Featured
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.
Featured
Sonic serenity: Discover Sound Healing at Brennia Kottefaru

At Brennia Kottefaru, the pursuit of wellness extends beyond movement and meditation, flowing into the calming resonance of sound. The resort’s Sound Healing Session, conducted by Amit Singh (Yoga Teacher and Sound Healer), offers guests a deeply restorative experience designed to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit.
Held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the Recreation Hall, the 45-minute group session harnesses the resonant tones of singing bowls to guide participants into a profound state of relaxation.
The session offers a range of benefits:
Deep Relaxation – The soothing vibrations calm the mind and body, easing stress and anxiety.
Emotional Balance – The practice helps release stored emotions, fostering a sense of inner peace.
Improved Sleep – Sound frequencies encourage relaxation, aiding those experiencing insomnia and promoting better sleep quality.
Enhanced Focus and Clarity – By balancing brainwave activity, participants may experience improved concentration and mental clarity.
Energy Alignment – The vibrations help balance the body’s chakras and energy flow.
Participation is priced at USD 15 per guest, with a complimentary 15-minute demonstration session available upon request through the spa. Guests are encouraged to book in advance via the Brennia Kottefaru mobile app or by contacting the Spa directly at extension 108.
Within the serene setting of Brennia, the tones of the singing bowls intertwine with the island’s natural symphony — the rhythm of the waves, the whisper of the palms, and the gentle hum of island life. The result is more than a class; it is an immersive journey towards stillness and renewal.
At Brennia Kottefaru, wellness is not merely practised — it is felt in every vibration, every breath, and every moment of quiet connection.
Celebration
W Maldives introduces its ‘Make Waves, New Traditions’ festive series

W Maldives is inviting guests to Make Waves, New Traditions this festive season, presenting a celebration that redefines the holidays with creativity, connection, and indulgence. From 23 December to 1 January, the resort will transform into a tropical haven where every moment is designed for joy and every guest has officially “Made the List.”
The festivities commence with Twinkle & Toast, a lighting ceremony that marks the start of a vibrant, week-long calendar of events. Highlights include flame-grilled feasts on FIRE Beach for Christmas Eve, holiday movie nights under the stars, festive afternoon teas overlooking the reef, seafood markets brimming with fresh coastal flavours, and a Maldivian beach barbecue infused with rhythm and local flair. On New Year’s Eve, the island will evolve into a lively playground featuring creative cocktails, immersive culinary journeys, electrifying performances, and fireworks over the Indian Ocean to welcome 2025 in true W style.
This year’s celebration also introduces The Restore Series with internationally acclaimed wellness coach Arron Collins-Thomas, founder of TONIQ. Integrating Qigong, breathwork, and cold-water therapy with energising workouts and restorative rituals, the seven-day wellness experience aims to refresh both body and mind while harmonising with the festive atmosphere. Guests can take part in sunrise sessions, sunset meditations, and ice-bath resets, embracing wellness as an essential part of the celebration and preparing themselves for the year ahead.
Culinary experiences take centre stage in this season of togetherness and authenticity. From ocean-to-table creations at FISH to Chef Bakaa’s festive degustation menu and the dynamic seafood markets at KITCHEN, each dining encounter blends local ingredients with bold imagination. Guests are encouraged to come together, share stories, and experience the Maldivian spirit through flavours that are both comforting and refreshingly innovative.
“This is the season to connect, recharge, and celebrate without boundaries,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “At W Maldives, we embrace the unexpected. Make Waves, New Traditions is our invitation for guests to come together, savour the island’s soul, and create memories that sparkle long after the fireworks fade.”
With its star-lit skies, daring gastronomy, revitalising wellness rituals, and music that carries into the night, W Maldives offers a festive escape where traditions are reimagined and every guest truly Makes the List.
Featured
From proposals to vow renewals: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives crafts every moment with love

Set amidst the tranquillity and natural splendour of the Maldives, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives presents couples with an idyllic destination for celebrating love. Whether marking the start of a shared journey, renewing vows, or enjoying an intimate retreat, the island provides a haven where cherished moments unfold against a backdrop of blue skies, soft sands, and crystalline waters.
Combining understated elegance with the lush tropical beauty of the island, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives creates a romantic sanctuary defined by thoughtful details, curated experiences, and the effortless allure of nature. With bespoke wedding, proposal, and romantic escape offerings, the resort caters to couples seeking intimacy, connection, and enduring memories.
Every wedding or vow renewal is meticulously crafted to reflect each couple’s story and style. Through the resort’s “A Tale of True Love” package, couples may exchange or renew vows in an island-inspired ceremony, held either along the pristine shoreline or on a secluded private sandbank. Whether a quiet ceremony for two or an intimate gathering with family and friends, every detail is personalised to match the couple’s vision. Guests can walk down a flower-lined aisle to the rhythm of traditional Maldivian Bodu beru drums, surrounded by ocean vistas. Tropical floral arrangements, bespoke bouquets, and a custom wedding cake add to the sense of occasion. As evening falls, a private dinner curated by the executive chef awaits—served either on the beach or in the privacy of a villa. The experience concludes with romantic turndown touches, including a flower petal bath, designed to end the day in serene luxury.
For those taking the first step toward their future together, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers a breathtaking setting for proposals. The romantic beach proposal experience sets the stage as the sun dips below the horizon, with “Will you marry me?” displayed in lights or written in the sand within a heart of fresh blooms. The moment is accompanied by chilled champagne and handcrafted canapés, allowing couples to toast to their future as the waves lap gently along the shore.
Couples seeking to celebrate milestones such as honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply time away together may choose the Couple Celebration package, designed to encourage reconnection in tranquil seclusion. Available with a minimum four-night stay, the package includes seaplane transfers, a bottle of champagne upon arrival, exclusive dining experiences—including a floating breakfast and a candlelit beach dinner—and a rejuvenating couple’s treatment at the resort’s treetop Spa Alila.
With its emphasis on time, space, and togetherness, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers an exquisite setting for celebrating love in all its forms, transforming each special moment into a lasting memory. The resort has also earned consecutive recognition as the Best Honeymoon Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards, an honour voted by both travel agents and the public. This accolade reaffirms Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ reputation as one of the nation’s premier destinations for romance and intimate celebrations.
-
News1 week ago
Universal Resorts transforms into VERSA, unveiling NIVA as cornerstone of international growth strategy
-
Celebration1 week ago
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa unveils ‘Around the World’ festive celebration inspired by global cultures
-
Featured1 week ago
New era of sustainable luxury: Veligandu Maldives now fully powered by solar energy
-
Celebration1 week ago
Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s dual celebration of Diwali and culinary artistry
-
Featured6 days ago
The St. Regis Maldives introduces holistic wellness experience with Tash and Andre Barnard
-
Featured1 week ago
Escape to Baa Atoll with Royal Island’s limited-time winter offer
-
Awards1 week ago
Luxury Lifestyle Awards honours Summer Island Maldives as Best Romantic Resort
-
Celebration6 days ago
Centara Hotels & Resorts lights up Maldives with vibrant Diwali celebrations