Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Celebrates Global Wellness Day

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, located in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, celebrates Global Wellness Day on June 14 with a full-day programme focused on sustainable living, cultural connection, and holistic well-being.

This year, the resort isn’t just highlighting wellness, it’s inviting guests to experience it in meaningful, hands-on ways. The resort bases its wellness programming on Westin’s five pillars of well-being: Feel Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well, Move Well, and Play Well, and offers a thoughtful blend of immersive experiences, healthy cuisine, and mindful movement. All in all, it’s a celebration that goes far beyond the surface. This year’s event encourages guests to go beyond traditional wellness by actively connecting with the environment and the local community.

What’s happening for Global Wellness Day at The Westin Maldives?

A special visit to Anhenfushi Island and its hydroponic farm

To kick off the day, guests embark on an enriching island excursion to Anhenfushi Island, home to the Maldivian Mermaid Hydroponic Farm. Not only is the farm known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce, but it also gives guests a unique window into sustainable agriculture in the Maldives.

Here’s what to expect during the visit:

First, guests join a guided garden tour through lush beds of leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables
After that, they’ll watch a live cooking demo by the resort’s culinary team, featuring wholesome dishes made with ingredients straight from the farm
To wrap things up, there’s a Farmer’s Market-style display where guests can browse and shop fresh, island-grown produce

It’s a refreshing way to start the day, one that blends discovery, nutrition, and nature in one memorable experience.

On-resort wellness activities throughout the day

Once guests return to The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, the wellness journey continues with a full schedule of activities designed to uplift, energise, and ground.

Here’s what’s planned:

Morning begins with Sunrise Yoga, a calm, centering way to welcome the day
Later on, guests can jump into a game of Water Volleyball or take part in other upbeat beach activities that mix movement with fun
Those in the mood for something hands-on can join a Boreh Making Class, where they’ll create natural scrubs using local spices like turmeric, ginger, and clove
And finally, as the sun goes down, the day winds to a close with a peaceful Night Meditation session on the clam-shell-shaped arrival jetty, the gentle rhythm of the ocean making it the perfect pre-sleep ritual

Each activity has its own pace and energy, so guests can follow what feels right for them throughout the day.

Digital storytelling on Instagram

Of course, the experience isn’t just limited to those on the island. To bring the celebration online, the resort shares a special video on Instagram (@thewestinmaldives). This short film gives a glimpse into the atmosphere of Global Wellness Day in the Maldives, not just what it looks like, but what it feels like.

Viewers can expect to see the soft sand, hear the ocean breeze, and get a taste of the rituals, rhythms, and sensory details that shape the resort’s approach to well-being. In other words, it’s a digital escape that brings the essence of the day straight to your screen.

Wellness at the core of every experience

At the heart of it all, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort doesn’t treat Global Wellness Day as a standalone event. Instead, it builds on the idea that wellness is something to live and breathe every day.

This mindset runs through every part of the guest experience, from villas that blend comfort with the beauty of the natural world, to holistic wellness offerings that balance energy and rest, to nourishing meals that make healthy eating feel effortless. The resort views Global Wellness Day as a reminder to pause, reconnect, and check in with yourself, a reflection of Westin’s wellness-forward ethos that shapes everything they do.

So whether you’re stretching at sunrise, learning how island farms grow produce sustainably, creating your own spice-based scrub, or simply letting go under the stars, the resort ensures that wellness feels easy, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable. Most importantly, it roots everything in the culture and nature of the Maldives, making each moment personal, immersive, and meaningful.

Let’s face it long-haul flights aren’t exactly a walk in the park. Whether you’re crossing oceans for a beach holiday, heading home after months abroad, or flying halfway across the world for work, being trapped in a metal tube for 8 to 16 hours (or more) can take a serious toll on your body and mood. But with the right strategies, you can upgrade your entire experience, without spending a fortune or relying on first-class perks.

Here’s a curated guide of the best, tried-and-true long-haul flight tips, based on insight from seasoned travelers, flight attendants, and frequent flyers. From inflight comfort and hydration to beating jet lag and staying sane in economy, this is everything you need to make it through long flights like a pro.

1. Pick the Right Seat, It Matters More Than You Think

Aisle seat for easy movement and bathroom access
Window seat for better sleep and a headrest
Exit row or bulkhead for extra legroom (but sometimes limited storage)
Use tools like SeatGuru to check seat layouts and avoid poor picks like seats near the lavatory
If the flight isn’t full, rear sections often have empty rows, perfect for stretching out.

