Perched above the crystal-clear lagoon, The Standard Spa at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, by Hyatt serves as the resort’s overwater wellness centre, where transformative wellbeing experiences are inspired by the natural rhythms of island life. Surrounded by endless shades of blue and gentle ocean breezes, the spa is designed as a haven for restoration, movement, and mindfulness, inviting guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace a renewed sense of balance while immersed in the beauty of the Maldives.

The wellness philosophy at The Standard Spa is thoughtfully centred around three core pillars: Recovery & Reset, Balance & Movement, and Relaxation & Healing, creating a holistic framework that nurtures both physical vitality and mental wellbeing.

Recovery & Reset focuses on restoring the body and replenishing energy through experiences designed to ease physical fatigue, support muscle recovery, and encourage overall rejuvenation. At the heart of this pillar is the spa’s newly introduced Contrast Therapy Circuit, a guided wellness experience featuring alternating hot and cold therapies including a steam room, sauna, cold plunge pools, cold-water bucket therapy, warm showers, and dedicated relaxation spaces (including an infinity pool) overlooking the crystal blue colours of a shallow water lagoon which extends to the Maldives ocean. Rooted in time-honoured wellness traditions, the circuit promotes circulation, recovery, and a revitalised sense of wellbeing.

Balance & Movement celebrates mindful movement as an essential component of holistic health. Guests can participate in private or group yoga sessions, guided stretching, personalised wellness activities designed to strengthen the connection between body and mind. For those seeking a more active approach to wellbeing, the wellness team can also curate experiences incorporating private tennis coaching, recognising the sport’s natural synergy with movement, coordination, focus, and overall physical vitality. Personal fitness studio, cardio and strength training are also available in the resort’s fitness centre. This pillar encourages guests to cultivate strength, flexibility, and mindfulness while embracing an active lifestyle during their island escape.

Relaxation & Healing invites guests to pause, unwind, and nurture inner calm through treatments inspired by both ancient healing traditions and contemporary wellness practices. Signature experiences range from therapeutic massages and hammam rituals to body scrubs, body wraps, facials, and sound healing therapies, each carefully designed to promote deep relaxation, emotional balance, and a renewed sense of harmony.

Further elevating the spa’s wellness offering, The Standard Spa has introduced a collection of multi-experience wellness journeys, allowing guests to personalise their path to wellbeing by combining treatments from each of the three pillars. Designed as immersive three-day programmes, these curated experiences create a balanced wellness flow tailored to individual goals, whether focused on recovery, movement, relaxation, or a combination of all three. The flagship Journey to Ultimate Bliss delivers a comprehensive wellness experience featuring Contrast Therapy, private yoga or tennis sessions, and restorative healing treatments, while the Self-Discovery Journey provides an accessible introduction to holistic wellbeing through group wellness activities complemented by signature spa therapies. Guests seeking a more focused escape can also indulge in specialised experiences such as the Awakening and Serenity Signature Rituals, or enjoy dedicated couples’ experiences including the Romantic Couple Ritual and Starlight Couple Massage, each thoughtfully crafted to foster relaxation, connection, and renewal.

Complementing every wellness journey is access to Tonic Lounge, the spa’s adults-only swim-up bar and relaxation space overlooking the lagoon. Here, guests can continue their wellbeing experience with a thoughtfully crafted wellness beverage menu of fresh juices, herbal infusions, and healthy tonics designed to nourish the body from within and give your health an extra boost. Available to guests enjoying spa treatments and wellness journeys, Tonic Lounge provides the perfect setting to relax, refuel, and savour mindful dining in a tranquil overwater environment.

“Wellness continues to play an increasingly important role in the way our guests travel,” said Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, by Hyatt. “At The Standard Spa, we have created experiences that go beyond traditional spa treatments by combining recovery, movement, nourishment, and healing into a truly holistic wellness offering. Whether guests embark on one of our curated wellness journeys, experience the Contrast Therapy Circuit, enjoy a healthy meal at Tonic Lounge, or simply take time to disconnect and unwind, our goal is to help them leave feeling restored, energised, and fully present throughout their stay.”

With its refreshed wellness philosophy, curated healing journeys, and immersive overwater experiences, The Standard Spa reaffirms The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives’ commitment to creating meaningful moments of wellbeing, inviting guests to reconnect, recharge, and discover balance in one of the world’s most captivating island destinations.

For reservations and enquiries, please contact the resort at mv.reservations@standardhotels.com or visit the resort’s website.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives has announced that Plant to Plate: Vegan Recipes from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the debut cookbook from Executive Chef Harinath Govindaraj, has officially been published and is now available. Published by St James’s House, the beautifully curated coffee-table book marks Chef Hari’s 20th year at the award-winning resort and celebrates his vibrant approach to plant-based cuisine.

Now available to purchase online via the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives website and on the island, Plant to Plate allows guests and food lovers alike to recreate a taste of Gili at home. More than a cookbook, it is a reflection of Chef Hari’s philosophy of simple, mindful cooking, encouraging readers to embrace seasonal ingredients, fresh herbs and the joy of creating nourishing meals from nature’s bounty.

