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.

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.

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.