Spas of note are found at the following 4 resorts:

Huvafen Fushi

You cannot visit Huvafen Fushi by Per AQUUM in the Maldives without experiencing the Lime Spa – the world’s first underwater Spa. Exotic names such as the Turquoise Explosion, Fluidity in Motion and Marine Wave are just some of the massage options, varying from an aromatic stretch massage to a heated hydro treatment and a healing massage that targets tense back muscles. The couples massages will leave you relaxed and glowing.

With the Lime Spa’s lengthy massage menu you are spoiled for choice. Using coconut oil and coral sands, hot rocks and ice along with ancient massage techniques, each treatment will enhance your vacation and energise you for the days ahead.

One & Only – Reethi Rah

The Spa at the One & Only Reethi Rah has an eclectic menu on which you will find the massage treatment perfect for you. The regular massage uses both a combination of aromatherapy oils and massage techniques which are tailored to meet your needs on any specific day. To promote harmony in the body, choose a full body massage with the Ayurvedic Abhyanga. This uses massage techniques from India combined with Ayurvedic oils to relax and rejuvenate. On this menu you will also find a Thai massage which will stretch your muscles and joints reducing pain and enhancing circulation. Reethi Rah has also introduced a 60 minute Watsu massage which assists chronic pain. Soothing and restorative, it takes place in a warm mineral pool.

The Menu at Reethi Rah is extensive and covers different aspects of life including a maternity massage which targets muscles that tend to be more tense during pregnancy. There are also the ever popular couple’s massages.

Six Six Senses Laamu

The Six Senses Spa at Laamu is beach front and has a variety of massages on the menu that are guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and energised.

Their spa menu is varied and versatile. It includes the specialised Ayurveda Aromatherapy massage, which is a full body treatment. Using a variety of massage techniques it is aimed at releasing muscle tension, assisting with lymphatic drainage and promoting sleep.

Also on offer is a Balinese Massage using traditional Balinese techniques. With the use of acupressure and firm massage strokes, it is designed to regain a state of calm.

The Laamu Bliss massage option is 2 hours of pampering using coconut oil and a warm wrap made up of aromatic herbs such as ginger, cloves and nutmeg. It is followed by a head massage and ends with a treatment of cucumber conditioner leaving the skin glowing and hydrated.

Six Senses also offers Couples Massages, their Signature Detox Massages as well as Indian Head Massage and Foot Acupressure.

Shangri La Villingilli

Situated on Villingilli Island, Shangri La is home to Chi, The Spa. This Spa village is a palatial Spa Sanctuary. Massages take place in spacious individual villas which have both private gardens and steam rooms.

Chi, The Spa has 5 types of massage on the menu.

• On arrival, you may want to choose the Chi Jet Lag Rescue, a 45 minute massage that will promote sleep, hydrate your skin and give you some much needed energy.

• Chi Reflexology uses this type of massage to promote relaxation. After an hour of special treatment, you are sure to leave the Spa feeling relaxed and energised.

• The Chi Balance massage makes use of gentle palm techniques. It is designed melt tension and increase energy.

• The Aroma Vitality massage is 1 and a half hours of special treatment using deep tissue massage along with acupressure and pressure point techniques. Any painful knots or muscle tension will be massaged away.

• The Chi Stone therapy is two hours of thermotherapy. Using gliding massage strokes, it is designed to ease the tension of sore muscles. Feel the pain, stress and tension melt away restoring balance and vitality.

Visiting the Maldives is a treat on its own. Visiting one of these 5 star Spas takes the vacation to a whole new level of luxurious pampering.

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1.The Sunsiyam Irufushi

Expect a luxurious experience when you visit the The Sun Siyam Irufushi resort and spa majestically situated on an island in the Noonu Atoll. Take your holiday to the next level by visiting The Spa by Thalgo France. A winner in 2004 of the “Maldives Leading Spa Resort” the recent makeover to make it the Spa by Thalgo France has resulted in an inspirational new selection of yoga, exercise and beauty treatments designed to rejuvenate and revive fatigued guests. Strengthen your core with the popular pilates workouts or up your metabolism with sessions such as body pump, aqua aerobics and tennis coaching. A holistic approach is offered, using techniques from ages past combined with modern amenities the Spa by Thalgo includes 20 spa treatment rooms and a selection of pampering and relaxation zones. Indulge in hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms or saunas and feel the stress ooze out of you.

2.Taj Exotica Resort

Personalised attention with crystal clear water lapping up onto a stunning beach and the scene is set for the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa. It is on the exotic Emboodhu Finolhu Island. The Jiva Grand Spa is central to enjoying this magnificent setting. With its origins rooted in India’s ancient traditions, you are sure to experience something special. The gym is extensive, with an excellent range of equipment, for cardio workouts, muscle strengthening and stretch. The view from the treadmills and cross-trainers is nothing less than spectacular. After your work out, there are other options to ease your muscles.

Some of the specialities here include Yoga, a deep muscle massage resulting in complete relaxation and 2 hours of detox therapy.

