Local sustainable organic skincare brand Skin Candy Maldives with the support of Elena Spas have launched the ‘Wellness Training Academy’ that will certify therapists at the International CITBAC level (considered the gold standard in the spa and wellness industry).
Opening this May, the academy will be the first of its kind in the Maldives. Spearheaded by Skin Candy Maldives, the core mission is to enable graduates to enter the flourishing wellness industry as qualified professional therapists and practitioners.
Anatomy and physiology is an online module for absolute beginners which is a pre-requisite for enrolling in the courses. All other courses are face to face and include beginners’ Swedish massage, manual lymphatic drainage, trigger point therapy, myofascial cupping, deep tissue massage, foot reflexology, hand reflexology and deep tissue massage. All courses are CIBTAC certified.
Ms Lubna explains there is an increasing need for high calibre wellness professionals to support the burgeoning hotel and resort industry in the Maldives. "Our goal is to produce highly trained and knowledgeable wellness professionals with progressive career plans to grow within the wellness industry," she says.
The academy also gives hoteliers and spa operators the opportunity to upskill their existing wellness teams. The top-quality academy is a fully equipped training centre only 15 minutes from Male by speed boat with classes personalised to small groups in a vibrant yet relaxed setting. All course fees include daily speed boat transfers, lunch onsite, and training uniform.
Courses will be facilitated by Ms Martina Crkonova who has over 27 years of experience in integrative and TCM medicine, as well as 15 years as a therapeutic educator and trainer. ‘‘This initiative will help transform tomorrow’s industry by providing local Maldivians and current resort wellness staff with a level of education and resources, so they don’t necessarily have to travel abroad to expand their professional career. Our passion is sustainability," explains Ms Lubna.
Courses commence from May through to September 2023. The first course launched in May, ‘Swedish massage’ for absolute beginners which is CIBTAC certified.
Photo credits: ELENA SPA
The Middle East’s first full immersion wellness resort, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, has welcomed the New Year with a New You Retreat to help guests restore balance and reaffirm goals for a happier, healthier year.
Available in three- and five-night durations until March 31, 2023, the new retreat has been especially designed by the resort’s resident physician Dr. Syed Shadab Ahmed to guide guests towards a path of sustainable change and support them on their personal wellness journey.
Guided by a team of wellness consultants, personal trainers, holistic therapists and nutritionists, the New You retreat begins with a consultation to ascertain a guest’s health concerns and goals. Then, according to their Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) temperament, a personalised programme of movement, relaxation and nutrition is drawn up that encourages the right balance of pushing limits and unwinding, invigorating and calming.
Fitness sessions range from personal and aqua training to yoga and tai chi. Physical release then follows with therapeutic massage and hijama cupping, while mental unwinding is encouraged with a daily spa treatment and meditation. Throughout the programme, and beyond, guests are encouraged to integrate sustainable change in their daily lives.
The New You Retreat programme includes accommodation and three wellness cuisine meals per day; a personal health and wellness consultation; complimentary daily activities; therapeutic treatments; access to the resort’s wellness centre including hydrothermal area, Himalayan salt room and hammam; and personalised herbal supplements for guests to take home.
Heavenly Spa at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort recognized as 'The Best Hotel Spa in the Indian Ocean' by Haute Grandeur Global Awards.
The award came as recognition for the resort spa’s offer that integrated service and attention to details, following Westin’s commitment to wellness, allowing guests to replenish the mind and body with a personalized sensory experience.
The Haute Grandeur Global® Spa Awards recognize excellence in the provision of dependable, first-rate experiences in the luxury hospitality industry worldwide, through feedback from guests. The fair and transparent process guarantees unbiased results – a concept exclusive to the Haute Grandeur Awards brand.
According to Brendan Corcoran, General Manager at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, “This recognition shows the effort of our wellness resort to bring the best version of each of our guests while they are staying with us. Nevertheless, I would like to appreciate all the guests who have shared their honest feedback and visited us throughout this year”.
The awarded spa incorporates the advance well-being approach featuring overwater treatment rooms, including a couple room treatment suite with a Jacuzzi and sweeping Indian Ocean views, which radiates a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. The treatments provided at The Heavenly Spa By Westin™ represent the resort's dedication to well-being and enable guests to disconnect from their daily routines while they are away.
he Heavenly Spa Manager Ika Khasanah says that “The holistic spa experience comes not only from the facilities, treatments, and products, but from having the time and space to disconnect, separation from technology and as personal reflection and contemplation; something sought after by most of our guests when they come to a destination like Maldives”.
The therapies provided at The Heavenly Spa by Westin™ represent the hotel's dedication to wellbeing and enable guests to rejuvenate both body and mind through a unique sensory experience. Its 90 minutes of Heavenly Sanctuary Ritual stays true to the Westin brand pillar of Well-Being: Feel Well. All types of skin can be treated, soothed, and nourished with the help of this magnificent ritual of nourishment and protection. A light body polish is used at the start of the process to exfoliate and refresh the skin. After taking an aromatherapy bath to revive one's energies, the routine is completed with a sumptuous full-body Heavenly massage.
