Some of the classiest treatment rooms in the Maldives are situated overwater and feature a glass portal under the treatment table so you can be lulled into more a relaxed state looking at the tranquil waters sloshing about below with its colourful tropical fish cruising by. Joali Being has given its entire treatment a glass floor so you are immersed in the aquatic tranquillity the moment you enter.
Oaga has taken its aquatic artistry below the surface adorning their extensive pool complex with colourful designs and images.
A dramatic art piece is becoming de rigeur for the 5-star luxury properties and I am big fan of creative works which evoke the aquatic surroundings. I really like this bait ball mobile at Heritance Aarah which absolutely evokes the magical shimmer of silvery pelagics.
The more challenges that climate change throws at the Maldives, the more create innovation it throws right back. The latest approach to coral regeneration is Nova’s depth-adjustable coral nursery. Developed by Nova Marine Biologist, Toby Corren with guidance from Dr. Inga Dehnert during the early stages, the depth of the line with the coral pieces are adjusted by shortening or lengthening the ropes attached to the horizontal propagation ropes which are anchored at the bottom with D-ring anchor points. The main objective of this depth flexibility is to help mitigate stress responses from increased sea surface temperatures in the upper water columns, especially during bleaching events. The project is currently focused on fast-growing scleractinian corals, but they plan to expand the nursery to include a broader range of species in the future.
I’ve already highlighted how Fuvahmulah and Pelagic Divers are specialists in the tiger diving experience, but also thanks to Pelagic Divers, you can be one too. They not only offer a “Tiger Shark” PADI Speciality Course, but they were the ones who actually developed it.
One would think that of all places, the relaxed chill of the indolent Maldives would be the last place where one would need help sleeping. But sleep is a bit more complicated than that. Global visitors will confront jet lag. High-powered go-getters can often have trouble shifting gears to decompress. People of a certain age (like us) often suffer from disrupted sleep patterns. And even the blessing of the poolside laying about can make it difficult to get a full night’s sleep because you have rested so much during the day. Joali Being now how has a treatment for anyone who not only wants a relaxing holiday, but also guidance on restful nights even after the vacation is over – sleep therapy:
The Standard features a practitioner who can tell you a story about yourself…now and in the future. They host tarot card reader/healer, Aritra:
A trip to the Maldives can literally seem like a visit to a deserted tropical island, but the archipelago is rich with history and culture. Many times this local backdrop is quite removed from the contrived resort experience. Many guests are interested in it and get a taste with local island excurisions. But Oaga has infused every single one of its rooms with their own stories taken from Maldivian lore (which you can read here). And the XXX villas have their stories written in the pool which connects them all (as a good story should).
The costume awards for “Innovation” and “Wellness” goes to Soneva Fushi’s Cocoon Body Steam:
Design 101 is it identify a key motif and stick with it, and no “design resorts” (which are abounding in the Maldives) has mastered this concept more completely than the Ritz Carlton Maldives. And that motif is round. The entire property is replete with circular structures from the spa, kids club (complete with spiral climbing frame and Hobbit-like round door), the villas, ocean pool, loungers, pool restaurant. Even a sculpture on the island for sitting and reposing (see directly below).
One could say that the Ritz is indeed the best ALL ROUND resort in the Maldives.
