News
Vakkaru Maldives celebrates World Wellness Weekend with fun, engaging wellness programme
Luxury resort Vakkaru Maldives wrapped up a weekend full of holistic wellness activities to celebrate the World Wellness Weekend from 15-17 September 2023. The programmes were designed to promote wellness in a more accessible and enjoyable way for guests of all ages and fitness levels.
The three-day festivities kicked off with the Island Fun Run – a spirited dash around the island that blended fitness with the natural beauty of Vakkaru Maldives. Adding a tranquil counterpoint to the energetic run was a specially curated yoga session featuring guided meditation and singing bowl rituals. Led by the resort’s wellness and fitness instructor, the session was held at the award-winning Vakkaru Overwater Residence at sunset, offering a serene backdrop that helped elevate the experience to a deeply spiritual level.
Sleep, often overlooked in our busy lives, took centre stage at the “Sleep Better” Ayurvedic Workshop, conducted by Dr Surandi Dissanayake from Siddhalepa. The workshop focused on the vital role sleep plays in overall health and offered practical Ayurvedic remedies to improve the quality of rest. Dr Surandi also guided guests through a “Tea Journey in Ayurveda”. Participants discovered the secrets of healthy living as they sampled an array of Ayurvedic herbal teas made from 100% natural herbs and spices, offering numerous health benefits to enhance overall well-being.
Adding to the excitement was the Farm-to-Table experience at the Organic Farm. This unique dining experience features a tour of the resort’s farm, followed by a cooking class and a set menu combining the freshly harvested herbs from the farm and locally sourced ocean produce.
Other highlights of the fabulous wellness weekend included a session where the mixologist taught guests how to make health-boosting shots and the kayak race for couples across the crystal-clear lagoon. A Coconut Painting Competition also allowed guests to unleash their inner artist and express their unique imagination through vibrant colours.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
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