2. Dress Like You’re in Transit, Not at a Gala

Comfort makes a major difference during long flights. Choose practical, layered clothing and supportive items:

Choose slip-on shoes for easy movement through the cabin.
Wear soft, breathable fabrics
Dress in loose layers to adjust for cabin temperature
Bring a hoodie or shawl for extra warmth
Use compression socks to reduce swelling

3. Hydrate Like You’re Crossing a Desert

Cabin air is notoriously dry.

Bring a refillable water bottle and ask crew for regular refills
Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine. It dehydrates and disrupt sleep
Add electrolyte tablets for bonus hydration without the sugar

4. Pack Smart with Inflight Comfort Essentials

Create your own personalized amenity kit with:

Neck pillow (inflatable or memory foam)
Eye mask (preferably contoured or silk for comfort)
Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
Lip balm and facial moisturizer
Toothbrush, wipes, and face mist for a mid-flight refresh
Foot hammock or compact footrest to reduce swelling

5. Prep Your Devices and Entertainment in Advance

Don’t rely on the airline’s inflight screen to entertain you for 12 hours.

Download movies, playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, and games in advance
Bring a hands-free phone stand or tablet clip
Fully charge all devices and pack a portable power bank
Bring Bluetooth adapters if you want to use your wireless headphones with the seatback screen

6. Plan Your Meals and Snacks Wisely

Avoid relying solely on inflight meals, they’re not always satisfying or predictable. Instead:

Carry instant meals or tea sachets. Ask crew for hot water
Pack healthy, protein-rich snacks like nuts, protein bars, or dried fruit
Avoid greasy, salty, or overly sugary foods
Bring gum or mints to freshen breath and help with ear pressure

7. Move Often, Don’t Risk Circulation Problems

Sitting for long periods can affect blood flow. To reduce the risk of DVT and stay comfortable:

Make movement part of your routine in-flight
Walk the aisle every hour or two
Do ankle rolls and calf raises at your seat
Wear compression socks to reduce swelling

8. Beat the Noise, Block the Light

Noise-canceling headphones help drown out engine hum and crying babies
Use a white noise playlist or sleep meditation app
Wear a quality sleep mask to shut out ambient light

Together, these small changes make falling asleep and staying asleep a lot easier.

9. Ask the Crew, They Might Have More Than You Think

Flight attendants often carry helpful extras. Don’t be shy about asking for:

Tips on less crowded lavatories or cabin temperature settings
Pain relievers or dental kits
Hot water for tea or meals
Extra blankets or pillows

10. Avoid Overpacking Your Carry-On

Only keep what you’ll need during the flight within reach.

A small pouch for essentials
A tote or backpack that fits under the seat
Use packing cubes or organizers to keep things tidy

Digging through an overstuffed bag in a tight seat is a fast track to frustration.

11. Practice Inflight Self-Care

Use the downtime to refresh and reset:

Change into fresh clothes or socks before landing
Clean your face, brush your teeth, and apply lotion
Use hydrating sheet masks or balms if you don’t mind the look

A little mid-air grooming goes a long way in arriving feeling human.

12. Use Layovers to Recharge (Literally and Mentally)

If you have a stopover:

Walk, stretch, and move around to reset circulation
Top off your devices at charging stations
Freshen up in airport lounges or restrooms
Refill your water bottle and pick up snacks for the next leg

Making the Most of Your Long-Haul Flight Experience

No matter how many times you fly, long-haul journeys rarely go exactly as planned. Unexpected delays, cabin temperature changes, or limited amenities can throw off even the best-laid plans. Still, having the right essentials and a flexible mindset can transform the experience. Simple extras like a cozy travel blanket, noise-canceling headphones, or pre-downloaded entertainment help you reclaim comfort and control amid the challenges of extended flying.

Beyond gear, how you approach the flight mentally makes a big difference. Embracing movement breaks, adjusting your body clock early, and focusing on small routines can ease stress and fatigue. These strategies blend together to create a travel rhythm that keeps you refreshed and ready. Whether you’re heading to tropical islands, global business trips, or home after a long adventure. Thoughtful preparation and mindfulness help turn hours spent in the air into a smoother, more manageable part of your journey.

Feature Image via Emirates

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort Celebrates Global Wellness Day with Nature-Inspired Activities