Wellness
A Sneak Preview of Six Senses Laamu’s Visiting Practitioners Programme 2016
Maldives.net.mv – For many years, visiting practitioners have played an integral part in the wellness offerings at Six Senses Laamu and their talent and expertise have benefited guests and hosts alike. And as guests continue the search for that perfect antidote to their busy lives, the demand for visiting practitioners and their specialist therapies has grown in an equal measure.
In the year ahead, the resort has brought together a selection of the most popular and long-standing experts, who have worked with Six Senses for many years as well as some new superstars whose exceptional reputation and client feedback have earned them a place on the list.
Dr. Gopal Govindasamy is a visiting ayurvedic and naturopathic doctor, who believes that your face and hair is a mirror of your health. It is a map of your internal organs and how they are doing health-wise. For example, the nose represents our heart and cheeks correlate to ours lungs. The lines running down from our nose to our lips represent the colon, while our chin represents the reproductive system. Every line and spot, scar, wrinkle and blemish means something. This style of diagnosis has been used for thousands of years in the ayurvedic and Chinese traditions and Dr. Gopal uses it to recommend the most suitable treatments during your stay. His specialties include Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion, Indian head massage and naturopathy which will be available from January 1 to 20, April 20 to May 31, and October 1 to 31, 2016.
There is no doubt that stress is a part of our lives and if not managed correctly, it can have adverse effects on our health. Visiting Practitioner Toby Maguire specializes in stress management and assists guests in finding ways to manage and release it. He draws from nearly 20 years of practicing eastern medicine to enable healing of the body and mind, addressing physical pain and psychological blockages. Toby’s expertise includes acupuncture, Chinese abdominal massage, pain relief massage, reiki, hypnotherapy, qi gong and meditation which will be available from January 20 to March 15, 2016.
Khun Noom has practiced different modalities of healing for over a decade. She is a yoga instructor and meditation leader, an artist in cupping techniques and a specialist in foot reflexology, Thai massage and manual lymphatic drainage. She utilizes the healing qualities of crystals and singing bowls to help guests heal various ailments of the body, mind and spirit, and to bring them into a deep state of awareness and balance. Khun Noom will be offering crystal sound healing, chakra balancing and foot reflexology with crystals from March 15 to April 30, 2016.
Claude Simard has used a psycho-energetic approach to help guests rediscover their inner child for over 20 years. The inner child is widely recognized in psychology as a sensitive and spontaneous part of ourselves, which is usually under the control of the waking conscious mind. During his psycho-energetic massage treatment, Claude guides guests to reconnect with a deep part of themselves and thus reclaim their ability to develop more trust in their own feelings. This can help in all areas of life, from business decisions to creating a fulfilling love relationship with one’s partner. In addition, Claude specializes in deep tissue fusion massage, and shiatsu and acupressure massage. Claude’s partner Jill Banwell discovered healing arts more than 13 years ago and her journey has taken her into the fields of therapeutic tarot reading, reiki, color and crystal healing, yoga, massage and meditation. She has worked all over the world, taking pleasure in gently guiding her clients to experience a deeper, more harmonious life. Claude and Jill will be at the resort from July 1 to August 31, 2016.
Khun Sommai has visited many Six Senses spas over the years and is a passionate holistic therapist. His expertise includes Tibetan singing bowls healing, chakra balancing with crystals, as well as qi gong and yoga. He will be available from November 1, 2016 to January 6, 2017.
Set on the beach, Six Senses Spa Laamu offers four uniquely designed couple treatment nests, four secluded couple treatment champas plus one Ayurvedic treatment and one Thai massage champa, all within the island’s natural vegetation. Highly skilled Six Senses Spa therapists use natural products to provide a comprehensive range of award-winning signature treatments plus rejuvenation and wellness specialties of the region. Visiting practitioners offer our guests lifestyle consultations and specialized holistic treatments.
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.
News
Mandara Spa champions presence and balance in modern wellness journey
Over the past decade, wellness in the Maldives has evolved from an occasional travel indulgence into an essential part of the guest experience. Today’s travellers are seeking more than relaxation alone. They are looking for experiences that support physical wellbeing, emotional balance, mindfulness, and meaningful human connection.
The first half of 2026 has once again highlighted the strength and continued evolution of the wellness sector. New concepts, technologies, treatments, and wellbeing trends continue to reshape guest expectations, creating exciting opportunities for both guests and operators. Yet amid this progress, there is also a growing recognition that true wellbeing cannot be measured by novelty alone.
Increasingly, travellers are seeking experiences that feel authentic, intentional, and genuinely restorative. For Mandara Spa, this shift is both encouraging and deeply familiar. For 30 years, the brand has operated across some of the world’s most celebrated hospitality destinations, from the Maldives to leading hotels and resorts throughout Asia and beyond, witnessing wellness evolve from a niche hospitality offering into a global movement. Yet despite the industry’s transformation, the essence of wellness remains remarkably timeless: presence, balance, and meaningful human care.

Honouring Ritual in a Fast-Moving World
For three decades, Mandara Spa has drawn upon the enduring wisdom of Balinese wellness traditions, bringing their principles of presence, balance, and mindful care to guests around the world.
Long before wellness became a global conversation, Balinese culture recognised the importance of ritual, gratitude, balance, and living in harmony with oneself and the surrounding world. These values continue to guide every Mandara Spa experience today. From the welcoming foot cleansing ritual to thoughtfully curated treatment journeys inspired by generations of healing wisdom, each touchpoint is designed to encourage guests to slow down, become fully present, and reconnect with themselves.

“At the heart of Mandara Spa is a philosophy that wellness is not something to rush. It is something to be savoured, respected, and experienced with full awareness. Balinese heritage teaches us the importance of gratitude, of honouring each step in a ritual, and of finding peace in stillness,” said Tenille Keats, Country Manager of Mandara Spa.
As the industry continues to evolve, Mandara Spa remains committed to preserving these traditions while thoughtfully adapting to the needs of modern travellers. While wellness trends may change, the desire for genuine care, meaningful human connection, and authentic experiences remains constant.
This philosophy was also reflected during Global Wellness Day 2026, when Mandara Spa teams across multiple destinations joined guests, partners, and local communities in celebrating the universal importance of wellbeing. The occasion served as a powerful reminder that wellness often begins with a quiet moment, a mindful breath, a sense of gratitude, or simply the permission to pause.

Looking Ahead with Purpose
Rooted in Mandara Spa’s signature wellness philosophy, the brand remains committed to delivering authentic and restorative experiences inspired by Balinese wellness traditions. Through personalised treatments, attentive hospitality, and thoughtfully curated wellness offerings, Mandara Spa continues to create meaningful journeys that evolve alongside the changing needs and lifestyles of today’s guests.
As Mandara Spa looks toward the second half of 2026, it does so with a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose. This year also marks a significant milestone as the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary, honouring three decades of bringing Balinese-inspired wellness experiences to guests across the Maldives, Asia, and destinations around the world.

This milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the people and partnerships that have shaped the journey over the past three decades. Mandara Spa extends its heartfelt appreciation to its therapists, spa teams, hotel partners, and loyal guests, whose trust and support continue to inspire the brand’s evolution.
As the wellness industry continues to evolve, Mandara Spa remains optimistic about the future. Guided by the timeless wisdom of Balinese traditions, the brand remains committed to creating spaces where guests can pause, reconnect, and restore. Because sometimes the most meaningful moments are found not in doing more, but in simply being present.
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