Wellness Retreats in The Maldives
When people think of wellness they may conjure up certain images of what that means and not associate it to the Maldives, be that reducing stress, eating a certain way or having a fitness routine in place. Yoga and meditation are just some of the many forms of exercise and techniques that have had a resurgence as of late (partially due to the state of the world). It seems that these simple practices are able to improve physical wellbeing as well as one’s mental state (which is often not properly looked after in the same way we look after our physical health).
Its resurgence can be linked to the uncertainty of the past few years, having forced people to re-evaluate their priorities. “The purposes of yoga were to cultivate discernment, awareness, self-regulation and higher consciousness in the individual.” The same can be said of meditation. Whilst it may sound like an outdated form of wellness, its rise in popularity as of late is not by chance. It has coincided with the pandemic due to the uncertainty with which the latter has brought.
“Mindfulness is an enhanced awareness of the present moment.” If these past few years have taught us anything it is that such moments matter.
Is The Maldives known for Wellness?
The Maldives is the perfect place to unwind and immerse in wellness activities such as yoga. Known for its natural surroundings and relaxed lifestyle, the country offers all its visitors the chance to truly escape from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. This small archipelagic state in South Asia is situated in the Indian Ocean. Known for its beautiful culture and an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius year-round, those who visit will find themselves back in touch with nature as well as themselves in this serene environment.
“And regardless of age or culture, humans find nature pleasing. In one study cited in the book Healing Gardens, researchers found that more than two-thirds of people choose a natural setting to retreat to when stressed.”
Many of the wellness retreats at these resorts understand just how important it is to be able to build a relationship with self-care. We are living in a time filled with countless responsibilities and external stressors so it is no wonder that building a meaningful relationship with one’s self has taken a backseat for so many people. Many of the locations listed regard such self-care and connection to nature as a necessity as opposed to a luxury.
With an entire stay that can cater to health or just adapting your stay to ease yourself into it, it’s an opportunity to figure out what works for you. Listed below are just a few private island resorts to choose from, each with its own individual selling points.
“We are living in a time filled with countless responsibilities and external stressors so it is no wonder that building a meaningful relationship with one’s self has taken a backseat for so many people.”
Como Maalifushi
Located on the Thaa Atoll, Como Maalifushi has been designed with both nature and cultural authenticity in mind. The COMO Shambala Retreat goes hand in hand with this, prioritising treatments that are based on Asian traditions such as Thai and Indonesian massages. The resort also has its own mind and body programme available and those who partake are welcome to choose from an array of traditional practices such as the deep yoga breathing technique known as Pranayama.
With the resort having its very own dedicated yoga pavilion, guests can book a personal instructor at any time to discover the benefits of this ancient tradition. Guests can choose between a private or group class. Each makes sure to encompass both the mind and body.
Its undisturbed views of the Indian Ocean, that can be enjoyed from the yoga pavilion, are certainly sure to transport you away from the stresses of everyday life, into peace and serenity. Waking up to a morning stretch, and admiring the Indian Ocean on the sunrise side of the island is the perfect way to incorporate nature into the healing process.
Dusit Thani Maldives
Dusit Thani embraces wellness on a different kind of level than the other resorts that have been listed. Their main focus is on embarking on a sensory journey in their very own spa and garden. This 5-star resort located in the Baa Atoll invites its guests to choose from a variety of beauty treatments, body scrubs, body wraps and facials that uses the most natural of ingredients from seaweed to coconut milk to revitalise the skin.
Located on Mudhdhoo Island and being the Maldives’ first and only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this island paradise knows just how vital the natural elements are to its surroundings and brings them into the experience whenever possible.
Treatments also make sure to focus on the traditions of Thai medicine and incorporate the legendary Nantha Garden of ancient Thai literature, bringing it to life. This location transports its guests to ultimate serenity, leaving behind any stress. Dusit Thani also offers guests ‘Yoga Synergy’: a customised yoga sessions package complete with anti-stress massages by renowned Thai therapists. Incorporating both movement and relaxation into this tailor-made menu is just one of the ways Dusit Thani ensures that it caters to its guests.
Amilla Fushi
Amilla Fushi tackles the three main pillars of wellness: movement, spirituality and spa. The workshops and holistic therapies on offer pair well with the yoga and Pilates classes that are taught on the island. Being designed so that guests can appreciate the natural elements that they are surrounded by, visiting Amilla Fushi allows guests to completely disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Amilla Fushi happens to be one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, laid-back living takes precedence here with temperatures averaging at 30 degrees and the seawater as warm as the land. As guests are invited to learn from resident specialists they can also explore the 23.5 hectares where 70% of the island is untouched. Spiritual awakening, contemplative meditations and tough physical training can all be chosen.
Pure Breaks is proud to offer Maldives’ private island resorts that can cater to wellness through yoga and meditation programmes. Whilst its stunning location is known for many things, direct access to the beach and ocean are just a few of their highlights. “Today yoga has been adapted for people of all ages and physical abilities. Its popularity around the world has been cemented as part of everyday life for many people”.
Restorative holidays in locations like the Maldives are the ideal place to explore such spiritual and physical teachings. The benefits of wellness such as yoga are tenfold; reduced stress, increased strength, better heart health; the list goes on. Meditation is its own separate teaching that can allow you to get back in touch with the present moment, as was the aim when originally developed.
Whilst yoga specifically may not be for you, the resorts offer more than just that. With a keen interest in their natural surroundings, getting back in touch with nature is just as restorative and healing. “Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.” It is time to prioritise self-care the way we prioritise so many things in our lives and a retreat away can be the very thing to kick-start the journey of wellness.
“Already being interested in wellness, I found writing about the retreats to be eye-opening, allowing me to understand more about the background and origin of such practices. It's something I think anyone interested in wellness should educate themselves on if given the chance.”