Restoring the Body and Mind Without Costing the Earth

Baa is one of 26 atolls in the Maldives, covering an area of 1,200 km.² Its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation is a testament to its breathtaking biodiversity, where seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks draw visitors from afar.

Nestled among the outer chain of small islands that make up Baa atoll is Miriandhoo, home to The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, a picture-perfect retreat, featuring overwater and beachfront villas, delicious yet healthy dining options, and the overwater Heavenly Spa by Westin^TM. It offers the perfect window onto this incredible environment.

First-time visitors to the island should start their day with an invigorating jog around the island to get a sense of this magical place. The property’s architecture is inspired by its aquatic environment, with the roof over the reception area mimicking the shape of a whale shark, while a winding spiral staircase resembles the inside of a shell.

When combined with the island’s natural beauty, from verdant palm trees to shimmering golden sands, the mind clears and the body relaxes – a reminder that the Maldives is as much about mental and physical wellness as it is about appreciating a pristine environment.

After a morning exploring on dry land, it’s time to put on a mask and fins and spend the afternoon beneath the waves.

With hundreds of coral and fish species, Baa atoll is rivaled by very few places on Earth when it comes to diving and snorkeling. For instance, nearby Hanifaru Bay is famous for attracting manta rays in large numbers. This is down to its shape, which acts as a funnel driving large quantities of plankton – the main source of food for the rays – into the bay and closer to the surface.  However, the relatively shallow waters around Miriandhoo are also teeming with turtles, dolphins, sharks, and a huge array of colorful fish.

Afternoons at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort are not all about the ocean though.

Its wellness philosophy – which incorporates the key pillars of Eat Well, Move Well, Play Well, Feel Well, and Sleep Well – encourages guests to maintain their fitness regime at the state-of-the-art fitness center, battle it out on the tennis court, or restore their balance with a yoga session, before indulging in a rejuvenating personal sensory experience at the spa with its glass-bottomed treatment rooms.

"We’ve observed a shift in the way today's travelers are incorporating well-being into their travel routines,” says General Manager Vijay Kumar. “They wake up early for a run and strive to maintain balanced eating habits. And at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, our guests' well-being is our top priority, ensuring they can maintain their routines – even while on holiday."

Whether you’ve spent the afternoon swimming with manta rays or pounding a treadmill, the evening offers a much-needed opportunity to kick back and relax. 

After a sumptuous dinner – with options ranging from refined Japanese cuisine to authentic Asian hawker-style street food – couples can take a dreamy post-dinner stroll under the stars, before heading back to their villa for a little more pampering.

The Sleep Well lavender balm ensures any remaining tensions will slip away, while the resort’s signature Heavenly Bed guarantees a restful night – and a chance to recharge ahead of another full day in paradise.

Guests leave this enchanting place restored and inspired.