Wellness
Keep Your Gut Buddies Happy
Maldives.net.mv – Preparing wonderful culinary experiences for guests is a privilege for hosts at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. They love what they do because it is creative and rewarding. And with the ultimate indulgence for mind and body at the forefront, Six Senses is introducing delicious and nutritious smoothies and juices that incorporate important nutrients to keep the trillions of cells that make up the microbiome (pathogenic microorganisms that enjoy a mutualistic relationship with the human body) in balance.
Cutting edge research from Dr. Steven Gundry’s institutes, The Center for Restorative Medicine and The International Heart and Lung Institute, both in California, has shown that feeding the body’s microbiome nutrient dense fibers and resistant starches dramatically improves overall health. Moreover, healthy gut bacteria (Dr. Gundry calls them gut buddies) has been shown to improve mood and attitude.
Dr. Gundry serves on the Six Senses Wellness Board and has been collaborating with Six Senses in reviewing all menus and enhancing them so guests can enjoy the same great taste, but prepared in an even healthier fashion. The project is called Eat with Six Senses. Chefs are creating low-sugar and low-sodium items, gluten-, soy- and hormone-free options, identifying 90 to 100 percent of menu items as organic and keeping a close eye on lectins. The first project Dr. Gundry worked on, in tandem with Nutrition Consultant Patrick Wahlberg and Sophie Bohnstedt of Sophie’s Raw in Stockholm, is the smoothie and juice menu.

Six Senses is committed to serving refreshing, tasty juices and smoothies that feed gut buddies life-giving nutrients. And as a result, the new menu includes drinks that include a variety of vegetables, herbs, spices and fruit that contain lower amounts of fructose. In addition, the drinks provide a nutritionally rich boost of concentrated micronutrients … it’s like a supplement in a glass.
Guests who select to join one of the Six Senses Integrated Wellness programs: Cleanse & Detox; Sleep & Resilience; Trim & Fit and 100% Full Potential, are guided to which juices and smoothies are best suited to their wellness regime. For those not on a program, they will find the selections equally tempting and nutritious.
For those on the Cleanse & Detox program, the Green Senses juice is packed with ingredients to promote and support detoxification such as kale and broccoli. They also include fennel and parsley which are filled with antioxidants; cilantro which binds heavy metals; ginger which offers anti-inflammatory properties and pineapple which is rich in vitamin C as well as the enzyme bromelain.
Smoothie guests should try the Coco Nap to assist with sleep. It’s velvety and refreshing and contains young coconut, papaya, lemon balm and lime. The Trim & Fit smoothies, such as The Hulk, aid post workout recovery and muscle growth. The creaminess of macadamia nuts together with spinach and the richness of exotic spices make this a delicious green smoothie with a hint of Brazil nuts. This smoothie also works very well with protein powder.
Eat with Six Senses, a group-wide menu revamp that features low-sugar and low-sodium items, gluten-, soy- and hormone-free dining options, launches in 2017 at all resorts and spas. In addition to serving seasonal and sustainable food items, 90 to 100 percent of menu items will be organic. Efforts also include the reduction of lectins found in grains, beans and nightshades which cause chronic inflammation, digestive problems and degenerative conditions in some people.
News
Mandara Spa celebrates 30th anniversary with focus on Maldives growth
This May, Mandara Spa marks a landmark milestone — celebrating not only three decades of luxury spa management, but a sustained and growing commitment to the Maldives as one of the world’s premier wellness destinations.
Founded in Bali in 1996, Mandara Spa was built on the warmth, spirituality, and healing traditions of Bali. That same Balinese soul — rooted in genuine care, ritual, and human connection — remains at the heart of every Mandara Spa experience, from the shores of the Maldives to destinations across the globe.
A Landmark Presence in the Maldives
The Maldives has long been central to Mandara Spa’s international success. With a dedicated corporate office based in Malé and an established network across some of the country’s most prestigious resorts, Mandara Spa has helped define what luxury wellness looks like in the Indian Ocean — combining Balinese authenticity with world-class operational discipline.
As the Maldives continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for luxury travel, Mandara Spa’s model offers resort owners a proven framework for exceptional guest experience and sustainable commercial performance:
- Tailored spa concepts aligned with each property’s unique brand positioning
- Internationally trained therapists grounded in authentic Balinese healing traditions
- Revenue optimisation strategies that maximise treatment and retail performance
- Structured training, compliance, and quality assurance
- Pre-opening development support and spa design consultation
In Gratitude: Partners, Team, and Friends
Mandara Spa’s 30-year journey has been shaped, above all, by the people who have chosen to be part of it. The company extends its sincere appreciation to:
- Current resort partners, whose continued trust and collaboration sustain the highest standards of wellness and guest satisfaction every day
- Previous partners, whose vision and support laid the foundation for Mandara Spa’s presence across the region
- Future partners, whose ambition and shared belief in the power of wellness will help define the next chapter
- Our therapists, spa managers, and support teams — whose skill, warmth, and dedication are the true expression of what Mandara Spa stands for. Every treatment delivered, every guest welcomed, every standard upheld — that is their work, and this milestone belongs to them as much as anyone

