News
‘Spark Your Vitality’ with JOALI BEING’s 2023/2024 festive programming
JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives, invites guests to embrace the festive season on Bodufushi Island with an underwater theme, visiting wellbeing practitioners and a unique lineup of daily offerings. From December 21, 2023 to January 10, 2024, the adults-only retreat will welcome kids of all ages to the island as it transforms into a magical underwater world filled with vivid colours and lights for an unforgettable holiday celebration.
In addition to classic holiday traditions such as a tree lighting ceremony, gingerbread house and visit from Santa Claus, JOALI BEING’s robust activity calendar during the festive season will include:
- Wellbeing For All: From various fitness and meditation classes to learning about JOALI BEING’s Four Pillars concept (Mind, Microbiome, Skin and Energy), daily wellbeing offerings will be available for all levels.
- For the Kids: Younger wellbeing seekers can find the ‘Joy of BEING’ through daily activities, including junior mixology classes, young yogi classes, fish identification workshops, coral reef discoveries, snorkelling, bubble-making and much more.
- Group Activities: Connect with guests by playing tennis, participating in a cacao ceremony and sunset gathering, running a 5K, taking a dance class, learning about natural healing remedies through a medicine garden workshop, make your own perfumes and more.
- Culinary: Gastronomes can embark on a sleepscape dreams dining experience, take cooking classes, learn about mixology and organic and biodynamic wines, learn how to properly fuel their bodies through nutrition, participate in a tea celebration at SAI, and more. JOALI BEING will also feature a Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day breakfast, New Year’s Eve dinner and New Year’s Day brunch.
- Sustainability Focus: Craft Christmas ornaments through a recycling workshop, make bracelets from ghost nets, talk conservation with the resident marine biologist, and more. Home to one of the turtle rehabilitation and conservation sanctuaries in the Maldives in partnership with The Olive Ridley Foundation, island guests can partake in the efforts to care for these intelligent animals.
JOALI BEING will also welcome several global wellbeing practitioners and fitness athletes over Festive to further enable guests to take their wellbeing journeys to a new level, bringing them closer to experiencing the joy of weightlessness. The Festive Season visiting wellbeing practitioners include:
- Dr. Rachel Woo (November 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024): Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner Dr. Rachel Woo specializes in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM nutrition. Dr. Woo holds more than 10 years of experience conducting workshops in Australia, China, Malaysia, Nepal and New Zealand teaching scalp acupuncture to medical staff and healthcare professionals in private and hospital settings. In addition, Woo holds a clinical supervising role at the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and volunteering with the Acupuncture Relief Project to provide free primary healthcare to rural villages in Nepal. Focusing on mental health, stress management, hormonal imbalance, menstrual regulation, cosmetic rejuvenation, digestive health, musculoskeletal health and chronic pain management, guests can discover wellbeing with Dr. Woo during the festive season through TCM consultations and natural therapy sessions, including acupuncture, cupping, gua sha and moxibustion.
- Javier De Prado (November 23, 2023 – March 1, 2024): A master of craniosacral and Watsu therapy, visceral manipulation and Osteothai, De Prado will bring a deep understanding of diverse massage techniques. Guests can achieve a comprehensive state of wellbeing through the seamless merging of Eastern and Western healing traditions, including craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, Osteothai and liquid light.
- Sandro Thiara Mota (December 4, 2023 – January 4, 2024): Leading human enhancement coach Sandro Thiara Mota will guide JOALI BEING guests through transformative and restorative experiences. A former professional athlete and Mr. Universe finalist with more than two decades of experience in helping clients elevate their lives, Mota developed the “Mota Method,” a combination of restorative breathwork, Wim Hof techniques and high-performance fitness training that has benefited elite athletes, high-level executives and guests of all ages and backgrounders seeking to work through traumas. During the festive season, guests can experience a Mota Method emotional release workshop, Janzu (an intuitive therapy that allows you to deeply relax at the surface of the water), an energy activation breathwork and ice bath, water rebirthing, a two-day stress management and breakthrough workshop and a five-day private retreat.
- Andrea Suto (December 20, 2023 – January 15, 2024): Rounding out the visiting wellbeing practitioners, former professional beach tennis athlete Andrea Stuto will bring his expertise as a coach educator for Beach Tennis School and the head coach for Beach Box Camp to JOALI BEING.
