Virgin Gorda is home to the labyrinthian Baths, where white sand beaches hold a smattering of pools and sea-flooded grottoes in the idyllic blue you typically only see in brochures. Christopher Columbus named the island when he happened upon it, seemingly in the shape of a reclining woman. Anyone’s idea of paradise with its waving palm trees against a bright azure stretch of sky, it’s easy to see why Oil Nut Bay chose to craft its new, near-palatial wellness space, Sundara Spa + Studio here, where wellness and relaxation are baked into the very foundation.
Sundara Spa, Sustainability and The Blue Mind Theory
Beholden to the very picture of serenity and wellness, Sundara prioritizes sustainability in its approach, seamlessly blending the idea of the well-self to the well-space. “Sustainability at Oil Nut Bay means creating a luxurious yet low-impact lifestyle that honors both the land and the sea,” says Emily Oakes, vice president of business. “From our solar-powered infrastructure to eco-sensitive and sustainable architecture, we prioritize practices that preserve the beauty of Virgin Gorda for generations to come. One key challenge is sourcing materials and products that align with our values while meeting the expectations of our discerning guests. We overcome this by partnering with brands that share our ethos, like VOYA and other certified organic wellness providers, and by continuously evolving our operations to be both luxurious and responsible.”
This devotion to honoring land and sea makes sense, due both to the spa’s gorgeous setting and Oil Nut Bay’s alignment with the Blue Mind Theory, a theory that became popular thanks to marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, stating that being in proximity to water is conducive to physical and mental wellness. “With our overwater spa and ocean-view treatment rooms, we didn’t just adopt the theory; we built our wellness philosophy around it,” Oakes confirms. “What sets our approach apart is the seamless integration of oceanic elements into the entire experience, from seaweed-infused treatments to open-air spaces that let the sounds of the sea support your relaxation and healing."
Sundara Spa and Longevity
A major throughline for sustainability and The Blue Mind Theory is making quality longer term. Oakes once again unites the ideas of the well-self and well-space. “True longevity begins with balance within ourselves and with the world around us. At Sundara, we see personal sustainability as the act of caring for your body, mind and spirit with the same reverence you give to nature. When guests connect with the rhythms of the island, the sea and their breath, they begin to understand aging not as a decline, but as a continuous unfolding. Our environment becomes a teacher, reminding us that sustainability and longevity are intertwined."
The Blue Mind Theory asserts that being in the presence of water can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which exists for energy preservation and digestion. Increased activity in this system can reduce stress, slow down the negative effects of aging and mitigate inflammation—all things well-agers are looking for. Additionally, this slow-down can benefit mental wellness by supporting sleep health, mental clarity and emotional resilience. Sundara designed its treatments to compliment the positive well-aging effects of The Blue Mind Theory, offering treatments infused with marine nutrients to replenish skin, reset the nervous system and restore clients’ natural rhythms.
The Sundara Treatment
When it comes to treating skin inflammation, Sundara prefers an approach that prioritizes total wellness. “Many of our treatments address inflammation holistically; from the Ocean Essence Body Wrap, which uses mineral-rich seaweed to reduce puffiness and water retention, to our organic facials and therapeutic massage offerings,” explains Oakes. “We stay sustainable by choosing certified organic products, avoiding single-use plastics and offering treatments that work with the body’s own healing processes instead of overwhelming them.”
This dedication to all kinds of wellness visitors may be looking for makes it easy to slip rejuvenation into any occasion. From intimate couples’ retreats and wedding party prep to milestone birthdays and the solo trip. Intention is what connects a client to Sundara, as well as their mental and physical wellness. For bigger parties, Oakes recommends a curated regimen for detox, hydration and stress reduction, combining trips spanning several days with targeted therapies. For those seeking a quiet getaway and a continuation of their existing wellness practices, gentle facials and good rest are never amiss.
Sundara lives in and learns from paradise, tracing the deep roots to the land and sea that longevity has. Those who wish to age well ought not to fight so desperately; like the ocean, it’s futile to resist—nor should it be something we think of as being bad. Oakes encourages well-agers to ride the waves of time with clarity, vitality and care. “At Sundara,” she says, “we believe well-aging is an art and every guest is the masterpiece."
