Win a five-night hotel stay at Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa in Saint Lucia
Home / Travel / Hotels, Resorts & Villas

Spa Review: AyurMa at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives

Rupali Dean discovers a secluded sanctuary of rejuvenation and tranquillity.

By Rupali Dean   |  

Nestled within the idyllic surroundings of Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, AyurMa Spa is a true paradise on earth. This exquisite resort is celebrated for its soft white sands and breath-taking natural beauty, and at the heart of the island lies the spa, a sanctuary of rejuvenation and tranquillity.

For a seamless travel experience, opt for a scenic seaplane ride from Malé or the nearby Four Seasons Kuda Huraa if you are indulging in a dual-resort getaway. The resort attests a sophisticated yet inviting grandeur: with lofty ceilings, private cabanas, and bespoke wellness treatments, it embodies the essence of luxurious relaxation. Explore the island at your leisure on bicycles adorned with personalised license plates, or beckon a golf buggy for a quick journey across the property. The staff’s enthusiasm and warmth when discussing the myriad treatments underscore the spa’s significance to the overall resort experience, promising an unforgettable retreat tailored to your needs.

Journey to holistic wellness

ayurma spa yoga
The spa embodies holistic wellness with activities such as yoga therapy

AyurMa aka ‘mother of life’, a sanctuary for both people and planet, embodies holistic wellness through Ayurveda, yoga therapy, and naturopathy, and elegantly unfolds into two distinct realms, anchored by a tasteful central reception. On one side, luxurious over-water treatment rooms host Western therapies, harmoniously adjoining a chic hair studio and a stylish manicure and pedicure suite.

Conversely, a graceful walkway adorned with Tibetan prayer flags ushers one toward the Ayurvedic consultation room and an enchanting spa garden. This botanical haven flourishes with plants and herbs integral to the treatments, while the tranquil wooden huts scattered throughout invite an immersive experience, serenaded by the gentle chirping of birds.

Upon arrival, a thoughtful consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor commenced my journey. After a brief form to identify our doshas, the doctor, eyes closed, expertly assessed my pulse and elucidated my Ayurvedic identity alongside pertinent health concerns. Within thirty enlightening minutes, I was introduced to a bespoke regimen tailored for my stay, recommending delightful activities such as exercise, walking, and yoga. Additionally, guidance on nutrition and hydration left me feeling embraced by warmth and care. Every day offered the opportunity to practice yoga under the guidance of a resident yogi.

Morning sessions of aqua yoga in the saltwater pool are invigorating, while the anti-gravity yoga, suspended gracefully from silken fabrics in the spa pavilion, adds a unique dimension to the experience. For those seeking adventure, a yoga energy trail around the island beckons, culminating in a serene Tree Pose over the shimmering lagoon. The Ayurvedic treatments offered here resonate with authenticity, where skilled therapists incorporate raw oils, herbal powders, singing bowls, and the sacred power of Tibetan symbols and chants into each session.

Harmony in healing

ayurma spa massage
AyurMa Spa offers a diverse menu of treatments that caters to every preference

Well-travelled spa enthusiasts will discover that Landaa elevates the spa experience to new heights, offering a diverse menu that caters to every preference. The Ila treatments integrate seamlessly with the Western offerings, while a holistic approach awaits in the form of acupuncture performed by the resident Chinese doctor. Each option is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a harmonious journey towards well-being.

My journey began with the Elakkizhi treatment, a blissful 120-minute immersion into herbal poultice tranquillity. The experience commenced with a grounding foot ritual, followed by the synchronised efforts of two therapists delivering an exquisite full-body massage with warm herbal bags. As the soothing warmth enveloped my body, I soon found myself drifting into a state of pure relaxation, culminating in ten minutes of private steam that left my senses renewed.

Next, my partner and I indulged in the Omkara Ritual for Couples, a deeply intimate 180-minute escape designed to harmonise our energies. This exquisite treatment paired us with both talented therapists, who worked in unison to balance the innate Yin and Yang within us. A journey of reconnection and rejuvenation, it included a sumptuous foot ritual, a relaxing massage, a delicate facial touch, and a delightful bath enriched with frangipani and hibiscus flowers.

The experience concluded with the gentle chants of our therapists, who lovingly tied a red bracelet around my wrist – an enduring symbol of our shared journey until it naturally falls away. It was truly an unforgettable experience, one that revived both body and soul. Couples seeking to reconnect will find the Omkara treatment exceptionally memorable – it’s an experience worth a trip to the Maldives all on its own.

AyurMa’s commitment to planetary wellbeing transcends its serene spa environment, intertwining with community outreach and leading conservation efforts, reflecting the resort’s vision for a sustainable future on the island. For those in pursuit of wellness, the spa team here displays remarkable expertise in Ayurveda and yoga; after just two rejuvenating days, we departed feeling entirely revitalised.

Factbox

Spa Escapade costs £200 plus taxes approximately inclusive of the below package.

Experience seamless round-trip shared seaplane transfers for two from Velana International Airport to Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru via Trans Maldivian Airways (may include a brief stop). Enjoy daily breakfast at Café Landaa or Blu Restaurant for two, indulge in a 120-minute spa ritual, and receive a 60-minute massage or facial for two, all included in a four-night stay.

Address: Four Seasons Resort Maldives At Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
Phone: +960 660 0888
Website: fourseasons.com

Photography courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Maldives.