Wellness as a Strategic Imperative
Over the past decade, the role of spa and wellness within the luxury resort experience has fundamentally shifted. For today’s discerning traveller, wellness is not an amenity — it is a deciding factor in resort selection. Mandara Spa’s operational model is built to meet this demand head-on, supporting owners with consistent EBITDA performance, transparent KPI reporting, and a globally recognised brand that resonates with high-value guests.
Mandara Spa’s operational model is built to meet this demand head-on, maximising spa revenues, enhancing guest capture and spend, and providing owners with transparent KPI reporting and a globally recognised brand that resonates with high-value guests.
An Invitation to the Next 30 Years
Mandara Spa warmly invites resort owners, developers, and hospitality groups who share a vision for exceptional wellness to connect. Whether at the concept stage or seeking to elevate an existing spa operation, Mandara Spa offers a partnership shaped by Balinese heritage, refined Asian influences, and global expertise — bringing decades of experience to every collaboration.
“This anniversary belongs as much to our partners as it does to us. The Maldives has been a cornerstone of our global success, made possible by the trust and collaboration of every resort we’ve worked with, and by the expertise and care of our spa teams who define the Mandara experience. As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to building on that foundation and welcoming new partners into the Mandara Spa family,” said Trent Munday, Senior Vice President – International, Mandara Spa.
News
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi introduces immersive wellness programme with Regina Gimranova
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, part of Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection, has introduced a transformative Wellness Reset Programme from June 15–21 in celebration of Global Wellness Week, in partnership with health coach and biohacker Regina Gimranova. Focused on functional longevity and sustainable energy, the programme blends advanced health optimisation with the island’s restorative power, offering guests a refined and immersive wellness experience in the Maldives.
From “Exhale to Expansion”: A Masterclass in Human Potential
The programme transitions guests from high velocity “city mode” into a state of “Expansion.” Guests return home not just rejuvenated but deeply integrated and empowered. The curriculum is fully inclusive, with Regina providing variations tailored to every level of experience. Participation is open to guests aged 18 and above.
The Architecture of the Reset
Each morning features a specific yoga style, from restorative Yin to Power flows, tailored to the day’s biological theme. These sessions are held amidst nature from 08:00 to 09:00. In the late afternoon, between 17:00 and 18:30, science-based workshops at serene beachside locations provide practical tools to regulate the nervous system.
The curriculum progresses from the biology of cortisol and emotional intelligence to advanced sessions on neuroplasticity and the architecture of perception. Participants engage in transformative somatic practices, including lying-down breathwork and the “Ocean of Calm” immersion, all designed to shift the body from chronic stress to lasting stillness.
The programme culminates in an integration session, equipping guests with “carry-on” techniques—such as five-minute morning resets—ensuring the vitality found in the Maldives translates into a sustainable lifestyle back home.
A Holistic Environment
Beyond the exclusive Wellness Reset Programme, the resort itself serves as a sanctuary for renewal. The Spa by Thalgo, its nature-infused spa, is one of the largest in the Maldives. It features 20 specialised treatments rooms and an extensive menu of over 160 treatments, ranging from marine- based therapies, traditional Maldivian rituals to high-tech hydro-massage. Furthermore, guests can access deep-rooted healing through resident experts, including a Doctor of Ayurveda, a Yoga and Meditation Master, and Traditional Chinese Medicine therapists. This holistic wellness ethos extends to the resort’s dining, where 30% of every menu is dedicated to plant-based and vegan cuisine as part of the signature Plant-Based Bliss experience.
“Guests increasingly seek self-care, personal growth, and a deep connection with nature. As conscious hoteliers, and in line with our promise to Champion Extraordinary Experiences, our mission has evolved to be more constructive and human; we design experiential moments to ensure that no guest leaves the same way they arrived, fostering a lasting positive shift and a renewed sense of purpose,” – highlighted Abdulla Atham, Resort Manager.
News
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives expands wellness programme with curated experiences
At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, wellness continues to evolve with intention and care. At the heart of this journey is Chootima Losakul (Joy), Spa Manager, whose thoughtful approach has been quietly shaping the island’s wellness experience.
With over two decades of international experience in luxury spa and wellness, Joy brings an intuitive philosophy that blends traditional healing with modern wellbeing. Originally from Thailand, her career spans guest relations to spa leadership, shaping a perspective rooted in cultural sensitivity, personalised care, and meaningful connection.

