Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, a serene barefoot sanctuary in the Maldives where eco-luxury meets authenticity, has announced the launch of Banyan Tree Connections—an exclusive, private holistic wellbeing experience for two. Available for bookings from May 2025, this programme is designed to foster meaningful connections through curated rituals that embrace mindfulness, movement, and shared renewal.

As a supplementary offering to villa reservations, the programme responds to a growing desire for intentional, immersive experiences that prioritise emotional connection in today’s fast-paced world. Rooted in Banyan Group’s 8 Pillars of Wellbeing, the journey encourages guests to reconnect with themselves, loved ones, and the rhythms of nature within the island’s tranquil setting.

According to Hery Koswoyo, General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, “Banyan Tree Connections was created in response to a universal longing for deeper relationships, genuine presence, and time well spent together. Here at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, our tranquil island setting offers a natural canvas for this journey where each moment is intentional and every experience grounded in the essence of the original Maldives.”

Guests can choose between 2- and 3-night immersive wellbeing programmes, each carefully crafted to cultivate presence, balance, and connection amidst the stunning Maldivian seascape.

The 2-night programme begins with a Wellbeing Consultation and a Private Yoga Duo session, aligning body and breath. Participants are then guided through a Herbal Oil & Reflexology Workshop and a deeply calming Breathwork & Sound Meditation. A shared 90-minute Time Together Spa Treatment fosters physical and emotional restoration, while a Private Sunset Cruise across the atoll offers serene communion with the ocean. The day concludes with a sharing-style Saffron Thai Dinner, healthy in-room snacks, and a thoughtful welcome gift to initiate the journey.

The 3-night programme deepens the experience with additional rituals, such as a Conscious Grounding Session by the beach, a Maldivian Cooking Class rooted in local traditions, and a signature Lagoon Floating Therapy session—an exclusive offering unique to Vabbinfaru. Guests also receive a holistic wellbeing treatment with a choice between acupuncture or cupping therapy. Each evening ends with nourishing Saffron Thai dinners and in-room wellness amenities, allowing guests to fully absorb the stillness and beauty of the original Maldives.

With over three decades of leadership in holistic hospitality, Banyan Tree continues to expand its wellness offerings to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers. Banyan Tree Connections at Vabbinfaru offers a rare opportunity for guests to pause, reflect, and reconnect in a setting that remains true to the timeless spirit of the Maldives.

In a harmonious blend of serenity and expertise, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is set to host renowned visiting practitioner Emiliana Pappalardi for a limited-time residency from April 12 to 28. This exclusive offering promises a bespoke wellness experience designed to redefine the journey toward holistic renewal.

Emiliana Pappalardi, a distinguished multidisciplinary therapist with over 15 years of experience at some of the world’s most esteemed wellness sanctuaries, brings a unique fusion of ancient healing practices and contemporary therapeutic techniques. Her sessions incorporate a diverse range of modalities, including Ayurveda, sound healing, Reiki, Yoga Nidra, and Naad Yoga. Each treatment is deeply personalised, intuitive, and transformative, offering guests a restorative journey that goes beyond traditional relaxation.

Emiliana’s holistic approach seeks to realign the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. Her treatments are immersive and integrative, harmonising Eastern wisdom with Western innovation. Each session creates a sacred space for renewal, where vital energy is restored and the senses are fully awakened.

Set within the breathtaking surroundings of the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort provides a stunning stage for Emiliana’s residency. The Iridium Spa, perched above the turquoise waters, features six overwater treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean—an ideal sanctuary for transformative healing.

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the resort offers premium villa accommodations. The John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater villa in the Maldives, spans an expansive 1,725 square meters and features a private infinity pool, spa suites, and panoramic ocean vistas. The Caroline Astor Estate, nestled along the beach, offers a spacious private pool, elegantly appointed master bedrooms, and a secluded terrace for peaceful retreat. Both estates embody refined comfort and come with the hallmark St. Regis Butler service. Whether enjoying a sunset from an overwater deck or strolling the pristine shoreline, these villas provide an exquisite setting for rest and rejuvenation.

Earlier this month, the resort welcomed guests to experience The Healing Hour with Mariko Hiyama, featuring her celebrated facial reflexology and holistic therapies. Her residency concluded on April 4, leaving behind a trail of revitalised guests.

ELE|NA, a trailblazer in transformative wellness experiences, has announced a strategic partnership with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health. This collaboration brings together world-class wellness programs and advanced DNA-based health insights to ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to holistic well-being. Guests can now enjoy an integrated approach to fitness, mindfulness, and personalised health optimisation in a luxurious island setting.

Through this partnership, ELE|NA now offers expert-led wellness experiences curated by Fit Bodies, Inc., the world’s largest provider of fitness, yoga, and sports instructors for luxury resorts. At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, guests have access to:

• Two daily group fitness sessions, including Paddle Yoga, Aqua Fitness, Water Pilates, Latin Dance, and Tai Chi.
• One private session per week with a visiting instructor, offering personalised attention and skill development.
• Two weekly workshops covering diverse topics such as self-care rituals, breath work, sound healing, and mindful movement.

Guests are also invited to participate in immersive experiences such as Luxury Sleep Recovery techniques, Sunrise & Sunset Rituals, and Art Therapy. These offerings provide a comprehensive approach that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. Additionally, year-round wellness experiences like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling are available to support deeper transformation.

Throughout April, special wellness workshops featuring live music are available, creating a serene yet energising environment that enhances each practice.

ELE|NA’s partnership with Muhdo Health adds a new dimension of personalisation to the wellness journey through DNA-based insights. Guests can access Muhdo’s exclusive DNA Kits—available only in the Maldives—to receive customised recommendations in the areas of:

• Nutrition and fitness, based on individual genetic profiles.
• Sleep optimisation strategies for improved recovery.
• Cognitive and stress resilience methods to enhance mental clarity and overall well-being.

To ensure a seamless experience, DNA Kits must be pre-booked prior to arrival, allowing each guest to begin their wellness journey with a fully prepared health report.

By blending scientific innovation with expert-guided wellness programming, ELE|NA continues to redefine luxury wellness travel, offering unique experiences that empower guests to pursue optimal health both during their stay and beyond.

ELE|NA offers a vibrant year-round schedule featuring practices such as Power Yoga Vinyasa, Deep Slow Flow, Yin Classes, Sweat & Surrender, and Restorative Yoga. These are complemented by holistic services like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling. During April, guests can also enjoy enhanced sessions with live music, amplifying the tranquil yet invigorating ambiance.

This innovative collaboration signals a new era in customised wellness travel. By combining leading-edge health insights with transformative lifestyle experiences, ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invites guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, movement, and renewal—guided by some of the most respected wellness experts in the world.