Saturday
20th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Elen Spa. Photo: Atmosphere Group
The Maldives has always been known for its luxury spas and wellness retreats. With the launch of the Maldives’ first ‘Wellness Training Academy’ by local sustainable organic skincare brand Skin Candy Maldives, the country takes a step towards empowering wellness therapists and practitioners in the region.
The academy is set to certify therapists at the International CITBAC level, considered the gold standard in the spa and wellness industry. Spearheaded by Skin Candy Maldives, the academy's mission is to enable graduates to enter the flourishing wellness industry as qualified professional therapists and practitioners.
The online module for anatomy and physiology is a prerequisite for enrolling in the courses, while all other courses are face to face and include beginners’ Swedish massage, manual lymphatic drainage, trigger point therapy, myofascial cupping, deep tissue massage, foot reflexology, hand reflexology, and deep tissue massage. All courses are CIBTAC certified.
The courses will be facilitated by Ms. Martina Crkonova, who has over 27 years of experience in integrative and TCM medicine, as well as 15 years as a therapeutic educator and trainer.
The academy is a fully equipped training center, only 15 minutes from Male by speed boat, with classes personalized to small groups in a vibrant yet relaxed setting. All course fees include daily speed boat transfers, lunch onsite, and training uniforms.
Ms. Lubna Zahir Hussain, the founder of Skin Candy Maldives, explains the increasing need for high-caliber wellness professionals to support the burgeoning hotel and resort industry in the Maldives. "Our goal is to produce highly trained and knowledgeable wellness professionals with progressive career plans to grow within the wellness industry," she says. The academy also gives hoteliers and spa operators the opportunity to upskill their existing wellness teams.
"This initiative will help transform tomorrow's industry by providing local Maldivians and current resort wellness staff with a level of education and resources so that they don't necessarily have to travel abroad to expand their professional careers. Our passion is sustainability," adds Ms. Lubna.
Courses commence from May through to September 2023, with the first course launched in May, 'Swedish massage' for absolute beginners, which is CIBTAC certified.
Skin Candy Maldives was established in 2014 and is a local organic skincare brand and training facility founded by Maldivian native Ms. Lubna Zahir Hussain. Skin Candy manufactures skin and beauty products made mostly from locally sourced and ethically grown ingredients.
ELENA spa and wellness, which supports the academy, is deeply committed to the growth of the Maldives and is renowned for curating experiences rich in local traditions and using locally sourced ingredients and skincare.
The academy's launch is an initiative that can help transform the spa and wellness industry in the Maldives, and the country takes a step towards empowering wellness therapists and practitioners in the region.