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Joali Maldives celebrates first anniversary with new art experiences, visiting artists programme
Joali Maldives has extended its art immersive philosophy with the launch of new art experiences and a roster of visiting artists, as the resort celebrates its first anniversary.
From the very beginning, Joali’s founders knew they needed to create something entirely different if they wanted to set this resort apart from the archipelago’s other private islands. By staying at one of the best, you know you’ll be treated to the sugar white sand, turquoise water and abundant marine life the Maldives is known for and the ultimate in gastronomy, wellness and style.
For Joali to stand out, this had to be more than just a case of styling the resort differently. To give this island its distinct identity, they decided to integrate experiential artworks into the luxury villas and natural environment, enhancing the experience guests have through this artwork.
Ala Onur and Zyenap Ercan of No LaB curated the selection of international artists, then these artists set about creating pieces that represent the island’s natural surroundings, bringing more character to the resort whilst also reconnecting people to nature. Some of these artworks were created on-site and some were made using native materials.
You can now dive down to the coral-inspired underwater mosaic sculpture garden of New York artist Misha Kahn, climb in the cocoon-like Evolution Chair of Spanish artist Nacho Carbonell, and sit back in the hanging Heron Chair of South African artist Porky Hefer who also created one of the most prominent artworks on the island, the playful Manta Ray Treehouse. The lush courtyard of the spa is home to Israeli artist Zemer Peled’s sculpture, Maldives Vibes, which takes inspiration from the Maldives’ extraordinary marine environment.
Proving exceptional attention to detail, bespoke artwork and design is integrated throughout every aspect of the resort experience. Turkish artist Feleksan Onar created glass pineapple and coral objects for the each villa’s mini bar, and Cape Town’s design studio Ardmore came up with a heron and frangipani flower design for the in-villa beach kaftans.
All of these bespoke pieces of art are then integrated into the architectural and interior design of the Istanbul studio, Autobahn, who used custom-designed furnishings, hand-carved wooden panels, bamboo elements and terrazzo flooring to create a sense of tropical island chic. Istanbul-based Atölye4n created the manta ray structure that welcomes you at the arrival jetty and Tokyo-based Studio Glitt came up with the origami-like timber design of the overwater Japanese restaurant, Saoke.
Joali, which made its debut in October 2018, plans to add to this art collection on an on-going basis, and to extend the art concept in its second year Joali is beginning its series of visiting-artist-run workshops.
This series will begin with a two-week programme by Zemer Peled, the creator of the spa-based coral sculpture, who is known for her porcelain artworks inspired by natural forms.
“We want some of the same artists who created work for the island to come back for two weeks to three months to host workshops in the island’s studio. I want them to use interesting mediums like painting on silk or clay. We’re putting a kiln in for Zemer, so she can do ceramics with the guests, then we’ll keep the kiln here. At the same time, I’m asking the artists who come over to leave an artwork behind, so we’ll get a new piece of artwork from each set of workshops we host,” Steven Phillips, the General Manager at Joali, said.
From December 23, 2019 to January 6, 2020, Peled will be leading paper and clay workshops for guests on the island. You’ll be able to join the artist in the Joali Studio each day to gain insight into the Maldivian coral reefs and create your own paper and clay artworks to take home with you at the end of your stay. You’ll look at the colours and shapes found within the reef while experimenting with different ways of working with the materials, from moulding the clay to paper folding and painting.
“My sculpture, Maldives Vibes, was inspired by the rich underwater world of the Maldives coral reefs. It is primarily white in colour to symbolise the coral bleaching that has affected the Maldives, but the striking colours that embellish the sculpture serve as both a memory of the vibrant coral reef and encouragement for its future protection. Over the course of two weeks, participants of my workshop on Joali will create their own paper and clay sculptures inspired by the Maldives coral reefs,” Peled explained.
To hear the story behind the island’s artworks whilst you’re there, you can sign up for the, also newly established, art tour for which members of the Joali team have been specially trained.
Joali Maldives is a luxury, immersive art resort located on the island of Muravandhoo in Raa atoll. The 73-villa property offers unconventional luxury in a private setting and a distinct focus on design by internationally-renowned design studio Autoban, architecture and design firm Atolye4n and Tokyo-based Studio Glitt.
