About Time: You Went on a Wellness Escape to the OZEN Collection, MaldivesBy Alicia Grimshaw
In the heart of the Maldives, where the azure sea stretches endlessly and the sands are kissed by the tropical sun, lies a pair of paradisiacal retreats that redefine the concept of luxury: OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. These exquisite properties, belonging to the OZEN Collection, offer bespoke wellness journeys, for guests to enjoy at their own pace.
These island sanctuaries (located a short boat ride away from Male Airport), and found in the South Male Atoll, are known for their all-inclusive packages including accommodation, restaurants, drinks (a choice of 92 top wines no less), along with a seemingly endless programme of activities and spa treatments.
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: Wellness Guide
The smaller of the two properties, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a tranquil palm-painted oasis of serenity. With 94 gorgeously designed villas dotted across the island, the all-inclusive, uber-luxe resort has everything you need for an unparalleled wellness escape. The philosophy here revolves around five elements – Wind, Water, Fire, Earth, and Wood – creating a unique and transformative experience for every guest.
Found in one of the most beautiful bays on the island is the Elena Spa, surrounded by lily-pad peppered ponds, relaxing day beds and home to eight over-water treatment rooms which boast glass-bottom floors, allowing you to witness the marine life beneath. It’s a very special place that will stay with you long after your holiday ends.
Treatments are varied and tailored to individual needs; think coconut shell massages, restorative face therapies, detoxifying scrubs, bamboo massages and lots more (we sadly don’t have the word count to mention every treatment, but trust us there’s everything you can think of). During my stay, I opted for the Maldivian Sand Bundle which is a native therapy, and uses warm sand-filled pouches to knead away body pain and release muscular tension. The ideal treatment for getting over a serious bout of jet lag.
The essence of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s spa experience lies in its personalisation. The staff are inviting and show genuine hospitality without being overbearing, and understand that your wellness break is a unique voyage, and they are adept at offering suggestions. You’re entitled to one free treatment per four-day stay, but honestly, it’s unsurprising that many cough up for a few more massages.
As you navigate through your bespoke wellness journey, you’ll discover a fully equipped gym (with incredible views of the turquoise waters from the cross trainer), a salt pool that invites you to immerse in the healing powers of the ocean, steam sauna facilities for a cleansing embrace, a salon for a touch of indulgence, and a boutique offering curated products to extend the wellness experience beyond your stay.
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: Wellness Guide
Just a short 20-minute boat ride from the mainland lies OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. With a larger expanse compared to its sibling property, the island seamlessly integrates wellness into every facet of its luxurious offerings. Here, the focus is on holistic rejuvenation, be it morning yoga, plant-based eating (new menus have just been introduced across the property’s restaurants), Reiki or water-based therapies.
The multi-faceted ELE | NA spa is all-encompassing; playing host to daily wellbeing-focused workshops, yoga of all varieties (aerial, restorative, yin, you name it), and one-to-one sessions with practitioners.
In line with the resort’s philosophy of inclusivity, guests at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI have the flexibility to choose their own ‘Wellness Your Way’ programme, inspired by Ayurvedic principles. There are three options – Wellness Seeker Journey, Wellness Rendezvous Journey, and the Wellness Rejuvenation Journey – and allows guests to immerse themselves in a full-blown wellness package or simply indulge in a few targeted massages.
During my stay, I delved into the unique experience of Ocean Therapy – a treatment that I’ve never experienced before. Picture this: being cradled like a newborn in the soothing embrace of saltwater. Over 60 minutes, the skilled therapist not only guided me through gentle stretches but also allowed the high magnesium content in the saltwater to work its magic. The morning yoga sessions, which took place in the foilage-filled garden, under the Maldivian sunrise, were pretty incredible (and I’m about as flexible as a kitchen worktop).
At Bolifushi, it’s all about what works best for you and your requirements. I informed the therapist I was a fan of Thai massage, and she kindly explained about a fusion therapy massage which combined the art of yoga with deep tissue pressure, and muscle and joint stretching.
To call ELE | NA just a spa would be selling this place short. It’s an artfully curated space where healing isn’t confined to the treatment rooms but extends to every corner, offering a holistic embrace of mind, body, and spirit. This place promises so much in terms of well-being and wellness and believe me, it delivers on it all. There’s a gym with top-of-the-range equipment, a garden within the spa growing all kinds of herbs and vegetables, group training classes and the team are always actively searching for new treatments for guests. It’s no wonder OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI topped the all-inclusive category in TripAdvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice Award.
Whether you choose the elemental embrace of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO or the island opulence of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, one thing is certain: you’re in for a wellness escape like no other.
Save 15% on a seven-night stay at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO with Inspiring Travel, with prices starting from £4,250pp based on two sharing an Earth Villa on an ultra all-inclusive basis, including return flights and transfers.
Save 15% on a seven-night stay at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI with Inspiring Travel, with prices starting from £5,799pp based on two sharing an Earth Pool Villa Sunrise on an ultra all-inclusive basis, including return flights and transfers.