Visit the Alepa Mud Pavilion for an unforgettable therapy or indulge in a massage in the unique Over Water Couple Treatment Room. Whatever your selection, you will leave refreshed in body, mind and spirit.

3.Soneva Fushi

Described as a desert island hide-away, luxury accommodation is lavishly surrounded by lush vegetation while still being just metres away from the perfection of a protected coral reef. Destressing at Soneva Fushi is not difficult to do. Yoga on the beach, Tibetan hot stones and massage using the oils of local coconuts are just some of the luxuries on offer at the Six Senses Spa. Professional qualified spa therapists deliver a variety of treatments designed to pamper, to heal and to beautify. For those more advanced in Yoga, you may enjoy the Yogic Detox or take advantage of one of the Ayurveda programmes. Visiting practitioners add additional variety to an already extensive health and beauty line up, which also includes a Spa Junior Menu.

4.Gili Lankanfushi

It’s an extraordinary memory lying on a spa bed, watching the sea and marine life through glass floors just few feet below. That’s what you can expect at Gili Lankanfushi’s Meera Spa. The variety you can expect here is unique and rejuvenating for body and mind. Visit the well-equipped, air-conditioned fitness centre to jump start your metabolism on a variety of cardio equipment.

The Tibetan singing bowl is put to good use as part of their music therapy to enhance your balance and leave you feeling relaxed and serene. Another unusual massage makes use of varying sizes of bamboo poles. Combining the poles with fragrant oils, the massage technique leave muscles relaxed and any semblance of stress gone. Flowers, herbs and clay are also used to rejuvenate tired skin, giving you a healthy hydrated glow. Complete your treatment by relaxing in the sauna or steam room – you will leave feeling alive, detoxed and energized.

5.Park Hyatt, Maldives

The Spa Village at the Park Hyatt in Maldives is tranquil and private – the attention is thoughtful and all designed to make you shine. Whether you prefer working out in the gym or swimming laps to get fit, you will find exercise comes easy in this special retreat. Once your exercise is complete, a spa treatment will be a worthy treat. The aim of the professional beauty therapists at the Vidhun Spa is to cleanse both inside and out. They achieve this by reaping fresh ingredients (herbal, botanical and marine) from the local vegetation and atolls, creating a true Maldivian rejuvenating experience. Use of the national fruit and flower – the coconut and rose – will result in a deliciously fragrant treatment sure to linger in your mind for many years to come.

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Huvafen Fushi

This 5 star highly acclaimed resort will leave you with an unforgettable memory as you enjoy being pampered in their underwater Lime spa. You are in for a unique treat as you enjoy the serenity of being surrounded by a colorful, bustling sub aquatic world.

Indulge in any of the numerous or bespoke beauty options, from anti-aging treatments, to body scrubs, hydrating treatments and hot rocks. They are all designed to drain toxins, revitalize skin and muscle tone, while soothing your mind and calming your soul. You are sure to end your session relaxed and rejuvenated.

Gili Lankanfushi

At Gili Lankanfushi you will find the Meera Spa. With the ocean lapping just below you, visible through glass floors, stress melts with the soothing touch of aromatic oils being massaged into your back. Relaxation is of paramount importance at Gili Lankanfushi – this is a stress free zone – leave your worries at home. It’s a sublime place of peace and tranquility enhanced by a bouquet of special spa treatments sure to further your quest for a complete rest. Whether you choose traditional massage, music therapy or bamboo massage, you will be soothed into a soporific state of peace and calm.

Soneva Fushi

As Soneva Fushi we find the Six Senses Spa. Its unique position within the island’s beach-side jungle gives rise to a whole different ambiance. The rustle of the trees, the sound of birdsong and the aroma of fresh plant life is a delicate assault on the senses. The wide variety of holistic treatments are designed to calm and soothe and lead you to a healthier life. You will be spoiled for choice at this little piece of heaven, majestically situated just footsteps from the sea in a tropical paradise.

Velaa Private Island

Velaa Private island describes an exclusive boutique hideaway, in the Noonu Atoll. Careful design ensures utmost privacy for Velaa Private Island guests. Situated over the water, the spa at Velaa Private Island  offers a variety of Asian inspired treatments, with great care given to personal attention. Personal attention bringing deep relaxation is the goal, with additional pampering coming in the form of fruity and delicious refreshments.

Shangri La’s Villingili

A visit to Chi the Spa at Shangri La is memorable indeed. The resort has its own spa village, designed to meet every need. You will enjoy the individual villas with treatment rooms and a private garden just for you. Massage, stretch and water therapy are just some of the options on offer. After it all, relax in the steam room for a completely refreshing cleanse of body, mind and spirit.

