The Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa has opened an over-water destination spa called Spa Retreat on the island of Rangalifinolhu, as part of a US$35m (£19.8m, 28.7m euro) redevelopment of the resort.

The resort already features a glass-floored spa on sister island Rangali.

The Spa Retreat – which is set on stilts over the Indian Ocean – features 21 Spa Water villas, each with individual treatment rooms, private terraces and sundecks.

The spa itself features five private pavilions, each comprising a sauna and steamroom and either a plunge pool or whirl pool; nine treatment rooms which are open to the elements; a relaxation room and an aromatherapy court.

The Spa Retreat’s philosophy is based on the four natural elements of air, earth, fire and water, with each believed to have its characteristic benefits and appropriate time of day. For example, while Air is energising and associated with sunrise, Water represents relaxation and is linked with the afternoon.

The treatments available are designed to reflect this philosophy, with uplifting Air treatments including Thai Honey Body Glow and Well Being Indulgence and calming Water rituals involving Spa Village Bathing and Swedish Back and Shoulder Massage.

The spa uses marine-based spa products from French company Thalgo and offers treatments such as the Oxygenating Facial, Pure Collagen Facial and Marine Algae Body Wrap.

In addition to the over-water villas, guests can also stay in one of 79 new luxury beach villas or visit the spa from the main hotel.

The Hilton Maldives twin-island resort features seven restaurants and three bars – which can be used by guests at the Spa Retreat – and is scheduled to open an underwater aquarium style restaurant in March 2006. Details: www.Hilton.com/worldwideresorts