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The Maldives has long established itself as one of the leading luxury destinations on the planet. Among its many wonders are over 150 island resorts dotted around the archipelago. These extravagant retreats allow guests to take a step back from the irregularities of life, letting them enjoy a serene, almost out-of-this-world tropical vacation.
In their endeavor to provide visitors with the very best in life, island resorts go over and beyond, offering exclusive amenities and facilities. Top features at Maldivian private islands include treetop restaurants, overwater bungalows with slides, adventurous watersports, and access to some of the prettiest beaches in the world.
Spas in the Maldives
An essential aspect of any luxury holiday is time spent rejuvenating the mind and body at a spa. As a result, island resorts in the Maldives have gone ahead and invested plenty in establishing arguably the best spa centers in the world.
At these health centers, you will find the world’s top specialists working to provide the very best of treatments on an individual basis. As a result, spa experiences in the Maldives range from private snow rooms and Himalayan salt chambers to hydrotherapy and nightly rejuvenating rituals.
Not only is the importance given to new and innovative treatment options, but the best spas in the Maldives also create the perfect ambiance for a relaxing time.
Snow Room
Snow in the tropics might seem like an unbelievable occurrence, but it’s very much a reality inside the Snow Room of Velaa Private Island. A one-of-a-kind treatment space, the snow room, is perfect for detoxification and healing.
Located next to the spa center’s sauna, guests can hop between the two for a complete therapeutic spa experience. While the sauna’s heat opens the body’s pores, releasing toxins, the snow helps close these clean pores.
A little piece of Scandinavia in the Maldives, the Snow Room is, in particular, ideal for guests recovering from any type of muscular injury. Then again, it also makes for an excellent spot to take photos for your Maldives Instagram feed.
Signature Kandu Boli Ritual
Spa treatments in the Maldives have a worldly approach. You’ll easily find some of the most renowned therapies here. From Balinese massage and Ayurveda to aromatherapy and reflexology, the best spas in the Maldives offer various holistic remedies.
However, indulging in a locally inspired treatment is a unique spa experience in the Maldives you do not want to miss. The Signature Kandu Boli Ritual at the CHI spa in Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort is one such option.
The Kandi Boli Ritual includes a massage using cowrie shells while warm coconut oil is poured all over the body. This subtle yet fancy treatment is perfect for spa virgins and an ideal way to overcome your jetlag. The fact that it mixes a little bit of ayurvedic elements with hints of Maldivian tradition makes this ritual all the more special.
The Huvafen Spa
Considering that the Maldives has undersea restaurants and bedrooms, it was only a matter of time before they got an underwater spa. The Huvafen Spa at Huvafen Fushi is an over and below water spa center, the only of its kind globally.
At Huvafen, guests have access to treatment rooms that overlook the horizon as well as the famous marine life of the Indian Ocean. The underwater treatment rooms, located at a depth of 8 meters, are one of the best spa experiences in the Maldives. It is a surreal setting that instantly transfers the mind to a soothing space.
The spa center also has a saltwater pool and treatment tables placed over glass flooring. One of the must-try treatments here is the Underwater Rendezvous. This holistic therapy session lasts 120 minutes and includes anti-aging treatment, massages, head-to-toe revitalization, reflexology, shiatsu, and breathing exercises.
Himalayan Salt Chamber
Among the best spa experiences in the Maldives is time spent in a Himalayan Salt Chamber. There’s only one such treatment room in the country, and it’s at the Kudadoo Maldives Private Island.
Almost like a cave inside the mountains, the chamber has walls lined with 1000-year-old Himalayan salt. Christened as the Lonu Cave, guests at the resort can undertake various treatment options centered around this phenomenal setting.
Among the most popular therapies offered inside Lonu Cave is Halotherapy. It primarily involves deep breathing exercises. The salty air in the cave, when inhaled, is said to have both revitalizing properties and healing powers.
Om Supti Night Spa Ritual
Spa treatments while offering relaxation can also be sensual in nature. The Om Supti Night Spa Ritual is a mentally calming and stress relieving therapy session with its basis in naturopathy.
Available at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, the procedure takes place in a jungle setting on the island. It consists of an outdoor bath, a swing bed, facial therapy, and other healing activities that result in a night of restful sleep. The highlight of this nightly spa experience in the Maldives is a stone bath with Himalayan salts.
Best enjoyed with a loved one, there is only one ritual session held by the spa per night. Advance booking is thus necessary. The treatment usually lasts 150 minutes.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is now standard at most spas around the world. So, what makes Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, known for its hydrotherapy treatments, unique?
For starters, at 1850 square meters and shaped like a lobster, Iridium is the largest overwater spa in the Maldives. It boasts six treatment rooms with en-suite bathrooms, terraces, ocean views, and even private steam chambers in a couple of cases.
Furthermore, the crowning glory of Iridium is the Blue Hole. A heated, saltwater hydrotherapy pool, it can accommodate up to 12 people. Additionally, the Blue Hole has strategically placed jets to massage and loosen various muscles of the body.
A 120-minute Blue Hole treatment at the resort costs $60. However, you can book the entire pool for an hour for $350. The resort also offers complimentary use of the hydrotherapy pool to honeymooners.
Piano Deck
There is no shortage of extraordinary settings to have memorable spa experiences in the Maldives. Feeling lazy? Ask your thakuru (private butler) to arrange for a massage in your room. Want something romantic? Book a sunset couple’s treatment at the beach.
But if unique is what you want, then go for a location that epitomizes Maldives’ luxury persona – a spa table in the middle of the ocean. That’s right, the piano deck at the Baros is a wooden platform constructed over the lagoon, a short speedboat ride from the main island.
The multi-purpose deck is an excellent place to have an intimate lunch or dinner. However, it is equally perfect for a soothing massage. The sound of water, never-ending sea views, and the freshness of the air all around add to the treatment, making it truly an unforgettable spa experience in the Maldives.
N.B.: All the information in the article is correct as of the date of publication. The prices mentioned, if any, are subject to change.