Wellness
Wellness and Health – New Definition of Luxury and Lifestyle

Maldives.net.mv – Vaibhav Garg, Cluster Director of Talent & Culture – AccorHotels, Maldives represented Maldives and AccorHotels at the Cornell University during a recent International Symposium: Hospitality, Health & Design (October 9 – 11, Ithaca, New York) with over 90 speakers, and 4 high profile keynote panels on hospitality, healthcare, senior living, and design and with over 200 delegates, global industry and academy leaders, executives, top researchers, and fellow participants. Vaibhav shared his research paper on the subject “Wellness & Health – new definition of luxury and lifestyle”
Speaking at the session, Vaibhav emphasized that Wellness is the state of optimal well-being and starts with self care. It’s not simply the absence of illness, but an improved quality of life resulting from enhanced physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental health. In the area of health and wellness awareness; it all comes down to a giant contemporary demand for advancements in pro-active health. There are many reasons why the wellness industry is, and will continue to expand. What is killing us today are life style diseases. The major causes of early deaths have shifted from infectious diseases to chronic lifestyle-related conditions. 70% of which are preventable through eating right, exercise, supplementation and effective stress management.
“When it’s about bragging on social media on wellness, health and lifestyle that’s the new luxury statement and that’s what I spoke at Cornell University. There has been a major shift in the way we look at our lives and in “unconventional” way. It’s about personal satisfaction more than just a brag. Today there are many social media and fitness tracking applications that are emerging with a thrust into our lives advocating new gen lifestyle flair. People are following these new trends greatly and widely across age groups and evolved and matured mindsets. My presentation at Cornell University took a look at Gen Z trends as well as global market trends in health + wellness and its implications on the hospitality industry. Wellness at AccorHotels and other industry case studies were also showcased during this event”, briefed Vaibhav.
So when it comes to selfie posts and personal photographs (self posing or check ins) It’s usually a confluence of health, body image, peer affirmation and self-actualization. As millennials craft their social media persona, body image becomes a primary concern. 73% of millennials exercise to enhance their physical appearance. People who posts status updates about their diet and exercise routine or travel diaries appears to be more Narcissistic and they use Facebook and other fitness social networks like H, Pump Up, Instagram and Burn This to share their workout selfies, to broadcast the effort they put into their physical appearance. In my personal view, It’s not simply overexposure but a new way towards an improved quality of life resulting from enhanced physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental health.
In his presentation remarks, he emphasized that there is an absolute revolution going on involving the “consumerization of fitness and wellness, the very nature of the future fitness opportunity is changing and in hospitality industry wellness needs to be accessible and integrated with the guest experience in the hotel in the most natural way. “At Accor, we believe that our guests need to have “wellness options” to choose from and our wellness strategy is redefined with 4 pillars of health and well-being.” added Vaibhav.
Vaibhav has been representing Maldives and his respective organizations at Cornell University since 2012 while showcasing his research case studies and new trends in the area of hospitality, hotel operations, human resources and service excellence. “It was an incredible honor to represent Maldives and AccorHotels at Cornell University, New York, this October 2016 where academicians, fellow industry professionals and practitioners from across a broad spectrum of the wellness, health, hospitality and design industry gathered for an immersive learning experience into the cultural factors and trends transforming the hospitality, health & design in marketplace.” concludes Vaibhav Garg.
News
InterContinental Maldives marks World Wellness Weekend with curated experiences, new spa partnership

