News
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.
News
Reiki Master Nikki begins August residency at Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa
Amilla Maldives is hosting holistic wellness practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang, known as Nikki, for a month-long residency at the resort’s Javvu Spa.
Running from 2 to 30 August 2026, the residency offers guests a collection of treatments focused on physical relaxation, energy alignment and mental wellbeing.
A Reiki Master and sound healing specialist, Nikki has practised at luxury wellness destinations around the world. During her residency at Amilla, she is offering treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs, with sessions designed to release physical tension, support energy flow and encourage relaxation.
“True healing begins when we give ourselves the space to slow down, listen within, and return to our natural rhythm,” Nikki said.
The programme includes The Nikki Essence, her signature holistic massage, as well as Reiki Energy Healing, which focuses on subtle body alignment.
Guests can also take part in sound bath journeys using Tibetan and crystal bowls, or book intuitive bodywork sessions designed to provide restorative release.
The residency forms part of Javvu Spa’s wellness programme, which incorporates treatments and practices intended to support physical and emotional balance.
Sessions are available at Javvu Spa throughout the residency, with advance reservations recommended.
Meditation
Reconnect with nature at Milaidhoo Maldives this World Wellness Weekend
This September, Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to press pause and reconnect with what matters most. From 18th to 20th September, the boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will mark World Wellness Weekend with a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences celebrating movement, mindfulness and the simple joy of being immersed in nature.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing isn’t centred on strict routines or quick fixes. It comes naturally through the island’s slower pace, the restorative power of the ocean, time spent outdoors and fresh, nourishing cuisine inspired by the Maldives. On the small island, guests are gently encouraged to switch off, breathe deeply and savour each moment.
This philosophy is reflected at Serenity Spa, where a dedicated team of therapists and wellness practitioners share a deeply personal approach to wellbeing. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored, blending time-honoured healing traditions with genuine care to help guests relax and restore themselves.
To celebrate World Wellness Weekend, Milaidhoo has created a three-day programme of complimentary and signature experiences, from sunrise yoga and aqua meditation to aerial wellness sessions and a workshop on mental wellbeing led by visiting practitioner Dr Lim Xiang Jun, who combines traditional healing wisdom with modern medical knowledge. Guests and the Milaidhoo Family members will also come together for Moving Together, a relaxed community jog along the Water Villa Jetty, celebrating the wellbeing that comes from sharing experiences with others.
Programme of activities as follows for the World Wellness Weekend:
Friday, 18th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
Begin the day with a gentle yoga practice surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the ocean.
11.00 – Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management Workshop
Yoga Pavilion | Complimentary | 45 minutes
Led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun, visiting practitioner at Milaidhoo. A Modern Traditional Doctor, Dr. Lim combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge, sharing practical approaches to managing stress and supporting mental wellbeing.
19.00 – Moonlit Sound Journey
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A calming evening experience using sound and vibration to encourage deep relaxation beneath the Maldivian night sky.
Saturday, 19th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Aqua Workout
Compass Pool
A refreshing water-based workout to energise the body and mind.
11.00 – Group Aerial Yoga Flow
$35++ per person (minimum 4 guests)
A guided aerial yoga session combining movement, balance and mindful breathing.
16:30 – Moving Together
Water Villa Jetty | Complimentary
A one-hour relaxed jog along the Water Villa jetty, open to all guests and Milaidhoo Family members, celebrating movement and connection.
Sunday, 20th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
11.00 – Aqua Sonic Meditation
Compass Pool | Complimentary
A unique meditation experience combining the calming environment of water with soothing sounds.
15.00 – Aerial Thai Wellness
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A gentle wellness session inspired by Thai therapeutic movement techniques.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing is not something to be added to island life, it is naturally part of it.
This World Wellness Weekend, guests are invited to take time for themselves, discover new ways to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of being fully present.
News
Vakkaru Maldives elevates overwater luxury with new pool villas
Vakkaru Maldives, the award-winning private island resort set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, has revealed the launch of a new villa category: the Overwater Villa with Pool.
The new Overwater Villa with Pool is available to book now for stays from 22 October 2026 onwards. Combining the spacious, light-filled layout and direct lagoon access that define a stay at Vakkaru with the addition of a private pool suspended above the water, the new category offers an enhanced overwater experience. Each villa offers 165 sqm of villa space and a private pool of 23 sqm, creating an intimate sanctuary where the lagoon begins at the doorstep and the horizon stretches uninterrupted to the edge of the Indian Ocean.

Comprising odd-numbered villas 211 to 245, the new Overwater Villa with Pool category sits within Vakkaru’s carefully considered overwater collection, which also includes the resort’s signature Overwater Deluxe Pool Villa. The new category has been designed for guests who seek the freedom of private outdoor space alongside the calm and seclusion that only an overwater setting can offer.
Introductory rates for 2026 start from US$1,650++ per night in low season, with shoulder season rates from US$1,950++ and festive season rates from US$4,500++. All rates are combinable with current seasonal offers.

To better reflect the distinction within its overwater collection, Vakkaru Maldives will simultaneously rename the current Overwater Pool Villa category to Overwater Deluxe Pool Villa. This is a name change only, with no amendments to villa features, inventory or rates.
Vakkaru Maldives was recognised with one MICHELIN Key in the MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection 2025 and was recently ranked No. 9 among the Best Resorts in Asia in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026. The resort was also named World’s Leading Private Island Resort and Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking its sixth consecutive year of recognition.
For reservations, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
-
Awards1 week agoThree Cinnamon Maldives resorts ranked among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
-
Cooking1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives’ Mediterranean restaurant Onda earns regional nomination
-
News1 week agoOaga Art Resort completes first phase of reboot ahead of August return
-
Awards1 week agoRAAYA by Atmosphere recognised at International Sustainability Awards 2026
-
Action1 week agoManta Trust turns holiday photos into conservation science in Maldives
-
Action1 week agoLe Méridien Maldives announces padel retreat with world champion Juani Mieres
-
Cooking1 week agoWhere every meal becomes a memory at Machchafushi Island Resort
-
News1 week agoManhattan Grand Hotel aims to transform Maldives’ MICE industry


