ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.

The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.

Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.

In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.

Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.

The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.

The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.

With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa successfully concluded the second edition of the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026 on Friday September the 18th as part of World Wellness Weekend, bringing together running, wellness and the spectacular natural surroundings of the beautiful all-natural Island of Dhonakulhi.

The event welcomed 68 runners, with esteemed athletes Sunny Schippers leading the 10K race and Clara Abbona leading the 5K race, inspiring participants through three scenic island runs (including a relaxing shake out run) surrounded by the turquoise waters and lush tropical landscape of Hideaway.

Held in line with World Wellness Weekend, the programme extended beyond running to embrace a more holistic approach to wellbeing. Participants enjoyed a series of wellness experiences, including sound healing with Naga Healing, Yoga with in-house instructor Shubham, alongside fitness sessions led by Shaffa – Fitness Expert from TfG, and Ask a PT and Physio sessions with Yoosuf as the Personal Trainer Consultant.

The second edition celebrated movement in all its forms, combining physical activity with recovery, mindfulness, and connection with nature. From the energy of the starting line to restorative wellness experiences, the event brought guests and participants together through a shared appreciation for healthier living.

Following another successful edition, the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run continues to build its identity as a unique resort island running and wellness experience, bringing together sport, community and the beauty of the Maldives at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.

The initiative is endorsed by Visit Maldives and delivered in partnership with TFG as race partner, with race consultation, registration, timing, and bib services powered by TFG Races. Maldivian joins as transport partner, Coral Glass as content partner, and Sporting Vacanze as agent partner. This partnership reflects continued collaboration between tourism, aviation, media, sports, and lifestyle stakeholders in supporting wellness tourism in the Maldives.

Participants received a race timing bib powered by TfG Races, a partner goodie bag compiled of little treats by the partners, and the official Flora & Fauna Greenery Run T-shirt. Trophies were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K categories. And the esteemed 1st place winners all received a scaled Maldivian Flight model kit by Maldivian Airways.

“Following the success of the historic inaugural edition in 2025, we are delighted to run the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run in 2026,” said Mohamed Muzaffar Ahmed, Business Development Manager of Lily Hotels. “With the continued endorsement of Visit Maldives and the support of our partners, this event reflects the growing opportunity to position the Maldives as a destination for luxury wellness, sports, and active travel. Our ambition is to develop the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run into one of the country’s and inevitably the world’s leading luxury destination running events, offering participants an experience that is truly unique to the Maldives. I am proud of the fact that we are the first luxury running event focused on the sporting tourism niche which has trophies, timing, and medals making Lily Hotels yet another pioneer in experiences in the tourism sector.”

Maldives Hideaway Resort Run – The 2nd Edition might be over, but its revelry carries on with celebrating the runners on social media. In addition to that the resort is looking to clear the remaining stock of the runner’s kit which consists of a goodie bag, t-shirt, and medal via any resort guest running at least a 5k in the official mhrr2026 route at the resort during this year. More details will be available on their social media.

As an intended annual event after celebrating sunrise in the original run in 2025 and flora and fauna in this year, the resort aims to launch its theme for Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2027 – Visit Maldives Year Edition in February next year so stay tuned for any teasers about what they have got in store for the next edition of this spectacular destination running event with amazing views to be experienced by being there and experiencing running in a destination like no other.

Villa Resorts is expanding its approach to wellbeing with a new series of experiences at Villa Nautica, led by holistic wellness practitioner Adrianna Lawera. Centred on breath, sound, somatic movement and intentional rest, the programme invites guests to step away from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with a slower, more considered rhythm.

Adrianna is a wellbeing lifestyle coach and integrated holistic practitioner specialising in skeletal restoration, fascia release, vibrational sound healing and breath-based movement. Through her signature approach, Wellness for Busy Minds, she makes rest and mindfulness feel more relevant to modern life, helping people build sustainable wellness habits that can exist alongside demanding routines.

Based in the Maldives, Adrianna draws much of her inspiration from nature and the restorative power of slowing down. She serves as a World Digital Detox Day Ambassador and a Global Wellness Day Official Key Supporter for the Maldives, with a wider mission to encourage more intentional relationships with technology, attention and rest.

At Villa Nautica, her programme brings together shared experiences and personalised therapeutic practices designed to address mental, physical and emotional fatigue. Rather than treating wellness as another activity to schedule into the day, the sessions create space for guests to release physical tension, quiet the mind and become more present in their own lives.

The island itself becomes part of that experience. Open skies, ocean air and the natural pace of life in the Maldives create an environment where slowing down feels instinctive rather than prescribed.

The programme reflects Villa Resorts’ wider approach to wellbeing, with experiences shaped by nature, place and meaningful restoration. By welcoming practitioners such as Adrianna, Villa Resorts continues to explore more thoughtful ways for guests to reconnect with themselves and with the environments around them.