Featured
Fantastical celebrations at JOALI Maldives this festive season
From 21st of December 2021 to 9th of January 2022, JOALI Maldives will be hosting a fantasy-world inspired three-week calendar of enchanting festive activities and joyful experiences for all ages.
The paradise island will be transformed into an otherworldly playground that blends past and present, fantasy and reality.
Guests can take part in a range of traditional family experiences throughout the festive period, such as the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony; the unveiling of JOALI Maldives’ culinary art-designed Gingerbread House, getting a visit from Santa Claus, JOALI style; and watching the ball drop for New Year’s Eve, welcoming 2022.
To help guests with their approach to wellbeing this festive season, JOALI Maldives will be home to a selection of trainers and teachers that will help with wellbeing, introspection, and self-knowledge.
Joanne Ignacio, JOALI Maldives’ Resident Yoga & Holistic Teacher, will be on hand to help guests rebalance, relax, and renew with tailored wellbeing experiences. During the festive season, Joanne will be facilitating wellness sessions where guests can take their pick from various yoga styles, pranayama, meditation, manifestation, posture correction, and more.
Darko Vujic, Resident Fitness Trainer, will guide guests through daily fitness training and activities, including metabolic training, mixed martial arts workout, tabata training, aqua fitness workout, and more.
Resident Tennis Coach, Stefan Mijushkovikj’s passion for tennis is manifested in fun and engaging lessons for those who are new, as well as a great competition for more experienced players.
Dr Sohal Shah practices a unique blend of acupuncture and yoga and is renowned for combining herbal remedies, Chinese cupping, and yogic relaxation techniques to treat a host of ailments – from aches, pains and migraines, to insomnia, weight gain and lifestyle addictions.
JOALI Maldives is offering a complimentary consultation with Dr Sohal this festive season, who will identify the guests’ needs and goals for their wellbeing journey.

For adrenaline seekers and water lovers, JOALI Maldives will be offering various activities including parasailing, scuba diving, and glass-bottom kayaking.
Alongside the festive and adrenaline-fuelled activities, guests can learn more about the marine-scape of the Maldives with JOALI’s Resident Marine Biologists, Ida-Wenona Hendriks and Shameem Ali. Ida-Wenona and Shameem are available for a wide range of educational experiences including learning to build coral frames in support of the JOALI Reef Restoration Programme, scuba-diving to plant coral onto the reef nursery and guided snorkelling over JOALI’s house reef.
Younger guests are in for a treat, with fun-filled adventures and learning sessions to keep them busy. Families can enjoy an exhilarating over and underwater sea bob ride; tailored tennis lessons from the tennis pro Stefan Mijuskovic; or archery sessions with an experienced instructor.
Families can also look forward to ceramic art classes with JOALI Maldives’ resident artist, Nataliya Kuleshova or join in the beloved Maldivian pastime of reef-bottom fishing.
To create an unforgettable holiday celebration, JOALI Maldives will be hosting an array of culinary experiences to enjoy, including celebration menus and interactive mixology and culinary classes with their talented chefs.

Festive celebrations will include a Christmas Eve dinner of signature dishes alongside beloved holiday recipes, served by the firelight of beach torches and a Christmas Day brunch with an array of sweet morning treats and celebratory drinks for the adults.
To celebrate the welcoming of 2022, JOALI Maldives will host a New Year’s Eve “Phantasmagoria” celebration, lit by moonlight, stars and fireworks, which includes a lavish feast of international dishes and artistic surprises by their team of chefs.
Start the New Year with a New Year’s Day brunch including a Bloody Mary station, healthy mixed sprouts and vegan salads, and a make-your-own juice station.
Guests can also enjoy a range of educational culinary art experiences during the festive period, including learning to roll sushi like a pro at a Sushi Making class; a hands-on festive favourite cooking class; a day of learning to create authentic Italian cuisine dishes at Bellinis; an interactive Asian cuisine teppanyaki cooking class that is perfect for the entire family; and a family-friendly introduction to Indian Ocean spices from their talented Chefs.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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