Lastly, JOALI BEING will welcome UK plant-based Chef Bettina Campolucci-Bordi to the island. Passionate about climate change and sustainability, Bettina is on a mission to elevate accessible plant-based eating habits by sharing simple and waste-free secrets via her award-winning cookbooks and Bettina’s Kitchen – an online platform that encompasses food, yoga and mindfulness retreats, plant-based cooking workshops, recipe development and food writing.
During her free time, Bettina also hosts select retreats around the world and runs her own Retreat Chef Academy – that sees her pass on her wisdom, experience and expertise to aspiring chefs, to help them travel the world, live their dream, and enjoy playing with different cuisines, flavour and varieties. At JOALI BEING, Bettina looks forward to sharing her recipes with guests and will be hosting an exclusive workshop for both adults and kids.
For additional details on JOALI BEING’s “Spark Your Vitality” Festive programming or to book, please visit www.joalibeing.com
News
Eid al-Fitr celebrations return to Centara’s Maldives resorts
As the Holy Month of Ramadan unfolds across the GCC, Centara Hotels & Resorts is preparing to mark Eid al-Fitr with a collection of unforgettable celebrations in the Maldives. Blending the sun-drenched charm of island living with Centara’s signature Thai-inspired hospitality and the warmth of the season, each property will unveil a thoughtfully curated programme of festive dining and themed experiences.
Guests can embrace refined island elegance at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, create memorable family moments at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, immerse themselves in natural beauty at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, or retreat to an adults-only sanctuary at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives: A Grand Eid Celebration
Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives honours Eid al-Fitr in an atmosphere of privacy and seclusion, where calm lagoons and open horizons create space for meaningful moments. Ideal for those seeking an escape centred around connection, reflection, and quiet celebration, the resort’s Eid programme takes place from March 20th to 22nd.
Ease your way into the festivities and start your Friday morning on a mindful note with a Sunrise Yoga session that guides you through a sequence of gentle movements and encourages moments of uninterrupted reflection. Throughout the Eid weekend, wellness seekers will have plenty of opportunities to stay active, including an energising Core Power fitness class and Aqua Aerobics at the Main Pool featuring upbeat music to keep you motivated. Alternatively, head to the beach for a volleyball tournament on the sand or dive into a lively water polo challenge for some friendly competition.
To truly make the most of your trip to the Maldives, take the plunge and discover the island’s vibrant marine life by embarking on a guided snorkelling excursion for the adventure of a lifetime. During Eid, guests can also take the opportunity to learn more about Maldivian culture by joining a traditional dance class, attending a Dhivehi masterclass to learn simple phrases, or mastering the art of palm leaf origami. Meanwhile, creatives can unleash their inner artist with an expert-led canvas painting session, and foodies can enjoy a hands-on sushi masterclass.
Younger guests can also look forward to a collection of engaging activities designed for little explorers, such as a thrilling water relay pool challenge, a colourful Kite Fest, and The Nugget Factory cooking class, where children create their own chicken nuggets. Later, rally the whole family and show off your moves with a beach football match for all ages, or enjoy endless laughs with light-hearted beach games and challenges.
Finally, helping guests unlock their inner calm, SPA Cenvaree Retreat will be offering an exclusive Eid ritual throughout the weekend for total relaxation. Priced at USD 700 per couple, the 120-minute treatment begins with a revitalising scrub and a soothing body massage. Afterwards, guests are treated to a rejuvenating facial, designed to leave you looking and feeling your best for the festivities ahead.
When: From March 20th to 22nd
Offer:
- Festive experiences for in-house guests, with supplement charges applicable to select workshops and dining experiences
- Eid Spa Experience at SPA Cenvaree Retreat: 30-minute body scrub, 60-minute body massage, and a 30-minute facial for USD 700 per couple
Price: Villas starting from USD 1,018++ for a couple on Full Board basis
For bookings and more information, please email cglm@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives: Family Eid Moments
Spend Eid al-Fitr in an underwater-themed private island setting surrounded by those who matter most at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. Also situated within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the resort is a haven for families to reconnect and create lasting memories. Helping you mark this special occasion in style, the Eid programme runs from March 20th to 22nd and promises endless excitement, laughs, and thrills for all ages.
Start your family-friendly retreat on a high by diving into the crystal-clear Maldivian waters to swim alongside graceful manta rays with an unforgettable snorkelling adventure on Friday. Afterwards, little ones can head to the water park and join Mr. Shark for a hilarious limbo challenge, while older kids splash about and make friends at a teen water polo challenge. In the evening, regroup for a lively beach football match for families as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, before heading to the E-Zone for a lively game night.