Innovative dining concepts include Japanese restaurant Saoke, authentic Asian and Levant restaurant Vandhoo, Tuscan-inspired Bellinis, personalised dining and cooking school Her Kitchen, as well as numerous destination dining experiences.
The Spa by ESPA invites guests on a holistic wellness journey along with a world-class fitness centre and expert trainers.
Joali Maldives celebrates its “Joie de Vivre” philosophy through unique programming such as Maldivian excursions and one-of-a-kind on-property offerings, including an Art Studio and Gallery, Flower Garden, Manta Ray Treehouse and more.
Part of the innovative Fari Islands lifestyle concept, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has embedded sustainability into its operations since its opening in 2021. Rooted in environmentally conscious architecture and design, the resort reflects on a year of significant achievements while outlining its goals for 2026.
Environment & Conservation
A destination that has become an iconic addition to the Indian Ocean is also a centre for environmental innovation and education. Under the guidance of its naturalist team, the resort launched a number of new and enhanced conservation programmes in 2025, engaging more than 1,000 guests. These initiatives included a new coral adoption programme that established a dedicated coral sanctuary, a coral nursery snorkelling activity for teenagers, and Ocean Discovery through VR, a virtual reality underwater journey designed to introduce guests to marine life from a fresh perspective.
Educational programming for children was expanded through the Little Conservationists initiative, which now incorporates fish cameras and hydrophones, enabling young guests to record underwater sounds and discover the hidden “voices” of the reef. The Eco Heroes activity was also enhanced with new ocean science experiments that help children understand currents, salinity, and ocean acidification through hands-on learning.
“Eye in the Sky” Ocean Plastics Detection and Research
Led by the resort’s naturalists in collaboration with a progressive research community, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands became the first resort in the Maldives to launch a UAV-based ocean plastics detection initiative. First introduced by Dr Melissa Duncan-Schiele, the project analyses how ocean plastics move with wind and currents and identifies areas of accumulation. The goal is to develop a methodology that can be replicated nationally for collective plastic monitoring.
Since opening, the resort has completed 902 drone flights. In 2025 alone, it carried out 84 surveys totalling more than 21 hours of flying time. To date, the resort has removed over 1,840 kilograms of ghost nets, including 450 kilograms this year. Research findings will be shared in 2026.
Marine Life Monitoring
The drone programme also documents wildlife activity, providing valuable insights into species behaviour and distribution. In 2025, more than 17 species were recorded, including a blue whale, a pod of orcas, ornate eagle rays, guitarfish, and blacktip reef sharks.
Through its partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), the resort contributes sightings of sea turtles and reports of ghost gear. In 2025, 15 turtle sightings were submitted to the national database, and the team rescued six turtles found entangled in abandoned nets.
Coral Regeneration
The resort’s coral regeneration programme continues to restore degraded reef areas using coral fragments attached to rebar frames. In 2025, 140 new frames were planted, bringing the total to 243. More than 2,500 coral fragments were planted this year, with 290 guests participating.
A coral nursery trial was also launched to grow corals for direct transplantation onto the house reef. As a result, 25 healthy Acropora colonies were planted. A new coral sanctuary was opened this year, with guests able to visit the nursery via a designated swimming jetty.
Sustainable Practices
In 2025, the resort significantly reduced its energy consumption and waste through property-wide initiatives. With the addition of a solar garden and an expanded rooftop solar panel network, solar capacity at Fari Islands increased threefold to 6.4 MWp—enough to supply up to 50 per cent of the islands’ energy demand.
The resort further strengthened its commitment to reducing single-use waste by replacing coffee pods with ground-coffee machines and introducing a range of food-waste initiatives, including repurposing fruit peels and offering coffee-scrub workshops for staff. The spa transitioned to fully digital intake forms, dramatically reducing paper use, while housekeeping implemented textile-waste reduction measures and expanded its slipper-donation programme for local communities.
New landscape systems, including motion sensors, photocells, and sensor taps, lowered water and energy use. A biodigester was introduced to improve wet-waste processing, while regular community planting and beach-cleaning projects on local islands encouraged engagement through donations of plants and compost.
Community Footprints
Through its Community Footprints programme, the resort continued to foster environmental awareness among young people. Its strong relationships with local schools enabled visits from the naturalist team, who hosted recycling competitions, delivered plastic pollution awareness sessions, and conducted mangrove-planting activities to highlight the importance of coastal ecosystems.
