This summer, to cleanse the mind and soul, head to Maldives. You heard that right. The private island resort, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, has launched a series of Ayurvedic retreats, curated by its in-house Ayurveda doctor at its over-water Iridium Spa. The unique lobster-shaped Iridium Spa , perched above the clear waters of the secluded Dhaalu Atoll, is a spa heaven. It is the largest overwater spa in the Maldives. These Wellness Voyages  are curated to give you a pure relaxed indulgence in a paradise, with tips to live a healthy and happy life when you return home. Choose among the three, five or seven-day retreats to promote good health.  

Each retreat begins with a one-to-one private lifestyle consultation with the doctor. Lasting 30 minutes, the session includes a pulse diagnosis, a series of lifestyle-analysing questions and a questionnaire to complete. The doctor uses this information to establish guests’ body type in addition to the state of their physical and mental health, and creates a bespoke recommended lifestyle programme of diet and activity. Following the assessment, guests will receive a specially recommended combination of spa treatments and private yoga sessions that have been tailored based on their individual requirements. The Ayurvedic rituals include massages, exfoliation and steam treatments to encourage good health and relaxation.

The retreats are:

Navikarana (Renewal): It’s a three-day retreat ($890) which includes a wellness consultation; a 75-minute Abhyanga treatment (a four-handed massage with medicated herbal oils); two two-hour treatments, based on the doctor’s recommendations; a private yoga session

 Ashwasa (Recovery): The five-day retreat is priced at $1,475 and includes, two wellness consultations; a 75-minute Abhyanga treatment; four two-hour treatments; based on the doctor’s recommendations and two private yoga sessions

Punarjanma (Rebirth): The seven-day package is priced at $2,125. The inclusions are six two-hour treatments, based on the doctor’s recommendations and three private yoga sessions apart from two wellness consultations and the Abhyanga treatment. 

Getting there: There are direct flights to Male, the capital, from three Indian cities, namely Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru. All other cities have connecting flights. Carriers such as SpiceJet, Indigo, Vistara etc. fly to Male from India. Sea plane transfers from Male to St. Regis start from $665 return per person. Stay at the private island is from $1,575 a night in the Garden Villa with pool. Indians do not require a pre-arrival visas to enter Maldives. A free Maldives tourist visa is valid for approximately 90 days which is issued on arrival at the Male airport.