On Saturday, guests of all ages can find their rhythm at an authentic Maldivian drumming Boduberu Masterclass, get creative with palm leaf origami, or whip up delicious creations at an interactive crêpe cooking class for kids. In the afternoon, glide along the lazy river with a fun race, serve and score at a beach volleyball showdown, and finish the evening on the right note by singing along to your favourite tunes at the Mirage Karaoke Night.
Rounding out the weekend, Sunday unfolds with a blend of creativity, culture, and coastal adventure. Begin the morning with a guided Canvas Painting Masterclass at The Sailhouse, then immerse yourself in the rhythm of the island during a Traditional Maldivian Dance Masterclass at the Kids’ Club. Later, explore the vibrant house reef on a snorkelling excursion or gather for spirited Family Beach Games on Sailhouse Beach, before unwinding beneath the stars with an open-air movie screening, bringing a heartwarming close to a joy-filled Eid escape.
In addition to all the exciting festivities, parents can also savour some well-earned ‘me time’ with a signature Maldivian wellness ritual at SPA Cenvaree. Drawing on ancient healing techniques, this deeply restorative 90-minute massage blends rhythmic strokes and gentle stretches to release tension, boost circulation, and unlock inner harmony.
When: From March 20th to 22nd
Offer:
- Festive experiences for in-house guests, with supplement charges applicable to select workshops and dining experiences
- Signature Maldivian Ritual at SPA Cenvaree: 90-minute body massage for USD 170 per person
Price: Leading rooms starting from USD 895++ for a couple on Full Board basis
For bookings and more information, please email cmlm@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection: Eid by the Machchafushi Waves
Experience an Eid that flows just as effortlessly as the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean, with daily culinary adventures at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. Available daily from March 19th to 26th, guests can choose to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with a beautifully curated Arabian and South Asian-inspired sharing-style set menu at The Love Hut. Ideal for a romantic couple’s evening, this elevated dining experience is complemented by flavourful hubbly bubbly and the soothing sounds of nearby waves.
For a truly memorable family feast, the resort will host an Arabic-themed beach BBQ, where a private chef prepares a curated Middle Eastern mixed grill live beside the Indian Ocean. As the sky turns gold, the evening continues with an intimate open-air cinema experience under the stars, offering a relaxed way to close the celebration. Taking place exclusively on March 20th and 23rd, guests can also join a complimentary Mocktail Masterclass at Coral Bar, learning the art of crafting refreshing tropical blends in a breezy oceanfront setting.
When: From March 19th to 26th
Offer: Festive experiences for in-house guests, with supplement charges applicable to select workshops and dining experiences
Price: Villas starting from USD 585++ for a couple on Full Board basis
For bookings and more information, please email cirm@chr.co.th. To view the full festive schedule, click here.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives
Soft island breezes, lantern-lit dinners, and uninterrupted ocean views set the tone for an intimate Eid escape at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. Designed exclusively for adults, this North Malé Atoll retreat features an array of elegant private beachfront and overwater villas with Full Board stays starting from USD 535++ per couple. Each day unfolds at your own pace, encouraging guests to savour slow mornings over turquoise waters, relish unhurried moments at SPA Cenvaree, and reconnect with nature through reef dives, dolphin cruises, and sea turtle encounters.
By evening, guests can honour the occasion across a choice of exceptional restaurants, savouring authentic Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, enjoying Italian specialties at La Brezza, or embracing Eid traditions with Arabian-inspired dishes at Al Khaimah.
When: From March 19th to 22nd
Price: Villas starting from USD 535++ for a couple on Full Board basis
For bookings and more information, please email crf@chr.co.th.
News
Fushifaru Maldives celebrates Women’s Day with art, music and island festivities
Fushifaru Maldives marked International Women’s Day 2026 with a series of events under the theme “Waves of Kindness – #GivetoGain,” bringing together guests and team members for two days of activities focused on celebration, creativity and shared experiences.
The celebrations began on 7 March with a live painting session by artist Rachel Brooks at Fanihandhi Bar. Held during sunset by the beach, the session saw Brooks create a painting inspired by the marine life surrounding the island. Guests and team members gathered to observe the artwork as it developed, while enjoying the setting and atmosphere of the evening.

