Wellness
Soneva unveil new wellness programs
Maldives Promotion House – Soneva Resorts are making ‘me’ time a sublime virtue with the launch in May 2013 new Wellness programmes, including a pioneering Ayurvedic package, all tailored exclusively to individual guests tensions, tastes or body type (or dosha)!
In the tradition of its unique range of wellness treatments, Soneva Kiri and Soneva Fushi’s Six Senses Spas have designed the programmes to appeal to those wanting a truly holistic approach to healing both body and soul, starting with a gentle round of consultations with fitness and wellness consultants as well as the resort’s Ayurvedic Doctors, and culminating in refined contours and rejuvenated spirits. Guests will of course have ample down time to enjoy all SLOW LIFE activities on offer at the resorts.
Leading the way is the Ayurvedic Wellness Programme where guests can, over a period of between five days and three weeks, have access to the Resident Ayurvedic Doctors and Wellness consultants and in Soneva Kiri’s case, the Ayurvedic kitchen too. Soneva Kiri’s specially trained Indian chef prepares calorie counted menus based on Ayurvedic principals but adapted for modern day, cosmopolitan palates.
Naturally at both resorts, the menus revolve around produce grown in the onsite organic gardens, which guarantee a zero carbon miles feast!
Dosha-specific Ayurvedic treatments together with yoga and meditation sessions help guests detox and reduce stress, among the countless other benefits associated with this ancient Indian science of life.
The popular Sleep Well & De-Stress Programme includes specific spa treatments plus the opportunity for personalised yoga and meditation sessions, all designed to change lives by instilling a deep sense of calm and tranquillity.
In addition, Soneva Kiri will offer Weight Loss Programmes which address every challenge, both physical and emotional, presented in the complicated business of losing weight. BMI (body mass index) and % body fat measurements will be taken on arrival and again on departure to showcase the end result!
There are Puriti detox treatments, Yogic Intestinal cleanses and reams of simple nutritional information and even some soothing words, spoken in Thai naturally, if the temptation to veer off the rails proves too great.
This trio of tailored programmes is available from May 2013 with special low season rates guaranteed until October and available going forwards excluding Christmas, New Year and Easter periods. Prices are based on single occupancy and include domestic flights to the resort (from Bangkok/Male), three meals a day, no alcohol, and all the treatments detailed in the package summary.
Later in the year, the Sonevas look forward to launching brand new Adventure and Romance packages, aimed at adrenalin junkies looking to reconnect with nature and unfulfilled lovers of touch and togetherness. Another first for this side of paradise!
Featured
Renew and recharge: Milaidhoo Maldives’ 3-Day Detox Journey
Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to embrace the new year with a rejuvenating 3-Day Detox Journey this January. Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, this private island sanctuary provides an idyllic setting for relaxation, disconnection, and restoration of balance to the mind, body, and spirit.
Designed in line with the latest wellness trends and the growing demand for holistic renewal, the exclusive program is curated in partnership with TheraNaka. Drawing inspiration from traditional healing practices and modern wellness insights, the journey focuses on dosha identification, balanced nutrition, mindful movement, and soul-soothing treatments, enabling participants to leave 2024 behind and step into 2025 feeling recharged and renewed.
The 3-Day Detox Journey:
- Day 1: Personalised Wellness – The detox journey begins with a 45-minute private consultation to identify the guest’s unique dosha—the body’s elemental energies—and includes a basic nutrition consultation tailored to individual needs. This insightful session provides the foundation for the days ahead, helping participants align their lifestyle for optimal balance and vitality.
- Day 2: Movement and Nourishment – The second day starts with a rejuvenating yoga session designed to awaken the body and mind. Following the practice, guests enjoy a refreshing detox juice crafted specifically for their dosha, accompanied by a carefully prepared dosha-balancing breakfast. The culinary team provides an explanation chart and ingredient list, ensuring participants can replicate the experience at home. The day concludes with a 90-minute treatment aimed at harmonising the body and senses.
- Day 3: Empowerment and Transformation – On the final day, participants dive deeper into the detox journey with a hands-on DIY class led by the resort’s chef, where they learn to create their own nutrient-rich, dosha-aligned meal. The experience continues with a two-hour chakra-balancing treatment to realign energy centres, leaving guests feeling grounded and restored. Before departure, a personalised consultation offers actionable takeaways for integrating wellness into daily life long after leaving the island.
Milaidhoo is described as more than just a destination—it is a haven of serenity, understated luxury, and heartfelt hospitality. From the turquoise waters surrounding the island to the gentle sway of palm trees, every detail is meticulously designed to help guests reconnect with nature and themselves.
The resort’s wellbeing program combines the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern approaches, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fresh start. Whether a seasoned wellness enthusiast or new to the detox experience, the journey is tailored to meet participants wherever they are on their wellness path.
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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives presents Active Escapes 2025
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of the Active Escapes retreats in 2025. The week-long Active Escapes Maldives Festival will be held from 27 April to 4 May 2025 at the private island resort. This event is set to be the largest Active Escapes event of the year, attracting those who enjoy combining energetic recreation with a serene holiday atmosphere. Prices for the retreat start from US$2,600++ per person, twin share.
Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, expressed excitement about collaborating with Active Escapes again in 2025. “The week-long retreat-style festival offers a unique mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s perfect for individuals who prioritise health and fitness while on vacation or are looking to start fresh,” she said.
Garrett further noted, “It’s not a boot camp where you feel deprived of all the enjoyable aspects. On an Active Escapes retreat, guests can indulge in delicious cuisine prepared by the resort’s talented chefs and enjoy an impressive drinks list. The concept is to work out hard during the day and reward yourself in the evening.”
