Kandolhu Maldives has introduced a new menu at Varu Spa, offering a range of treatments designed to harmonise the mind, body, and soul. Inspired by the essence of ‘Varu,’ meaning energy in the local Dhivehi language, the revitalised offerings include signature experiences aimed at restoring balance and enhancing overall well-being.

One of the standout treatments is the Varu Origins treatment, a 120-minute immersive ritual that features a full-body exfoliation, a personalised massage, and a rejuvenating facial to promote skin radiance. Additionally, the Varu Tradition provides a holistic experience by combining aromatherapy, spinal pressure techniques, and reflexology to relieve stress and encourage relaxation. For those seeking a detoxifying treatment, the Varu Essential offers an invigorating therapy incorporating grapefruit, rosemary, and juniper essential oils for complete renewal.

Alongside these treatments, Varu Spa has introduced curated wellness journeys tailored to different relaxation needs. The Three-Day Reset focuses on gentle rejuvenation through a rose body scrub and specialised massages. The Five-Day Tranquil package includes the Maldivian Fusion Massage and Glow Facial for an indulgent experience. For couples, the Varu Haven package presents a shared retreat featuring sea salt soaks, full-body massages, and lymphatic drainage facials in a tranquil setting.

With these thoughtfully crafted experiences, Varu Spa at Kandolhu Maldives provides an ideal escape for guests to unwind, refresh, and reconnect with their inner energy.

In the lead-up to the global commemoration of World Sleep Day on March 14 and building on the ‘Busy Resting’ campaign launched in January 2025, Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, is advocating for restful sleep. Hotels and resorts across the Asia Pacific region (excluding China) are inviting guests to experience revitalising and restorative relaxation, emphasising rest as an essential part of life rather than a luxury.

Modern society often equates being busy with success, often at the expense of personal well-being. However, a shift is occurring as individuals begin to reclaim their right to rest. With a strong focus on holistic well-being and a brand strategy centered on curating optimal sleep experiences, Westin has consistently positioned itself as an innovator in the hospitality industry. Since introducing the Heavenly Bed® in 1999, which disrupted industry norms and set a new standard for hotel sleep experiences, the brand has remained a leader in the wellness space.

For over two decades, Westin has continually evolved its offerings to provide guests with a personalised approach to sleep and comfort. The Sleep Well program, which features amenities such as the Sleep Well Menu and Sleep Well Lavender Balm, further highlights the brand’s commitment to promoting restorative sleep as a crucial component of overall well-being. Westin continues to champion wellness through its Six Pillars of Well-Being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.

John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer for Asia Pacific (excluding China), emphasised Westin’s leadership in hospitality well-being, stating, “Westin has been among hospitality’s global leaders in well-being, consistently empowering guests to enhance their routines while on the road through its six pillars, from Eat Well to Sleep Well. World Sleep Day serves as a great reminder of the importance of restorative experiences for travellers. With the increasing interest in sleep tourism and wellness travel, it is the perfect time to reaffirm our commitment to guests’ health by providing the tools and experiences necessary for a good night’s sleep.”

Westin’s Sleep Well program is central to its dedication to holistic well-being, offering guests a revitalising and restful sleep experience. The program underscores the significance of quality sleep as the foundation for mental and physical health. The Heavenly® Bed provides unparalleled comfort for travellers seeking restorative sleep. The Sleep Well Menu, available through in-room dining, features sleep-enhancing superfoods rich in nutrients that promote relaxation. Additionally, guests can unwind with the Sleep Well Lavender Balm, infused with calming essential oils to alleviate tension and create a peaceful sleep environment. Westin’s wellness-focused amenities continue to set a high standard in the hospitality industry.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers guests a specialised Sleep Infusion Turndown service. This curated in-room tea experience includes sleep-inducing herbal teas, such as chamomile and lavender, to promote relaxation. Guests can also participate in daily meditation and relaxation sessions, including Yoga Nidra and Gyan Mudra, to enhance their journey toward quality sleep. Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a guided meditation technique that facilitates deep relaxation, while Gyan Mudra, a sacred hand gesture, helps direct energy and maintain balance.

