From Urja’s naturopathy to marine conservation, explore a different side to wellness at Kuda Huraa in the Maldives

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The property’s Marine Discovery Centre (MDC) is led by a team of passionate marine biologists from Maldivian marine consultancy Reefscapers | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

If there was a year to travel for wellness, 2026 would be it. From longevity retreats and spiritual journeys to digital detox camps and Naturopathy sanctuaries, travellers have been increasingly seeking vacations that rejuvenate the mind and body alike.

During my recent sojourn to the Maldives, I dived deep into the latter: a dedicated wellness retreat on a private islet.

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

If I were to describe the island life in three words, it would be Calm. Unhurried. Peaceful. A philosophy that extends across the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, a quick 25-minute speedboat ride from Male airport.

At the heart of their wellness-focussed offerings is Urja (meaning vitality in Sanskrit), an island dedicated to nurturing this very sense of calm that launched in December 2025. Helmed by naturopathy physician Anand Prayaga, Urja is rooted in naturopathic principles centred on the five elements, aka pancha mahabhutas: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Highlights include sound healing, anti-gravity yoga, yoga therapy, and a range of massages.

To experience their offerings, I head to Urja aboard a dhoni — a traditional ornate Maldivian multi-purpose wooden boat — which is a few minutes from the main island of the resort. A consultation with Dr Girinathan Santhisathram, wellness curator at Urja, leads to a relaxing hour experiencing a massage while looking at the emerald waters.

Dhoni, a traditional, ornate Maldivian multi-purpose wooden boat, overlooking Urja | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“Everything we experience is linked to the five elements of Nature, and we use them to treat the body,” explains Dr Anand, director, Urja, over dinner at Baraabaru, the resort’s Indian restaurant. While the sister property at Landaa Giraavaru has Ayur Ma, a spa dedicated to Ayurvedic principles that launched in 2018, Urja was envisioned to champion naturopathy.

“I helmed a luxury naturopathy and wellness clinic in Idukki, before moving to Kuda Huraa to set up Urja. From a hospital to hospitality, I brought in the same principles of naturopathy,” he says.

It has been seven months since its official launch, but he still calls Urja a “work in progress”. “There is a lot more to come this December,” he says, “A new food menu that spotlights the naturopathy diet is in the works, and this will soon be available in all the restaurants at Kuda Huraa.