The Standard is the perfect island getaway. The opulent resort is a short seaplane ride from the capital city of Malé, situated on a beautiful private island. The setting presents itself as a blend of tranquillity and thrill, relaxation and adventure.
A heaven for all the water babies out there, your itinerary will include snorkelling in a naturally protected house reef or dive deep on a boat excursion through the local waters. The Standard Spa features a public hammam, an aroma steam room, daily yoga activity, and nine exclusive treatment rooms to ensure that you leave the spa feeling revitalised. The perfect vacation!
I arrived at the port and was whisked away on a yacht to an island, just in time for sunset. Upon my arrival at the resort, The Standard’s Tonic Bar had amazing cocktails to offer, my personal favourites being the Huruvalhi frappes and Ron Turbinado.
I was given the option of selecting either the Ocean View Villa or the Beach Villa. Who would want to pass up an opportunity that allows you to access your private pool and then go directly to the beach in just two steps? So it was a no-brainer, and I enjoyed the pool!
SEVA Experience Wellness
SEVA Experience is a multifarious display of a space that conveys, inspires and enables life to unfold organically in tune with the cosmos. It’s a haven for the contemplative traveller, providing learning opportunities for those who want to rebalance their lives.
This wellness centre provides workshops and private sessions in emotional and physical bodywork, family and relationship therapy, energetic treatments, and astrology readings, as well as a variety of treatments and sessions led by facilitators.
SEVA founder Eda Gungor and SEVA’s Chef Kiki led a group of fellow vacationers and me on a five-day journey to encourage deep reflection and reconnect with ourselves and the natural world. We participated in ‘Glow in the Dark Yoga’ under the full moon, as well as other multi-sensory activities such as the Kundalini session, Sunset Energy Cleansing, a Water Blessing ceremony, and Hammam Cacao Sound Bathing.
We also attended chanting masterclasses and crystal healing sessions, which helped us to focus on our breathing. These sessions honoured and celebrated the feeling of being a woman by connecting to the body and the feminine power. Overall, the sessions made us feel at ease, as well as empowered.
SEVA also set up a plant-based and sustainable lunch table for us, where we were not only expected to have our meal but also learned some unique cooking techniques. They shared a couple of recipes with us, and I can proudly declare that I can now cook Cauliflower Tacos.
At the Standard, we also had fantastic holistic massages. What could be more relaxing than the sound of crashing waves and ambient violin while on vacation? Then, for the first time, I went snorkelling and casually hung out with the sea turtles there. After seeing the beautiful sea life, my fear of water was temporarily replaced by a desire to become a professional diver. I also went sunset fishing, which was a highlight of the trip and one of many firsts for me.
Overall, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, and SEVA experience proved to be an extremely enriching experience which will be cherished forever.
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