News
ELE|NA marks 10th International Day of Yoga across Maldives
ELE|NA has celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga, held across its picturesque locations in the Maldives. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” underscores the profound impact yoga has on individual well-being and the broader community. ELE|NA believes that fostering a culture of wellness extends beyond guests to dedicated staff, making it a part of our everyday actions and community life.
In the Maldives, ELE|NA locations have come alive with various yoga activities designed to cater to both novices and seasoned practitioners. Each session is thoughtfully crafted to align with this year’s theme, emphasising how yoga can enhance personal health and contribute to societal well-being.
As part of the celebrations, ELE|NA at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi had the honour of hosting members of the Cancer Society Maldives for a serene morning yoga session followed by a healthy breakfast. This event highlighted the holistic benefits of yoga, emphasising its role in promoting physical, mental, and emotional health, especially for those facing health challenges. It was a touching and transformative experience, showcasing the power of yoga in fostering a supportive and healing community environment.
Yoga is a time-honoured practice known to offer numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced Flexibility and Strength: Regular practice improves physical strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries.
- Stress Reduction: Yoga techniques such as deep breathing and meditation are effective in managing stress and anxiety.
- Improved Mental Clarity: Yoga helps enhance focus, concentration, and mental clarity.
- Holistic Well-being: It promotes a sense of inner peace and overall well-being, balancing body, mind, and spirit.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” reminds guests that society encompasses not only the community at large but also the actions people take daily to improve their collective well-being. ELE|NA’s wellness ambassadors play a crucial role in instilling a culture of wellness among guests and staff. Through various yoga sessions and wellness programmes, ELE|NA aims to integrate wellness into everyday life, promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for all.
ELE|NA’s initiatives include:
- Guest and Staff Yoga Programmes: Regularly scheduled yoga sessions for guests and staff to enhance their physical and mental health.
- Wellness Workshops: Interactive workshops focusing on holistic health, mindfulness, and stress management.
- Community Outreach: Collaborations with local organisations like the Cancer Society Maldives to extend the benefits of yoga to those in need.
- Wellness Ambassadors: Dedicated wellness ambassadors are always on hand to guide and support individuals on their wellness journey.
Action
Maldives’ Dhigurah ranked among world’s 10 most valuable beaches
Dhigurah in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll has been ranked among the world’s 10 most valuable holiday beaches, with its stretch of sand assigned an estimated value of MVR 2.9 billion (€162.7 million) in a study by luxury villa holiday specialist CV Villas.
The island placed eighth in the global ranking, ahead of Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The study calculated the hypothetical cost of owning some of the world’s best-known beaches by valuing the sand as coastal land. The figures do not represent sale prices or suggest that the beaches are available for private purchase.
Dhigurah was the only Maldivian beach included in the global top 15. Known for its long sandbank and proximity to whale shark habitats in South Ari Atoll, the inhabited island has become a destination for guesthouse tourism, diving and marine excursions.
Florida’s Siesta Beach topped the global ranking with an estimated value of €1.08 billion, followed by Pampelonne Beach in France at €843 million and Praia da Falésia in Portugal at €573.2 million.
Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands was ranked fourth at €376.4 million, while Bondi Beach in Sydney completed the top five with an estimated value of €365 million.
Hannah Marshall, luxury travel destination expert and marketing manager at CV Villas, said the research highlighted the role of location in determining coastal land values.
“Everyone has a beach that means something to them, so there’s something fun about seeing what those stretches of sand might be ‘worth’ if you valued them like the land behind them,” Marshall said.
“What comes through is how much location drives the figure: a beach in St-Tropez or on Siesta Key carries a value that a quieter shore — even just as beautiful — simply won’t.”
While Siesta Beach had the highest total estimated value, The Baths on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands recorded the highest value per square metre, at €8,846. Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda was the most affordable beach assessed, at approximately €199 per square metre.
News
Reiki Master Nikki begins August residency at Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa
Amilla Maldives is hosting holistic wellness practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang, known as Nikki, for a month-long residency at the resort’s Javvu Spa.
Running from 2 to 30 August 2026, the residency offers guests a collection of treatments focused on physical relaxation, energy alignment and mental wellbeing.