Highlighting the signature LUX* ME concept, a holistic approach to wellbeing, LUX* South Ari Atoll celebrates its new partnership with Technogym, the leading provider of fitness experiences, and launches the latest advanced fitness equipment.
The award-winning Maldivian resort also invites its guests for a series of innovative trainings, where the new cardio collection with combined biocircuit workout programmes is introduced.
“At Technogym, we design unique and engaging training experiences that include digital technology. We are proud of our bespoke project with LUX* South Ari Atoll that offers guests a superior wellness experience with state-of-the-art equipment alongside Technogym Ecosystem connectivity,” says Enrico Manaresi, Technogym Press & Media Director.
“A sanctuary for health and holistic wellbeing, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers a personalised approach to self-care, be it for spa, fitness, yoga, meditation to nutrition. Additionally, our resort presents tailor-made journeys to immerse guests in the idyllic island surrounds,” says LUX* South Ari Atoll General Manager Mr. Patrice Aira.
Ideal for those seeking a wellness retreat in the Maldives, the resort features four signature packages - Relax, Reboot, Rejuvenate and Re-energise, targeting individual needs. Under the LUX* Me wellbeing concept, each package is thoughtfully curated. It combines expert consultations, spa and beauty treatments, mindful practices, customised healthy menu along with personal trainings and state-of-the-art workouts throughout the stay.
For more information about LUX* South Ari Atoll and its wellness and fitness offers, please visit www.luxresorts.com, contact stay@luxmaldivesresort.com or call +960 668 0901.
Award-winning luxury resorts brand Soneva has launched its next phase of wellness development at Soneva Soul, adding a team of expert international doctors and healers and the latest cutting-edge treatments and equipment to offer an even higher level of wellbeing and healing. Leading the way in world-class treatments, the new outcome-based menu welcomes science and innovation to address every aspect of guests’ wellbeing through personalised programmes and transformative treatments.
As part of its next phase and following the addition of new technology and equipment, traditional wellness philosophies such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and medicinal mushrooms now sit alongside cutting-edge integrative medicine such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, nutritional IV therapy, regenerative joint injections, platelet-rich plasma therapy, micro-needling and cryotherapy, amongst others.
Each treatment is administered by experienced doctors and wellness specialists, who also oversee the development of guests’ personalised programmes. Soneva Soul’s robust on-site team includes a Naturopathic doctor and an Ayurvedic doctor at each resort, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, Ayurvedic therapists, an experienced resort physician and nurse, as well as a broad range of spa therapists and visiting wellness specialists. Bringing their vast experience to Soneva Soul across a spectrum of healing therapies and wellness practices, the team’s level of expertise is unparalleled in the region and serves to provide care that is luxurious and deeply rejuvenating while being effective and targeted.
Leading the team at Soneva Fushi is medical and naturopathic doctor, Dr Arsallan Ahmad, whose expertise lies in regenerative injections, intravenous nutrient therapy and sports medicine. Dr Arsallan also treats various health concerns including digestive issues, food sensitivities, Lyme disease, mould exposure, heavy metal toxicity, osteoarthritis and auto-immune diseases through comprehensive nutritional programmes and treatments.
Also in residence at Soneva Fushi is Dr Fabio Pacciuci who has a rich toolkit offering comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapies including acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, qi gong, aesthetic acupuncture and micro-needling, breathwork and more. Dr Fabio works with all health concerns through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine to diagnose, rebalance and heal on every level.
“Our new comprehensive wellness and medical offerings at Soneva Soul come from the clear awareness that to feel truly well, all systems must be in balance. The body must receive the nutrients it needs, and we must remove all obstacles to regeneration,” says Medical Director for Soneva Soul, Dr Lilly-Marie Blecher. “For this reason, we focus on detoxifying, supporting cellular metabolism, nourishing on every level and regenerating compromised cells and tissues. Ancient medicines such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have known and practiced these principles for millennia. Modern medicine offers new therapies and expert acute care. Together, we can understand, heal and rejuvenate more deeply and completely. We recognise that health is our greatest asset and deserves the highest and most refined level of care.”
Launched in late 2021, Soneva Soul is a transformative wellness brand from Soneva that combines ancient healing with modern science to reconnect mind, body and soul. It is guided by the principle of ‘lifestyle evolution’, tailoring personalised care plans to help guests realise their utmost potential and achieve their long-term wellness goals. Surrounded by the majesty of nature, it is the result of Soneva’s experience at the forefront of the luxury hospitality and wellbeing industry over the last 27 years. It harnesses the knowledge and expertise gathered on Soneva’s journey since launching its first spa at Soneva Fushi in 1995 – from traditional therapies, naturopathy, and healing rituals, to the latest in diagnostics and scientific advances.
