Why the Maldives Is the New Global Hotspot for Self-Care Travel

When Katrina Kaif, Bollywood star, fitness icon, and advocate for mental well-being, was named the Maldives’ global tourism ambassador, it wasn’t just a high-profile announcement. It marked a cultural shift. Once known mainly for honeymoons and luxury escapes, the Maldives is now being recognised as a global sanctuary for self-care and wellness-led travel.

Travellers today are looking for more than beautiful views and luxury suites. They're seeking clarity, balance, and meaningful experiences that help them reset—mentally, physically, and emotionally. The Maldives is meeting that demand with intention, crafting holistic wellness journeys that speak to the modern traveller’s need for both calm and connection.

At Kandima Maldives, wellness isn’t a side offering—it’s central to the resort’s identity. As General ManagerDermot Birchall explains, “The Maldives has long been known for its natural beauty and tranquillity, but today it’s emerging as a true sanctuary for self-care and mindful travel.” He says wellness is no longer a luxury add-on. “The majority of our guests now seek out wellness-driven experiences that go far beyond the spa, from sunrise yoga and ocean-based therapies to guided mindfulness sessions. This shift reflects a deeper desire for balance, restoration, and authentic connection—with nature, with others, and with oneself.” At Kandima, he adds, wellness has been thoughtfully integrated across the entire guest experience—from nutritious dining and unplugged spaces to immersive, nature-centric fitness activities.

Water-based wellness plays a central role in this transformation. Kandima’s aquatic offerings like aqua cycling, paddleboarding, and mobility-focused sessions, combine physical benefits with emotional calm. These low-impact yet highly effective workouts use the ocean as both a tool for strength and a setting for serenity. The result is functional training delivered in one of the world’s most peaceful environments.

Meanwhile, at Kuda Villingili, the wellness philosophy is equally immersive. The resort recently hosted a retreat focused on aqua fitness beside the Maldives’ largest swimming pool, aligning with Blue Mind Theory, which links proximity to water with emotional well-being. Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at the resort, says their goal is to create moments that allow guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves. “The Maldives naturally offers a sense of peace and space, and we build on that with thoughtful experiences such as sunrise and sunset yoga by the ocean, aerial yoga, guided meditation, and water-based therapies in our main pool.” According to Thaufeeg, well over half of their guests, around 60 per cent, engage in at least one wellness activity beyond the traditional spa treatment, with rising interest among teenagers and younger travellers as well.

Pratheesh Keloth Valappil, Spa Manager at Kuda Villingili, agrees that the wellness landscape has shifted dramatically. “Over the past three years, we’ve seen a remarkable shift in guest expectations. Travellers are no longer looking for just a spa treatment; they’re seeking complete wellness journeys that nurture body, mind, and spirit. We’ve responded by expanding our programs—from sunrise yoga and curated nutrition plans to mindfulness workshops and multi-day wellness residencies—so guests can truly reconnect with themselves while enjoying the island’s natural beauty.”

Food is also an integral part of the self-care equation. With 88 per cent of high-net-worth travellers citing gastronomy as a primary reason to travel, the Maldives is responding with menus that serve both indulgence and intention. At Kandima, Azure features the Mediterranean diet with its focus on whole grains, fruits, and olive oil, while Smoked offers grilled seafood and protein-rich meals that support a fitness-forward lifestyle. At Kuda Villingili, guests can explore seven globally inspired restaurants, three stylish bars, and an exclusive whisky and cigar lounge, turning every meal into a mindful celebration of flavour and culture.

For those who define self-care through solitude, the Maldives delivers in a way few places can. Kandima’s Castaway Island experience, a private sandbank minutes from the main resort, lets guests choose from a curated picnic bento, champagne and canapés, or a chef-prepared BBQ. It’s a luxury stripped of noise and clutter, offering rare space to just be.

But the Maldives also caters to travellers who recharge through motion. At Kuda Villingili, guests can surf at Chickens Break, one of the country’s most iconic waves, or dive into high-adrenaline activities like jet skiing, kayaking, and guided snorkelling. This blend of energy and serenity means guests can define self-care in a way that’s true to them.

In 2025, the Maldives welcomed over 1.1 million visitors, with 72 per cent choosing resort stays. That number reflects more than just a love for island living, it shows a growing global appetite for personalised, wellness-led travel experiences.

With its natural serenity, thoughtfully designed experiences, and a rising cultural profile powered by ambassadors like Katrina Kaif, the Maldives isn’t just where people go to relax. It’s where they go to heal, reflect, and return home better than they arrived.