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Six Senses Spa Laamu welcomes visiting wellness practitioner Doreen Vivian Bakstad

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Six Senses LaamuMaldives.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.

Six Senses Laamu

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.

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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives expands wellbeing offering with tennis pro, visiting practitioner

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At Gili Lankanfushi Maldives wellbeing is a deeply personal journey. This season, the award-winning eco-luxury resort is enriching that journey with the arrival of two exceptional specialists, each bringing a unique approach to helping guests reconnect with themselves through movement, mindfulness and transformative experiences.

Joining the resort as Resident Tennis Pro, Nikola Vučković offers bespoke tennis lessons tailored to players of all ages and abilities. With more than 15 years of international coaching experience, Nikola combines technical expertise, tactical insight and personalised guidance to help guests build confidence and elevate their game. His distinguished career includes coaching players to success at European Championships, ITF tournaments and national-level competitions. In partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis, the personalised lessons cater to all skill levels, providing professional instruction and expert guidance to help guests improve their technique, develop their confidence and enhance their overall game. Whether stepping onto the court for the first time or refining advanced skills, guests can enjoy a rewarding and engaging tennis experience in a relaxed island setting.

Complementing the resort’s active lifestyle experiences is Dr Aradhana, a visiting wellness practitioner in residence until the end of September. With more than a decade of experience in holistic wellbeing, she offers a nurturing and personalised approach designed to help guests restore balance between the body, mind and emotions. Through bespoke therapies and immersive wellness sessions, Dr Aradhana creates a supportive space for relaxation, self-discovery and renewal, encouraging guests to reconnect with themselves and cultivate a deeper sense of wellbeing that extends beyond their stay.

Guests can also take part in E-Motion Flow: Moving Body to Release Emotions, a complimentary wellness session led by Aradhana that combines movement and breathwork to support emotional release, inner balance and overall wellbeing.

Together, these experiences reflect Gili Lankanfushi’s belief that luxury travel should nourish both body and soul. Whether discovering the joy of tennis, embracing holistic wellness practices or simply taking time to reconnect with oneself, guests are invited to embark on a journey that is as restorative as it is inspiring.

By bringing together experts from the worlds of sport and wellness, Gili Lankanfushi continues to create meaningful experiences that encourage guests to return home feeling refreshed, empowered and renewed.

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Fitness

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort celebrates World Wellness Weekend with movement, mindfulness and nutrition

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to reconnect with their well-being during World Wellness Weekend, taking place from September 18 to 20, 2026. Guided by Westin’s signature wellness pillars—Move Well, Eat Well and Sleep Well—the three-day program brings together energising fitness activities, mindful movement, nourishing workshops and restorative experiences amid the naturally inspiring surroundings of the Maldives.

The weekend begins on Friday morning with a guided Sunrise Walk along a scenic island route, encouraging guests to start the day with purposeful movement while discovering the benefits of walking for physical and mental well-being. Guests can continue moving with Water Volleyball at the Main Pool before turning their attention to mindful nourishment during the Wellness Food & Drink Workshop at Green Delight. The interactive session will introduce practical ways to prepare nourishing food and refreshing beverages, along with simple nutritional insights that guests can incorporate into their daily routines.

Friday afternoon brings a playful change of pace with Fun Games, giving guests an opportunity to connect, compete, and create memorable moments together. The day concludes with Sunset Yoga at Sunset Beach, where a calming guided flow will be complemented by refreshing wellness drinks and wholesome energy bites.

On Saturday, the program begins with Sunrise Yoga at the Yoga Pavilion, followed by an uplifting Aqua Fit session at the Main Pool, an approachable and refreshing way to improve mobility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. The day ends with a restorative Yoga Nidra session at the Yoga Pavilion. Often referred to as “yogic sleep,” this deeply relaxing guided practice is designed to calm the nervous system, release mental tension, and prepare guests for a more restful night.

