Featured
AyurMa at Four Seasons Maldives wins SpaChina’s Top Wellness Resort Award
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, home to the wellness retreat AyurMa, has been awarded Best Global Wellness Resort of the Year by SpaChina, a leading spa and wellbeing publication in China.
AyurMa spans over three acres (1.2 hectares), where a skilled team of naturopaths, Ayurvedic physicians, yogis, and therapists create personalised wellness programs within four key areas: Planetary Wellbeing, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, and Wellness. These tailored programs encourage guests to foster care for themselves, others, the oceans, and the planet.
Situated in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve—a location known for its unique synergy between people and nature—AyurMa emphasises Earth-conscious practices alongside personal wellness. Over 75 plant species are grown on-site for Ayurvedic remedies, maintaining a zero-mile approach, while the plastic-free operations benefit from extensive waste, energy, and water management systems. AyurMa also reaches out globally, offering e-consultations and a free daily yoga livestream via www.ayurma.life, with past classes available in an online video library.
In addition to its environmentally conscious initiatives, AyurMa integrates advanced wellness technology. Its latest offering, PraMā, is a comprehensive five-stage wellness screening involving biomarker diagnostics, postural and joint mobility analysis, metabolic evaluations, pulse readings, iris diagnostics, Oligoscans, and 3D body composition assessments, each contributing to customised health blueprints for guests.
AyurMa is renowned for its Yoga Therapy courses, targeting specific conditions. Led by graduates of S-VYASA, the world’s first “University for Yoga” and a pioneer in scientifically researched Yoga Therapy, each course is designed to address particular ailments, highlighting yoga’s therapeutic potential.
Four Seasons Regional Vice President and General Manager, Armando Kraenzlin, acknowledged the significance of new technologies and environmentally aware luxury among Chinese travellers. He commented on the SpaChina award, stating, “In the ever-evolving world of luxury wellness, cutting-edge innovation cannot come at the expense of planetary protection. We are proud to be recognised by SpaChina for our commitment to creating an experience that respects both our environment and our guests.” Kraenzlin highlighted the wider resort’s sustainable practices, which include biodigest composters, Mushroom and Orchid Houses, a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, on-site gardens, and small livestock like chickens, ducks, and quail, all aimed at reducing the resort’s environmental impact.
The concept of “Planetary Wellbeing” is integral to the broader resort at Landaa Giraavaru. Resort restaurants incorporate over 100 varieties of herbs, vegetables, and fruits grown on-site; a large-scale coral reef project has restored local reefs with more than half a million coral fragments; and Parley-affiliated recycling initiatives benefit both the local community and the resort. Additionally, a partnership with EarthCheck ensures all operations align with global Sustainable Development Goals.
At AyurMa, wellness activities are designed to synchronise with nature’s rhythms. Sensory Wake Up to Wonder walks combine yoga with explorations of the island at dawn. Outdoor Mud Therapies, conducted beneath an ancient Banyan tree, include sun baths to dry healing mud applications. Every evening, the Rahumathuge Vaguthu (Earth Blessing) brings together AyurMa’s team and guests for a shared gratitude ritual.
Other highlights at AyurMa include the Om Supti Night Spa, the Yoga Energy Trail, sessions with global visiting practitioners, jungle AntiGravity Yoga, and facials by Teresa Tarmey.
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.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
-
Cooking7 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
Action1 week agoMichael Owen leads Easter football camp at Avani+ Fares Maldives
-
Cooking7 days agoKuredhivaru Resort & Spa introduces Secret Garden private dining concept
-
News1 week agoThe Standard Maldives targets Chinese market with new all-inclusive programme
-
Action1 week agoRadisson Blu Maldives image shortlisted for Monaco environmental award
-
Business1 week agoCoca-Cola Maldives launches World Cup-themed promotion
-
News1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives welcomes visiting Thai healer for spa residency
-
News1 week agoBeneath and beyond the reef, Machchafushi Island tells a story of nature