News
JOALI celebrates Global Wellness Day with local island events
In celebration of Global Wellness Day on 10 June, JOALI BEING – the first wellbeing island of its kind on the pristine isle of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, Maldives – and JOALI Maldives – the first art-immersive resort in the Maldives on neighbouring Muravandhoo Island – celebrated with an exciting programme of events, aimed at bringing together guests and locals at each resort in celebration of the wellness community around the world.
In honour of this year’s official theme, #DanceMagenta, movement was at the heart of the experiences along with community – ‘celebrating the joy of connection’.
JOALI BEING
Redefining the meaning of wellbeing getaways, the island is home to unique transformative spaces – including hydrotherapy, movement and sound healing treatments – to nourish guests and give them a new sense of ‘weightlessness’.
Global Wellness Day featured an exciting array of events with transformation — and dance – at the heart of it.
- Dynamic Run and Dance – In rhythm to traditional Boduberu drums and a live DJ where guests could move to Chi-Flow on the sand
- JOALI BEING’s state-of-the-art Discovery Sound Path took guests on a Movement Meditation Journey through walking meditation whilst enveloped by the healing vibrations of musical instruments
- The Steps Aerobics Class offered a joyful blend of cardio and music
- Honouring all aspects of wellbeing, a healthy cooking class with the resort’s top chefs helped guests prepare nourishing, delicious dishes — from selecting the right ingredients, to using intelligent cooking techniques in the dedicated Culinary Learning Centre
- Aquatic Motion – fusing movement, live music and water in the main swimming pool
- For those looking for a slower paced experience, Sunset Yoga at MOJO Beach was the perfect alternative
- And finally, guests danced the night away at Chakra Dance in the scenic Ocean Sala
At the core of JOALI BEING is modern science and long-honoured traditions aimed at guiding guests on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. A dedicated expert team of naturopaths, therapists and movement experts aims to work with guests every step of the way to help set intentions, nurture and co-create moments of ‘wonder and transcendence.’
The Four Pillars of JOALI BEING include:
- MIND: Cultivate contentment and peace of mind through sound therapy and mind and body practices
- SKIN: Illuminate the skin with rejuvenating therapies that draw equally from timeless rituals and the world’s most advanced research
- MIRCOBIOME: Form a deeper understand of the connection between body, mind and nutrition while building eating habits around the body’s circadian rhythm
- ENERGY: Rebalance the nervous system and optimise energy flow through intelligent movement practices and restorative therapies
JOALI Maldives
The ‘Island of Joy’ brought an exciting blend of art, dance and learning to the mix with its programming this year, including:
- The JOALI Community Challenge – bringing dance to the forefront, the event encouraged guests to dance and run together
- At the Spa Pavilion, Movement Meditation took place with JOALI’s expert practitioner at the helm
- Aqua Jogging – a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and running form – was also on offer
- A Detox Drinks Workshop gives guests top tips in making their own health cleansing drinks
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.







