Amilla Maldives presses play on ‘Pause Retreat’

Renowned naturopath and wellness coach Claire O’Sullivan to host pioneering four-day perimenopause and menopause retreats from 7-18 September 2023

Avant-garde luxury island resort Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences has confirmed the dates of its long-awaited inaugural Pause Retreat – the Maldives’ first-ever menopause-focused wellbeing retreat. Taking place from 7-18 September 2023, the retreats will be led by renowned naturopath and wellness coach, Claire O’Sullivan. Each personalised four-day wellbeing journey will explore natural ways to boost female hormones while educating and empowering women to adapt to this natural biological process through movement, nutrition and mindful activities. 

Previously considered a taboo subject, the menopause has become a hot topic in recent years with global celebrities from Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey to Davina McCall and Emma Thompson spotlighting the subject to ignite public discussion and debate. Just last month, British television and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon appeared on BBC Breakfast to promote her new book, which guides women on how to cope with the signs and symptoms; while highly anticipated new Channel 4 comedy drama, ‘The Change’, is set to place the menopause at the heart of the story.

Perimenopause and menopause can strike women as early as their 30s. Many women find it daunting to navigate these changes in their hormones, and the unpleasant symptoms that come with it – which can include hot flushes, mood swings, disrupted sleep, brain fog, weight gain and anxiety. O’Sullivan believes that a more positive outlook can, in some cases, lead to reduced symptoms. In the company of supportive women and a team of expert practitioners, Amilla Maldives’ carefully curated Pause Retreats will provide women with tools that can help them adapt to these changes in a healthy and positive way, enabling them to tune into their body’s rhythms and renew their energy.

Each four-day retreat is divided into four daily themes: Balance; Move; Relax and Evolve. The first explores natural ways to boost female hormones and manage menopausal symptoms; the second focuses on the practice of intuitive movement to keep the body strong and healthy, and the mind free and creative. Day three is about staying grounded and learning to live with less stress; while on the final day guests will learn about embracing the next phase of life, feeling empowered, confident and comfortable with changes.

Collective activities across the four-day retreat include yoga, meditation and Pranayama breathwork for all levels to minimise symptoms and promote deep sleep; health talks to discuss and demystify perimenopause and menopause; and a Healing Fingertips workshop.

Exploring and supporting individuals’ menopause journey, the retreats also include a one-on-one consultation with Claire O’Sullivan; one Foot Reflexology treatment (60 minutes); one Intuitive Aroma Massage (60 minutes); five personalised Sensora Light Therapy sessions; and complimentary access to steam and sauna facilities at the resort’s award-winning Javvu Spa.

The new retreat programmes are underpinned by Amilla’s innovative Wellness Your Way concept, a fresh, holistic and highly customised approach to wellness that encompasses nutrition, plant-based remedies, mindfulness and movement. Understanding the importance of eating well and addressing the body’s changing needs with nutritious, organic foods, guests can enjoy a ground-breaking selection of dedicated vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb/keto/paleo options available across all dining outlets – not to mention cocktail menus packed with probiotic sodas and a sugar-free section. 

Elegant Resorts (www.elegantresorts.co.uk, 01244 297 999) currently offers Pause Retreat packages at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences from GBP4,540 per person, including 30 percent off accommodation, complimentary upgrades to Half Board and half price transfers. 

Price includes the four day Pause Retreat programme; five nights’ Lagoon Water Villa accommodation; return economy class flights from London Heathrow and shared seaplane transfers.

Must be booked by 30 June 2023. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.