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JOALI celebrates Global Wellness Day with local island events

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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

Honeymoon

10 ways Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is redefining the modern Maldives honeymoon

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Today’s honeymooners are looking for more than candlelit dinners and flower-filled villas; they seek meaningful experiences and personalised adventures uniquely theirs. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has quietly evolved its honeymoon approach to meet this new generation of luxury travellers, positioning the resort around the opportunity to create a completely individualised celebration.

Here are 10 ways Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is setting the benchmark for the modern romantic getaway.

1. Curate Your Own Honeymoon

Every couple brings a distinct dynamic to their celebration, and the Ultimate Honeymoon Signature Experience allows newlyweds total flexibility to co-create a stay around their individual style. A handwritten love letter can be placed in the villa before arrival, or the team can craft a tailored island treasure hunt woven around their personal journey. From an underwater commitment ceremony to a scenic seaplane flight over Noonu Atoll, each moment is chosen to fulfil their unique bucket list.

2. Personal Butlers That Anticipate Every Moment

The dedicated multilingual butler team creates quiet surprises and effortless magic throughout the stay, ensuring couples feel seamlessly cared for. They focus on small, unscripted gestures, noticing a preference for plant-based dishes or organic herbal smoothie at breakfast, arranging an impromptu cocktail setup on the beach, revealing quiet spots across the island to watch the sunset, or subtly decorating the villa with a guest’s favourite quote and wedding picture.

3. Creative Moments for Romance

To help honeymooners slow down and remain fully present, the resort turns island activities into intentional rituals. A morning might begin with a quiet Maldivian breakfast in the lagoon, feet in the water, followed by a snorkelling excursion along the reef of a deserted island. An evening might unfold as a private cinema screening of a favourite film aboard a traditional Dhoni, drifting gently across the lagoon. These shared moments deepen connection, transforming travel time into emotional anchors.

4. Private Sanctuaries for Unhurried Days

Designed as quiet sanctuaries for couples after months of celebration, the resort’s 221 villas offer secluded open-air living and an unhurried approach to island life. The Water Villa with Pool is perfect for floating champagne breakfasts served in complete privacy, tailored for long, relaxed mornings together. In the Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool, couples can unwind over a Sunset Aperitif at dusk, relaxing in their elegant over-water seating beside their private pool.

5. Sincere, Tasteful, and Sensory Culinary Moments

Dining together on honeymoon is about far more than just the cuisine; it is a sensory journey of discovering new flavours together. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi orchestrates a generous and refined culinary scene across 15 restaurants and bars, and features curated dinners deeply appreciated by epicureans. Moments range from intimate dinners bathed in the glow of hundreds of candles on the beach, with a private chef preparing a bespoke menu, to starlit seafood gatherings, interactive hotpots, and sommelier-guided wine tastings in The Cellar, further enriched by seasonal culinary residencies hosted by Michelin-starred chefs. As part of the 24-Hour Premium All Inclusive Dine Around, a selection of sixty-six fine wines and champagnes from around the world elevates the entire gastronomic experience.

6. Restorative Rituals, Side by Side

Few experiences are as quintessential to a honeymoon as a shared spa journey. Rather than a standard treatment menu, the Honeymoon Escape ritual inspired spa invites couples into an unhurried restorative journey featuring aromatic flower baths, organic botanical polishes, and soothing massage time together. For a deeper connection with the destination, therapies incorporate locally prepared coconut oil and fresh, exotic spices.

7. Immersive Maldivian Moments for the Curious Couple

Modern honeymooners seek far more than a beautiful backdrop; they look for a genuine, personal connection to place. Beyond its idyllic setting, the resort presents cultural encounters tailored to each couple’s taste. Guests can experience a Maldivian Roots dinner structured around their favoured local flavours, arrange an intimate cooking class, or explore island music and traditional craftsmanship. Each night, the in-villa Signature Turndown Journey is customised with touches of Maldivian heritage from hand-selected local delicacies to custom herbal infusions inspired by their day. In this way, every day spent on the island becomes a deeply personal celebration.

8. Discovering a New Passion Together

For couples eager to embrace a new adventure together, the calm, warm waters of Noonu Atoll provide a serene and safe environment for diving. Guided by the resort’s multilingual dive team, couples can discover the Maldives’ extraordinary marine life before capturing the memory with an underwater photograph at the iconic Nemo Garden heart installation.

9. Connecting with Nature

As one of the Maldives largest natural islands, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi boasts a mature canopy of native flora, winding pathways, and vibrant wildlife. Nature-loving couples can explore the island grounds with resident nature experts before planting their own mango, coconut or papaya tree to mark their honeymoon, a living piece of their story that grows on the island for years to come.

10. Quiet Gestures Woven into Your Stay

From arrival to departure, celebration is marked rather than expected amenities, but by genuine care. Softly lit in-villa bubble baths prepared after a long journey, bespoke welcome gifts from the executive chef, and thoughtful moments serve as continuous, quiet reminders of the warm and sincere Maldivian welcome.

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Meditation

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa introduces ŪRJĀ, a new naturopathy wellness island

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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has unveiled ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island – the next evolution of holistic healing in the Maldives. Named after the Sanskrit word for vitality, ŪRJĀ is a wellness destination with a difference. Its programme balances naturopathic principles with scientific expertise, shifting the focus from surface-level relaxation to meaningful restoration.

