for the kind of indulgence one dreams of.

But, as it turned out, the torrential November rains which rolled in and stayed for the duration of the week meant I spent far less time floating in the infinity pool and far more time perfecting my pliés.

The resort is known for its commitment to wellness, and the ballet retreat fit neatly into its offerings. Alongside Karis’ classes, guests could book restorative spa treatments such as the Tutu Tension Release massage, take guided meditation sessions, or dine on nourishing, beautifully presented cuisine. There was an ease to the resort’s atmosphere — luxurious without pretension — which made it the perfect place to be a beginner at something again. The isolation and serenity of the resort allowed space for an uninterrupted focus on connecting with the body.

With that reassurance, we began. The first class was a reintroduction to the absolute basics: posture, foot placement, and simple arm movements. My body felt uncoordinated, my balance questionable. I was working muscles I wasn’t even aware I had. But the beauty of trying something new — especially in a setting where no one takes themselves too seriously — is that failure becomes part of the fun. We stumbled, we laughed, and under Karis’ patient guidance, we improved.

As adults, we so rarely allow ourselves to be bad at something. We gravitate towards the familiar, avoiding activities that might make us look foolish. But here, in a mirrored studio overlooking rain-lashed palm trees, something shifted. I wasn’t worried about perfection – I was simply enjoying the process.

By day three, I could feel a newfound strength in my core and calves. The movements that had once felt foreign were beginning to become rote. I wasn’t about to be cast in Swan Lake, but I was holding myself differently in the classes, more aware of the bits of my body that were supposed to be tucked in, or held tight at any given moment. There was a meditative quality to the classes, each session a chance to gently tune into my body in a way I hadn’t ever before.

The traditional ballet lessons were also broken up by ballet-inspired wellness activities. Karis’ Sunrise Serenity class, for example, blended elements of breathwork, meditation, and mobility to work through both physical and emotional tensions using gentle, ballet stretches and deep diaphragmatic breathing patterns.

Though ballet was the centrepiece of the retreat, there was still plenty to explore on Baa Atoll. Known for its rich marine biodiversity, the region is home to manta rays, sea turtles, and thriving coral reefs. When the weather permitted, we took a boat out for a sunset cruise and spotted some reef sharks. Even in overcast conditions, the sight of these gentle giants gliding effortlessly through the water was breathtaking.

On drier days, I explored the island’s natural beauty, taking sunrise walks along deserted beaches and indulging in the resort’s culinary offerings. Ocean Terrace, the resort’s signature all-day dining restaurant, serves up an impressive array of fresh seafood, vibrant salads, and decadent desserts. Meanwhile, Charcoal, a grill-focused eatery, is the go-to for perfectly cooked steaks and smoky, wood-fired dishes.

By the end of the week, something had shifted — not just in my posture, but in my mindset. Learning ballet again was humbling, frustrating, and unexpectedly joyful. It reminded me that travel isn’t just about ticking things off a sightseeing bucket list — it can also be a vehicle to stepping outside your comfort zone, allowing yourself to be a beginner, and embracing experiences that challenge and change you.

Will I continue ballet back home? The jury is still out. But the trip unlocked a part of myself that I hadn’t realised was missing — the willingness to try, to fail, and to find joy in the process.

A five-night adult package starts from $4,183. Five-night family packages start for two adults and two children (10 years old and under) from $5,459. avanihotels.com