Spa
Six Senses Spa Laamu welcomes visiting wellness practitioner Doreen Vivian Bakstad
Maldives.net.mv – Visiting wellness practitioner, Doreen Vivian Bakstad will visit Six Senses Spa Laamu, in the Maldives, for a six-week engagement from 16 January through 2 March 2014.
With more than 30 years in the wellness profession, Doreen has trained in a multitude of therapies for the body (soma) and mind (psyche); most notably Swedish massage, Jin Shin Do® Acupressure – “The Way of the Compassionate Spirit,” Hakomi Body – Centered Psychotherapy, Acutonics®, Watsu®, Tai Qi, Qigong and Laughter Yoga.
She incorporates a unique combination of therapies and is gifted at facilitating deep relaxation of both emotional and physical tensions and stress. Her training in psychotherapy and counselling allows her to help others to move out of the analytical mind into the “bodymind,” thus creating a greater self-awareness and understanding, along with renewed vitality.
With open-heartedness and delightful humour, Doreen awakens a remembering in her clients and students of the fullness of who they truly are. During her visit at Six Senses Laamu she will be focusing on Acupressure Massage/Acutonics – a unique, pressure point, oil massage, incorporating tuning forks for blissful relaxation.
Doreen is originally from Canada, but she has made the world her home since 1976, through travelling, seeking to develop her techniques and her therapy practice. Recently, she spent more than 2 years in India and Cambodia performing humanitarian service. She was then given the opportunity on multiple occasions to teach acupressure for which she has developed her own technique along with mindfulness meditation, qigong, aqua-exercise classes and yoga.
Jin Shin Do® Acupressure Classes will be held for individuals, couples and small groups. Guests can learn how to utilise acupressure points in specific combinations for releasing tensions, relaxing muscles and opening energy flows. Classes may be tailored to individual preferences. Each class includes Hara Breathing – a Taoist practice for cultivating excellent health. Options include, but are not limited to: Shoulder/Neck Release; Headache Relief; Back Tension Release; Acupressure for Women; Potent Points for General Balancing; Fundamentals of Self-Acupressure for Wellbeing.
Complimentary Guest Classes in Pal Dan Gum, The Eight Silken Movements, will also be offered as will Laughter Yoga or Laughter Exercise. It is easy to learn, easy to practice and suitable for all ages of twelve or over. What began in a Mumbai park in 1995 with five people, has become a world-wide movement, with over 8,000 laughter clubs in more than 65 countries around the world. Find out for yourself why laughter is the best medicine.
Featured
Emiliana Pappalardi’s exclusive wellness residency at The St. Regis Maldives

In a harmonious blend of serenity and expertise, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is set to host renowned visiting practitioner Emiliana Pappalardi for a limited-time residency from April 12 to 28. This exclusive offering promises a bespoke wellness experience designed to redefine the journey toward holistic renewal.
Emiliana Pappalardi, a distinguished multidisciplinary therapist with over 15 years of experience at some of the world’s most esteemed wellness sanctuaries, brings a unique fusion of ancient healing practices and contemporary therapeutic techniques. Her sessions incorporate a diverse range of modalities, including Ayurveda, sound healing, Reiki, Yoga Nidra, and Naad Yoga. Each treatment is deeply personalised, intuitive, and transformative, offering guests a restorative journey that goes beyond traditional relaxation.
Emiliana’s holistic approach seeks to realign the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. Her treatments are immersive and integrative, harmonising Eastern wisdom with Western innovation. Each session creates a sacred space for renewal, where vital energy is restored and the senses are fully awakened.
Set within the breathtaking surroundings of the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort provides a stunning stage for Emiliana’s residency. The Iridium Spa, perched above the turquoise waters, features six overwater treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean—an ideal sanctuary for transformative healing.
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the resort offers premium villa accommodations. The John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater villa in the Maldives, spans an expansive 1,725 square meters and features a private infinity pool, spa suites, and panoramic ocean vistas. The Caroline Astor Estate, nestled along the beach, offers a spacious private pool, elegantly appointed master bedrooms, and a secluded terrace for peaceful retreat. Both estates embody refined comfort and come with the hallmark St. Regis Butler service. Whether enjoying a sunset from an overwater deck or strolling the pristine shoreline, these villas provide an exquisite setting for rest and rejuvenation.
Earlier this month, the resort welcomed guests to experience The Healing Hour with Mariko Hiyama, featuring her celebrated facial reflexology and holistic therapies. Her residency concluded on April 4, leaving behind a trail of revitalised guests.
