Featured
Le Méridien Maldives puts females at forefront of resort’s sustainability initiatives
Since debuting in one of the world’s most fascinating destinations, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has been an eco-conscious hideaway of indigenous flora and fauna surrounded by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Recipient of the BCA Green Mark GOLDPlus Award, the resort is proud to put females at the forefront of their crucial on-property initiatives that champion their philosophy to restore and protect the world’s greatest natural structures.
In honour of International Women’s Day 2023, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa takes pride in having a powerful female team members occupying inspiring and unique roles that are crucial to their ethos. From restoring coral reefs to caring for one largest state-of-the-art hydroponic farms in the Maldives, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa celebrates women today and every day.
Juby Thomas, Horticulture
Juby Thomas, Head Horticulturist, champions the resort’s commitment to sustainability as she completely manages and oversees the on-site hydroponic gardens. Ensuring all produce is fully organic, pesticide-free, and replenished using rainwater collected in a 30,000-litre tank, Juby has been instrumental in developing a thriving greenhouse program that encourages guests to witness and engage with the beauty of nature and learn about the resort’s efforts to protect it, followed by a unique dining experience featuring freshly harvested ingredients. Not only does the greenhouse provide produce for neighbouring island in the Maldives, but it is also a blueprint for the resort’s food menus. From cocktail apothecary to kids cooking, Juby plays a pivotal role as a team member of resort and ambassador of sustainability.

Candice Gunning, Marine Biologist
An animal-lover by nature, Candice Gunning set out to be a vet before turning to marine biology to study how ecosystems work to help create a better tomorrow. She takes her natural passion for the water and educating others to the marine conservation project at the resort. From devising a marine programme that teaches guests about turtles and stingrays, mangroves, seagrass and highlighting the importance of these natural habitats, to snorkelling trips, dolphin cruises, and a reef restoration activity that allows families to get involved, interact with the environment and each other, whilst feeling a responsibility to preserve. An ambassador for the resort’s virtues, Candice works ardently to care to the natural surroundings of the resort to not only protect the natural beauty of the island but also the natural habitats of the sea creatures.

“We are extremely proud to have Juby and Candice as female leaders in our sustainability efforts,” said Nilesh Singh, General Manager of Le Meridien Resort & Spa.
“Their dedication, passion, and sense of responsibility towards the environment are inspirational, and we are confident that through their guidance and efforts, we will continue to achieve our sustainability goals.”
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Through the leadership of Juby and Candice, the resort is able to showcase its commitment to the environment in an intentional and impactful way.
Featured
Villa Nautica’s festive glow: Yoga at sunrise, fireworks at midnight
Villa Nautica will embrace the festive spirit from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, offering guests an easy island rhythm that flows from bright mornings by the water to music-filled evenings on the sand. The season begins with illuminated beaches and relaxed barbecues, gradually building through creative afternoons and live performances. Christmas Eve will feature a gala dinner, followed by Santa’s arrival on 25 December. The celebrations will culminate in a vibrant New Year’s Eve countdown with fireworks, before settling into a calm reset on New Year’s Day and concluding with Orthodox Christmas.
The programme balances practicality with a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Mornings will bring sunrise yoga, family pool activities, and interactive cooking sessions, while evenings will feature poolside soirées, wine-paired dinners, and sunset cruises. With simple yet photogenic settings, the lagoon and sky take centre stage in shaping the mood. Guests—whether couples, friends, or families—can participate freely without losing the island’s easy pace.
For younger visitors, the festivities will centre around the kids’ club, where cookie and cupcake decorating, beach games, origami and craft sessions, storytelling, and cosy movie nights will take place. Small groups and attentive care ensure that creativity and play remain the focus, allowing parents to enjoy uninterrupted moments around the island.
A highlight of the season will be the Champagne Lucky Draw & Disco. From 1 to 31 December, each bottle of champagne purchased at resort bars or restaurants will serve as an entry to the draw. Guests are advised to keep their entry stubs for the live draw, held at 01:00 during the New Year’s celebration, where the prize will be a seven-night stay in a Water Villa for two.
