Featured

The Nautilus Maldives unplugs with tech-free ‘mindcation’ package

Published

3 years ago

November 3, 2022

The most exclusive ultra-luxury private island resort in the Maldives is also one of the best designed sanctuaries for unplugging. The Nautilus Maldives invites guests to untether themselves from the pull of infinite scrolling to reconnect instead with themselves, nature, and the world at large. Freeing guests from the minute-to-minute stresses and distractions associated with technology, the new MindCation package at The Nautilus aims to inspire families and couples to embrace time away from their screens by providing a different kind of vacation experience, one that invites them to power down and focus on enjoying quality time with one another.

Upon arrival at The Nautilus, guests will be encouraged to put laptops, cell phones, and all other digital devices into a wooden lockbox placed in each house and residence. Flat screen TVs will be carefully tucked away and replaced by a speaker or an iPod with relaxing music as well as a series of mindful Meditation Podcasts designed by Ananda in the Himalayas to help guests calm anxieties, stay in the present and start or end their day in a positive mindset. To maintain the island’s serene ambience, the use of electronic devices outside of one’s house will also be discouraged. Instead, The Nautilus hopes guests will disconnect and reconnect with themselves via a menu of expert-led treatments and activities, from detox regimens and healing massages to crystal singing bowls and restorative yoga practices.

The Nautilus’s Solasta Spa programme will offer a holistic integration of restorative, rejuvenating spa treatments, movement, mindfulness, daily scheduled activities, hands-on wellness workshops and natural health practices. Guests will be inspired to engage in daily meditation and mindfulness practice as the first step in ‘your journey back to self.’ One can even rent out the entire island for the ultimate alone time with loved ones.

With The Nautilus’s digital detox philosophy, guests will be encouraged to experience one-on-one Reiki sessions with one of the Solasta Spa experts as well as unwind with Antar Mauna and Yoga Nidra meditation practices to focus on cultivating multiple levels of well-being. Another treatment at The Nautilus that serves as an antidote to any internet addiction is Healing through Aqua with Tibetan Singing Sound Bath that can be enjoyed in the comfort of one’s private house pool. Combining unique healing through aqua and Sound Therapy, the buoyancy of water aids range of motion, while hydrostatic pressure and the ripples of sound waves from the Tibetan Singing bowl, stimulate the brain waves to relax, calm, and relieve stress and boost overall well-being.

Other Solasta Spa treatments designed to uplift on both physical and mental levels, will also be included in the MindCation programme:

Shiatsu: A form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan on Qi meridians, which are described as energy flows through meridians to energise, stimulate blood circulation, and help eliminate toxins. It’s often described as a form of acupressure. But Shiatsu massage involves more than just acupressure. It also includes stretches and kneading techniques to improve the range of motion in the joints.
Abdominal Detox: Inspired by Chi Nei Tsang, this treatment is based on the practice of Taoist monks who believed that unresolved emotional issues are stored in the digestive system and that poor “emotional digestion” is one of the main reasons for ill health. This treatment relieves physical blockages and uplifts emotional wellbeing.
Arnica Bath: A warm bath with Arnica bath oil soothes tired, overworked joints and muscles to promote relaxation and increases the metabolic rate.
Shirodhara and Abhyanga: This treatment combines Ayurvedic therapies to relieve neck and shoulder tension. The therapy begins with Abhyanga, a rhythmic massage which uses herbal oils to stimulate the circulation of blood, lymph and prana (energy). This is followed by Shirodhara, during which a steady stream of oil is gently poured over the forehead to improve clarity of mind. Research also suggests that Shirodhara may enhance the quality of sleep.
Moksha: Solasta Ayurvedic Signature, this holistic therapy is inspired by the concept of Moksha, which signifies a liberation of the senses and a release of the free flow of Prana or energy. This treatment has been personalising to work on different levels of the human body and consciousness to create a sense of overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Moksha Nautilus Signature is a full body massage that uses traditional Ayurvedic therapeutic techniques practiced for thousands of years in India. It begins with traditional oil application with long strokes on the entire body followed by pressure points release thereby stimulating the muscular-skeletal system, leaving you with increased energy and a heightened sense of vitality. This immediately eliminates sluggishness and simultaneously helps to release any discomfort or blockages, aches, and pains. The therapy continues with slow release along the spine followed by abdominal circulation, and ending with relaxation, toning, and easing muscle tension in the shoulders, neck, head, and scalp. The therapy works on the physical system but its effects go deep into the recesses of the mind and emotions. The result is a feeling of complete rest, repair, and rejuvenation.

The precious time away from electronics at The Nautilus can also be used for other adventures on the island, such as enjoying traditional and sustainable local fishing, sailing in a Maldivian Dhoni vessel and diving and snorkelling at the world renowned Hanifaru Bay, part of the UNESCO Biosphere in the Baa Atoll – the site of one of the most spectacular congregations of manta rays in the Maldives and a majestic underwater world.

To take things to the next level of tranquility, guests can unplug by participating in specially designed Art of Bohemia activities such as drawing and music lessons, macramé making and crochet classes and Boduberu drumming lessons. Landscaping and gardening and special cooking workshops, which are focused more on the three senses: smelling, touching, and feeling, will provide guests with all the necessary advice and recipes, as well as promote awareness of oneself.

Guests at The Nautilus can also experience the Ananda world of creative, healthy cuisine with a specially curated menu incorporating the six fundamental food tastes of sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent and combined with the three macronutrients of protein, fat and carbohydrates, vital to good health.

For more information on the MindCation package or any of The Nautilus’s other offerings, visit https://www.thenautilusmaldives.com/offers or contact us directly via email at hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or by phone at +960 660 00 00.

