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JOALI BEING hosts culinary workshop with Chef Patrick Godborg for students from Maduvvaree school

JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island retreat of its’ kind in the Maldives welcomed Head Chef Patrick Godborg in March 2023.
Between the 16th — 22nd March, Patrick Godborg, Head Chef of acclaimed ‘Restaurant Radio’ in Copenhagen, Denmark hosted one unique Dining Experience for JOALI BEING’s guests in addition to two immersive workshops. For this, Chef Patrick brought a little of Scandinavia to the Indian Ocean destination with dishes like, traditional Danish cream puffs infused with local ingredients that support your sleep cycle, Nordic-style sustainable fish with pumpkin and many more were featured in a 5-course signature dining experience for guests.
The first workshop was designed for the local community: I2 pupils in their 8th and 9th graders from the local Maduwaree School, who share a distinct interest in the culinary and hospitality spheres participated.
The second workshop was in honour of ‘World Sleep Day’ and brought wellbeing and sustainability together around the mind pillar in JOALI BEING’s Learning Centre in collaboration with JOALI BEING’s Executive Chef Richard Siahaan.
During its first opening year, a skills workshop for local kids with football legend Diego Simeone and another one with German tennis star Alexander Zverev, was organised by JOALI BEING.
Ever since opening its doors in late 2021, JOALI BEING has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and progress of local communities. From conducting virtual education sessions for university students on International Women’s Day to hosting an appreciation event for healthcare workers on International Nurses’ Day, the team has made it a priority to support and empower neighbouring island communities.
The wellbeing retreat has also created multiple hospitality internships for Maldivian aspirants to inspire the next generation, as part of JOALI’s ongoing community outreach programmes.
Chef Patrick started his career in culinary school thanks to a friend and found his passion for cooking. Since a young age, he loved being creative in the kitchen and the concept of elaborating new dishes and giving people a good experience motivated him to move forward professionally. As a student, he worked in different Michelin restaurants, such as the world-renowned Noma, the influential three-Michelin-star restaurant from Copenhagen which was awarded ‘The World’s Best Restaurant’ title four times by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.
He started setting goals for himself after realising his talent: to try out for Bocuse D’Or, to win Best Restaurant in Denmark, and of course, to have a Michelin start. Nowadays, Chef Patrick can proudly say that he has achieved those key goals.
As part of Chef Patrick’s vision, he wants to showcase the concepts of cooking and be sustainable at the same time. The products that he uses for his dishes are 70% organic or biodynamic.
Sustainable Gastronomy
Both JOALI properties are home to their own organic garden filled with homegrown herbs. Fish and seafood are locally sourced from fishermen from neighbouring islands, ensuring that they adhere to sustainable fishing practices. Both islands have their own rocket composters to dispose of all food waste and create compost for their organic gardens.
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”.
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.
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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island achieves PADI Eco Center Certification

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been officially certified as a PADI Eco Center, becoming one of only two resorts in the Maldives to receive this recognition in 2025. The certification is awarded to dive resorts that extend their efforts beyond standard operations, with a strong focus on protecting marine environments and raising awareness among future generations.
As part of the certification process, the resort’s team adopted the Conrad House Reef through PADI’s Adopt the Blue programme. A Dive Against Debris clean-up dive was conducted around the reef near Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, during which 10 kilograms of marine litter, primarily plastics and metal fragments, were collected.
The team also joined Green Fins in June 2025 and has since introduced a series of sustainable practices. These include paperless dive check-ins, eco-briefings before excursions, reduced use of plastics through the introduction of glass alternatives, and signage encouraging responsible snorkelling and diving across the dive centre.
Guests are also directly engaged in conservation activities through coral restoration initiatives. In 2025, the team has facilitated 17 coral line adoptions, where participants attend an educational session before attaching coral fragments to nursery lines and assisting with their placement underwater.
Jessica Miller, Marine Biologist at Conrad Maldives, commented: “This certification represents a milestone for us. It’s the result of dedicated teamwork and genuine care for the ocean. Watching our guests become part of the solution, whether through coral planting or learning about local marine life, is what makes this so special.”
Nick Flynn, General Manager of Conrad Maldives, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the team’s achievement in making Conrad Maldives a certified PADI Eco Center. This milestone is part of our long-term commitment to sustainability and a testament to how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Ranjit Batra, Chief Executive Officer of Ventive Hospitality, the owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, highlighted the wider significance of the achievement. He said: “The PADI Eco Center recognition for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island underscores our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while shaping the future of responsible travel. We are proud of Conrad for leading the way in sustainability across the Maldives.”
The certification strengthens Conrad Maldives’ broader sustainability objectives under Hilton’s Travel With Purpose programme. The resort will continue to offer educational dives, coral adoption opportunities, and conservation briefings, encouraging guests to actively participate in marine protection efforts during their stay.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island operates under Hilton and is part of Hilton Honors®, the global guest loyalty programme. Hilton Honors members booking directly through official Hilton channels receive a range of benefits, including exclusive discounts, free standard Wi-Fi, flexible payment options combining Points and money, and contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, which enables digital check-in, room selection, and access.
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Angsana Velavaru recognised as Best Water Villa Resort at TTM Awards 2025

Angsana Velavaru has been named Best Water Villa Resort at the TTM Awards & Gala 2025, presented by Travel Trade Maldives, the country’s leading travel trade platform.
The award acknowledges the resort’s InOcean Pool Villas, the Maldives’ first standalone water villas located one kilometre from the main island. These villas have become a signature feature of Angsana Velavaru, designed to accommodate both couples and families, with private pools, direct access to the ocean, and spacious interiors.
Beyond the architectural concept, the villas are intended to provide guests with a personal and adventurous connection to the surrounding sea. The resort also offers a wide range of experiences through its ‘101 Things to Do’ programme, which includes marine exploration, wellness activities, and culinary experiences. Cultural engagement is a central element, with opportunities for guests to interact with local island communities and traditions. The resort further integrates sustainability through its ‘Stay for Good’ initiatives, which combine environmental care with community involvement.
Commenting on the award, General Manager Ahmed Zahir said: “We are truly honoured to receive this award from the TTM Awards, a platform that embodies the spirit of the Maldivian travel community. This accolade not only celebrates the uniqueness of our InOcean Pool Villas but also pays tribute to the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to create moments of discovery, connection and meaning for our guests. At Angsana Velavaru, we believe a stay should be more than a holiday—it should become a journey that remains with our guests long after they return home.”
Angsana Velavaru continues to position itself as a destination offering immersive experiences. Guests are invited to explore coral reefs, engage in island life, and create enduring memories in harmony with the natural environment.
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Barceló Nasandhura Malé named Best City Hotel at TTM Awards 2025

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has been awarded Best City Hotel at the TTM Awards 2025, held on 28 August at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi.
The recognition reflects the passion, hard work, and dedication of the team at Barceló Nasandhura, whose commitment to excellence has been evident since the property opened earlier this year. The hotel has focused on creating memorable guest experiences and setting new standards for city hospitality, which contributed to this achievement.
The TTM Awards, part of the Maldives’ largest travel trade show, celebrates the country’s hospitality sector across 28 categories, bringing together leading travel and tourism professionals from the region.
As it marks this milestone, Barceló Hotel Group reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the future of city hospitality in Malé.
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