Adding to its already extensive list of wellness offerings, Soneva also recently announced a new limited-edition Wellness Package across its award-winning hideaways in the Maldives and Thailand. Valid for a three-, five- or seven-night stay at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, the indulgent package is ideal for guests who wish to explore a health transformation at Soneva Soul. Each package includes a complimentary consultation with integrative medicine doctors to design an individualised, optimised programme. Combining conscious movement and meditation, luxurious spa treatments, regenerative therapies and nourishing menus across selected dining destinations, guests will find their every health need addressed.
The package starts from USD 3,000 and is based on one guest in a one-bedroom villa. A second adult may join the Wellness Package for an additional USD 500 per night at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
Club Med, a pioneer of the all-inclusive concept and leader in family vacations, announced new enhancements to its existing family and wellness programming. Just in time for summer vacations, Club Med is deploying its new Mini Club Med + children's programming across its resort portfolio in North America, Asia and Europe. While kids enjoy Mini Club Med +, parents can take advantage of immersive wellness experiences under Club Med's new Wellness Fusion concept for the ultimate peace of mind.
Club Med Unveils All-New Family & Wellness Programming
By James Shillinglaw, Jun 28, 2022, (1 comments)
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Club Med, a pioneer of the all-inclusive concept and leader in family vacations, announced new enhancements to its existing family and wellness programming. Just in time for summer vacations, Club Med is deploying its new Mini Club Med + children's programming across its resort portfolio in North America, Asia and Europe. While kids enjoy Mini Club Med +, parents can take advantage of immersive wellness experiences under Club Med's new Wellness Fusion concept for the ultimate peace of mind.
"Since the pandemic, we have seen sharp growth in the demand for both all-inclusive family travel and wellness experiences," said Kevin Armstrong, senior director of brand & communications for Club Med North America and the Caribbean. "More than ever, our guests are looking for experiences that enhance their well-being and quality of life, as well as that of their children. Through our Mini Club Med +, we have created a unique approach to our children's programming that spurs both the social and emotional development and creativity of our youngest guests while their parents can benefit from a complete 360-degree approach to their wellbeing with our Wellness Fusion offer."
In 1967, Club Med founded its first Children's Club–the Mini Club Med for children ages 4-10. To continue supporting kids' growth and empowerment as well as give them the tools to foster positive relationships with their peers on vacation and at home, Club Med has enhanced its existing Mini Club programming to offer even more engaging, fun-filled and educational activities that encourage children to make new friends, expand their imaginations and experience the freedom of childhood. The new Mini Club Med + experience will feature such activities as:
Nature Detective: Embark on a treasure hunt outdoors and learn more about the surrounding flora and fauna.
Happiness Builders: Children practice random acts of kindness like leaving kind messages on guest doorknobs and writing each other happiness cards–sowing little seeds of happiness to develop empathy and positive energy.
Giant Caterpillar: Using teamwork and a gym mat, children need to work together to get the caterpillar moving.
Ninja Bootcamp: Race to the finish as children and their teammates hop, skip, and jump over obstacles to get to the finish line.
Happiness Expo: Sharing time for kids and parents as kids share the best moments of their eventful day at Mini Club Med +.
Built on the six pillars of creativity, courage, connection, cooperation, cheerfulness and self-confidence, the enhanced Mini Club Med + provides children with the vital tools needed to foster their unique strengths, connect with others and develop with confidence.
While kids enjoy time in their respective Children's Clubs, parents can take advantage of diverse wellness experiences that fall under Club Med's Wellness Fusion umbrella. Combining a harmonious fusion of wellness experiences designed to harness ultimate peace of mind, guests can enjoy a well-rounded itinerary filled with active sports, natural reconnection, mindfulness and yoga programming, nutritious dining, and spa experiences:
Active Sports: Enjoy more than 20 included land and water sports including pickleball, standup paddle, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and Club Med's must-try flying trapeze experience.
Natural Reconnection: Surrounded by nature and spread across an average of 50 acres, each Club Med resort offers plenty of room to roam and enjoy dining al fresco in airy outdoor restaurants and lounges, exploring pristine white sand beaches, and embarking on cultural excursions to further explore the surrounding destination.
Mindfulness and Yoga: Guests can partake in a comprehensive yoga program that includes up to 4 hours of classes in unique environments. Popular options include treetop yoga, beachfront sunset yoga, power yoga, and family yoga. New meditation experiences include sound bowl meditation, forest meditation, and gentle epicurean hikes.
Spa Experiences: Find bliss with Club Med's wide range of wellness experiences at each resort's dedicated spa with treatments including hydrotherapy, temezcal, moonlight massages, and oceanfront massages using products inspired by the native flora.
Healthy Dining: All-day dining is included for every Club Med guest, and on-site Chefs use the highest quality of ingredients when preparing well-balanced meals. Locally sourced produce are combined with local specialties as well as Club Med's trademark French savoir faire. For breakfast, guests enjoy an extensive selection of fresh fruits, fresh green juices, and breakfast favorites like acai bowls, omelets, and avocado toast. New plant-based dishes are also available at select properties courtesy of Beyond Meat.
For more information, call 800-258-2633 or visit www.clubmed.us.