Unwind in the Maldives at The Sun Spa by Healing Earth

The Sun Spa at Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is an oasis of tropical calm set amidst the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean is the perfect way to detox on a Maldivian holiday.

Editor’s Note: Those who travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before traveling.

In the post-pandemic era, the Maldives has emerged as a safe-haven destination for travelers because the country has mandated several COVID-19 protocols for entry and exit. Perhaps this is why it has become one of the top choices for a destination holiday.

With its one resort per island policy, the Maldives is perfect for a socially distant vacation. The Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru is at the northern Noonu Atoll in the Maldives. It’s located in the middle of the ocean, and it is a breathtakingly beautiful setting for a relaxing holiday. 

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The tropical sanctuary can be reached via a 45-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport. The retreat has 72 overwater pool villas, 30 beach pool suites, and three beach spa pool residences that come with a private plunge pool as well. The retreat welcomes LGBTQ travelers as well as LGBTQ couples, making this a safe place to holiday. The in-house restaurants serve a delicious mélange of gastronomic delights and delectable seafood. They also organize candle-lit dinners on the beach with prior notice. 

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And since you are on an island, a spa experience here was something that is a must, and naturally, I was looking forward to it. The Sun Spa by Healing Earth is spread over a whopping 7200 square feet. 

A white-sand path flanked by tropical lush green landscape brought me to the entrance of the spa that has an ornate wood carved door and is done up in an ocean theme complete with marine motifs, present in a glass floor underneath and on the cushions on the sofas. I am greeted by spa manager Amelia who welcomes me with a cup of cool tamarind water. 

I was recommended the signature Raahlu Symphony (Raahlu means ocean wave in Dhivehi, the local language) and the treatment itself is inspired by gentle waves. Once I fill out a spa consultation form that asks me basic questions on my health as well as what areas I want the therapist to focus on, I am asked to choose the oil I’d like for the treatment. The spa offers a choice of five oils for detox (mongongo nut), uplift (eucalyptus) anti-cellulite (coffee & cinnamon), moisture (coconut), and hydrate (Kalahari melon). I liked the Kalahari melon oil for its sweet fragrance and my therapist Sumi from Bhutan led me to my overwater treatment room located on a jetty.

Once I change, I am asked to dip my feet in a bowl of cool water where a foot cleansing is done using sea salt and tea leaves, said to be a good antiseptic. Then I lie face down on my stomach and to my utter delight, it is a glass floor with a view of the ocean below and I am lucky to see hundreds of colorful fish through the session. 

After a quick stretch, Sumi starts the massage from the back and hands using her palms as well as her lower arms and elbow with the right amount of pressure to even out all the knots from my back. She then uses elongated strokes to massage both my legs and using her knuckles ensures that my feet are completely activated. The synchronic strokes have the effect of lulling me into sleep. The deeply relaxing massage strokes feel like a Godsend as I have had a long travel and schedule to reach the resort. Once I turn over, she massages the front of my feet and hands and gives me a light stomach massage. After a dry head massage, the 60-minute session comes to an end. 

I am advised to leave the oil (that I never felt as it was so light) on my skin for at least two hours before I shower. Sipping a warm ginger tea and munching on candied dry fruits, I feel completely at ease and glad to have experienced a slice of luxury island life. If you are looking for a holiday with the ocean breeze for company and nothing but nature all around you, look no further than Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives. It is a great way to unwind.

Address: Kuredhivaru Noonu Atoll, 20026.
Spa Hours: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Phone:  +960 656 3000