Digital Detox Day 2024: ELE|NA Leads the Way to Mindful Living

On December 10th, 2024, ELE|NA, the luxury wellness brand known for its transformative spa and wellness experiences, proudly participated in the global celebration of World Digital Detox Day (WDDD). ELE|NA draws inspiration from the five elements of nature—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. By combining ancient healing traditions with modern wellness practices, ELE|NA offers bespoke journeys that rejuvenate both the body and mind. Through personalized treatments, fitness routines, and mindful practices, ELE|NA promotes holistic wellness. This aligns perfectly with WDDD, which encourages digital balance and mindfulness in today’s technology-driven world.

This year’s WDDD theme, “Smartphone-Free Childhood,” highlighted the importance of protecting young minds from overexposure to technology while fostering meaningful human connections and cultivating balance in an increasingly digital world.

ELE|NA’s Day of Wellness and Digital Detox

At ELE|NA, wellness is a shared journey. On World Digital Detox Day, the brand invited both its team members and guests to disconnect from their devices. They were encouraged to reflect on their well-being and engage in activities that promoted holistic health.

Across the eight ELE|NA sanctuaries—located at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU NATURE Helengeli, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, VARU by Atmosphere, and RAAYA by Atmosphere—staff and guests participated in a series of curated activities. These activities aimed to create screen-free moments. They included:

Mindfulness Sessions: These sessions encouraged peace, self-awareness, and a deeper connection with the present moment.
Yoga Classes: These focused on balance, strength, and being fully present.
Nature Walks: These provided an opportunity for guests to reconnect with the natural world around them.
Team Wellness Activities: These promoted unity and collective rejuvenation among both team members and guests.

As the day came to a close, the atmosphere at the ELE|NA sanctuaries was filled with inspiration and gratitude. Guests and staff reflected on the importance of mindfulness, the value of human connection, and the impact of stepping away from digital distractions. The day served as a powerful reminder that true wellness begins when we disconnect from our screens and embrace the present moment.

Recognizing Leadership in Digital Mindfulness

In recognition of ELE|NA’s commitment to wellness, Heidi Grimwood, Vice President of ELE|NA, became the official World Digital Detox Day Ambassador for the Maldives. This honor highlights her dedication to promoting digital mindfulness and holistic health across the region. As WDDD Ambassador for the Maldives, Heidi shared her insights on the importance of being fully present:

“World Digital Detox Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being truly present. Through our philosophy of ‘Wellness Your Way™’ and our belief in ‘Wellness for All,’ we aim to create spaces where everyone—from our guests to our teams—can disconnect, recharge, and rediscover the beauty of the present moment.”

WDDD A Global Movement for Mindful Living

World Digital Detox Day, founded by Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, has grown into a global movement. It is now observed in over 70 countries. Supported by governments, wellness organizations, and experts worldwide, WDDD promotes mindful living and seeks to reduce our dependence on screens. Dr. Chaudhari shared her thoughts on this year’s event:

“This year’s worldwide celebration of World Digital Detox Day has spoken volumes, with wellness experts, educational entities, and global organizations joining hands to advocate for healthier, more mindful living. A significant highlight of our efforts has been the petition advocating for a ban on social media for children under 16 years, which has gained tremendous support. We are also thrilled to announce that we have surpassed our previous milestone of 7,500,000 offline supporters. This remarkable growth reflects the growing global recognition and impact of our mission.”

ELE|NA also expressed its gratitude to Dr. Rekha Chaudhari for her leadership. Her work has inspired millions worldwide to rethink their relationship with technology and embrace the power of offline connection.

ELE|NA’s Continued Commitment to Wellness and Digital Detox

ELE|NA’s involvement in World Digital Detox Day perfectly aligns with its “Wellness Your Way™” philosophy. This philosophy champions personalized wellness journeys. The success of this year’s World Digital Detox Day further strengthens ELE|NA’s commitment to promoting digital wellness. By supporting initiatives like WDDD, ELE|NA continues to reaffirm its dedication to offering personalized wellness experiences and encouraging deeper connections to life beyond the screen.

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

ELE|NA Celebrates Digital Detox Day with Wellness and Mindful Living

ELE|NA’s Day of Wellness and Digital Detox

Recognizing Leadership in Digital Mindfulness

WDDD A Global Movement for Mindful Living

ELE|NA’s Continued Commitment to Wellness and Digital Detox

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