Active Escapes curates experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences, from water-based activities like snorkelling and kayaking to scuba diving and more. In addition to aqua-centric pursuits, there is also time for holistic well-being. This includes yoga sessions against the backdrop of breathtaking sunrises or sunsets, visiting the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala in the resort gardens, or simply taking a moment to relax and reflect by the beach with the soothing sounds of the waves. Active Escapes emphasises both the thrill of leisure pursuits and group fitness activities, as well as the tranquility and balance that can be achieved by embracing nature’s beauty and being present in this island paradise.
The Active Escapes Maldives Festival 2025 is all about having fun and attracting people from all around the world. It’s not solely for fitness enthusiasts; on the contrary, it offers a welcoming environment where the goal is for participants to leave a bit fitter than when they arrived in the Maldives, although the ultimate decision on participation level is up to them. There are varying degrees of difficulty in the program to ensure that those seeking a more intense workout feel challenged, while those needing a less intense workout are well catered for.
Active Escapes are particularly popular with solo travellers, who make up half of their bookings globally. The main age group is 20-40 years, although there have been guests in their late 50s on occasion.
The seven-night Active Escapes Maldives Festival 2025 hosts have been confirmed as the highly popular Peter Day and Nathan Ryles. ‘Second Release’ Packages start from US$2,600 per person twin share (excluding flights) and US$3,500 for a single room, and include:
- Shared speedboat transfer airport-island-airport (Day 1 and Final Day)
- 7 nights accommodation at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
- Daily brunch at Kandooma Cafe (except on arrival day)
- Nightly dinner at Kandooma Cafe (except on departure day)
- Fitness, yoga, and other activities daily (starting on Day 2)
- Choose your activity (surfing, SUP, shark snorkelling)
- Snorkel Maldives Reef boat trip
- Free scuba dive (certified divers only, terms and conditions apply)
- Breath work and ice baths
- Live music and DJs
- Open mic night
- Themed party day
- Reverse raffle – lots of prizes to be won!
- Photo package
- Active Escapes welcome pack
Featured
ELE|NA champions mindfulness on World Digital Detox Day
On December 10th, ELE|NA participated in the global celebration of World Digital Detox Day (WDDD) 2024, an initiative focused on promoting mindfulness and reducing screen dependency. The theme for this year, ‘Smartphone-Free Childhood,’ highlighted the importance of protecting young minds from overexposure to technology while fostering meaningful human connections and cultivating balance in an increasingly digital world.
World Digital Detox Day, founded by Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, is now celebrated in over 70 countries, with support from governments and organisations dedicated to promoting mindful living. ELE|NA’s involvement reflected its core philosophy, ‘Wellness Your Way™,’ which emphasises personalised well-being journeys, alongside its universal approach, “Wellness is for All,” aimed at fostering health and harmony within diverse communities.
In recognition of ELE|NA’s leadership in wellness within the Maldives, Heidi Grimwood, Vice President of ELE|NA, was appointed as the World Digital Detox Day Ambassador for the Maldives. This appointment acknowledged her dedication to advocating for digital mindfulness and holistic well-being across ELE|NA sanctuaries.
All eight ELE|NA sanctuaries—including OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU NATURE Helengeli, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, VARU by Atmosphere, and RAAYA by Atmosphere—hosted thoughtfully curated activities to promote disconnecting from screens.
Highlights of these activities included:
- Mindfulness sessions, encouraging participants to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness.
- Yoga classes, focusing on balance, strength, and present-moment mindfulness.
- Nature walks, offering opportunities to reconnect with the natural world.
- Team member wellness activities, designed to foster camaraderie and rejuvenation.
These initiatives invited participants to embrace meaningful, unplugged moments while nurturing their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
At ELE|NA, wellness is a collective journey shared by both guests and team members. On this significant day, team members were encouraged to unplug, reflect, and engage in activities that nurtured their personal wellness.
As the World Digital Detox Day Ambassador for the Maldives, Heidi Grimwood emphasised the importance of being present, stating, “World Digital Detox Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being truly present. Through our philosophy of ‘Wellness Your Way™’ and our belief in ‘Wellness for All,’ we aim to create spaces where everyone—from our guests to our teams—can disconnect, recharge, and rediscover the beauty of the present moment.”
Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, the founder of World Digital Detox Day, reflected on this year’s celebration, “This year’s worldwide celebration of World Digital Detox Day has spoken volumes, with wellness experts, educational entities, and global organisations joining hands to advocate for healthier, more mindful living. A significant highlight of our efforts has been the petition advocating for a ban on social media for children under 16 years, which has gained tremendous support. We are also thrilled to announce that we have surpassed our previous milestone of 7,500,000 offline supporters. This remarkable growth reflects the growing global recognition and impact of our mission.”
ELE|NA extended gratitude to Dr. Rekha Chaudhari for her vision and leadership, which have inspired millions to reevaluate their relationship with technology and prioritise offline moments of connection.
The success of World Digital Detox Day 2024 underscored ELE|NA’s commitment to promoting digital wellness and sustainable well-being. By supporting initiatives like WDDD, ELE|NA reaffirmed its mission to provide personalised wellness experiences while encouraging a deeper connection with what truly matters.
As the day concluded, the atmosphere across ELE|NA sanctuaries was one of inspiration and gratitude. Guests and team members celebrated the power of mindfulness, human connection, and the enduring beauty of an unplugged moment—reminding everyone that true wellness begins by stepping away from screens and embracing the present.
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