Parents travelling with children can benefit from ‘The Westin Maldives Kids Sleep Manual,’ developed in collaboration with Savvy Sleep. This guide provides families with sleep-recommended activities, including beachfront bedtime stories, stargazing, and dream journaling, to encourage restful and rejuvenating sleep for young travelers.

On March 14, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will host a sunset reception, inviting guests to relax amid stunning ocean views. The event will feature an exclusive selection of Sleep Well-inspired canapés and beverages, creating a serene atmosphere to celebrate the importance of restful sleep.

Nestled in the picturesque Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort serves as an oasis of tranquility. Through an immersive approach to well-being, the resort continues to advocate for the restorative power of sleep, ensuring that every guest departs feeling refreshed and inspired.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, ELE|NA presents The Art of Graceful Change, a wellness retreat designed to empower women to embrace menopause with confidence and vitality. This transformative retreat will be held from June 5th–9th, 2025, at the serene OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi in the Maldives. The retreat offers a holistic and highly personalised approach to managing menopause—transforming it from a challenge into an opportunity for growth, renewal, and self-discovery.

For too long, menopause has been overlooked in the wellness space, leaving many women to navigate its complexities alone. Today, menopause—and its precursor, perimenopause (which can begin as early as a woman’s 30s)—is finally being recognised as a profound transition that deserves care, understanding, and tailored support. This retreat honors that shift, providing a nurturing environment where women can reconnect with themselves, embrace change with confidence, and thrive.

Guided by ELE|NA’s Wellness Your Way philosophy, this retreat is fully customisable, allowing guests to focus on what matters most to them—whether that’s deep relaxation, mindful movement, or simply taking time to recharge. Each participant will receive a DNA kit from Muhdo Health, offering invaluable insights into their genetic blueprint. These results will inform a hyper-personalised wellness plan, with tailored recommendations for exercise, nutrition, and holistic therapies designed to support their unique journey.

Crafted by world-renowned wellness experts, the program addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological shifts of menopause with empathy, expertise, and innovative solutions. Highlights include a customized movement plan, a masterclass in holistic healing, conscious nutrition guidance, and specialized face and body therapies designed specifically for menopause-related changes. Insightful discussion groups, neuro-linguistic programming, and post-retreat monthly Zoom meetups will foster a strong sense of connection and continued support long after the retreat ends.

This retreat is designed with accessibility in mind, offering a welcoming space for all women, regardless of their background or experience with wellness. It’s a place where wellness is for everyone, and where each woman’s needs and unique journey are respected and supported.

This exclusive retreat will be led by a team of distinguished specialists, each bringing their expertise to guide guests through this transformative journey:

• Heidi Grimwood – Hotelier Maldives’ 2024 Wellness Personality of the Year and Global Spa Leader of the Year 2022, with over 25 years of experience in luxury spa and wellness, specialising in transformative wellness experiences.
• Francesca Canzano-Franklin – Chinese Medicine practitioner, holistic facialist, and wellness educator, renowned for integrating Eastern wisdom with modern well-being.
• Dr. Louise Oliver – NHS GP, Functional Breathing Practitioner, and Therapeutic Life Coach, specialising in breathwork for hormonal balance, stress management, and sleep optimisation.
• Suaad Ghadban – Award-winning fitness expert and movement specialist, with over 20 years of expertise in dance, sports, and women’s empowerment.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi offers the perfect sanctuary for renewal. Just 15 minutes from Malé International Airport, this vibrant 4-star resort blends laid-back tropical luxury with world-class wellness offerings. Guests will enjoy elegant accommodations, stunning beachfront views, and the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives, creating an atmosphere of both tranquility and adventure.

This is more than just a retreat—it’s a reawakening. It’s time to embrace menopause with grace, knowledge, and self-care. Join us for an unforgettable experience where science, holistic wellness, and personal empowerment converge.