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ELE|NA marks 10th International Day of Yoga across Maldives
ELE|NA has celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga, held across its picturesque locations in the Maldives. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” underscores the profound impact yoga has on individual well-being and the broader community. ELE|NA believes that fostering a culture of wellness extends beyond guests to dedicated staff, making it a part of our everyday actions and community life.
In the Maldives, ELE|NA locations have come alive with various yoga activities designed to cater to both novices and seasoned practitioners. Each session is thoughtfully crafted to align with this year’s theme, emphasising how yoga can enhance personal health and contribute to societal well-being.
As part of the celebrations, ELE|NA at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi had the honour of hosting members of the Cancer Society Maldives for a serene morning yoga session followed by a healthy breakfast. This event highlighted the holistic benefits of yoga, emphasising its role in promoting physical, mental, and emotional health, especially for those facing health challenges. It was a touching and transformative experience, showcasing the power of yoga in fostering a supportive and healing community environment.
Yoga is a time-honoured practice known to offer numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced Flexibility and Strength: Regular practice improves physical strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries.
- Stress Reduction: Yoga techniques such as deep breathing and meditation are effective in managing stress and anxiety.
- Improved Mental Clarity: Yoga helps enhance focus, concentration, and mental clarity.
- Holistic Well-being: It promotes a sense of inner peace and overall well-being, balancing body, mind, and spirit.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” reminds guests that society encompasses not only the community at large but also the actions people take daily to improve their collective well-being. ELE|NA’s wellness ambassadors play a crucial role in instilling a culture of wellness among guests and staff. Through various yoga sessions and wellness programmes, ELE|NA aims to integrate wellness into everyday life, promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for all.
ELE|NA’s initiatives include:
- Guest and Staff Yoga Programmes: Regularly scheduled yoga sessions for guests and staff to enhance their physical and mental health.
- Wellness Workshops: Interactive workshops focusing on holistic health, mindfulness, and stress management.
- Community Outreach: Collaborations with local organisations like the Cancer Society Maldives to extend the benefits of yoga to those in need.
- Wellness Ambassadors: Dedicated wellness ambassadors are always on hand to guide and support individuals on their wellness journey.
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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