The influence of The Far East and India has had a major influence in today's healthy and relaxed lifestyle of taking care of mind and body. Central to the Maldivian way of life is the Spa, a feature of all of our selected resorts.

The stunning architectural designs of Maldivian Spas are more like natural sanctuaries and beautifully blend in with the natural surroundings. Quality, comfort, peace and utter mind-body relaxation with professional staff are paramount.

In the Maldives, spas are truly world class. Programmes are designed to sooth, pamper and spoil in the most wonderful environment where guests can achieve a perfect balance suited to their  needs with mental quietude, physical wellbeing and spiritual balance through massage and hydrotherapy -  and if a more serious 'detox' regime is contemplated - through Yoga, *Ayurveda and *Ayurvedic medicine and other holistic treatments.

Most spas have private treatment rooms. Therapy programmes range from a fabulous one hour massage and body scrub to a full week of rejuvenation, recharging and relaxing. To give you an example of just how reasonable costs are compared to the UK, the average price of a one-hour full massage is approximately £50.

Yoga and Tai Chi can add to slightly more physical exertions while even more sedate activities include nothing more than lazing at the beauty parlour, perhaps for a manicure, pedicure and new hair style. Walks or jogs along the beach, beach-combing at low tide or strolling along a resort's soft white beaches to watch a fiery tropical sunset all add to the harmony of what may truly be the greatest escape of all.

About Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural healing and healthcare that originated in India and is widely embraced in India and Sri Lanka, and to a smaller extent in the major Spas in the Maldives.

It is directed at an individuals prevention and immunity from disease, promoting and enhancing the body's own ability for balance and wellbeing. This holistic system works on the ancient principle that a human's mind, body and soul are inextricably linked - with illness being the result of an 'imbalance' in a person's 'doshas' (make-up).

Good health can be achieved through the delicate balance of the body's *five natural elements - *earth, *fire, *water, *air and *ether. A perfect balance of the body is reached by a process of 'Panchakarma' - which is to cleanse, purify, pacify and nourish -involving meditation and yoga, massage, inhalation, expurgation, skin absorption and a balanced diet. Only natural ingredients are used as preventative medicines, thereby creating a perfect body harmony/balance without any side-effects.

Not for you? Feeling guilty about not doing anything at all? Watch the fish off the resort pier, or sit back in the sun or shade, breathe crystal clear Maldivian sea air, sip a cocktail and catch up with your favourite book you have been planning to read for months… or sleep. And sleep some more. That's also health and wellbeing, Maldivian style. That's life.