Featured
Celebrate rebirth, renewal this Easter at JOALI BEING

JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island retreat of its kind in the Maldives, has created an exciting programme this Easter to offer guests a week of experiences ‘to renew your spirit and revive your light’ and will once again be extending its offering to children for the school holidays.
Throughout the Easter season, JOALI BEING will have a range of new activities on offer for the whole family from 6th – 12th April 2023, based around folklore and cherished traditions.
Guests will also notice the robin will be used decoratively around the island through feathers, objects and imagery, as a symbol of rebirth, renewal and as a harbinger of spring.
Culinary experiences
To help create an unforgettable holiday experience for families this Easter, JOALI BEING will be hosting an array of culinary experiences, workshops and classes.
Unique culinary pop-ups will also be available, centred around fireside and grill charcoal cooking, all nourishing and bursting with flavour. Guests may also wish to ease inflammation and revitalise their internal health with Omega-3 rich foods through curated cooking sessions, led by JOALI BEING’s expert nutritionist.
For children, JOALI BEING will be offering a “Young Master Chef” cooking class throughout the Easter period. In these classes, young guests can learn easy culinary techniques, taste new flavours, and explore their creativity in the kitchen.
Wellbeing experiences and visiting practitioners
To help guests with their approach to wellbeing and skin-cell renewal this Easter, adults can learn to create all-natural skincare products with the use of herbs, flowers, and essential oils. Drawing on the traditional wisdom of apothecaries, JOALI BEING’s herbologists will teach guests how to make an organic facial scrub that supports skin-cell renewal.
Guided meditation with sound healing instruments is also on offer – these experiences are aimed at helping guests centre their mind and discover a sense of profound calm.
For something slightly more upbeat, exhilarating dance routine workshops will be available, combining a variety of styles and aimed to instantly lift any mood.
Outdoor exploration along the Sound Discovery Path is also available for children. Here, young guests can take an inspiring tour through JOALI BEING’s outdoor sound therapy oasis with a resident life coach.
While adults can take advantage of morning yoga at the Ocean Sala, JOALI BEING is also offering complimentary yoga classes for children throughout the day, during the Easter period.
JOALI BEING is also welcoming expert visiting practitioners this Easter, specialising in transformative healing, natural healing, sound healing and more. The practitioners will enable guests to take their wellbeing journeys to a new level, bringing them closer to experiencing the joy of weightlessness.
The following visiting practitioners will be at JOALI BEING during the Easter period.
Dr. Tara Swart Bieber – Dr. Tara Swart Bieber is a globally renowned PhD neuroscientist, Oxford University-trained medical doctor, professor at MIT Sloan, executive advisor and bestselling author on science and spirituality. Swart Bieber invites guests to maximise their stays by embarking on immersive experiences that will ready them to better re-engage with their everyday lives with renewed resilience and enable visitors to make better decisions and to think more clearly.
Javier De Prado Lizano – A master of craniosacral and Watsu therapies, as well as visceral manipulation and Osteothai techniques, De Prado Lizano will be inviting guests to experience a seamless merging of Eastern and Western healing traditions. De Prado Lizano’s transformative healing experiences include craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, Osteothai sessions, and Watsu.
Alexandra Demolling – An experienced naturopath and iridologist, Demolling will guide guests on a holistic pathway to mind and body balance using herbal and vibrational remedies to treat issues such as stress, inflammation, and food intolerances.
Active experiences and educational conservation talks
Adults and children alike can join a dolphin cruise, to marvel at the azure lagoons and magical sunsets, whilst pods of spinner and bottleneck dolphins leap around the boat.
JOALI BEING will also be offering snorkelling trips to both adults and children, led by the retreat’s resident Marine Biologist. SEABOB snorkelling will be available to adults, involving the world’s most advanced underwater scooter; and turtle snorkelling trips will be available to children to learn about the iconic creatures in their natural underwater habitat. Conservation and marine talks will also be led by JOALI BEING’s Resident Marine Biologist.
Other activities will also enable adults to explore the surrounding crystal-clear waters. These include the beloved Maldivian pastime of traditional sunset fishing, and parasailing. Parasailing at JOALI BEING is an experience like no other. Guests can observe spectacular views of the Gate of Zero, the Ocean Sala and the Island of Wellbeing from a completely new perspective.
JOALI BEING invites guests 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”.
Rates: JOALI BEING has villas from $2,675 per night based on two persons sharing a Grand Beach Pool Villa on a B&B basis. Wellbeing Programmes start from $1,693 per person based on a five-night programme. For further details and booking, please visit joalibeing.com. For further details and booking, please visit joalibeing.com.
For more information and bookings, please visit https://www.joalibeing.com.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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