In an unexpected twist on tropical luxury, Velaa Private Island in the Maldives is offering guests a frosty wellness retreat amidst its sun-soaked shores.

The resort's Wellbeing Village now features a "snow room", bringing the benefits of cryotherapy to the tropics.

Cryotherapy, a wellness trend gaining popularity worldwide thanks to the likes of Wim Hoff, uses short bursts of cold temperatures to promote healing, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.

Velaa's unusual approach allows guests to enjoy these benefits in a specially designed snow room, creating a stark but invigorating contrast to the warm January breezes typical of the Maldives.

The snow room is most effective when combined with sauna sessions, offering a combination hot and cold therapy that is said to relieve tension, ease pain and promote overall healing.

Velaa's Wellness Village also tailors  personalised programmes to help guests continue their wellness journey independently after their stay.

These bespoke wellness plans blend advanced science with Ayurveda to create a holistic healing experience. The offerings range from blood analysis profiles and ultrasound facials to traditional practices such as sound baths, guided meditations, and yoga, drawing on a rich lineage of healing techniques to provide comprehensive care.

Guests can indulge in walks along private stretches of beach, luxuriate in overwater bungalows, or enjoy pure and unprocessed whole foods at the Wellness Village's Faiy Restaurant. The dining experience is complemented by personalised diet plans crafted by trained nutritionists.