Featured
ELE|NA teams up with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health for personalised wellness in Maldives

ELE|NA, a trailblazer in transformative wellness experiences, has announced a strategic partnership with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health. This collaboration brings together world-class wellness programs and advanced DNA-based health insights to ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to holistic well-being. Guests can now enjoy an integrated approach to fitness, mindfulness, and personalised health optimisation in a luxurious island setting.
Through this partnership, ELE|NA now offers expert-led wellness experiences curated by Fit Bodies, Inc., the world’s largest provider of fitness, yoga, and sports instructors for luxury resorts. At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, guests have access to:
- Two daily group fitness sessions, including Paddle Yoga, Aqua Fitness, Water Pilates, Latin Dance, and Tai Chi.
- One private session per week with a visiting instructor, offering personalised attention and skill development.
- Two weekly workshops covering diverse topics such as self-care rituals, breath work, sound healing, and mindful movement.
Guests are also invited to participate in immersive experiences such as Luxury Sleep Recovery techniques, Sunrise & Sunset Rituals, and Art Therapy. These offerings provide a comprehensive approach that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. Additionally, year-round wellness experiences like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling are available to support deeper transformation.
Throughout April, special wellness workshops featuring live music are available, creating a serene yet energising environment that enhances each practice.
ELE|NA’s partnership with Muhdo Health adds a new dimension of personalisation to the wellness journey through DNA-based insights. Guests can access Muhdo’s exclusive DNA Kits—available only in the Maldives—to receive customised recommendations in the areas of:
- Nutrition and fitness, based on individual genetic profiles.
- Sleep optimisation strategies for improved recovery.
- Cognitive and stress resilience methods to enhance mental clarity and overall well-being.
To ensure a seamless experience, DNA Kits must be pre-booked prior to arrival, allowing each guest to begin their wellness journey with a fully prepared health report.
By blending scientific innovation with expert-guided wellness programming, ELE|NA continues to redefine luxury wellness travel, offering unique experiences that empower guests to pursue optimal health both during their stay and beyond.
ELE|NA offers a vibrant year-round schedule featuring practices such as Power Yoga Vinyasa, Deep Slow Flow, Yin Classes, Sweat & Surrender, and Restorative Yoga. These are complemented by holistic services like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling. During April, guests can also enjoy enhanced sessions with live music, amplifying the tranquil yet invigorating ambiance.
This innovative collaboration signals a new era in customised wellness travel. By combining leading-edge health insights with transformative lifestyle experiences, ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invites guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, movement, and renewal—guided by some of the most respected wellness experts in the world.
News
The Healing Hour with Mariko Hiyama at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Esteemed wellness expert Mariko Hiyama joins The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort as a Visiting Practitioner, bringing her renowned expertise in Face Reflexology. With over a decade of mastery in Sorensensistem™ Facial Reflex Therapy, she offers guests a unique opportunity to experience deep relaxation, profound healing, and holistic well-being.
Housed within the award-winning Iridium Spa, Mariko’s bespoke treatments are thoughtfully crafted to restore emotional balance, release blockages, and enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. Through her exclusive therapies, she helps guests achieve a profound sense of harmony by addressing both physical discomfort and emotional stress. Mariko’s holistic approach integrates a transformative combination of techniques, from facial reflexology to trauma-releasing methods, all designed to unlock deep relaxation, emotional release, and a revitalized sense of well-being.
Each treatment begins with an initial 70-minute consultation and Face Reflex Therapy session, followed by a 60-minute personalized follow-up, allowing Mariko to tailor a wellness program for optimal results. Guests can continue their transformative journey with additional sessions of Face Reflex Therapy, Japanese Face Lifting, Trauma Releasing Reflex Therapy, and MAITRI Healing Face Therapy.
Set amidst the serene beauty of Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is the epitome of luxury and well-being. The resort boasts 77 ultra-luxurious villas that seamlessly blend modern design with the untouched beauty of nature. Among the exquisite accommodations, the overwater John Jacob Astor Estate and the beachfront Caroline Astor Estate offer ultimate privacy and tranquility, complete with private pools, expansive terraces, and breathtaking views.
The resort’s Iridium Spa, perched above the crystal-clear waters, features six overwater treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, and a range of personalized wellness experiences. Guests can indulge in a variety of wellness offerings, including cutting-edge fitness programs and mindfulness sessions at Vommuli House, the largest recreation center in the Maldives.
For those seeking a truly transformative wellness experience, The Healing Hour with Mariko Hiyama offers an exclusive opportunity to unwind and reconnect with oneself through the ancient art of facial reflexology and holistic healing. As part of this limited offering, Mariko Hiyama will be residing at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort until April 4, providing guests with a rare chance to experience her renowned expertise firsthand.
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