Awards

Minor Hotels celebrates multiple wins at TTM Awards 2025

Published

21 mins ago

September 16, 2025

m@ldives

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group operating nine resorts in the Maldives, has announced that three of its properties were recognised at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025. The annual awards celebrate achievements across 28 categories, with winners selected through votes cast by guests and travel partners.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives received the award for Best Family Resort. The property is known for offering experiences for all ages, with facilities including a playground, splash park, and gourmet kitchen at its children’s club, alongside an extensive schedule of activities. Young guests are provided with age-appropriate experiences such as snorkelling safaris, cooking classes, surf lessons, and outdoor cinema evenings.

Accommodation includes a variety of spacious villas and pavilions, such as the newly renovated Deluxe Family Beach Pool Villa. Combined with diverse dining options, recreational activities, and personalised service, the resort seeks to provide both adventure and relaxation for families.

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort was named Best Beach Resort, reflecting its setting of white sands, turquoise lagoons, and coconut groves within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort offers contemporary villas, including Beach Pool Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, with direct beach access.

Since opening in 2023, Avani+ Fares has aimed to introduce a laid-back approach to Maldivian holidays, combining modern design with the natural environment. Guests can participate in activities ranging from water sports and wellness to dining and cultural programmes.

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort was awarded Best Dive Resort, recognised for its accessible house reef and marine biodiversity. Located close to the shoreline, the reef offers opportunities for snorkellers and divers of all levels, with frequent encounters with species such as reef sharks, turtles, rays, and tropical fish.

The resort also provides access to the dive sites of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, where PADI-certified instructors guide guests through channels, thilas, and reef walls.

In addition to these three awards, Minor Hotels’ properties received 12 finalist nominations across seven categories. These included its newest addition, NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, which was shortlisted in three categories.

The group’s nominations at the TTM Awards 2025 were:

Best Beach Resort: Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Maldives Havodda
Best Family Resort: Niyama, Avani+ Fares, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah
Best Boutique Resort: NH Maldives Kuda Rah
Best Culinary Resort: Niyama
Most Picturesque Resort: NH Collection Maldives Havodda
Best Surf Resort: Niyama
Best Dive Resort: Avani+ Fares, NH Collection Maldives Havodda, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah

Featured

Sirru Fen Fushi unveils ‘Symphony of the Island’ festive celebrations

Published

31 mins ago

September 16, 2025

m@ldives

This festive season, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, located in Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives, will host an extensive programme of events under the theme Symphony of the Island. Running from 22 December to 7 January, the schedule brings together globally acclaimed performers and specialists, from award-winning musicians and Michelin-starred chefs to a World Cup football champion, wellness practitioners, mixologists, and even a NASA astronaut.

The resort’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will be headlined by Rami Jaffee, Grammy-winning keyboardist of the Foo Fighters, accompanied by violinist, cellist, and vocalist Jessy Greene (formerly Foo Fighters and Pink), and drummer and producer Erik Aldenius of Billy Idol. The All-Star Band will also feature Todd Morse, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from The Offspring, and Bill Reynolds, Grammy-nominated bassist and producer, formerly of Band of Horses, creating a powerful line-up to welcome 2026.

Onu Onu Beach Bar will host award-winning bartenders throughout the festive period. On 30 December, Harrison Kenny, associated with the World’s 50 Best Bars, will present alongside Millie Tang, one of Australia’s leading bartenders. On 3 January, Pham Quoc Dat, Head Mixologist at The Haflington in Vietnam (Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), will take over the bar with a signature showcase.

Culinary highlights include the arrival of Chef Valentino Cassanelli, Head Chef of Michelin-starred Lux Lucis in Italy, who will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma on 8 and 10 December. Cassanelli will also host his own signature four-course dinner. On 3 January, Jean-Philippe Blondet, Chef Patron of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, will present a four-hands dining experience at Azure alongside Chef Girish.

Sports and wellness sessions will be led by Christoph Kramer, Football World Cup Champion and television football expert, former professional tennis player and coach Alexandra Viktorovitch, Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist and trainer Josiah Ngai, and yoga instructor and sound healer Tamuna Lomidze. Guests will be able to book one-to-one sessions throughout the festive programme.

On 6 January, the resort will present a special performance by Daria Pavlenko, Principal Ballerina of the Mariinsky Ballet in St Petersburg.

NASA Astronaut and U.S. Navy officer Dominic Antoneli will share first-hand insights into life in space, recounting stories of exploration and discovery.

The season will begin on 22 December with the island illuminated by festive décor and Christmas Eve sunset drinks at Onu Onu Beach. On Christmas Day, celebrations will include a beach arrival by Santa in Maldivian style, followed by a festive brunch and a lobster and champagne dinner, with entertainment from fire dancers, magicians, and musicians.

The New Year’s programme begins with a sunset journey from Spa Beach to Central Park, before a gala dinner at RAHA Market. The evening will feature the All-Star Band, ballet performances, acrobats, and a fire and laser show, concluding with an after-party to welcome 2026. On 1 January, guests can enjoy a New Year’s brunch accompanied by live jazz and tropical rhythms.

Orthodox Christmas Eve on 6 January will include a gourmet buffet at RAHA Market, seafood dining at Azure, and a performance by ballerina Daria Pavlenko, followed by a beach party with international DJs. On 7 January, celebrations will conclude with a Cristal Champagne golden-hour sunset and beachside à la carte dining.

Featured

Wellness in Pink: Milaidhoo Maldives supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Published

44 mins ago

September 16, 2025

m@ldives

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.