Water is life-giving. We all know we’re dependent on it for daily survival – from basic bodily functioning to irrigating crops for our food – but even more than that, water holds benefits for our well-being and even our minds. It’s one of those wondrous gifts of nature that offers a vast range of ways to find calm, healing and reinvigoration.
Naturally, in the Maldives, we’re surrounded by water, by a majestic deep-blue ocean that reminds us daily of its beauty and necessity in our lives. At The Nautilus, where one of our core focuses is providing our guests respite from the worries of the world, we truly embrace the healing power of water.
The therapeutic nature of water
Water has a multisensory effect on one’s body and mind. Simply gazing at a body of water inspires calm and contentment; the colour blue, in fact, has been found to have a substantial relaxing effect. And the sounds of the water’s movement – from crashing waves to gentle lapping – enhance that feeling of serenity significantly. Then there’s touch: the skin-tingling invigoration of a cool swim on a hot day, the soothing embrace of a warm bath for tired muscles; even cleansing the skin can be a mindful act of self-care.
This relaxing effect of water is more than mental; studies have shown that the benefits are physiological as well: Being immersed in water triggers the calming hormones of the parasympathetic nervous system, improves circulation and slows the heart rate. “Pink noise” – the term describing the sound of water – has been shown to improve sleep and memory, and even simply being near so-called blue spaces has been shown to improve health.
To aid a return to peace and vitality, The Nautilus has a number of water therapies and activities on offer. Read on for just a few of our favourites.
- Indulgent treatments at our overwater spa
Since Roman times, people have taken to the waters to enjoy its restorative effects. At our exquisite Solasta Spa, we continue this age-old tradition. Even the design of the spa itself optimises the wonderful effects of water, with the structure stretched over The Nautilus’s house lagoon, every view saturated in the surrounding serenity of the tourmaline ocean. What’s more, the treatment rooms have glass-bottomed floors, inviting you to get lost in the dreamy underwater world as you undergo your treatment.
- Open-air bathing rituals
Our overwater Solasta Spa has a number of spa journeys that incorporate bath rituals in their line-up of treatments, and they can be added to any other treatment you like. Imagine immersing yourself in an open-air bath in our expansive spa pavilion, where the water is set to the perfect temperature and infused with fragrant herbs and flowers to work their natural, aromatic magic.
For the ultimate in therapeutic bathing indulgence, opt for some additions by Omorovicza. This award-winning skincare company sources its ingredients straight from the thermal waters of Hungary to create a range of luxurious, bathing products rich in beneficial minerals and trace elements, including detoxifying and restorative bath salts, and essential oils that nourish the skin, release toxins, soothe the senses and calm the mind.
- Snorkelling in the embrace of the big blue
When you slip below the surface of the waves, the noise of the outside world is drowned out; you become weightless and free in a womb-like comfort, untethered from earthly concerns. This full immersion under water positively affects your entire physiology and encourages a unique kind of mindfulness. You emerge exhilarated, refreshed and ready for the next adventure.
There’s also something particularly revitalising about being so directly connected with nature. So when the water in question is the salty tropical ocean – abounding with its own natural treasures – the effect on your well-being is exponential. Simply grab your flippers and snorkel and slip under the water’s surface, surrendering to the kaleidoscopic marvels of another world. Our house lagoon is teeming with marine life – and just a few steps from your sun deck.
Should you fancy something further afield, our AquaNautica team is eager to arrange a snorkelling expedition at one of the spectacular neighbouring dive sites, including the world-famous Hanifaru Bay with its manta rays and whale sharks.
Experience the profound curative effect of being surrounded by the sea – in the sanctuary of your ultra-luxury private island home.
Get in touch at [email protected] or talk to us at +960 730 98 18 to begin crafting your journey.