Featuring more than 60 recipes spanning breakfasts, starters, soups, salads, mains, desserts and signature drinks, the collection showcases Chef Hari’s wellness-led approach to food. Highlights include Rainbow Root Ceviche, Gili Garden Green Gazpacho, Teriyaki Tofu Steak with Coriander Sticky Rice, Pan-Seared Radish Scallops, Roasted Green Cauliflower with Zesty Couscous and Caramel Pistachio Silk Cheesecake, alongside treasured family recipes inspired by his South Indian heritage.

“Plant to Plate is about making beautiful, wholesome food accessible to everyone,” says Chef Harinath Govindaraj. “The recipes are designed to be practical, flexible and easy to recreate at home using fresh, seasonal ingredients. I want readers to feel confident in the kitchen and to understand that some of the most memorable dishes come from the simplest ingredients.”

A much-loved figure at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, Chef Hari has spent the past two decades helping shape the resort’s culinary identity. Born in southern India, his passion for cooking began at an early age and has evolved into a distinctive style centred around sustainability, wellness and plant-based dining. Today, he oversees the island’s flourishing organic garden, growing herbs, fruits and vegetables used throughout the resort’s restaurants and menus.

Throughout the book, Chef Hari challenges traditional perceptions of vegan cuisine, transforming radishes into scallops, tofu into flavour-packed steaks and root vegetables into vibrant ceviches. His inventive recipes demonstrate how plant-based cooking can be every bit as satisfying, creative and indulgent as more conventional dishes.

Rodrigo Buanafina, General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, comments: “Seeing Plant to Plate in print is a proud moment for everyone at Gili Lankanfushi. Chef Hari has shaped the culinary identity of the island for two decades, and this beautiful book captures his creativity, his passion for sustainability and the generosity he shows to every guest who sits at his table. Knowing that a portion of the proceeds will support the Cancer Society of Maldives makes it all the more special. It is a wonderful way for guests, old and new, to take a taste of the Gili experience home with them.”

Katie Nicholl, international broadcaster and author of the cookbook, comments: “To be clear, this is not just a book for vegans, it is a book for anyone who loves food, is passionate about healthy eating and is curious about blending new tastes and flavours and creating something truly spectacular. There is no end to Chef Hari’s creativity, he can create a tastebud tingling masala ‘steak’ from tofu, pan seared ‘scallops’ out of radishes… This is a book to inspire and surprise you and teach us all that vegan food can be creative, exciting and above all, delicious.”

Featuring stunning photography by acclaimed photographer Mel Yates, Plant to Plate combines evocative imagery of island life with easy-to-follow recipes designed for delicious and healthy everyday living. The result is a visually striking keepsake that transports readers to the shores of Gili Lankanfushi with every turn of the page.

Plant to Plate Vegan Recipes from Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is now available for $129 USD with 25% of the profits going towards Cancer Society of Maldives (CSM). Sample recipes are available on request. Order your copy here.

Heritance Aarah has won Gold in the Leading All-Inclusive Hotel/Resort category at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising its Premium All-Inclusive offering in the Maldives.

Located in Raa Atoll, Heritance Aarah offers beach and overwater accommodation alongside dining, wellness, marine activities and cultural experiences. The resort’s Premium All-Inclusive concept focuses on providing guests with a range of experiences and personalised services throughout their stay.

Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, attributed the achievement to the resort’s team.

“This award is a tribute to our team, whose commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences brings together the very best of Heritance Aarah while celebrating the beauty and character of the Maldives,” Jayawardena said.

Susith Jayawickrama, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, said the award recognised the resort’s approach to hospitality and the efforts of its employees.

“This recognition is a proud moment for everyone at Heritance Aarah. Our Premium All-Inclusive experience has always been about going beyond the expected, delivering thoughtful service, exceptional dining, and moments that profoundly connect our guests with the Maldives. This award is a reflection of the passion, commitment and consistency of our team, who continue to raise the bar every day,” Jayawickrama said.

Dining forms a central part of the resort’s offering, with seven restaurants and five bars serving international and Mediterranean cuisine, seafood and overwater dining experiences.

Among its dining venues is Ambula, which combines Sri Lankan and Maldivian culinary traditions through a specially developed menu. Ralu Lounge features one of the largest rum collections in the Maldives.

The resort has also introduced new dining concepts, including Fehi Raha, a garden-to-table experience set within its organic garden. The concept incorporates seasonal produce grown on the island into its menus.

For families, the Ufa Ghadhiya ice cream truck offers ice cream, sundaes and tropical popsicles.

Beyond dining, Heritance Aarah provides a range of recreational and wellness activities, including snorkelling, diving and ocean excursions in Raa Atoll. Guests can also access treatments at IASO Medi Spa and explore Maldivian traditions, craftsmanship and cultural heritage through the resort’s Maldivian Village.

The resort’s adults-only Ocean Suite Wing caters to couples seeking greater privacy, offering overwater accommodation, butler service, private leisure spaces and exclusive dining options. The main island accommodates couples, families and multigenerational travellers.

According to the resort, the SATA 2026 recognition reflects the contribution of its employees across culinary operations, wellness, guest services and recreational activities, as well as its continued focus on developing its Premium All-Inclusive offering.