Wellness tourism is boosting the wellness economy in Maldives as the Indian Ocean archipelago develops its offer in the domain, says a report on the wellness economy in Maldives, prepared by Global Wellness Institute, a nonprofit organisation focussed on the wellness economy including wellness tourism.

In a press statement, the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) says that the Maldives has become a premier destination for luxury wellness tourism and spas. The country’s wellness economy is currently divided into two major segments, wellness tourism, valued at USD 1 billion after a remarkable annual growth rate of 35.4 pc from 2022 to 2023, and the spa sector, valued at USD 448 million, with a striking 63.7 pc growth rate over the same period.

The statement adds that through GWI’s strategic collaboration with Joali Being as the Country Partner, the Maldives is the 11th country to be featured on GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform. It says thatv Joali Being, which opened in 2021, is a pioneering wellbeing resort, built around the principles of biophilic design and focused on delivering transformative, holistic wellness experiences.

Susie Ellis

“Thanks to this collaboration with Joali Being, new, in-depth data on the Maldives’ position within each sector of the USD 6.3 trillion global wellness economy is now available to stakeholders looking to invest in the country’s burgeoning wellness tourism and spa industries. By sponsoring the Geography of Wellness report, Joali Being is helping shape the future of wellness tourism in the region, and empowering the Maldives to capitalise on the rising demand for wellness travel, ensuring the country remains competitive in the rapidly evolving wellness tourism sector,” says Susie Ellis, Chairperson and CEO, GWI.

“Joali Being is proud to partner with GWI to further elevate the Maldives as a global leader in wellness tourism. The Maldives has long been synonymous with luxury and natural beauty, and through our collaboration with GWI, we are integrating data-driven wellness insights to refine and redefine its global appeal. By aligning our offerings with emerging trends like nature connection, eco-wellness, and transformative travel, we are crafting experiences that not only attract high-value travellers but also promote sustainability and community development,” says Özgür Cengiz, Global Director of Wellness Development at Gürok Tourism Group, which operates Joali Being.

The statement adds that the Maldives, spanning 1,192 islands across 26 atolls, is a quintessential island paradise known for its jewel-like islands, white sands, turquoise waters and luxury wellness resorts. Visitors will find nature-centred wellness experiences, including vibrant coral reefs, home to sea turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks, forming one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.

Özgür Cengiz

The Maldivian way of life emphasises a deep connection to nature, with a diet rich in tropical fruits, herbs, and fresh seafood promoting holistic wellbeing. Environmental sustainability remains a priority, with government-led efforts to protect coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, ensuring that tourism coexists harmoniously with the environment.

GWI says that Dhivehi beys, the Maldives’ ancient healing tradition, combines indigenous plant-based remedies with global influences to restore balance in the body. Using natural herbs, it emphasises harmony among the body’s “humours” of hot, cold, and dry.

Recognising its cultural significance, the government is actively integrating Dhivehi beys into tourism, allowing visitors to experience this unique tradition alongside the Maldives’ natural beauty.