On December 10th, ELE|NA, across its eight sanctuaries—including 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—guests and team members participated in the global movement of World Digital Detox Day (WDDD) 2024. This initiative, dedicated to promoting mindfulness and reducing screen dependency, focused on fostering a “smartphone-free childhood.” The resorts participated in thoughtfully curated activities that celebrated the art of disconnecting from screens.
Highlights of the day’s activities included:
These experiences invited participants to embrace meaningful, unplugged moments while nurturing their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Founded by Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, World Digital Detox Day is now celebrated in over 70 countries, supported by governments and organisations united in promoting mindful living. ELE| NA’s participation aligns seamlessly with its guiding philosophy, “Wellness Your Way™,” which emphasises personalised well-being journeys for all while also embodying the belief that “Wellness is for All”—a universal approach to fostering health and harmony across diverse communities.
In recognition of ELE| NA’s wellness leadership in the Maldives, Heidi Grimwood, Vice President of ELE|NA, was appointed as the World Digital Detox Day Ambassador for the Maldives. This honour underscores her dedication to advocating for digital mindfulness and holistic well-being across ELE|NA sanctuaries.
At ELE|NA, wellness extends beyond the individual—it’s a collective journey shared by guests and team members alike. On this significant day, team members were encouraged to unplug, reflect, and engage in activities that nurtured their personal wellness.
Heidi Grimwood, in her role as WDDD Ambassador for the Maldives, shared:
“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.”
Dr Rekha Chaudhari, founder of World Digital Detox Day, commented on the year’s celebration:
“This year’s worldwide celebration of World Digital Detox Day has spoken volumes, with wellness experts, educational entities, and global organisations 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 extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr Rekha Chaudhari, whose vision and leadership have inspired millions to rethink their relationship with technology and prioritise offline moments of connection.
The success of this year’s World Digital Detox Day underscores ELE| NA’s unwavering commitment to promoting digital wellness and sustainable well-being. By supporting initiatives like WDDD, ELE|NA continues to affirm its mission to provide personalised wellness experiences while encouraging a deeper connection with what truly matters.
As the day concluded, the atmosphere across all eight ELE|NA sanctuaries was one of inspiration and gratitude. ELE|NA’s team and guests came together to celebrate the power of mindfulness, human connection, and the enduring beauty of an unplugged moment. This collective experience served as a reminder that true wellness begins when we step away from screens and embrace the present.
