Spa
The Benefits of Ayurveda by the Sea at Anantara Veli Resort & Spa

Maldives.net.mv – Designed for both those who are just beginning to dip their toes in Ayurveda as well as for the more advanced student who wants to deepen their practice and understanding of Ayurveda’s true roots and benefits, SUNDÃRI Ayurveda Spa at Anantara Veli Resort & Spa in the Maldives combines adherence to Ayurvedic principles based on an ancient eastern philosophy with the finest quality ingredients from nature, delivering a holistic approach to wellness that results in outer radiance and inner serenity.
“Within each person, the doshas are continually interacting with one another and with the doshas in all of nature, depending on the predominance of their composition within the body and in the environment. People can have much in common but also have an endless variety of individual differences in the way they behave and respond to their environment. Hence the effect of the seawater, sea air and the sun cannot be generalised in people whose doshas are not in balance. However, when balance is maintained and health is at an optimum, the seawater, sea air and the sun has proven benefits,” explains Dr.Avinash R.Tiwari, the resort’s resident Ayurvedic Doctor.
With sea water containing all the 89 known elements present in our bodies it helps heal wounds, reduce infection and addresses pain relief. Various elements have nutritional and calming effect on our nerves, encourage good urinary flow, open the pores and help to remove toxins from the body by means of the lymph system, which is valuable in eliminating trapped fluids around the thighs, knees and ankles, increases the elasticity of the skin, and improves its outer appearance.
Sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that increase our ability to absorb oxygen. These negative ions help balance levels of serotonin, a body chemical associated with mood and stress. The natural affect is one of heightened alertness, relaxation and energy while also being able to rest more soundly.
The heat of the sun affects our endocrine system (the part of our body which releases endorphins). These natural feel good chemicals are designed to make us feel relaxed and less stressed. The sound of waves alters the wave patterns in the brain soothing you into a deeply calm and relaxed state.
In the world’s greatest paradise, the Maldivian elements of lush tropical nature, soft powdery white sands and translucent ocean provide vivid and sensual inspiration as well as a natural healing environment. Just 35 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport, Sundari Ayurvedic Spa at Anantara Veli Resort & Spa brings a holistic approach to incorporate elements of the Ayurvedic lifestyle throughout the resort activities offered, restaurant menus and spa treatments in consultation with Dr. Avinash.
Immersed in nature of the island, a wellness approach under Dr. Avinash’s guidance brings a balance of life’s guilty indulgences in line with longevity. Yoga, breathing techniques, dietary considerations and spa treatments are combined to find the individual’s natural balance within. At the end of a stay at the resort, the Dr Avinash provides guests with take-home information to continue an Ayurvedic lifestyle once they return to your daily routine, and is happy to share his daily email advice for a healthy lifestyle.
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.
Featured
Varu Spa’s new holistic wellness experiences at Kandolhu Maldives

Kandolhu Maldives has introduced a new menu at Varu Spa, offering a range of treatments designed to harmonise the mind, body, and soul. Inspired by the essence of ‘Varu,’ meaning energy in the local Dhivehi language, the revitalised offerings include signature experiences aimed at restoring balance and enhancing overall well-being.
One of the standout treatments is the Varu Origins treatment, a 120-minute immersive ritual that features a full-body exfoliation, a personalised massage, and a rejuvenating facial to promote skin radiance. Additionally, the Varu Tradition provides a holistic experience by combining aromatherapy, spinal pressure techniques, and reflexology to relieve stress and encourage relaxation. For those seeking a detoxifying treatment, the Varu Essential offers an invigorating therapy incorporating grapefruit, rosemary, and juniper essential oils for complete renewal.
Alongside these treatments, Varu Spa has introduced curated wellness journeys tailored to different relaxation needs. The Three-Day Reset focuses on gentle rejuvenation through a rose body scrub and specialised massages. The Five-Day Tranquil package includes the Maldivian Fusion Massage and Glow Facial for an indulgent experience. For couples, the Varu Haven package presents a shared retreat featuring sea salt soaks, full-body massages, and lymphatic drainage facials in a tranquil setting.
