As a specialist in wellness travel, I’ve visited plenty of spas and resorts around the world. The Maldives is the perfect spa destination for all seasons, and I hopped across five beautiful islands to experience a range of heavenly and luxurious treatments at the world’s most sought-after spas.
The Residence
Location: Falhumaafushi island, on one of the largest and deepest atolls in The Maldives.
Spa Fact: The first and only Spa by Clarins in the Maldivian archipelago.
Best for: Overall ‘retreat’ style wellness itinerary.
Recommended treatment: Vital Light Facial
As an internationally renowned pioneer of natural beauty, Clarins’ spa products are all made of active ingredients from plant origins. This super luxurious treatment restores the luminosity and vitality of the skin using pioneer plants, leaving it plumper and firmer.
The setting of the Clarins spa sits suspended over a turquoise lagoon: simply breathtaking and serene. It's a place of total zen and tranquility that will leave you feeling completely relaxed.
Shangri-La Villingilli Resort And Spa
Location: Located south of the equator on Villingili Island, on the southernmost tip of Addu Atoll.
Spa Fact: The CHI spa is located in its own spa village and offers new five-day Ayurvedic programs.
Best for: Out of this world authentic spa treatments.
Recommended treatment: Kandu Boli Ritual
This incredible treatment is exclusive to the Shangri-La Villingilli resort. The therapists use cowrie shells to draw energy from the sea and pour warm Maldivian coconut oil made by the local community on to the body, face and scalp. The most unexpected part is when the therapist begins to sing as the shells are held over your ears. This massage hits the spot on many levels and is truly mind blowing.
The CHI Spa takes its inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend - a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being. The philosophy is that for good health to be maintained, chi must flow freely within the body. Movement is therefore a key element in releasing blockages through body massage, exercise, stretching, hydrotherapy, and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation.
Varu Spa
Location: Hidden in the North Ari Atoll of the Maldives.
Spa Fact: The Varu Spa uses organic marine-based treatments provided by VOYA, the first genuinely organic seaweed-based cosmetic products in the world.
Best for: Organic VOYA products.
Recommended treatment: Coral VOYage
This two hour treatment begins with a body brush, then a full head-to-toe body massage inspired by the movements of the sea, and a marine eye treatment that uses layered seaweed compressed upon the skin. Seaweed naturally absorbs or metabolises its nourishment from the sea. As a result, it contains countless minerals and vitamins in impressively high concentrations, higher than any plant known.
Varu means ‘energy’ in the local language Dhivehi and forms the basis of every person, creating emotional responses and movement. When this energy is unbalanced or met with resistance due to stress, it can leave us feeling anxious and fatigued. The focus at the Varu Spa is to realign and unite the mind, body and spirit by helping to rebalance and strengthen this energy.
The Spa at Velassaru
Location: South Male Atoll.
Spa Fact: The Spa at Velassaru unveiled its new menu in April this year including the new signature massage and couples retreat ritual and body treatment.
Best for: Overwater spa palace and ocean setting.
Recommended treatment: The 2.5 hour couples retreat.
It begins with a feet cleansing and aromatic inhalation ritual, then an exfoliating body scrub, followed by their signature Velassaru massage: warm homemade coconut oil is applied, then ‘hands on’ rolling movements and wooden massage pestles (made from the islands coconuts and palm wood) are used to release tension from the shoulders and spine and stimulate positive energy.
The setting of the spa is spectacular. Once the treatments are finished, you can bathe in the hydropool and take in the crystal clear ocean views, absorbing the natural surroundings.
Anantara Veli Spa
Location: South Male Atoll.
Spa Fact: Awarded as the ”Leading Wellness and Spa Resort” and Leading Wellness And Spa Brand Chain” by the Maldives Matato Awards 2015.
Best for: In-house Ayurvedic doctor.
Recommended treatment: an ayurvedic massage called Abyhanga.
Abyhanga is a deep pressure massage using medicated oils that focuses on the head, neck, shoulders and back to effectively release knots and tightness in the muscles where we tend to store the most stress and tension. It’s a therapy which is highly helpful for insomnia and induces sound sleep for those who have sleep irregularities and travel a lot.
The SUNDARI Ayurvedic Spa specializes in Ayuredic practices and treatments with an in-house Ayurvedic doctor, whom, through a wellness consultation, diagnoses your Dosha and prescribes a treatment and follow up wellness plan. The treatments are designed to balance the body, mind and spirit, integrating natural and traditional ingredients and modern science.
