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[ 42 ] • # dayspamagazine • july 2017 spa showcase by Marina Kay NEED TO KNOW The 15th St. Regis resort (stregis.com/maldives) opened on its own Maldivian island in November 2016. Located on the unspoiled Dhaalu Atoll, its 22 acres include 77 villas and a stand-alo ne spa that "fl oats" above the Indian Ocean. "Iridium Spa is the fi rst overwater spa in the Maldives and has an amazing architectural design," says director of spa and recreation Sudheesh Sudhakaran of the futuristic 20,000-square-foot space. Meaning "of rainbows" in ancient Greek, Iridium Spa features six couples' treatment suites, including two Ayurvedic suites with private steam rooms; separate wet areas with locker facilities; relaxation room with a glass fl oor for watching fi sh; spa boutique; covered terrace with a view of the water; and Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool, equipped with high-pressure water jets and massage cannons. NOTEWORTHY This is the fi rst Iridium Spa in the Marriott brand to off er intensive Ayurvedic and wellness programs, notes Sudhakaran. "A dedicated Ayurvedic practitioner performs consultations for guests and creates customized spa programs during their stay," explains the spa director. Iridium also has its own yoga master who leads anti-gravity yoga sessions, and is the only spa in the Maldives with a special hydrotherapy saltwater pool. SIGNATURE SERVICE "The Ultimate Maldivian Hafl a (180 min./$500) is a locally inspired ritual. 'Hafl a' in the Maldivian language (Divehi) means 'ceremony,'" explains Sudhakaran. The treatment begins with a coconut milk foot soak, followed by a hibiscus body exfoliation and a relaxing, oil-scented bath soak overlooking the Indian Ocean. The client then receives a full-body massage using Maldivian sea shells and warm virgin coconut oil, fi nished with an enzymatic facial. u COURTESY ST. REGIS MALDIVES VOMMULI RESORT Iridium Spa St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort ga zi ne • ju ly 2 01 7 G L O B E T R O T T I N G MALDIVES