Eternally lauded as a honeymoon hotspot, the Maldives has recently supercharged its status as the go-to destination for everyone from adventure enthusiasts to foodies, with more and more resorts expanding their offerings.
Where the island nation has really excelled, is the wellness space. From in-house spas and visiting therapists and experts, to health-inspired menus and restaurants, resorts have thoroughly embraced the concept and travellers now know to expect an element of wellbeing at almost any property in the destination.
There are a handful of resorts, however, that do wellness really, really well. At the following resorts, wellness is a holistic, guiding philosophy that permeates every aspect of their operations.
Soneva Soul is a unique, transformative wellness concept from Soneva that blends thousands of years of ancient healing wisdom with the latest science and innovation. Guided by the principle of ‘lifestyle evolution’, it tailors multi-disciplinary care plans that help guests realise their utmost potential, achieve their long-term wellness goals and reconnecting mind, body and soul.
Expert therapists and wellness specialists work in partnership with guests to co-create bespoke wellness experiences that evolve their wellbeing across every aspect of their life, enabling them to thrive and become the person they aspire to be. These include rest, recovery, and regeneration as well as detoxification, movement and health optimisation.
Soneva Soul builds upon Soneva’s vast experience at the forefront of the hospitality and wellness industry over more than 25 years. Since launching the spa at Soneva Fushi in 1995, the first in the Maldives, Soneva has gathered knowledge and experience from the countries where it has been based – harnessing their innovations, gleaning their wisdom and learning from their traditional therapies and healing rituals.
Soneva Soul encompasses custom wellness centres – exceptional spa and wellness facilities built in harmony with their exquisite natural locations set the scene for life-changing wellness experiences – where guests can explore an impressive range of therapies and treatments. Some of the options on offer include a movement program, yoga and mindfulness program, sleep program, cuisine and nutrition guidance, and skincare and wellness products.
Nestled on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, amid crystalline lagoons, pristine beaches and lush coconut palms, JOALI BEING is a 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé International Airport. With 68 villas, each with its own butler or “Jadugar”, JOALI’S new sister property is the Maldives’ first nature-immersive wellbeing island retreat.
At this adults-only resort, the experience begins with a pre-arrival wellbeing consultation and an integrative wellbeing assessment, which help staff create a personalised journey that includes workouts, spa treatments, classes and healthful meals. Guests are greeted wherever they are on their wellness journey and guided by the resort’s expert staff on the path to self-discovery and renewal. From exhilarating adventure and soulful relaxation to customised nutrition and interactive learning, JOALI BEING creates wellbeing experiences tailored to individual lifestyles and goals.
Even the cuisine at this resort is designed with optimal health in mind, and guests are invited to immerse in the vibrancy of FLOW, an open-plan interactive dining space featuring three signature kitchens. Plantae offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Su serves ocean-to-table pescatarian fare, and B’Well features a signature JOALI BEING menu, including a selection of earth-to-table meals.
Culinary arts at JOALI BEING focus on an earth-to-table initiative, promising ingredient traceability and offering fresh, locally harvested foods that support small farms and are sustainably sourced. All food and beverage options at JOALI BEING have been expertly curated with the help of the retreat’s nutritionists, offering a selection of flavours and cuisines with healthy and indulging dining options.
COMO Maalifushi is the only resort operating in the Maldives' Thaa Atoll, nestled in the archipelagos’ southern reaches. With overwater villas and beach suites to choose from, and untouched marine wonderlands to explore, COMO Maalifushi is the ultimate away-from-it-all destination for families, couples, surfers and divers.
From a wellness perspective, COMO Shambhala Retreat at COMO Maalifushi perfectly complements the private island resort experience. Eight double treatment pavilions are set over the water, with doors that open wide so guests can relax on a massage bed or in one of the spa’s oversized bathtubs listening to the sound of the waves and the ocean breeze.
The retreat is home to steam, sauna and Jacuzzi areas, as well as an open-air yoga pavilion located on the sunrise side of the island, with views of the Indian Ocean. Guests also have access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre, as well as expert instruction in yoga, meditation, and core connection.
Treatments at COMO Maalifushi are based on Asian traditions, from Thai Massage, Taksu and Indonesian Massage, to Foot Reflexology and Indian Head Massage. COMO Shambhala Retreat retreat also offers classic beauty treatments, including Sundari Facials, Guinot facials, manicures and pedicures, ensuring every touchpoint in the wellness journey is considered.
