One More Way to Bliss Out on Sanibel and Captiva

Most people who have stepped foot on Sanibel or Captiva know that these tropical islands offer the utmost in relaxation.

Though there are dozens of activities one can take part in from boating to biking, the biggest attraction appears to be loafing.

The beach, even now in the height of summer, beckons.  The recent rains have created cooling breezes and chilling out on our endless shores is more appealing than ever.

But a new and inviting activity may bring nirvana to your holiday.

Ambu Yoga Boutique Studio, located on the grounds of South Seas Resort on Captiva, isn't just the creation of entrepreneur Yali Zawady, it also is a dream come true for the Yoga instructor from Colombia, South America.

"There's an excitement in me, I definitely have those butterflies in my stomach everyday," Zawady said. "It's just really nice to see all that hard work paying off."

Zawady is no stranger to Captiva and the beauty which comes with it. Her style of Yoga blends nature with the body's movement. She has trained and studied at Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica, the Foundation of Pathanjala Yoga Kendra in India and Bala Vinyasa Yoga in Naples.

"We will have one of the most beautiful studios in the area," Zawady said. "It is approximately 1,000 square feet and can hold classes up to 30-plus students. We have all the props you need, such as yoga mats, blocks, straps and bolsters, blankets and eye pillows for restorative classes. All the props are made from recycled material, as well."

After teaching and instructing Yoga on Captiva, Zawady captured the sense of excitement people had for the art of exercise. It made sense to pursue the next step and that was to open her own Yoga studio, along with her being able to share her sense of fashion in the form of the boutique.

When things started to roll towards her opportunity to open her own studio boutique, it happened quickly and in sync.

The right place was South Seas, in which Zawady instructed Yoga classes over the course of the last year. It's a great opportunity to open on the resort's grounds, because she can be near her clients whom she has created a bond with during their stays at South Seas.

"(Ambu Yoga Boutique) is totally independent from South Seas and we are open to the public," Zawady said. "We definitely have a good connection with South Seas, though, and are extremely happy to have the support of the resort. We are open to serving the entire island."

"We will have more meditation, gentle and restorative Yoga classes in the winter," Zawady added.

Although there are more than several Yoga studios in the area, Ambu Yoga Boutique Studio has the special advantage of being in paradise. It's a selling point which will be hit on by Zawady when she is marketing her new business.

"It's just a beautiful location," Zawady said. "You can go through a vigorous yoga session and go right to the beach and jump in the ocean. Or you can go right next door (to Doc Ford's) and grab a bite to eat or go and walk the beauty of the island."

It's exactly what Zawady wants her students to tap into - the natural beauty which is Captiva.

"I've always been inspired by nature," she said. "Our mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of yoga."