Throughout the festive period, private experiences will feel as memorable as the larger celebrations. Guests may enjoy candlelit dinners on the sand, floating breakfasts, or early morning snorkelling sessions to begin the year anew. Whether seeking a lively shoreline celebration or a quiet evening stroll beneath lanterns and palms, Villa Nautica offers an atmosphere where every festive moment can glow in its own way.
Featured
JOALI BEING launches global campaign ‘Joyful Journeys of Well-Living’
JOALI BEING, the world’s first well-being island, has announced the launch of its new global brand campaign titled “Joyful Journeys of Well-Living.” The campaign celebrates the art of self-discovery, inviting travellers to reconnect with their inner selves through bespoke and transformative experiences.
Building upon JOALI BEING’s core philosophy of the “Joy of Weightlessness,” the campaign embodies the essence of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. It encourages guests to explore holistic pathways designed to restore balance and inspire personal growth.
Joyful Journeys of Well-Living serves as an invitation to travellers seeking meaningful change and renewal. The campaign narrates stories of individuals discovering joy through purposeful living, mindful connection, and immersive well-being experiences at JOALI BEING.
The visuals capture the island’s tranquil landscapes and nurturing spaces — from oceanfront sanctuaries to treetop villas and transformative healing sessions led by resident experts. The campaign presents JOALI BEING as more than a destination; it is a journey towards well-being, creativity, and self-transformation.
Each guest journey at JOALI BEING is founded on the resort’s Four Pillars of Well-Being — Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. Through tailored programmes, guests can embark on integrative wellness experiences encompassing sound therapy, movement and fitness, hydrotherapy, nutritional guidance, and energy-healing sessions curated by specialists.
The island features a series of advanced well-being spaces, including:
- CORE: a movement and fitness zone
- AREKA: a transformative treatment centre
- KAASHI: a hydrotherapy hall
- SEDA: a sound-healing room
- Ocean Sala: an open-air meditation and relaxation deck
Each space is designed to nurture a profound connection with nature and the self.
The Joyful Journeys of Well-Living campaign has been conceptualised and produced by JOALI BEING’s in-house team in collaboration with creative partners and visual storytellers from across the globe. The multi-platform campaign integrates film, digital, and print media to convey JOALI BEING’s ethos — a celebration of joy, transformation, and harmony.
The visual narrative draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Maldives, reflecting JOALI BEING’s immersive design philosophy. The imagery captures the rhythm of the ocean, the play of light, and the flow of energy that define the spirit of the island.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins Best Waterside Hotel at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2026
Coco Bodu Hithi has been recognised on the global stage, winning Best Waterside Hotel (Riverside, Lakeside, Seaside) at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026, held on 3 November 2025 in the UK. It is the second consecutive year the resort has been honoured by the publication, following last year’s win for Best Service, reaffirming its focus on heartfelt Maldivian hospitality and refined island living.
Described by Condé Nast Johansens as an “over-water, over-indulgent Maldivian island outpost,” Coco Bodu Hithi offers an intimate retreat of comfort and calm. The resort’s 32 Water Villas and 24 Coco Residences, each measuring 184 square metres and featuring private pools, provide secluded spaces set above the lagoon, where nature, design, and comfort come together to reflect the island’s romantic ambience.
Known for contemporary design infused with Maldivian heritage, the resort continues to welcome travellers seeking time by the sea, complemented by culinary collaborations with celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs. The experience balances privacy and comfort throughout a guest’s stay. With turquoise waters, quiet spaces, and experiences designed for connection and shared discovery, the resort presents a considered take on island living.
Located 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the island combines accessibility with seclusion—close enough for convenience, yet removed for privacy and serenity. As part of Coco Collection, the resort offers bespoke experiences, attentive service, and sustainable practices, shaping stays that feel personal and reflective of relaxed, authentic island life.
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