The Maldives known for its natural beauty and high-end resorts, is now emerging as a wellness destination, with many resorts offering a range of health and wellness experiences that promote both physical and emotional wellbeing for visitors.
The surge has come post pandemic, whereby travelers are now looking for holidays that focus on a healthy lifestyle. Resorts in the Maldives now emphasize the importance of integrating healthy eating, physical activities and mindfulness practices into guests’ stays. This holistic approach aims to nurture both the mind and body, creating a harmonious balance for overall wellbeing.
Nutrition-focused initiatives, offering fresh and organic dining experiences not only promote healthy eating but also raise awareness about sustainable food practices. At Soneva resorts, sustainable produce is at the forefront of their core with many dining outlets only offering plant-based menu items grown locally at the resort.
Guests are looking beyond spas that just offer a traditional massage or facial treatment. Holistic experiences that include yoga retreats, meditation sessions, mindfulness workshops, anti-ageing workshops and even athlete led wellness programmes are now becoming the norm. All designed to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance emotional resilience, and hopefully enabling guests to continue the practices long after they have left the Maldives.
In 2022, Soneva launched Soneva Soul which combines ancient healing with modern science and medicine to reconnect ones’ mind, body, and soul. Soneva Soul is even hosting a dedicated wellness SOUL festival from October 9 – 13th this year, with panel discussions, workshops, and events at Soneva Fushi.
Some resorts are embracing advancements in wellness technology to enhance their guests’ experience. From state-of-the-art fitness facilities to innovative spa treatments, technology is being leveraged to offer cutting-edge wellness solutions.
Other technologies such as cryotherapy, cellular rejuvenation and vitamin treatments are also on offer which are believed to enhance the immune system and promote detoxification.
JOALI resort launched their new dedicated wellness offering in late 2022 focusing on their ‘Four Pillars of JOALI’ which includes mind, skin, microbiome, and energy. Programmes include deep relaxation, stress recovery, resetting your digestive system, weight management and preventative skincare. They also offer dedicated programmes for mothers to be, men and couples.
AREKA – Turkish Hammam, Joali Being,
Photo Credits: Joali Being
Sleep therapy is also emerging as a new wellness trend. Recognising the importance of sleep therapy in overall wellness, many resorts have introduced sleep therapies into their programmes aimed at improving guests’ sleep patterns (if the sound of the waves, and fresh air is not enough). The aim is to contribute to stress reduction, mental clarity, and overall enhanced wellbeing.
Many resorts include Ayurvedic treatments with specialised doctors based at the resort, but at Four Seasons Maldives they go further offering an onsite Ayurvedic pharmacy incorporating many local Maldivian ingredients, Chakra blessings, reconnection rituals and Tantric traditions.
Prama Longevity Diagnostics
Photo Credits: Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru
Prama Wellness Screening
Photo Credits: Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru
Apart from all the wellness offerings available across the different resorts, just being in the Maldives itself with its pristine natural environment, aqua blue waters, fresh air, abundant nature, and relaxing surrounds is enough to make you immediately feel relaxed.
For guests looking for a more adventurous oceanic wellness experience, activities such as snorkeling, diving and swimming with fishes, have immediate benefits from the therapeutic effects of saltwater and the calming sounds of the waves.
Immersing yourself in nature during your stay is another way to relax and unwind with many resorts offering marine life conservation programs, nature walks and bird watching, encouraging guests to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world we live in.
Whether it’s through holistic practices, technological advancements or immersive activities, the Maldives is the ideal destination to inspire wellness seekers from around the globe.
