At my age, I have accepted a few truths about myself.
I know all the words to songs that most people under 40 believe were discovered in an archaeological dig.
I hum them. Constantly.
My colleagues suffer because of this.
There are many songs in my internal jukebox, but one in particular seems to surface whenever life gets interesting: If you like piña coladas… and getting caught in the rain…
Now look. I’m not saying this song is a life philosophy. But I am saying that if a song mentions cocktails, spontaneous rainstorms, and making love at midnight, it’s already ahead of most wellness podcasts.
Which brings me to my upcoming month-long solo trip to the Gili Islands.
Yoga is a thing there. A big thing. A sunrise-on-the-beach, breathe-through-your-third-eye, align-your-chakras kind of thing.
Now before anyone panics:
I am not into yoga.
Let me be clear. I respect yoga. I respect people who love yoga. If you want to twist yourself into a human pretzel while greeting the sun, I applaud your flexibility, your core strength, and your ability to wake up before coffee.
But it’s just not my scene. Also, I don’t own the correct clothing. You know the type — the activewear with those mysterious little fabric gathers around the bum designed to make it look like your backside has its own Instagram account.
I will not be wearing those.
My backside and I have reached a respectful agreement: it exists, and we do not draw attention to it.
However, I will say this — my favourite thing about yoga is the photography.
Every morning on the beach, as the sun rises, the yoga enthusiasts form these incredible silhouettes against the glowing sky. Arms stretching, bodies bending, everyone looking serene and spiritually hydrated.
From a distance they resemble elegant flamingos greeting the dawn. From a photographer’s perspective? Magnificent.
So while the yogis are inhaling deeply and aligning their energies, I will be nearby… quietly taking photos… possibly humming something about escaping and a love that you’ve looked for.
Later, I’ll probably wander off in search of a cocktail. Because if you like piña coladas, the Gili Islands are basically the world’s happiest accident.
And who knows — I might even get caught in the rain one afternoon. Tropical rain, warm air, sand between my toes.
Very romantic in theory.
The spirit of the song lives on. Adventure, a bit of mischief, cocktails, and a willingness to see what happens next.
So if you’re on the beach in the Gilis at sunrise and you hear someone gently humming about piña coladas while taking photos of yoga silhouettes…
Please be kind.
It’s just me. Avoiding downward dog.
Places on Gili Air that ARE into Yoga
Radiant Gym: One of the more unique fitness spots on the island. Set right on the beachfront, the open-air gym blends into the natural surroundings. There’s a dedicated yoga and mobility deck where regular yoga classes and stretching sessions are held, often with ocean views and sea breezes drifting through.
H20 Yoga: H2O Yoga and Meditation Center is the ultimate island escape. Witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mt Rinjani, sunset behind Mt Agung, sea, sand, scuba, snorkeling and yoga.
Offering offer three daily yoga classes, meditation, interactive workshops, a health conscious cafe, massage and a variety of holistic healing treatments.