Review – We Check in to ELE|NA Elements of Nature at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, Maldives

Cited as one of the Maldives’ most luxurious all-inclusive resorts, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI offers an idyllic escape just 35 minutes by speedboat from Malé. Located in the South Malé Atoll, the resort is renowned for its opulent villas, exceptional dining experiences, house reef, and holistic wellness offerings…

Capturing the quintessential luxury paradise island aesthetic for which the Maldives is famed, the resort blends contemporary design with eco-conscious elegance. 90 private villas, each with its own pool and direct access to the lagoon or beach, fringe the circumference of the island – along with an array of ocean-side bars and high-end eateries.

Celebrated for its all-inclusive RESERVE Plan – which includes everything from champagne (or fresh coconut water) and canapés on arrival to a private (second to none) butler service – the true heart of the resort lies in its wonderful spa and wellness offerings…

ELE|NA Elements of Nature

At the heart of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI lies ELE|NA Elements of Nature — an ocean-meets-forest sanctuary dedicated to holistic wellbeing. Larger than your average Maldivian spa, this retreat has been thoughtfully designed as a peaceful haven where guests can unwind, indulge and embark on a personalised wellness journey. You’ll find tailored treatments and rituals, wellness workshops, sound bath sessions, and yoga classes on a dedicated outdoor pavilion with ocean views.

Spa and wellness facility highlights include nine tranquil treatment rooms set over the water and amongst the tropical gardens, a yoga pavilion, a Zen garden, a beauty salon and a spa boutique. All are nestled within verdant surroundings of banyan trees, aloe plants and swaying beach palms.

Harnessing the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and adaptogen-powered botanicals, the results-driven skincare and signature Philosophia Botanica treatments restore balance, resilience, and radiance, inside and out.

The spa’s ‘Wellness Your Way’ programmes are curated into three tailored journeys: Wellness Seeker, Wellness Rendezvous and Wellness Rejuvenation. Each is designed to suit individual needs and is available at both OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and its sister island, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO.

Our taster of the Wellness Seeker programme included the Bolifushi Escape Couples Treatment — a dreamy ritual combining a full-body scrub and bamboo massage, followed by a petal-infused bath at the water’s edge. We also loved our floating meditation session: drifting weightlessly in the saltwater pool on soft floats, with the soothing resonance of singing bowls and a gentle sway guided by our therapist. We slipped into a meditative state and emerged feeling relaxed and noticeably lighter.

The highlight of our programme, however, was the private sound bath session with Lalit in the Zen Garden. Surrounded by stillness and lush greenery, we immediately felt our shoulders drop. The session began with an introduction to sound bath meditation and an explanation of how each bowl’s vibration aligns with different parts of the body and mind. After a guided breathing session, we experienced a mesmerising 30-minute sequence of sounds and vibrations that left us feeling profoundly grounded. As we opened our eyes, the garden was in darkness, softly lit by flickering candles — it was a truly transformative experience.

The spa’s complimentary weekly wellness activities include a wide range of classes at the overwater gym, as well as Tai Chi, sunrise and sunset yoga, Pilates, Ayurveda workshops and guided group meditation sessions. Wellness workshops take place at the Vihaara, which doubles as a spa café, serving nourishing plant-based dishes and fresh juices.

TO STAY

There’s a choice of 90 beach or overwater villas. Spanning 418 square metres, our Earth Pool Villa Sunrise featured a four-poster king-size bed, a lounge area, and a spacious bathroom with an outdoor tub. The standout features — aside from our incredible villa butler, Shugau — were the private lap pool, which wrapped around the villa, and the large garden offering direct access to the beach. Thoughtful touches included Asprey bath products, a Nespresso machine and fresh fruit daily.

TO EAT

Dining at the resort offers a range of inclusive options to suit all tastes. Each restaurant features dedicated plant-based menus, ensuring that vegan, vegetarian and health-conscious guests are well catered for.

Saffron, the resort’s signature Indian restaurant, serves an elevated ocean-side Thali experience with both meat and vegetarian options, alongside a dedicated plant-based selection. Sangu Beach offers Moroccan mezze and tagines in a relaxed beachfront setting, while Soyi takes guests on a pan-Asian culinary journey.

British Airways flies from London Heathrow to Malé, Maldives from £759 return, including taxes and fees.
Please visit www.britishairways.com to book.