Featured
JOALI celebrates art, science, joy of wellbeing
Both JOALI islands in the Maldives marked Global Wellness Day with an array of meaningful activities.
This year, Global Wellness Day was celebrated in unique style at JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING, the brand’s two luxurious islands in the Maldives.
On this special occasion, JOALI focused on caring for guests, employees and local communities alike. The brand’s distinctive vision of “sustainable glamour” is based on core values like community engagement, environmental protection and women’s empowerment,. Indeed, this ambitious redefinition of luxury is at the very heart of JOALI.
Global Wellness Day in the Maldives
Celebrated on June 11, the motto of Global Wellness Day 2022 was: “One day can change your whole life”. Dedicated to living well, this special day encourages us to pause, think and recognise the value of our lives. It also calls on people around the globe to raise awareness about living well.
“In a setting as spectacular as the Maldives, one inspirational day really can change your whole perspective. It can spark your curiosity, open new doors and enable you to connect deeply with yourself and the world around you,” remarks Özgür Cengiz, General Manager of JOALI BEING. Özgür is also the official Ambassador of Global Wellness Day for the Maldives.
“The JOALI brand is all about discovery,” he explains. “Both our Maldivian properties invited guests to explore the idea of wellness in their own way. Our goal was to get people thinking and inspire them to create a healthier way of life.”
Joyful Wellness at JOALI Maldives
At JOALI Maldives, the region’s first art immersive luxury island resort, Global Wellness Day was ushered in with creativity, flair and a touch of indulgence. The celebrations kicked off early in the morning, with the JOALI Maldives Island Marathon. After a warm-up session, participants set off on the 2 km route, which took them through lush greenery and sweeping ocean views. The run concluded with a recovery stretching session, followed by prizes and a photoshoot.
Later in the day, guests joined a refreshing session of Aqua Gym, a form of resistance training in the water, followed by “oh-so-good for you” sorbets by the poolside. The invigorating workout and delicious bites were a hit with all age-groups.
Also on the day’s schedule was a detox drinks workshop at Mura Bar, where the talented mixology team guided guests on how to make healthy, nutritious and delicious beverages. Last but certainly not least, JOALI Maldives organised a special Island Marathon and Aqua Gym for the resort’s hosts.

Multifaceted Wellbeing Journeys at JOALI BEING
Being the first and only nature immersive wellbeing island retreat of its kind in the Maldives, JOALI BEING celebrated Global Wellness Week with calendar of experiences that began on June 4 and culminated with special events on June 11. Guests were able to explore different facets of wellbeing – from nutrition and fitness to social connection and sustainability. Additionally, the celebrations also focused on the wellbeing of the retreat’s hosts – a priority for JOALI.
The programme highlighted healthy practices like walking 10,000 steps a day, staying well hydrated, and developing good sleep habits. Guests also participated in meaningful activities around plastic waste reduction and island clean-up. One of the highlights of the week was the healthy cooking workshop at the Culinary Learning Centre, where an expert team of chefs and nutritionists guided wellbeing seekers on how to choose the right ingredients, preserve nutrition while cooking, and develop better eating habits. For fitness enthusiasts, the JOALI BEING Amazing Race provided an exhilarating challenge: a 1.5-kilometre island run and a 500-metre open water swim.

On Global Wellness Day, JOALI BEING organised a unique wellbeing event at nearby Meedhoo Island. This collective celebration connected JOALI guests from around the globe with local residents of Raa Atoll, with a view to fostering meaningful connections and inspiring island communities to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
A number of interactive experiences were organised, including an island run and a wellness expo featuring healthy elixirs, dietary advice from a nutritionist, informational sessions with Ayurvedic doctors, and classes with the resident herbologist from AKTAR, the herbology centre at JOALI BEING. There were also plenty of fun activities for young guests, including face painting and music.
A Brand Rooted in Community
JOALI is committed to engaging with and empowering local communities. Since its arrival in the Maldives, the luxury lifestyle and hospitality brand has demonstrated this commitment in a variety of meaningful ways. The team has partnered with Maldivian organisations to aid the training of girls in local schools; provide hospitality internships for aspiring candidates; and conduct virtual educational sessions for local university students.