ŪRJĀ was created with a clear intention: to move beyond the sameness of many modern spa experiences and offer something deeper. A space where ancient knowledge, natural healing and personal empowerment come together in harmony. Beyond buzzwords, trends and quick fixes, ŪRJĀ is designed for genuine, ongoing healing, not momentary escape.

Many treatments at ŪRJĀ feature AION A®, the powerful healing mineral discovered in an ancient Roman quarry in Würenlos, Switzerland by visionary Swiss naturopathic researcher Emma Kunz (1892–1963). Named it after the Greek for “without limitation”, AION A® supports detoxification, soothes inflammation, and encourages healing via positively charged ion exchange.

A Grounded Vision of Wellbeing

Rather than chasing the latest wellness protocol, ŪRJĀ takes a holistic path rooted in knowledge, education and integrity. In a world defined by stress, digital overwhelm and physical fatigue, it asks: what do guests truly need now?

The answer is timeless: Naturopathy, practicing for centuries what the modern world now calls ‘biohacking’, restores balance, supports natural healing, and guides enduring, sustainable habits.

Rooted in this philosophy, ŪRJĀ’s programmes unite nutrition, movement, detoxification and energetic realignment, for lasting wellbeing. The imparting of knowledge is central to the experience. Guests learn about the body’s innate intelligence, the importance of rhythm and nourishment, and how small, consistent changes can restore vitality. Diagnostics, consultations and personalised guidance empower them to return home with deeper understanding and practical tools for everyday wellbeing.

ŪRJĀ’s philosophy also recognises the growing need for stillness. In a world of constant stimulation, moments of silence and reflection become powerful therapeutic tools. Experiences encourage guests to reconnect with nature, their breath, and the peace found within.

ŪRJĀ invites guests to rediscover something simple yet profound: the body already knows how to heal. Sometimes it simply needs the right environment, guidance and silence to remember.

Naturally Inspired

Accessed from the Resort’s main jetty via a small Maldivian dhoni, ŪRJĀ offers a deep immersion in elemental rhythms – a living reflection of its ethos of vitality through nature. Over-water treatment suites, open-air rituals and the pulse of the surrounding ocean immerse guests in natural rejuvenation.

The spa’s pioneering approach centres on individualised wellness. At its heart are four core naturopathic pathways: Rest & Rebalance, Cleanse, Nourish, and Reconnect. Each pathway offers a collection of therapies and rituals to align mind, body, emotions and intellect, awakening self-healing. Every journey begins with an expert Naturopathic Consultation to craft a bespoke programme of therapeutic care. Optional micronutrient scans, iris diagnosis and postural mapping offer deeper insight into internal balance and vitality.

Signature treatments include Mud Therapy, Heliotherapy, Life-Force Healing, Magneto Therapy, and Sound Healing. Complementing these are Yoga Therapy, and traditional naturopathic practices such as fasting, acupuncture and full-body alignment rituals. Highlights include the ‘Vagus Reset’, a centring ritual that activates the vagus nerve, and the Night Spa Ritual, a celestial open-air experience aligned with the rhythms of the cosmos.

ŪRJĀ also offers specialised programmes guided by the team of onsite Naturopathic Doctors to address root causes of imbalance through therapies, coaching and nutrition. From Sleep Enhancement to Liver Detox and Joint Care, each is designed to restore and sustain lasting health.

Healing Geometry

ŪRJĀ’s approach is complemented by the work of visionary Swiss naturopath and artist Emma Kunz. Four Seasons has exclusive access to Kunz’s geometric drawings – believed to emit healing energy and reflect universal principles – which illustrate ŪRJĀ’s treatment menu.

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Cooking

VARU by Atmosphere celebrates Maldivian cuisine with new Kaagé cookbook

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VARU by Atmosphere has unveiled the Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook, bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of the Maldives to life through an immersive new experience. As part of the island experience, guests can enjoy private cooking masterclasses, offering a hands-on connection to authentic local flavours and the opportunity to take home the beautiful cookbook as a memento.

At Kaagé, the award-winning speciality restaurant, guests embark on a culinary journey through the history and traditions of the Maldivian islands. Time-honoured local recipes are paired with modern culinary techniques, allowing the distinctive flavours of the Maldives to be recreated in kitchens around the world.

Held on 20th August, the exclusive cookbook launch event brought together journalists, culinary influencers and resort guests, who joined the resort’s chef team for an interactive masterclass. The session explored local ingredients including skipjack tuna, coconut and fiery Scotch bonnet chillies, offering participants an authentic taste of Maldivian culinary traditions.

“These immersive cooking classes are now a permanent part of your resort experience. Kaagé is a tribute to the vibrant culinary identity of the Maldives,” says Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at VARU by Atmosphere. “Through our cookbook and masterclasses, we invite you to connect deeply with island culture. We look forward to sharing these traditions with you.”

VARU by Atmosphere is a naturally Maldivian island escape in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. Blending authentic Maldivian culture with contemporary elegance, the resort offers an intimate island experience centred around warm hospitality, vibrant dining, wellness and immersive experiences. From its distinctive overwater villas and unique overwater cellar to its island-inspired cuisine and commitment to sustainability, VARU by Atmosphere celebrates the essence of the Maldives while offering a refined and relaxed tropical retreat.

The Kaagé Progressive Maldivian Cookbook is available exclusively to participants of cooking masterclass. To discover more or reserve your spot, visit www.varu-atmosphere.com or contact reservations@varu-atmosphere.com.

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