Maldivian Mindfulness
When it comes to island getaways, nothing sounds more enticing than an overwater bungalow. Except, perhaps, an overwater spa. Find both in the Maldives, the tiny island nation in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Located on the Baa Atoll within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara is home to some of the Maldives’ greatest showstoppers, including an underwater restaurant and astronomy-themed rooftop bar and observatory with the most powerful telescope in the country—so it’s only natural for a spa experience that’s over the top too.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Spa

Six overwater treatment suites foster a sensation of floating at sea thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Ease your transition after flying halfway around the world with the Slumber Guru massage, a 90-minute, in-room treatment of a candlelit bath and a lavender oil massage, which lends to the most sublime sleep. The resort’s multiple “Masters of Wellness” include a resident Ayurvedic specialist and a wellness nurse, who runs the Cocoon Medical Spa that specializes in restorative facials, vitamin IV infusions, and weight-loss therapies. The utmost in hand, foot, and nail care can be achieved at Studio Révérence by Bastien Gonzalez. If you’re staying in the Two Bedroom Sunset Over Water Pool Residence, you need not worry about choosing between the spa’s extensive offerings. Try them all with a special unlimited spa package and enjoy private treatments in the villa’s own couple’s spa room, inclusive of glass-bottom floors. Per this package, guests have two spa therapists at their beck and call for treatments throughout their stay and can mix and match massages, body treatments, and bath rituals. anantara.com

Six Senses Laamu

Wellness lies at the core of this sole resort in the Maldives’ secluded Laamu Atoll, starting with its swoon-worthy spa nestled in the jungle of Olhuveli Island. Here lie nine colossal treatment “nests,” each crafted from sticks and branches, surfacing as powerful cocoon-like vessels for guests of the island’s 97 overwater and beachfront villas.

Six Senses Laamu Spa

Among myriad signature massages, facials, and body treatments, a highlight is the Laamu Kaashi Theyo, a three-in-one scrub, wrap, and massage, using products derived from local coconuts. In addition, the spa specializes in multiday programs that incorporate ancient healing traditions, proper nutrition, holistic spa treatments, yoga, sleep therapies, and physical fitness into a stay. After a personal screening, a practitioner designs a bespoke program that may include elements of Ayurvedic healing, meditation, fitness, and self-reflection. “We provide a personal experience for every guest who arrives,” says Janice Vigo, spa manager and integrated wellness practitioner. “From those looking to unwind after a day with the kids, to those seeking a transformative experience, we have specifically crafted programs and experiences to suit anyone.” sixsenses.com

Niyama Private Islands Maldives

The majority of resorts in the Maldives channel hideaway vibes, but the 134-room Niyama goes rogue with a carpe diem mantra: guests are encouraged to fully explore and experience its twin islands, aptly named “Play” and “Chill.” Play is all about fitness and activities such as cycling, world-class surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, Jet Skiing, and yoga—with an idyllic duet of white sands and turquoise waters as a constant backdrop. Meanwhile, Chill allows guests to reconnect with nature and themselves, through ambles on long stretches of beach and afternoons beside the sleekest of infinity pools.

Drift Spa

Choose from Drift’s six overwater treatment rooms for the stunning views, or the two spacious garden sanctuaries for the lush private enclaves with reflection ponds, outdoor baths, rain showers, and daybeds. Enjoy Anne Semonin or Elemis facials plus treatments designed specifically for the property such as the signature Niyama Scrub, which uses Maldivian coral sand and a house coconut oil to polish and refresh the skin. Given its wildly popular kids’ program, Drift presents a full-service kids’ treatment menu as well as a family spa menu, where mom or dad plus the kids can get treatments side by side, making it a most memorable family affair. niyama.com

The Nautilus Beach and Ocean Houses Maldives

With just 26 boho-chic bungalows, this boutique, Maldivian-owned resort is the Maldives’ only Relais & Chateaux property. Guests can completely indulge in their tropical castaway fantasies—big and small, anywhere, anytime—through its culture of “unscripted dining” and “free-spirited experiences.” These may include an impromptu sandbar picnic for two, a scheduled dive with manta rays, or a last-minute aerial yoga session with the resident yogi, followed by a healing volcanic-stone massage. No request is too much.

Solasta Spa

This small but mighty spa has three glass-bottomed, overwater treatment pavilions plus two overwater relaxation lounges overlooking the marine life-rich waters of the Baa Atoll. Organic products by Maison Caulières and Omorovicza are used in a variety of treatments, including the brands’ signature eponymous massages, both designed to improve circulation, with one employing Hungarian, deep-pressure techniques. Spa Journeys combine Solasta’s signature experiences for enriching and nourishing hours-long sessions. After sunrise yoga, for example, try the Elan: Spa Morning Dawn of Senses, a body brush and cleansing facial, followed by an aromatic steam bath, and a light, classical European Maison Caulières massage. thenautilusmaldives.com