Featured
Anantara Maldives resorts renew focus on comprehensive wellness
Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli Maldives Resorts are renewing their focus on wellness with the introduction of nutritional therapy, wellness cuisine workshops, and health and nutrition seminars.
The addition to the team of an on-property Nutritionist, combined with the resorts’ comprehensive spa, wellness, and medi-spa facilities, gives Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli guests a truly immersive wellness experience equal to that of many leading destination spas.
The arrival of resident Naturopath and Nutritional Therapist Kelly Manning gives guests staying at Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu, along with those at sister resort Naladhu Private Island, the opportunity to focus on their nutrition to help overcome stress, sleep issues, and unhealthy eating patterns, including those which may have built up over the past year, as well as helping with immunity, digestion, weight management, hormones, skin and blood sugar balance.
Kelly, who is from the UK, trained at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London.
She offers 90-minute nutrition and lifestyle consultations that include anthropometric testing using a Tanita scale monitor and tape measure to assess the guests’ body composition, particularly looking at body fat, cellular hydration, muscle mass and metabolic age.
She will also check the guest’s eyes, fingernails and tongue for signs of any other health issues. She will then apprise which systems of their body require nourishment and support to achieve overall balance.
Guests receive a tailored diet, lifestyle and supplement plan with a handful of practical achievable recommendations to get them started during their stay and a more detailed plan to continue at home.
The resorts have introduced new wellness breakfast and beverage menus, which have been developed by Kelly and the resorts’ chefs, with healthy dishes for lunch, dinner, and snacks coming soon.
Guests at the three resorts can also join Kelly’s health and nutrition seminars.
“Simple Tips for Eating Healthily” is designed to end mealtime chaos, offer quick-fix options, and develop a planned balanced diet; “Nutrition; Sleep Health and Creating Evening Rituals” looks at the correlation between nutrition, sleep, and overall wellbeing and “Peak Performance Nutrition” identifies nutrition strategies through diet, vitamins, minerals and herbs to increase immunity and energy levels and reduce stress.
The seminars include cooking demonstrations and tastings and can be attended as a group or booked privately for a personalised session.
Family-focused Anantara Dhigu, adults-only Anantara Veli, and the exclusive 20-villa Naladhu Private Island are each on separate islands just minutes apart by boat across a stunning natural lagoon in the South Male Atoll.
Just a 30-minute speedboat journey from Male airport, guests can share the facilities of the resorts, which between them offer one of the broadest spa and wellness offerings in the Maldives.
As relaxation and ‘me time’ have become even more important over the last 12 months, the overwater Anantara Spa at Anantara Dhigu offers a newly refreshed menu with four new signature journeys, including the Sundari Sunset spa ritual, which is a deep relaxation massage on a floating platform, followed by champagne whilst watching the sun go down.
Once darkness has fallen, the Moonlight Reflections healing ritual encompasses meditation and a healing massage on a private beach under the night sky.
The recently opened Cocoon Medical Spa located at the Balance Wellness by Anantara facility at Anantara Veli offers the highest level of aesthetic and wellness treatments performed by medical professionals.
Whether guests require a vitamin IV infusion after a long flight for an energy boost or wish to turn back time with a Cleopatra 24 Carat Gold and Collagen Facial, using diamond microdermabrasion and LED Light therapy, the highly trained staff have the expertise and knowledge to formalise a program specifically tailored to each guest.
Other treatments include diamond microdermabrasion to exfoliate and increase blood flow to the skin, velashape fat blast to reduce body fat, and oxygen therapy to boost energy levels.
The resorts’ overall offering comprises an impressive range of body experiences, facial treatments, Ayurvedic therapies, and wellness programmes. In addition to complimentary daily yoga sessions with the yoga guru, movement therapy and fitness sessions can be booked with the resident personal trainer.
A calendar of Masters of Wellness in residency during the year is in place at Anantara Veli.
Claude Simard is an internationally acclaimed Psycho-Energetic Massage specialist, using his highly developed sensitivity and intuition to combine therapeutic massage with Inner Child work.
Claude will join the team from March 15 to the end of April.
During the same period, Jill Banwell will guide guests in Crystal Healing, Yoga, Massage, Meditation, and Tarot.
In residency from May to the end of October, Dome Srisawat is a certified Physiotherapist, specializing in Myofascial Release, a unique muscular manipulation technique to resolve acute pain and continuous aches by releasing energy blockages in the connective muscle tissues.
To wrap up the year, Muayad Najemeddin will be returning from December until the end of January 2022, practicing Reiki and the healing art of Tibetan Singing Bowls.
Prices for a 90-minute nutrition and lifestyle consultation start from $305.
Seminars and cookery demonstrations start from $50 USD per person for 90 minutes.
Prices for a stay at Anantara Veli start from $475++ for an Overwater Bungalow with breakfast and at Anantara Dhigu from $535++ for a Sunrise Beach Villa on half board basis.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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