A Reiki Master and sound healing specialist, Nikki has practised at luxury wellness destinations around the world. During her residency at Amilla, she is offering treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs, with sessions designed to release physical tension, support energy flow and encourage relaxation.
“True healing begins when we give ourselves the space to slow down, listen within, and return to our natural rhythm,” Nikki said.
The programme includes The Nikki Essence, her signature holistic massage, as well as Reiki Energy Healing, which focuses on subtle body alignment.
Guests can also take part in sound bath journeys using Tibetan and crystal bowls, or book intuitive bodywork sessions designed to provide restorative release.
The residency forms part of Javvu Spa’s wellness programme, which incorporates treatments and practices intended to support physical and emotional balance.
Sessions are available at Javvu Spa throughout the residency, with advance reservations recommended.
Meditation
Reconnect with nature at Milaidhoo Maldives this World Wellness Weekend
This September, Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to press pause and reconnect with what matters most. From 18th to 20th September, the boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will mark World Wellness Weekend with a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences celebrating movement, mindfulness and the simple joy of being immersed in nature.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing isn’t centred on strict routines or quick fixes. It comes naturally through the island’s slower pace, the restorative power of the ocean, time spent outdoors and fresh, nourishing cuisine inspired by the Maldives. On the small island, guests are gently encouraged to switch off, breathe deeply and savour each moment.
This philosophy is reflected at Serenity Spa, where a dedicated team of therapists and wellness practitioners share a deeply personal approach to wellbeing. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored, blending time-honoured healing traditions with genuine care to help guests relax and restore themselves.
To celebrate World Wellness Weekend, Milaidhoo has created a three-day programme of complimentary and signature experiences, from sunrise yoga and aqua meditation to aerial wellness sessions and a workshop on mental wellbeing led by visiting practitioner Dr Lim Xiang Jun, who combines traditional healing wisdom with modern medical knowledge. Guests and the Milaidhoo Family members will also come together for Moving Together, a relaxed community jog along the Water Villa Jetty, celebrating the wellbeing that comes from sharing experiences with others.
Programme of activities as follows for the World Wellness Weekend:
Friday, 18th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
Begin the day with a gentle yoga practice surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the ocean.
11.00 – Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management Workshop
Yoga Pavilion | Complimentary | 45 minutes
Led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun, visiting practitioner at Milaidhoo. A Modern Traditional Doctor, Dr. Lim combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge, sharing practical approaches to managing stress and supporting mental wellbeing.
19.00 – Moonlit Sound Journey
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A calming evening experience using sound and vibration to encourage deep relaxation beneath the Maldivian night sky.
Saturday, 19th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Aqua Workout
Compass Pool
A refreshing water-based workout to energise the body and mind.
11.00 – Group Aerial Yoga Flow
$35++ per person (minimum 4 guests)
A guided aerial yoga session combining movement, balance and mindful breathing.
16:30 – Moving Together
Water Villa Jetty | Complimentary
A one-hour relaxed jog along the Water Villa jetty, open to all guests and Milaidhoo Family members, celebrating movement and connection.
Sunday, 20th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
11.00 – Aqua Sonic Meditation
Compass Pool | Complimentary
A unique meditation experience combining the calming environment of water with soothing sounds.
15.00 – Aerial Thai Wellness
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A gentle wellness session inspired by Thai therapeutic movement techniques.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing is not something to be added to island life, it is naturally part of it.
This World Wellness Weekend, guests are invited to take time for themselves, discover new ways to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of being fully present.
-
News1 week agoManhattan Grand Hotel aims to transform Maldives’ MICE industry
-
Awards1 week ago.Here Baa Atoll receives Forbes VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition
-
News1 week agoBaros Maldives invites guests to slow down with ‘Baros Pause’ weekly wellness programme
-
Drink1 week agoSO/ Maldives introduces premium Dilmah Tea experience
-
Drink1 week agoKuda Villingili secures third consecutive Wine Spectator honour
-
News1 week agoCora Cora Maldives earns Green Globe Gold certification
-
Action1 week agoFushifaru Maldives offers access to Lhaviyani’s manta ray hotspot
-
Action7 days agoSun Siyam Vilu Reef introduces guest-led coral restoration initiative