With these thoughtfully crafted experiences, Varu Spa at Kandolhu Maldives provides an ideal escape for guests to unwind, refresh, and reconnect with their inner energy.
News
The Art of Graceful Change: ELE|NA’s menopause retreat in celebration of International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day, ELE|NA presents The Art of Graceful Change, a wellness retreat designed to empower women to embrace menopause with confidence and vitality. This transformative retreat will be held from June 5th–9th, 2025, at the serene OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi in the Maldives. The retreat offers a holistic and highly personalised approach to managing menopause—transforming it from a challenge into an opportunity for growth, renewal, and self-discovery.
For too long, menopause has been overlooked in the wellness space, leaving many women to navigate its complexities alone. Today, menopause—and its precursor, perimenopause (which can begin as early as a woman’s 30s)—is finally being recognised as a profound transition that deserves care, understanding, and tailored support. This retreat honors that shift, providing a nurturing environment where women can reconnect with themselves, embrace change with confidence, and thrive.
Guided by ELE|NA’s Wellness Your Way philosophy, this retreat is fully customisable, allowing guests to focus on what matters most to them—whether that’s deep relaxation, mindful movement, or simply taking time to recharge. Each participant will receive a DNA kit from Muhdo Health, offering invaluable insights into their genetic blueprint. These results will inform a hyper-personalised wellness plan, with tailored recommendations for exercise, nutrition, and holistic therapies designed to support their unique journey.
Crafted by world-renowned wellness experts, the program addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological shifts of menopause with empathy, expertise, and innovative solutions. Highlights include a customized movement plan, a masterclass in holistic healing, conscious nutrition guidance, and specialized face and body therapies designed specifically for menopause-related changes. Insightful discussion groups, neuro-linguistic programming, and post-retreat monthly Zoom meetups will foster a strong sense of connection and continued support long after the retreat ends.
This retreat is designed with accessibility in mind, offering a welcoming space for all women, regardless of their background or experience with wellness. It’s a place where wellness is for everyone, and where each woman’s needs and unique journey are respected and supported.
This exclusive retreat will be led by a team of distinguished specialists, each bringing their expertise to guide guests through this transformative journey:
- Heidi Grimwood – Hotelier Maldives’ 2024 Wellness Personality of the Year and Global Spa Leader of the Year 2022, with over 25 years of experience in luxury spa and wellness, specialising in transformative wellness experiences.
- Francesca Canzano-Franklin – Chinese Medicine practitioner, holistic facialist, and wellness educator, renowned for integrating Eastern wisdom with modern well-being.
- Dr. Louise Oliver – NHS GP, Functional Breathing Practitioner, and Therapeutic Life Coach, specialising in breathwork for hormonal balance, stress management, and sleep optimisation.
- Suaad Ghadban – Award-winning fitness expert and movement specialist, with over 20 years of expertise in dance, sports, and women’s empowerment.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi offers the perfect sanctuary for renewal. Just 15 minutes from Malé International Airport, this vibrant 4-star resort blends laid-back tropical luxury with world-class wellness offerings. Guests will enjoy elegant accommodations, stunning beachfront views, and the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives, creating an atmosphere of both tranquility and adventure.
This is more than just a retreat—it’s a reawakening. It’s time to embrace menopause with grace, knowledge, and self-care. Join us for an unforgettable experience where science, holistic wellness, and personal empowerment converge.
-
Awards6 days ago
The St. Regis Maldives recognised among Maldives’ top 10 hotels in DestinAsian 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
-
News1 week ago
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers rich culture, vibrant traditions this Eid-al-Fitr
-
News1 week ago
Creating artful moments: Shimha Shakeeb captures essence of island life at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
-
News1 week ago
Introducing Sirru Residences: Luxurious seven-bedroom estate at Sirru Fen Fushi
-
Family1 week ago
Lily Beach Resort introduces egg-citing Easter programme
-
Family1 week ago
Easter in paradise at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
Nova Maldives, PADI partner for transformative Ocean Adventure Week with India Black this July
-
Family1 week ago
Embrace Spring’s renewal with Eid, Easter traditions at Jumeirah Olhahali Island