This year, in honour of community, JOALI created a memorable evening at Raa Maakurathu, a local island in Raa Atoll. Dedicated to living well, the community event featured an Island Walk and a Community Dance, inspired by #DanceMagenta. There was also a Kids’ Evening, including marine biology activities, exciting games and healthy food and drinks for young explorers.
“The community aspect was crucial for us here at JOALI because we truly believe in equality. We wanted to create a day where we could bring people together – uniting guests from both islands plus visiting other island communities – to focus on their wellbeing with the belief that: one inspirational day really can change your whole perspective. We want to try and collaborate with as many Maldivian island communities as possible and see how they have been inspired by Global Wellness Day and how it has impacted their day-to-day lives,” said Ozgiir Cengiz, General Manager of JOALI BEING.
“Our hope is that our communities take learnings from Wellness Day and they wake up every day and choose their joy.”
Ozgiir is also the official Ambassador of Global Wellness Day for the Maldives. In special honour of Global Wellness Day, Ozgiir Cengiz, talks to Belgin Aksoy — founder of Global Wellness Day – on their dedicated podcast on her journey, how she aims to change lives and communities through wellness plus her life-changing 7-step manifest.
JOALI 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. Sustainability is also at the heart of the brand and both JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING are Silver Certified by EarthCheck, for initiatives towards creating a sustainable future.
For further details and booking, please visit www. joali.com
Awards
Three Cinnamon Maldives resorts ranked among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
Multiple resorts within Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives have been recognised in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards 2026, with Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon ranking among the top 10% of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews.
Presented annually by Tripadvisor, the Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise hospitality businesses that consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences, based entirely on authentic reviews and ratings shared by travellers over a 12 month period. As one of the travel industry’s most respected accolades, the awards reflect the genuine experiences of millions of guests from around the world.
Together, the three resorts showcase the breadth of experiences available across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, from surfing and family holidays to contemporary island escapes and some of the Maldives’ most celebrated diving experiences.
Commenting on the achievement, Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager – Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, said: “Receiving recognition through the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the guests who have experienced our resorts. I would like to sincerely thank our guests for choosing Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives and for taking the time to share their experiences, as well as our colleagues whose commitment to excellence has made this achievement possible.”
Spanning four distinctive island experiences across the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers guests the opportunity to discover the destination in different ways, from world renowned surf breaks and family adventures to tranquil luxury escapes and exceptional diving experiences. This latest recognition further reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering authentic hospitality, personalised service and unforgettable moments in one of the world’s most sought after destinations.
Further strengthening its global presence, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) through Cinnamon DISCOVERY, giving guests access to an extensive network of hotels, exclusive member rewards and meaningful travel experiences while connecting international travellers to the brand’s distinctive collection of resorts across the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
With the upcoming winter season offering the perfect time to experience the Maldives, guests can also take advantage of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ latest Winter Offer, which includes complimentary return transfers for two on stays of seven nights or more when booking directly.
News
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa welcomes Anshuka Parwani for exclusive wellness retreat
To honour National Wellness Month, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa has announced an exclusive partnership with India’s most celebrated holistic health pioneer and celebrity wellness mentor, Anshuka Parwani. Designed as an invitation for travellers to slow down, practice self-care, and immerse themselves in the healing power of nature, this bespoke collaboration introduces a transformative two-day wellness activation on August 14 & 15, 2026.
Anshuka Parwani’s journey from a commercial pilot to the founder of AnshukaYoga has made her one of the most trusted names in modern wellness. Certified in yoga therapy, restorative practices, and aerial yoga, she is renowned for her highly personalised, therapeutic approach to fitness and emotional alignment. As the go-to wellness mentor for Bollywood’s top elite, including Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, Anshuka has built a formidable media presence as a TEDx speaker, magazine cover star, and global brand ambassador. Through her digital platforms, she passionately reveals traditional yogic philosophies, making holistic health feel both deeply aspirational and effortlessly accessible.
Set against the pristine, natural backdrop of the Shaviyani Atoll, the exclusive weekend itinerary is anchored by signature Sunrise and Sunset Yoga sessions hosted directly by Anshuka on August 14 & 15. Morning sessions will invite guests to greet the day with mindful breathwork and gentle, revitalising flows as the sun rises over the turquoise Indian Ocean. As twilight approaches, the evening rituals will transition into a soulful space for meditation, stillness, and deep inner reflection.
“True luxury is an environment where you can feel wholly present, nourished, and deeply connected to your surroundings,” said Mohit Dembla, General Manager. “We are incredibly proud to welcome Anshuka Parwani to our island sanctuary. Her therapeutic approach to well-being perfectly mirrors our commitment to delivering the legendary ‘JW Treatment.’ By fusing mindful movement with intentional, farm-to-table dining, we look forward to offering our guests a truly enriching environment to revitalise the mind, body, and spirit.”
Reflecting on the upcoming event, Anshuka Parwani shared, “I am absolutely thrilled to collaborate with JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, a destination that beautifully embodies mindful luxury. I cannot wait to lead our beachfront sunrise and sunset flows, creating a shared space for mindfulness and renewal in one of the most serene sanctuaries in the world.”
Extending the philosophy of holistic well-being from the yoga mat to the palate, the collaboration also highlights an exceptional Chef Collaboration. Anshuka is working closely alongside the resort’s expert culinary team to co-curate a custom wellness menu. Guided by clean eating and the farm-to-table principles of the property’s JW Garden, these nourishing, nutrient-rich dishes are crafted to leave guests feeling entirely fulfilled and revitalised. For travellers visiting later in the season, this limited-edition culinary selection will remain integrated into the resort’s dining menus for an entire month, available until September 30, 2026.
Nestled on the tranquil, natural Vagaru Island in the Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a sanctuary of mindful luxury. The resort features 60 elegantly appointed beach and overwater villas, each with a private pool and panoramic ocean views. Exceptional dining, rejuvenating spa rituals, and enriching activities for all ages are elevated by the attentive service of a dedicated Thakuru (butler), ensuring every detail is thoughtfully tailored to each guest’s needs.
For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.
Awards
Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan becomes Maldives’ sole entry in 50 Best Discovery 2026
Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan has been named to the 50 Best Discovery 2026 collection, becoming the only restaurant in the Maldives to be featured in this year’s global selection. The listing places the restaurant before the global audience of travellers, luxury travel advisors and food enthusiasts who actively follow the 50 Best ecosystem.
Announced as part of the largest-ever expansion of 50 Best Discovery, the 2026 edition welcomed more than 650 new venues from around the world. The platform now showcases over 3,500 restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards across more than 800 cities and towns, serving as one of the world’s most respected expert-curated hospitality guides.