Sunday opens with Beach Fitness before heading to the shoreline for an energising full-body workout. Guests can then return to the water for another friendly Water Volleyball session. As evening approaches, a guided Run & Stretch experience invites participants to explore the benefits of regular movement while learning more about calorie expenditure and physical well-being.

The weekend concludes at Heavenly Spa by Westin with a DIY Body Scrub Workshop, where guests can create a personalised scrub infused with lavender essential oil. Inspired by Westin’s Sleep Well pillar, the soothing workshop provides a fitting final ritual of relaxation, restoration and renewal.

Participation in World Wellness Weekend activities is open to all resort guests, with advance registration recommended. Throughout the week, guests can also enjoy a special offer at Heavenly Spa by Westin: a 50-minute Relaxing Balinese Massage for USD 100 per person.

Set within the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers a naturally restorative setting where guests can experience well-being at their own pace. With 69 spacious beach and overwater villas, rejuvenating treatments at Heavenly Spa by Westin, thoughtful dining experiences, and comprehensive fitness facilities, the resort brings Westin’s holistic approach to well-being in one of the Maldives’ most remarkable island destinations.

For more information, visit westin-maldives.com.

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Meditation

COMO Resorts Maldives brings marine experts, artists and wellness specialists to its islands

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For the remainder of 2026, COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island will offer an inspiring calendar of COMO Journeys and visiting practitioner residencies, bringing together leading experts, artists and wellness specialists from around the world.

Rooted in ocean stewardship, artistic expression and holistic wellbeing, each programme is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the distinctive character of its island setting. Through immersive experiences and expert-led encounters, guests are invited to discover the Maldives in new ways, deepening their appreciation of the natural world while cultivating creativity, balance and personal renewal.

At COMO Maalifushi, COMO Journey with Guardians of the Reef will take place from October 20th to November 2nd 2026, with Sharks4Kids. Led by marine biologist Jillian Morris and Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Duncan Brake, the family-focused programme explores the world of sharks through guided reef adventures, marine education, citizen science and underwater storytelling.

The resort will also feature two visiting practitioners, the first, “Holistic Reset for Body and Mind” will take place from September 21st to October 5th 2026, and will include personalised treatments by physiotherapist and osteopath Martina Wegscheider. These treatments will combine osteopathy, craniosacral therapy, energy alignment, and mindful movement.

The second residency, “Balance and Harmony” is scheduled from December 1st to January 10th, 2027. Wellness practitioner Kimberly Rose Kneier will lead this program, which will integrate various holistic practices, including acupuncture, Qi Gong, breathwork, and craniosacral therapy.

At COMO Cocoa Island, COMO Journey with Ocean Culture Life takes place from October 19th to October 31st 2026. This event will be led by award-winning photographer Matt Porteous and environmental advocate Tamsin Raine, who are the founders of Ocean Life Culture. The residency will combine photography, ocean film, storytelling, and conservation efforts. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in photography workshops, youth sessions, marine capture experiences, film nights, and discussions that explore the connection between people and the sea.

The island will host “The Art of Japanese Healing”, featuring practitioner Yuki Nishikubo from November 16th to December 27th 2026. With over 25 years of experience, Nishikubo will provide personalised Japanese acupuncture and Shiatsu treatments to promote relaxation, balance, and overall well-being.

The final event of this year’s creative programme is “From Sea to Self”, a COMO Journey featuring acclaimed artist and Paralympian Gregory Burns, taking place from December 8th to December 27th 2026. Through open studios, intimate conversations and hands-on workshops, Burns will explore the relationship between art, nature and personal transformation. The programme will culminate in an exhibition showcasing the works created during his residency.

“Meaningful travel is about creating experiences that stay with you long after you leave. Through our COMO Journeys and residencies of visiting practitioners, we hope to give guests a deeper connection to the Maldives, whether through the ocean, creativity, conservation or wellbeing, while celebrating the people and ideas that make each experience unique,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Resorts, Maldives.

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