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Boasting white sand beaches, sparkling aquamarine waters, and exceptional diving and water sports, the Maldives is also renowned for it’s resplendent collection of world-class spas. Each luxury resort in the remote Indian Ocean archipelago features its own temple of bodily bliss, offering everything from holistic wellness retreats, to underwater treatment rooms, to Ayurvedic cooking classes. Need to relax and recharge? A visit to any one of these 10 Maldivian spas will infuse you with that unmistakable euphoric holiday glow.
COMO Cocoa Island
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Courtesy of Como Cocoa Island
The holistic wellness-focused COMO Shambhala Retreat spa occupies one third of COMO Cocoa Island resort, a private island paradise. Hammocks and swings dot the palm-fringed beach, and the only sound heard in the treatment rooms is that of lapping waves and fronds ruffling in the sea breeze.
The dreamlike spa features pilates and yoga studios, as well as one of the Maldives’ largest hydrotherapy pools used for water-based treatments. The spa also offers wellness paths dedicated toward reaching a desired state of mind, such as relaxation, rejuvenation, restoration, or revitalization.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Set amid a botanical garden, the tranquil spa at the Waldorf Astoria is tucked away on the island of Ithaafushi in the South Malé Atoll. Bespoke treatments are organized around three wellness journeys to choose from: relaxation, rebalancing, and results.
A typical spa day may include a jet lag revival treatment, Himalayan salt scrub, or an Australian clay body mask. Follow that up with sunset yoga in an oceanfront pavilion and a massage conducted in the garden. Did someone say bliss?
Six Senses Laamu
The spa at Six Senses Laamu in the remote southern Laamu Atoll is the ultimate wellness getaway. Sip a smoothie from the Juice Bar in the spa lounge while gazing over the white sand and turquoise water. Then, slip into a woven beachfront treatment cocoon for a diamond, rose crystal, or 24-carat gold facial.
Detox and Ayurvedic programs, treatments comprised of local coconuts, and open-air aerial yoga are just a small smattering of the many spa options. There’s also a roster of visiting wellness practitioners who teach yoga, meditation, bodywork, and energy healing.
Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
The sophisticated spa at the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has more than just the quintessential mint-infused water, luxurious facials, and deep tissue massages; it’s known for its full-fledged, award-winning Ayurvedic Retreat and Yoga Therapy Centre.
The resort’s Ayurvedic immersion programs range from seven to 21 days, and include consultations with Ayurvedic physicians, private yoga and cooking classes, and a collection of herbal medicines and tonics. There’s also a selection of personalized programs with cleansing, acupuncture, and yoga therapy.
Anantara Dhigu
In a collection of thatched-roof overwater bungalows, the spa at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort feels truly otherworldly. Each of the six treatment rooms comes with a freestanding bath next to a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the lagoon, and glass panels under the massage tables allow guests to see the colorful fish swim by.
After your treatment, watch the sunset from the relaxation deck, or take a dip in the hot and cold plunge pool. If saying goodbye is too hard, there are multi-day spa treatment packages, which include seaweed wraps, coconut scrubs, and Thai massages performed in an open-air sala.
COMO Maalifushi
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Courtesy of COMO Maalifushi
COMO Maalifushi resort is home to the Maldives’ second COMO Shambhala Retreat, with the first being on the property’s sister island COMO Cocoa Island. This holistic, immersive spa—situated in the remote southern Thaa Atoll—features Asian-inspired treatments, a sunrise yoga pavilion, and private or group instruction in meditation, yoga, and pilates.
A key element of all COMO Shambhala Retreat spas is personalization, and it’s no different here. The spa’s team of white-clad therapists work with guests to determine goals and desired outcomes, then create itineraries designed to provide deep rest, relaxation, or healing.
Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Built to resemble a traditional Maldivian village, Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa is located in the North Malé Atoll. The easy access from Velana International Airport means more time available to linger at the ever-so-serene Island Spa, which is only accessible by a petite, traditional boat called a dhoni.
The pristine island spa features a yoga studio in the jungle (or SUP yoga instruction on the lagoon), and a treetop terrace used for nighttime treatments under the stars. There are also multi-day spa programs that include elements such as detox, beauty, and energy.
Shangri La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
The Chi spa at Shangri La’s Villingili Resort & Spa is an oasis within an oasis. Set amid tropical gardens, the spa village is accessed privately from each of the airy treatment suites.
Natural ingredients derived from plants and flowers rule the mainly Asia-inspired treatment menu, with options such as Ayurvedic herb scrubs and cowrie shell massages. For a more indulgent spa day, choose a glass of champagne as you receive your massage poolside.
Huvafen Fushi Maldives
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Courtesy of Huvafen Fushi Maldives
You’re in for a treat at Huvafen Spa in Huvafen Fushi Maldives, the world’s first (and only) underwater spa. The two treatment rooms have views of the vibrant marine life in the surrounding coral reef, plus a relaxation area where you can enjoy herbal tea and watch the world swim by post-treatment. Landlubbers can choose to take their treatments in overwater or beach-based treatment pavilions ethereally draped with gauzy curtains.
One & Only Reethi Rah
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Courtesy of One&Only Reethi Rah
One & Only Reethi Rah has one of the Maldives’ most elegant spas. Carved-wood architecture, a lagoon-front location, and Asian-inspired treatments combine to create a spa worthy of the hefty price tag. Choose Ayurvedic oil massages or in-water Shiatsu, followed by a stretch in the crystal steam room and a soak in the therapeutic vitality pool. Finish the day with a snooze in one of the many hammocks dotted throughout the pristinely manicured spa garden.