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The Nautilus Maldives launches 2025 wellness calendar with exclusive Ananda residency
The Nautilus Maldives begins 2025 with the launch of its “Masters for Masters” calendar, featuring a series of world-class wellness events. Guests are invited to start the year with a focus on inner calm, renewed energy, and stress relief. From January 22nd to 31st, 2025, The Nautilus will host two senior therapists from its renowned wellness partner, Ananda in the Himalayas, an acclaimed holistic retreat.
Following the holiday season, often packed with travel, social engagements, and high expectations, many people experience both physical and mental fatigue. Combined with the new year’s resolutions, stress management becomes essential for maintaining focus and commitment. To address this, The Nautilus offers an exclusive residency centred on stress management therapies, blending Ananda’s expertise with The Nautilus’s signature hospitality. This retreat allows guests to experience Ananda’s comprehensive stress management programs—typically lasting 7 to 21 nights—designed to foster a healthy lifestyle, reduce stress, and encourage lasting positive change.
Led by esteemed Ananda practitioners, Mr. Sandeep Dhamada and Ms. Laxmi Gupta, the residency includes transformative treatments such as Tibetan Ku Nye Massage, Grounding Aromatherapy, and Reflexology. These therapies aim to enhance balance and tranquillity. As part of the program, guests receive a follow-up online consultation with an Ayurvedic physician from Ananda to ensure continuity in their wellness journey. Additionally, guests can savour teasers of Ananda’s Ayurvedic cuisine throughout the island, featuring anti-inflammatory ingredients and flavours that support overall well-being.
With just 26 exclusive residences and exceptional spa amenities, The Nautilus is situated in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, surrounded by pristine beaches, coral reefs, and clear waters of the Indian Ocean. This private island offers an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience, positioning itself as the ultimate destination for relaxation and renewal.
Ananda, a multi-award-winning luxury wellness retreat nestled in the Himalayan foothills, is set on a 100-acre estate and surrounded by tranquil Sal forests. Combining traditional Ayurveda, yoga, and Vedanta with international wellness practices and organic cuisine, Ananda’s wellness programs are highly acclaimed. For a third consecutive year, Ananda and The Nautilus are extending their partnership to enhance wellness offerings for guests seeking a rejuvenating start to the year.
Stress Management Treatments Offered by Ananda at The Nautilus:
- Stress Release – Using invigorating essential oils like orange, peppermint, and eucalyptus, this full-body massage relaxes muscles, increases circulation, clears metabolic waste, and opens respiratory pathways, helping clients feel rejuvenated and grounded.
- Grounding Aromatherapy – Essential oils of rose, sandalwood, and vetiver are applied to lymphatic points to promote physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being, creating a truly holistic experience.
- Tibetan Ku Nye Massage – This Tibetan body massage, using five essential oils, balances the five elements and restores energy flow through techniques such as cupping, kneading, and acupressure with hot Himalayan crystal salt poultices. The aim is to restore the nervous system and promote harmony within the body.
- Reflexology – Reflexologists gently stimulate reflex points on the feet to restore the body’s natural balance. This gentle therapy encourages the body to regain its healthy equilibrium, enhancing overall well-being.
- Ananda Touch – A blend of sunflower and wheat germ oil with rose is applied in rhythmic movements over the back, neck, shoulders, and scalp, releasing deep-seated tension, soothing aches, and promoting relaxation for a profound sense of calm and unity with the body.
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.
Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.
During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.
The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.
The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.
As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.
Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.
The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.
At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.
Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.
As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.
Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.
The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, part of Centara Hotels and Resorts, has marked its first anniversary, highlighting a year of operations as a luxury island resort within The Atollia development.
During its first year, the resort has received international recognition, including being named among Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 and listed among the Top Ten Best Maldives Resorts in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
Since opening, the resort has offered a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, along with two- and three-bedroom residences designed to provide privacy and space. Accommodation options include private pools or Jacuzzis, with design elements incorporating contemporary architecture, natural materials and Thai-inspired influences.
The resort’s concept draws on Thai heritage, reflected across its wellness, dining and guest experiences. At SPA Cenvaree Retreat, treatments are inspired by traditional Thai wellness practices. Dining options across the resort include live cooking experiences at The Gallery, Mediterranean-inspired seafood at Bluefin, and beverage offerings at venues such as Sunset Social, The Club and Coco Drift.
Guests can also take part in a range of leisure and recreational activities, including water sports and marine experiences. The resort caters to a variety of travellers, offering facilities for families, including a kids’ club and an entertainment zone for teenagers, as well as spaces for private events, group stays and corporate gatherings.
Commenting on the milestone, Jorge Fernandez said the resort combines elements of Thai heritage with the Maldivian environment to create a distinct guest experience. He noted that recognition received during the first year reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality, sustainability and service, while also acknowledging the role of guests and staff in its development.
As it marks its first anniversary, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives continues to focus on delivering curated guest experiences, with an emphasis on hospitality, design and sustainable operations within the destination.
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