Within the resort, Ladies and Gentlemen took part in activities for 12 global environmental dates, including Plastic Free Day, Earth Day, Shark Awareness Day, and Ocean Clean Up Day. Thirteen clean-up events—both beach and underwater—were conducted, along with waste management training.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Maintaining its “plasticarian” ethos remains a priority. In 2026, the resort aims to reduce single-use plastics by 80 per cent. Reusable glass water bottles, bamboo-based personal consumables, refillable amenities, and sustainable straws are already in place. Bamford amenities, aligned with shared values of mindful living, are replenished on-site, and the resort’s desalination plant further reduces plastic imports. A targeted 5 per cent reduction in water consumption and a 20 per cent increase in compost production form part of next year’s ambitions.
Building on its 2025 achievements, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands aims to further elevate the guest experience with thoughtfully designed sustainability-driven activities, including its signature Masters of Crafts and Visiting Hero programmes. Details of the 2026 line-up will be announced in due course.
Huvafen Fushi, the resort internationally recognised for pioneering signature Maldivian luxury, has announced its official association with Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the only independent global rating system dedicated to luxury hospitality.
The decision marks a deliberate step for the resort, underscoring its commitment to meeting the gold standard of intuitive service on an international scale. After two decades of setting architectural and experiential milestones—such as unveiling the world’s first underwater spa and introducing the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar, Vinum—Huvafen Fushi is now focused on demonstrating its exceptional service culture against the industry’s most rigorous and objective criteria.
The resort’s ultimate aim is to attain the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating in 2026.
General Manager Noel Cameron stated, “For Huvafen, luxury is effortless and authenticity shines through. Our brand has always been about trailblazing and crafting moments that transcend the ordinary. Now, we’re putting our confidence to the test by inviting the global authority on luxury to evaluate the very core of our offering: the quality and consistency of how we make our guests feel.”
Unlike rating systems that rely on volume or guest reviews, the FTG evaluation process is entirely independent, with anonymous professional inspectors assessing properties based on up to 900 stringent standards. The criteria place significant weight on emotional connection and anticipatory service—the subtle, intuitive gestures that have long defined Huvafen’s approach.
This partnership marks a new chapter for Huvafen Fushi, reflecting its evolution towards uncompromising, verified excellence. It positions the resort to resonate even more strongly with discerning, forward-thinking travellers seeking authentic connection and meaningful transformation.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has ushered in the holiday season with a new twist on its much-loved annual Festive Cake Mixing event, held on 23 November. This year, the celebration was led by acclaimed Sri Lankan chef and viral social media personality Charith N. Silva, the creative force behind @wildcookbook and one of South Asia’s most influential culinary storytellers.
Charith, a sensation across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram with an audience of several million, is widely recognised for his bold fire-cooking techniques, visually striking outdoor food rituals, and distinctive, high-energy narrative style. He recently secured a coveted place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list in the Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) category, underscoring his growing influence on contemporary food culture in the region. He is one of a new wave of young chefs blending local flavours with global inspiration and is the owner of the restaurant “Wildish” in Colombo.
Bringing his creative flair to Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Charith said, “Bringing my energy to Sun Siyam Olhuveli was surreal; the people, the Maldivian spirit, the flavour play, everything clicked into one unforgettable festive moment.”
This year’s cake mixing unfolded like an island celebration, complete with lively music, bursts of aromatic spices, and an energetic atmosphere. Resort teams and guests layered fruits, nuts, and spirits in a spirited display, with Charith driving the momentum through his trademark spontaneity. The result was a vibrant, social, and playful reimagining of a classic festive tradition.
Festivities continued on 24 November with an exclusive live cooking demonstration by Charith, giving guests the chance to experience his signature “wild” cooking style firsthand against the lagoon backdrop of the resort.
“This celebration reflects the new creative pulse of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. Charith brought an energy that aligns perfectly with our evolving lifestyle identity, making this year’s cake mixing one of our most memorable yet,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
With the festive season now in full swing, Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to join MYSTIVAL 2025–2026, the resort’s year-end celebration taking place from 21 December 2025 to 8 January 2026, featuring hypnotic beats, immersive dining, playful rituals, and a series of kaleidoscopic island experiences designed to inspire connection and celebration.
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