At Spa Alila, her influence is reflected in a renewed vision where wellness extends beyond treatments into a curated rhythm of daily practices inspired by the island.
“Wellness, to me, is about creating space for stillness, movement, and reconnection,” said Joy. “Here, we invite guests to slow down and experience wellbeing in a way that feels natural and unforced.”

A Curated Wellness Programme in the Maldives
Under her guidance, the resort’s wellness programme has expanded to include daily complimentary activities that balance movement and mindfulness. Guests can enjoy:
- Sunrise yoga overlooking the Indian Ocean
- Guided walks around the island
- Tai Chi breathing sessions
- Bodyweight and core training
- Yin and Hatha Yoga
- Meditation for stress relief
Each experience complements the pace of island life, encouraging a restorative and intuitive approach to wellbeing.

Recognised Wellness Excellence
This evolution builds on a strong foundation of excellence. The resort’s signature Maldives Indulgence treatment was recognised as Eco & Green Treatment of the Year at the SpaChina Wellness and Spa Awards 2024, highlighting its authentic approach to locally inspired wellness. Behind this achievement is a dedicated spa team whose care and attention ensure every guest experience feels personal and meaningful.

Wellness Rooted in Nature
A defining element of Spa Alila is its connection to nature. From ocean-facing yoga sessions to open-air meditation spaces, wellness is shaped by the surrounding environment, encouraging presence, simplicity, and balance.
This holistic philosophy reflects a growing shift in wellness travel in the Maldives, where guests seek experiences that are both grounding and meaningful.

Introducing Mandala Meditation Ink Drawing
Adding a creative dimension, the resort offers a Mandala Meditation Ink Drawing Class on selected occasions. This guided practice combines mindfulness with artistic expression, allowing guests to slow down, focus, and reconnect through creativity.

Wellness Focus: A Monthly Ritual of Renewal
At Spa Alila, wellness is approached as an evolving journey. Each month, we introduce a unique offering, featuring thoughtfully curated rituals that intuitively respond to the rhythms of travel, rest, and restoration.

Wellness continues to evolve through curated monthly rituals. The current highlight, the Alila De-Stress Package, is designed to ease travel fatigue and tension through a 30-minute facial and 45-minute targeted massage, with personalised options such as back and neck, head and scalp, or leg and foot therapies. The experience is subtle, restorative, and deeply calming.
A Thoughtful Evolution of the Spa Experience
“Joy has brought a quiet yet impactful energy to our wellness offering,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager. “Her approach feels authentic to both the island and the Alila philosophy.”

Wellness as a Way of Being
At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, wellness is not defined by a single moment, but by a series of experiences that unfold naturally—inviting guests to embrace a slower, more intentional way of being.
Visit the resort’s website to discover the island’s holistic wellness offerings and start envisioning your next restorative escape in the Maldives.
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