The company has also made significant contributions to local agencies. Generous funds have been donated to several organisations working in the archipelago, including three Women’s Development Committees in Raa Atoll, Women in Tech Maldives, Zero Waste Maldives, and the Olive Ridley Project. In May 2022, the brand donated a sum of US$ 30,000 and two eight-seater buggies to the Raa Dhuvaafaru Council. These contributions are being utilised by the island council for the benefit of local residents.
Featured
ELE|NA marks World Asthma Day with guided wellness experiences
ELE|NA marked World Asthma Day with a series of wellness activities across its properties, focusing on the role of breath in overall wellbeing.
The programme was designed to highlight the connection between breathing, movement and daily health practices. According to the company, the initiative aimed to position respiratory health as an integral part of routine wellness rather than a purely clinical concern.
Activities began with guided breath awareness sessions combined with stretching exercises. These sessions focused on controlled movement and breathing techniques intended to improve mobility and support more regulated breathing patterns. The approach was structured to help participants reduce tension and restore a steady physical rhythm.
The programme also included Floating Sound Healing sessions, where participants were positioned on water while exposed to therapeutic sound frequencies. The sessions were designed to support relaxation and mental focus through controlled sensory input.
The overall programme combined breathwork, movement and sound-based therapy as part of a structured wellness approach. ELE|NA indicated that these practices were intended to support awareness, relaxation and physical balance.
The company operates across 12 properties, including OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, VARU by Atmosphere, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and RAAYA by Atmosphere, as well as properties in India.
Through the initiative, ELE|NA presented its wellness framework as extending beyond spa treatments, incorporating routine practices centred on breathing, movement and relaxation.
Action
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers Dive Free programme
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is offering guests access to a range of dive sites in South Malé Atoll through its Dive Free programme, aimed at divers seeking structured and accessible diving experiences during their stay.
Located approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort provides proximity to multiple dive sites within a 10 to 30-minute boat radius. The surrounding waters are known for varied reef structures, current-driven channels and regular marine life encounters, allowing for multiple dives per day.
The Dive Free programme is available to guests staying three nights or more, offering up to two complimentary scuba dives per day for up to two certified divers per villa.
According to Dive Centre Manager Ibrahim Shaan, the location enables access to a range of dive environments within a short distance, including reef and channel dives. He noted that sites such as Kandooma Thila can be reached within minutes, while additional sites offering different conditions are accessible within half an hour.
Director of Marketing and Sustainability Sharon Garrett stated that the programme is designed to integrate diving into the overall guest experience, reducing both time and cost considerations for certified divers.
Water conditions in the area remain suitable for diving throughout the year, with visibility often exceeding 20 metres. The dive sites accessible from the resort include:
- Kandooma Thila, a coral-covered pinnacle known for sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays
- Guraidhoo Corner, a channel dive site with strong currents attracting schools of fish and larger species
- Cocoa Corner, featuring reef walls and drop-offs with occasional pelagic encounters
- Kuda Giri Wreck, a sheltered site with a wreck and reef supporting reef fish and macro life
- Kandooma Caves, characterised by overhangs and reef formations with diverse marine species
Additional nearby sites include Manta Point, Lhosfushi, Medhu Faru and Waggiri, offering a mix of reef and channel diving, with seasonal manta ray sightings.
The resort operates a PADI five-star dive centre with guided excursions and access to multiple sites within short travel distances. The Dive Free programme is positioned as an option for divers seeking to maximise time in the water without the need for domestic transfers, providing direct access to dive locations from a single island base.
Featured
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives unveils Eid al-Adha experience
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has introduced a curated Eid al-Adha offering aimed at travellers seeking a structured yet flexible way to mark the occasion in a resort setting.
Branded “Island Celebrations: Eid – Connect in Paradise”, the experience is positioned for guests from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, with a focus on shared experiences, personal time and engagement with the surrounding environment.
Located approximately 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort is accessible for short-stay and family travel during peak holiday periods. The property features 120 beach and overwater villas, alongside an overwater spa, house reef and multiple dining outlets.
The Eid experience will begin with an in-villa welcome offering, including Arabic sweets, dates and fruit. The programme is structured around a series of optional activities rather than a fixed schedule. These include lagoon-based experiences, daily yoga sessions at sunrise and sunset, spa treatments, sunset cruises and dining options designed for private or shared settings.
The resort has indicated that the programme is intended to allow guests to engage with activities at their own pace, rather than follow a defined itinerary.
In line with the preferences of Muslim travellers, the resort has incorporated halal-friendly dining options, flexible meal arrangements and an expanded range of non-alcoholic beverages. Villa layouts are also designed to support privacy.
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has reported guest ratings of 9.2 out of 10 on halal travel platforms, reflecting demand within this segment.
The introduction of the Eid programme aligns with broader trends in the Maldives tourism sector, where travel experiences are increasingly structured around personalisation, cultural considerations and smaller-scale experiences.
-
Cooking1 week agoYou & Me Maldives announces gourmet week with Chef Andrea Berton
-
Awards1 week agoAnantara Kihavah Maldives Villas named to 2026 T+L 500 list
-
News7 days agoGrand Park Kodhipparu introduces Maldives’ first resort membership concept
-
Awards1 week agoFamily Fun Summer returns to JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
-
News6 days agoAngsana Velavaru introduces curated day visit packages
-
Action1 week agoSiyam World expands activity line-up with 3K run and race
-
News1 week agoMeyyafushi Maldives opens with focus on premium all-inclusive travel
-
Action6 days agoDhawa Ihuru to celebrate marine heritage with Rannamaari Dive Fest this May


