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CONTACTS Holistic Holidays at Villa Iris Tel: +44 (0)20 8123 9250 (UK) Tel: +34 928 524 216 www.hoho.co.uk

Derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’, meaning ‘to join’, yoga has important connotations when it comes to strengthening romantic ties. As a couple, yoga needn’t purely be enjoyed as two separate individuals – but can be practised together, adding a new dimension to a relationship’s depth and spiritual growth. Couples seeking ways to enjoy a greater bond can use yoga to feel closer to each other, physically and mentally. If all this sounds a bit New Age then fear not. Rather than a far-fetched hippy fad, so-called Couples Yoga is a healthy, new and fun way to spend time with your partner. Based on the ethos that all things are interdependent, exercise and rest are viewed as essential for vibrant health. Laughter and play are life’s fountains of youth, so sessions are suitably packed with giggles, while trust and communication are focused on through touch. ‘Somebody becomes closer and dearer to you as you understand them better’, explains yoga guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. ‘Then you enjoy the greater closeness.’

As a core component of all romantic relationships, touch is a binding force. It exchanges energy, allows auras to blend together and unite. Couples Yoga uses prolonged touch with locked eyes to maximise that vital ‘connection’. Deep-breath inhalation, linked hands and bodies positioned just a breath apart preempt a series of slow yoga poses (asanas). Then there is a deep embrace. Many yogic teachings fuse feng shui principals into their couple programmes to strengthen energy fields, emotions and attraction. Love, it is taught, adjusts its strength according to an environment – driving Cupid away in cluttered surroundings where negative colours prevail.

At the Villa Iris Yoga Retreat on the island of Lanzarote warm rose-pinks, salmon-reds and soft coral tones mix with towering plants, ferns and flowers, an auspicious mix that offers lasting love, according to Feng Shui. Curved pebble pathways allow positive Ch’i to flow more easily with an open front garden (Yang) and a private rear green space (Yin) dotted with stone sundials, carved rock statues, stepping-stones, flickering fibre-optic lanterns and melodic wind chimes. Reiki, massage, meditation and shiatsu are all close at hand as is a fine organic menu using local produce. Villa Iris also manages to achieve that delicate balance of personal space and kindred company – and a finer setting in which to achieve a conspicuous transformation in togetherness is hard to imagine.

Practising yoga as a couple can enhance trust and communication.