In 2021, the phrase “health is wealth” rings truer than ever, as more and more of us look for travel experiences that incorporate wellness and wellbeing. Hotels and resorts are catching on, with many taking the opportunity to revamp their facilities during the past 18 months to cater to this surge in demand.
A case in point is Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, which has given its spa and wellness centre a top-to-toe makeover. Six treatment rooms have been completely remodelled in purest white, with a carbon-black bathtub or traditional Thai massage bed taking centre stage. New saunas (Finnish and infrared) help relieve anxiety, detoxify the body and relieve aches and pains, while hot and cold plunge pools help improve circulation and enhance muscle recovery, as well as rejuvenating the skin. New IV treatments at the medical wellness-focused Cocoon Medi-spa include immune-boosting shots, post-flight recovery infusions and an anti-ageing infusion that promises to revitalise tired skin.
Even general manager Ross Sanders is getting in on the action, offering guests the chance to join him on a 5km run or a 1.5km swim on the house reef each morning, part of his training for an upcoming Ironman. And he is in good company: new resident nutrition and lifestyle consultant Kelly Manning can provide epigenic hair testing to find out the levels of nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and other elements in the body, giving an indication of which lifestyle and dietary changes guests need to work on to optimise health and wellbeing.
Set in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is home to 80 private pool residences and villas as well as a collection of health and wellness-focused activities, including Muay Thai boxing training and professional tennis lessons, as well as stand-up paddle boarding and aerial yoga. Villas start from US $1,550 per night. www.anantara.com