The resort also welcomed one of its returning guests who has made it a tradition to visit the property each year during the period of International Women’s Day. According to the resort, her continued visits to celebrate the occasion have become a meaningful part of the annual event for both guests and team members.

Celebrations continued on 8 March with a Women’s Day Cocktail Party, where guests and residents gathered for an evening reception. As part of the resort’s tradition for the occasion, male guests and team members presented flowers to the women on the island, marking the day with a gesture of appreciation.

The evening concluded with a Disco Night featuring an LED performance by Anastasia. The show brought music and visual effects to the celebration, closing the two-day programme with entertainment for guests and residents.

International Women’s Day is observed annually on 8 March, recognising the achievements of women and promoting gender equality. Resorts across the Maldives often mark the occasion with special programmes and activities for guests and team members.
News
The Nautilus Maldives partners with NYITA for World Sleep Day wellness experience
On 13 March 2026, as the World Sleep Society marks World Sleep Day under the theme Sleep Well, Live Better, The Nautilus Maldives invites guests to experience sleep not as routine, but as ritual. In a world that rarely pauses, The Nautilus has always believed that true luxury begins where time gently recedes.
This World Sleep Day, the ultra-private island resort transforms into a sanctuary of intentional rest, unveiling a curated series of immersive wellness experiences designed to quiet the senses, restore balance, and guide guests toward deeper, more restorative sleep.
A Sanctuary for Rest at Solasta Spa
At the heart of the celebration is a trio of deeply personal spa and meditation journeys at Solasta Spa, each thoughtfully designed to support the body’s natural rhythms and invite stillness back into modern life. The Tao’an Tea Meditation with Sound Healing offers a rare one-to-one ritual that begins with mindful tea preparation and guided breathing. As crystal singing bowls gently resonate, a bespoke sound healing journey unfolds, releasing tension, calming the nervous system, and creating space for profound relaxation.

Complementing this is the Moksha Massage with Shirodhara, a transformative holistic therapy blending traditional Ayurvedic massage and Marma point stimulation to restore balance on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. The ritual culminates in a warm, steady stream of herbal oil poured across the forehead, inducing meditative calm and a lingering sense of clarity and renewal. Completing the experience is Yoga Nidra, often referred to as “yogic sleep,” a guided meditation that allows the body to rest deeply while the mind remains softly aware. Gentle yet powerful, it resets internal rhythms and prepares both body and mind for a night of effortless rest.
The NYITA Bath Butler: The Art of Intentional Bathing
In honour of World Sleep Day, The Nautilus collaborates with NYITA, a multi-award-winning luxury organic scent house founded on the principles of purity, sustainability, and ethical craftsmanship. Renowned for its uncompromising commitment to all-natural formulations, NYITA creates Organic Extrait de Parfum, Organic Bath & Shower Oils, Organic Body Oils, and its signature Cleaner Burning Candle, entirely free from synthetic ingredients. From responsible farming through to essential oil extraction, each creation reflects a philosophy of integrity and excellence, values closely aligned with The Nautilus.
On 13 March, guests are invited to experience the NYITA Bath Butler, a bespoke in-residence ritual designed to transform bathing into a restorative prelude to sleep. Within the privacy of their island home, guests select their preferred bathing journey from a curated menu. Their dedicated House Master prepares the bath, artfully adorning it with botanical elements and infusing the water with NYITA’s organic oils. Refreshments are thoughtfully arranged to complement the ritual, allowing the evening to unfold in complete ease.
As the body settles into warm water, the nervous system begins to soften, mirroring the calm achieved through meditation. Research has shown that bathing before sleep can support deeper, more restorative rest, the phase most closely associated with renewal. It is this depth of rest that we instinctively knew as children and often lose with time. For the quintessential Nautilus evening ritual, the NYITA Bath Butler invites guests to rediscover that restorative stillness, to simply sleep like a baby.
To complete the celebration, guests will also discover a thoughtfully curated sleep turndown amenity prepared especially for this occasion.
At The Nautilus, sleep is not scheduled. It unfolds. There are no alarms. No imposed routines. Only the rhythm of the sea, the softness of linen, and the freedom to rise when the body is ready. This World Sleep Day, guests are invited to rediscover rest, not as escape, but as return. Because to sleep well is, quite simply, to live better.
Event Details:
- Date: 13 March 2026
- Location: The Nautilus Maldives
For further information or to book your stay, please contact hello@thenautilusmaldives.com.
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