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1. Snorkelling

Even if you are a novice, when visiting the Maldives, snorkelling is a must. There’s an amazing underwater world that is completely missed when you stay on dry land. The reefs are alive with 70 species of unique vibrant coral and more than 700 varieties of fish and sea life ensure you are spoiled for choice. If you have never snorkelled before get started by booking your holiday on one of the islands that have a good house reef. This basically refers to an area of the island where it is possible for you to snorkel straight from the beach and of course one that has great coral and fish life. Options include Dusit Thani and Angsana Ihuru. Your next step as a novice is to book an instructor from the resort who can teach you how to safely snorkel.

2. Swimming with the Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are slow moving, filter feeders and are known as the largest fish in the sea. There are only a handful of places in the world where you can swim with these gentle giants of the deep and the Maldives is one of them. The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme ensures protection of the species, working with Conrad Rangali Island tour operators to monitor the sharks you get to swim with. You may want to visit during the annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival which happens every June at rotating island venues of the South Ari Atoll. If you encounter them on your own snorkelling expedition, keep a safe distance, don’t be tempted to touch them or take photos of them using flash photography.

3.Diving

If you are a fan of diving, the Maldives may be on your bucket list for that very reason. It’s a magnificent, expansive water playground for divers of all levels. Multitudes of underwater channels connect the warm Indian Ocean with the island lagoons, bringing in rich nutrients and plankton and attracting a wealth of marine life. Add to that colourful coral and crystal clear waters with superb visibility and you soon learn that diving these waters is an unforgettable experience. Regular divers who visit the Maldives often choose a Liveaboard accommodation option where you are a guest on a luxury yacht that provides full board and catering along with dive experts. If you are not a serious diver and want to keep your activity options open, then staying at a resort would be the way to go. You can still hire a dive expert to show you the best spots depending on your level of expertise. Either way, diving in the Maldives will leave a lasting impression.

4.Manta Feeding

The word ‘manta’ comes from the Spanish word for cloak or shawl. Manta are fish that are closely related to rays and whale sharks. About 5000 manta are believed to call the Maldives their home. Attracted by rich nutrients they swarm to where they find the most food. Excursions are arranged by the Manta Trust are available to view manta at various nutrient rich zones around the Maldives particularly the Baa Atoll, the Raa Atoll and the Lhaviyani Atoll. These excursions are at the perfect times of the year when masses of planktonic food is found in the water, washed in by the currents. Hundreds and hundreds of mantra swarm to the area and a feeding frenzy ensues.

5.Spa Treatments

Beach and spa resorts are plentiful and found throughout the archipelago. They range from exclusive and private to family friendly. Many facilities are available at the spas, including steam rooms & sauna along with Jacuzzis & hydrotherapy pools. Choose from traditional massage to luxurious facial treatments. Professional staff use a number of techniques and products to ease strained muscles and nourish sun-kissed skin. Blending their skills with traditions from other parts of the world such as Sweden, Bali, Thailand and Japan a unique Maldives spa treatment ensues. You are sure to return home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

6.Sunset Cruise

Sunset in the Maldives is dramatic and there’s no better place to enjoy it than from the deck of a luxury yacht. Enjoy the sky change from cornflower blue to dramatic red as the sun dips towards the horizon. Sip a cocktail, hold hands with your partner, soak up this minute in time – it will never come again – appreciate the pleasure. These kind of unforgettable moments are often found in the Maldives and come into sharp focus when you can enjoy them from the water. Don’t miss enjoying a sunset cruise.

7. Private Dining

The Maldives can be a busy place. Families frolic in warm ocean waters, honeymooning couples, divers and numbers of tourists flock to the islands to enjoy its beauty and varied amenities. But that doesn’t mean there is no privacy available. If you would like a private dining experience, ask the host at your resort and it can easily be arranged. The most popular option is for a table to be set up in a quiet corner of the beach and for you to enjoy an intimate candle-lit dinner with staff providing for your needs. So whether it is for a special occasion or just to celebrate your life together, don’t miss out of this opportunity to make a special memory with powdery sand beneath your feet and the moonlit sea lapping just metres away.

8.Dolphin Cruise

The best time of the day to spot dolphins is early in the morning and later in the afternoon. These creatures of habit feed in the ocean and night and come closer to shore each morning. Later in the day they leave again for their feeding grounds. The Maldives archipelago is one of the most spectacular areas in the world for viewing the thousands of dolphins that majestically leap through the waters of the many islands. Dolphin watching safaris are available for you to get a closer look at these wonderful creatures of the sea. It’s another exciting option for your holiday.

9.Scenic Seaplane Experience

If you truly would like to get a complete overview of the Maldives, there is no better place than to view it than from the air. Trans Maldivian Airways has the largest sea plane fleet in the world. Taking off and landing on the water is an experience in itself. Viewing the archipelago from the sky adds to a unique visual adventure. Enjoy the spectacle of seeing the coral reefs and the sea life as well as the island’s amazing shore line and vegetation.

10.Private Island Experience

Whichever island you visit in the world, there are special places that most visitors don’t know about. The Maldives is no different. The Rania Experience could quite easily become your most favourite holiday of all. An exotic intimate beach, luxurious private home with the exclusive use of the island yacht and personal staff all add up to an unforgettable holiday.

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