Published by the organisation behind 50 Best Restaurants, 50 Best Discovery is not a platform that establishments can apply to join. Every venue is selected following votes cast by members of the independent 50 Best Academies, comprising more than 3,000 chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, critics and hospitality experts from across the globe.
For Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan, the recognition reflects the strength of a concept built on consistency, craftsmanship and a clear point of view. Since opening at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives in 2020, the restaurant has remained committed to refining its craft rather than chasing trends, steadily establishing itself as one of the destination’s standout dining experiences.

At the heart of the restaurant is Ignis Maximus, Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s custom-engineered charcoal grill capable of reaching temperatures of up to 750°C. Developed specifically for Carne Diem Grill, it embodies the restaurant’s philosophy of Meat. Heat. Salt.–the belief that exceptional steak requires nothing more than outstanding ingredients, precise cooking and perfect seasoning.
That commitment to authenticity has attracted an international clientele, with guests from around the world sharing their experiences long after leaving the Maldives. Carne Diem Grill has also taken its signature live-fire cooking beyond the islands through acclaimed pop-up events in Colombo and Bangkok, each featuring an Ignis Maximus grill custom-built in the host country to faithfully recreate the restaurant’s distinctive cooking experience.

“To receive recognition from our peers through 50 Best Discovery is a tremendous honour–not only for Carne Diem Grill, but also for the Maldives as a culinary destination,” said Chef Dharshan Munidasa. “Carne Diem has always been about doing one thing exceptionally well. We have never tried to be another steakhouse. We’ve remained committed to our philosophy of exceptional ingredients, precision cooking and genuine hospitality, and it is incredibly rewarding to see that recognised on a global platform.”

The recognition also marks another significant chapter in Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s culinary journey. Following the international success of Nihonbashi–the first restaurant from Sri Lanka to be featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants; and Ministry of Crab, which has maintained a presence on the Asia’s 50 Best rankings and extended list for more than a decade, Carne Diem Grill becomes the third restaurant created by Chef Dharshan to be recognised by the organisation behind the prestigious 50 Best rankings.
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