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.
News
Dr Hetalkumar Doshi returns to Sirru Fen Fushi for extended wellness residency
Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort has announced the return of internationally recognised holistic wellness consultant and founder of Energy Masters, Dr Hetalkumar Doshi, for an exclusive wellness residency from 1 August to 31 October 2026 and from 1 December 2026 to 28 February 2027.
Renowned for his expertise across more than 60 holistic healing modalities, Dr Doshi brings a unique integrative approach that combines ancient healing traditions with modern wellness practices. As a naturopath, acupuncturist, Reiki Grand Master, energy healer, and wellness educator, he has guided individuals around the world towards greater wellbeing, balance, and personal transformation.

During his residency at Sirru Fen Fushi, guests will have the opportunity to experience Dr Doshi’s signature Four-Dimensional Healing Journey, which explores wellness through the Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual dimensions. Each treatment is tailored to individual needs and designed to identify and restore energetic imbalances affecting the body, mind, emotions, and soul.
At the heart of Dr Doshi’s philosophy lies the wisdom of the Five Elements–Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, whose harmonious balance is believed to support vitality, emotional resilience, mental clarity, and spiritual alignment.

Guests may choose from a variety of personalised healing experiences incorporating modalities such as acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki, chakra balancing, sound healing, breathwork, meditation, cupping therapy, and energy healing. Signature experiences are available in 30, 60, 90, and 120-minute sessions.
To introduce guests to his transformative approach, Sirru Fen Fushi is also offering a complimentary 15-minute wellbeing consultation during the residency period.
Set within one of the Maldives’ most naturally captivating island destinations, Sirru Fen Fushi offers travellers a unique opportunity to reconnect, rebalance and rediscover wellbeing in a serene oceanfront setting.
For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
News
ELE|NA Wellness Academy expands wellness education in Maldives
In Maldives, ELE|NA Wellness Academy continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for holistic wellness education through the successful completion of two specialised certification courses: the Sound Healing Certification Course and the Reiki Level 1 Certification Course.
Designed to bridge traditional healing wisdom with contemporary wellness practices, both programmes welcomed wellness professionals, therapists, and aspiring practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise and expand their therapeutic offerings.
Building Practitioner Expertise in Sound Healing and Reiki
ELE|NA Wellness Academy delivered specialised certification programmes in Sound Healing from 10th–13th May and Reiki Level 1 from 14th–18th June 2026, equipping wellness professionals with practical skills in two increasingly sought-after healing modalities. Led by renowned practitioners Arjun Arora, founder of Sarveda Sound Healing India, and Gayatri Panjabi, Reiki Grandmaster and energy healing educator. The immersive courses explored sound therapy, energy healing, meditation practices, chakra systems, and hands-on therapeutic techniques. Through experiential learning and guided practice, participants gained the knowledge and confidence to integrate these holistic modalities into their personal wellbeing journeys and professional wellness offerings.
Building the Future of Wellness Education
As the wellness industry continues to evolve, the demand for specialised skills and authentic healing practices continues to grow globally. Through courses like Sound Healing & Reiki, the ELE|NA Wellness Academy is committed to developing the next generation of wellness professionals while supporting continuous learning within the hospitality and wellness sectors.
“At ELE|NA, we believe when therapists are given opportunities to learn, grow, and expand their expertise, the entire industry benefits from their knowledge and skills. Whether they continue their journey here or take their expertise elsewhere, they contribute to raising standards, enriching guest experiences, and advancing the profession as a whole. Through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, our goal is to create meaningful pathways for learning that empower practitioners and strengthen the wellness community across regions,” said Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President of ELE|NA.
The successful completion of these certification courses marks another milestone in the ELE|NA Wellness Academy’s mission to cultivate knowledge, inspire growth, and create meaningful pathways for wellness professionals across the Maldives and beyond.
Coming Up Next: Body Massage Training – August 2026
Registrations are now open for ELE|NA Wellness Academy’s next CIBTAC-accredited Body Massage Training from 17-27 August 2026. Combining essential theory with immersive, hands-on practical training, the course equips aspiring and experienced therapists with internationally recognised skills and certification, preparing them for rewarding careers in the global spa and wellness industry.
For more information on ELE|NA Wellness Academy: trainingacademy@ele-na.com.
News
NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi unveils new under-the-stars wellness ritual
Th.ari Spa at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi has introduced Th.ari Under the Night Sky, a new signature outdoor wellness experience designed for couples seeking relaxation, connection, and memorable moments beneath the Maldivian stars.
Inspired by the serenity of the Maldives after sunset, the 90-minute experience invites guests to immerse themselves in a unique wellness journey surrounded by the sights and sounds of the island evening. Set on an open-air spa deck, the ritual combines soothing massage techniques, warm locally sourced Maldivian coconut oil, and the calming resonance of singing bowls to create an unforgettable experience of relaxation and wellbeing.
Set on an open-air spa deck, the ritual allows couples to relax beneath the stars while enjoying a thoughtfully curated wellness experience designed to calm the mind, ease physical tension, and encourage a deeper sense of wellbeing. As the day gives way to evening, the Maldives transforms into a peaceful sanctuary where gentle ocean breezes, starlit skies, and the calming rhythm of island life create the perfect setting for relaxation.
Th.ari Under the Night Sky was created to embrace this natural beauty, offering guests an opportunity to experience wellness in harmony with their surroundings. The experience begins with a welcoming foot ritual before continuing with a restorative full-body massage using nourishing Maldivian coconut oil. The journey concludes with the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, encouraging a deeper sense of calm, balance, and renewal.
By bringing wellness outdoors, the experience allows guests to fully connect with the atmosphere that makes the Maldives one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Modern luxury travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences that create lasting memories alongside traditional resort offerings. Th.ari Under the Night Sky responds to this desire by offering couples a shared wellness journey designed to foster relaxation, presence, and connection.
Ideal for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, romantic getaways, or simply quality time together, the experience encourages guests to slow down and appreciate the moment while enjoying the beauty of the Maldives after dark.
Combining wellness with the intimacy of a private outdoor setting, the ritual offers a memorable way for couples to celebrate special occasions or enhance their island escape.
Available exclusively at Th.ari Spa, Th.ari Under the Night Sky adds a distinctive dimension to the wellness and romance offering at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi. Created specifically for the resort, the experience reflects the destination’s commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences inspired by the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Maldives.
More than a spa treatment, the experience has been thoughtfully designed to combine wellness, romance, and a strong sense of place. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic getaway, couples are invited to reconnect beneath the stars while enjoying a unique wellness journey inspired by the island’s enchanting evening atmosphere.
For travel partners and luxury travel advisors, Th.ari Under the Night Sky offers an additional point of differentiation for couples seeking meaningful, destination-inspired experiences during their stay. The experience is available exclusively at Th.ari Spa by Mandara Spa at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi.
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