ELE|NA Embraces World Digital Detox Day 2024: "Smartphone-Free Childhood"

On December 10th, ELE|NA joined the global movement to celebrate World Digital Detox Day (WDDD) 2024, an initiative dedicated to promoting mindfulness and reducing screen dependency. This year’s theme, “Smartphone-Free Childhood,” emphasizes the importance of protecting young minds from overexposure to technology while fostering meaningful human connections and cultivating balance in an increasingly digital world.

Founded by Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, World Digital Detox Day is now celebrated in over 70 countries, supported by governments and organizations united in promoting mindful living. ELE|NA’s participation aligns seamlessly with its guiding philosophy, “Wellness Your Way™,” which emphasizes personalized well-being journeys for all, while also embodying the belief that “Wellness is for All”—a universal approach to fostering health and harmony across diverse communities.

In recognition of ELE|NA’s wellness leadership in the Maldives, Heidi Grimwood, Vice President of ELE|NA, was appointed as the World Digital Detox Day Ambassador for the Maldives. This honor underscores her dedication to advocating for digital mindfulness and holistic well-being across ELE|NA sanctuaries.

A Device-Free Celebration Across ELE|NA Sanctuaries

Across all eight ELE|NA sanctuaries—including the OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU NATURE Helengeli, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, VARU by Atmosphere, and RAAYA by Atmosphere—guests and team members participated in thoughtfully curated activities that celebrated the art of disconnecting from screens.

Highlights of the day’s activities included:

• Mindfulness sessions, designed to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness.

• Yoga classes, focusing on balance, strength, and present-moment mindfulness.

• Nature walks, offering participants the opportunity to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world.

• Team member wellness activities, fostering camaraderie and collective rejuvenation.

These experiences invited participants to embrace meaningful, unplugged moments while nurturing their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Wellness for All: Celebrating the ELE|NA Way

At ELE|NA, wellness extends beyond the individual—it’s a collective journey shared by guests and team members alike. On this significant day, team members were encouraged to unplug, reflect, and engage in activities that nurtured their personal wellness.

Heidi Grimwood, in her role as WDDD Ambassador for the Maldives, shared:

“World Digital Detox Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being truly present. Through our philosophy of ‘Wellness Your Way™’ and our belief in ‘Wellness for All,’ we aim to create spaces where everyone—from our guests to our teams—can disconnect, recharge, and rediscover the beauty of the present moment.”

From Dr. Rekha Chaudhari: A Global Movement in Action

Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, founder of World Digital Detox Day, commented on the year’s celebration:

“This year’s worldwide celebration of World Digital Detox Day has spoken volumes, with wellness experts, educational entities, and global organizations joining hands to advocate for healthier, more mindful living. A significant highlight of our efforts has been the petition advocating for a ban on social media for children under 16 years, which has gained tremendous support. We are also thrilled to announce that we have surpassed our previous milestone of 7,500,000 offline supporters. This remarkable growth reflects the growing global recognition and impact of our mission.”

A Global Message of Gratitude

ELE|NA extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, whose vision and leadership have inspired millions to rethink their relationship with technology and prioritize offline moments of connection.

A Continuing Commitment to Wellness

The success of this year’s World Digital Detox Day underscores ELE|NA’s unwavering commitment to promoting digital wellness and sustainable well-being. By supporting initiatives like WDDD, ELE|NA continues to affirm its mission to provide personalized wellness experiences while encouraging a deeper connection with what truly matters.

As the day concluded, the atmosphere across all eight ELE|NA sanctuaries was one of inspiration and gratitude. Together, ELE|NA’s team and guests celebrated the power of mindfulness, human connection, and the enduring beauty of an unplugged moment—reminding everyone that true wellness begins when we step away from screens and embrace the present.