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to embrace a journey of wellbeing during World Wellness Weekend, taking place from 19 to 21 September 2025. Over three days, the resort will host a series of revitalising activities designed to awaken energy, restore balance, and nurture the spirit, set against the serene backdrop of Maamunagau Island.
The celebration begins on Friday, 19 September, with a Morning Fun Run, a Healthy Breakfast Selection, and Meditation & Sound Healing at the Yoga Pavilion.
On Saturday, 20 September, guests can start the day with Power Yoga, cool off with Aqua Aerobics at the Main Pool, and end the day with a spirited beach Volleyball Match in the evening.
The weekend concludes on Sunday, 21 September, with Sunrise Yoga, followed by Yoga Nidra for Sleep Enhancement, leaving guests feeling restored and rebalanced as the celebrations come to a close.
In conjunction with World Wellness Weekend, AVI Spa proudly introduces its new partnership with The Organic Pharmacy, a renowned London-based brand celebrated for its homeopathic principles and high-performing natural formulations. Known for blending science with botanicals, The Organic Pharmacy brings a new dimension of holistic care to the AVI Spa menu, elevating the guest journey through treatments that are as nurturing as they are effective.
“Our goal is to create a space where wellness is not just an activity, but an experience that resonates long after our guests leave the island,” says Jean Claire, Spa & Wellness Manager at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. “Partnering with The Organic Pharmacy allows us to further enrich this journey with treatments rooted in both science and nature.”
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is an exclusive destination getaway offering a unique opportunity for those looking to unwind and reconnect in an enviable island setting, where exclusive privileges go hand in hand with the personal touch of our signature service at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ first and only all-Club InterContinental resort. Located in the Raa Atoll; 35 minutes by seaplane from the Velana International Airport, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is an award-winning island escape offering beach, lagoon and overwater villas and residences with up to three bedrooms. Curated dining and wellness experiences, an extensive kids’ club, as well as The Retreat, an adult-only enclave, along with a myriad of recreational adventures for families and couples alike are also available.
Featured
Wellness in Pink: Milaidhoo Maldives supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, Milaidhoo Maldives will mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Wellness in Pink — a curated series of experiences designed to encourage guests to slow down, reconnect, and explore the deeper dimensions of wellbeing.
Rooted in the island’s philosophy of mindful, barefoot living, the programme reflects Milaidhoo’s approach to quiet luxury and personal wellness. Each experience has been designed to restore the body and nourish the soul, creating opportunities for reflection and reconnection.
Set within the tranquil surroundings of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, Wellness in Pink invites guests to pause, breathe, and share stories — both lived and unfolding.
Signature Experiences:
- Sunset Serenity: A Couple’s Wellness Ritual: A 90-minute ritual held on the open-air deck of a private villa. The session begins with a calming full-body massage, followed by a refreshing facial, and concludes with a glass of chilled sparkling rosé. USD 380++ per couple | Advance reservation required
- Rose Renewal Ritual: Special Edition: A 120-minute treatment created to support emotional balance and inner strength. The ritual combines an aromatherapy massage with rose essential oil, a rose quartz facial massage, and a grounding foot massage to restore energy flow. USD 240++ per person
On 23 October, guests may take part in a Zumba for Awareness session — a lively group activity celebrating vitality and community spirit.
On 24 October, The Pink Care Routine will be held at Milaidhoo’s overwater yoga pavilion. This guided session combines self-massage techniques, somatic body awareness, and breast health education, offering space for learning and gentle empowerment.
Milaidhoo emphasises that wellbeing is not a checklist but a feeling — of being cared for, of being seen, and of returning to oneself. Through Wellness in Pink, the resort seeks to honour those touched by breast cancer and to create space for healing in all its forms.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru weaves wellbeing into World Wellness Weekend celebrations

Angsana Velavaru is marking World Wellness Weekend with a series of holistic activities designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. From 19 to 21 September, the resort is hosting three days of complimentary sessions led by its in-house yoga instructor.
Each morning begins with aqua aerobics at the Kuredhi Pool, combining gentle resistance and the movement of water to awaken the body. On 20 September, attention shifts to an evening sunset yoga session, guiding participants through a flow of movement and breath as the sun sets over the island. The programme concludes on 21 September with sunrise yoga on the beach, a practice blending pranayama and ashtanga elements in the calm of dawn.
The resort’s wellness approach extends beyond the weekend, with a range of treatments available at the award-winning Angsana Spa. Therapists draw upon traditional Asian techniques to restore balance and energy, offering treatments such as body polishes, facials, and holistic massages with natural ingredients. Guests may also take part in personalised wellness rituals designed to nurture both body and mind.
Located in South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru integrates wellbeing into the island experience. From yoga and spa therapies to the tranquil pace of island life, the resort provides an environment where health and renewal are at the centre of the guest experience.
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