Featured

JOALI BEING pays tribute to local healthcare workers

Published

4 years ago

May 13, 2022

This International Nurses Day, JOALI BEING held a special event for nurses in Raa Atoll Maldives.

“We are so incredibly thankful for their hard work, especially over the past two years. Our local nurses went above and beyond to ensure the health and welfare of the community,” says Susanne Fisch, Director of Wellbeing. “We at JOALI BEING wanted to show our appreciation for their invaluable contributions. As a small gesture of our gratitude, we organised a few special experiences for their relaxation and rejuvenation.”

Located on Bodufushi island in Raa Atoll, the nature immersive wellbeing retreat hosted a group of 14 nurses working at Raa Meedhoo Health Centre. The celebration began with an appreciation tea, featuring a handpicked selection of calming, nourishing and uplifting blends.

This was followed by a calming meditation session with the theme ,“Embracing the Lady with the Lamp”, guided by one of JOALI BEING’s resident experts. Participants had the opportunity to slow down, clear their minds and reach a state of deep relaxation. They also learned useful techniques for mindfulness. The activity took place in a tranquil setting, surrounded by beautiful views of lush palms.

Paying Homage to Nurses

International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12, the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. Nurses have always been at the forefront of healing, right alongside the physician community. Through the unprecedented challenges of the last two years, these courageous healthcare workers have been at the front-lines of service to patients and their families. No task is too big or too small, from supporting the healing process at every step to keeping spirits high during troubled times. It is these heroic efforts that JOALI BEING sought to highlight and honour.

Designed for Wellbeing

Health and wellness are always in focus at JOALI BEING, the first and only wellbeing retreat of its kind in the Maldives. The property’s unique offerings are structured around a multi-disciplinary approach called the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING: Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy. This well-rounded vision enables the team of experts to restore guests to a state of optimum balance, leaving them refreshed, renewed and inspired.

Rooted in Local Community

“Along with helping our guests, we also want to use our expertise for the wellbeing of people in our local communities,” explains Susanne. Indeed, JOALI BEING has demonstrated its commitment to the Maldives in a variety of ways ever since opening its doors in late 2021. From conducting virtual educational sessions for local university students on International Women’s Day to creating hospitality internships for young Maldivian aspirants, the team has made it a priority to connect with and empower its neighbouring island communities.

JOALI BEING invites wellbeing seekers to reconnect with themselves and with the beauty of nature. Based on the belief that understanding is the key to creating and sustaining wellbeing, the island’s Learning Centre offers a series of educational workshops and experiential classes with wellbeing experts, culinary maestros and herbalists. This distinctive wellbeing retreat is home to a total of 68 exclusive guest villas with pools, consisting of 33 beach villas and 35 water villas. With 13 categories to choose from, guests can opt for one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom villas and residences. JOALI BEING features unique transformational spaces that allow guests to immerse in elemental therapies and healing experiences. Nature is at the centre of life at JOALI BEING, with the retreat being completely committed to nature immersive and responsible travel – the pathway to true “weightlessness”.

Featured

The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives collaborates with Maldivian artist Ahmed Aleem

Published

2 days ago

April 2, 2026

m@ldives

The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.

Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.

During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.

The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.

The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.

As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.

Awards

Amilla Maldives wins ‘Most OutThere Initiative’ award for Inclusive Travel

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2026

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Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.

The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.

At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.

Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.

As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.

Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.

The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.

Featured

One year on: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives marks milestone

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2026

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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, part of Centara Hotels and Resorts, has marked its first anniversary, highlighting a year of operations as a luxury island resort within The Atollia development.

During its first year, the resort has received international recognition, including being named among Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 and listed among the Top Ten Best Maldives Resorts in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

Since opening, the resort has offered a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, along with two- and three-bedroom residences designed to provide privacy and space. Accommodation options include private pools or Jacuzzis, with design elements incorporating contemporary architecture, natural materials and Thai-inspired influences.

The resort’s concept draws on Thai heritage, reflected across its wellness, dining and guest experiences. At SPA Cenvaree Retreat, treatments are inspired by traditional Thai wellness practices. Dining options across the resort include live cooking experiences at The Gallery, Mediterranean-inspired seafood at Bluefin, and beverage offerings at venues such as Sunset Social, The Club and Coco Drift.

Guests can also take part in a range of leisure and recreational activities, including water sports and marine experiences. The resort caters to a variety of travellers, offering facilities for families, including a kids’ club and an entertainment zone for teenagers, as well as spaces for private events, group stays and corporate gatherings.

Commenting on the milestone, Jorge Fernandez said the resort combines elements of Thai heritage with the Maldivian environment to create a distinct guest experience. He noted that recognition received during the first year reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality, sustainability and service, while also acknowledging the role of guests and staff in its development.

As it marks its first anniversary, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives continues to focus on delivering curated guest experiences, with an emphasis on hospitality, design and sustainable operations within the destination.