New openings


Despite the challenges of the past couple of years, the spa world is still welcoming plenty of exciting new additions. Here are some of the best. Words: Leo Bear


JOA L I B E ING, BODUFUS HI I S LAND, MALDIVE S


OPENED NOVEMBER 2021 Occupying a pinprick island in the Raa Atoll (40 minutes by seaplane from Malè) this Eden-like newcomer promises next-level transformation. The whole island is dedicated to wellness with 39 treatment rooms and 68 guest villas. Facility- wise, there’s nothing they don’t have: state-of-the-art fitness gear, over-water meditation deck, Russian banya, sensory deprivation room, you name it. Experts are on hand 24/7 to check your pulse or hand you an ice-cold flannel — among them a resident herbologist and sound healer. The belief here is that education is the key to long-lasting


wellness. Hence the daily lectures, workshops and group classes in everything from Afro dance to tai chi. Aktar is the retreat’s fragrant herbology centre, home to a


laboratory and library filled with spiritual tomes. It’s here that the island’s aforementioned herbologist pummels herbs, spices and essential oils into remedies for all manner of afflictions. Show a little interest and she’ll even hand you a pestle and mortar and teach you to make your own. It’s impossible not to be wowed by Joali Being. The


chlorophyll-packed environs and microscopic attention to detail underpin nature as the guiding principle. Every woven palm has been placed according to biophilic design principles that are said to eliminate negative vibrations and harness the energy of the Earth. Needless to say, not a single tree was disturbed during construction. Immersive programmes ranging from five nights to three


weeks focus on strength and vitality, mental clarity and wellbeing, hormonal balance, digestive and weight rebalance, restorative sleep, movement and alignment. joalibeing.com


28 nationalgeographic.co.uk/collection


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