Wellness
JOALI BEING Announces First-Ever Sanctum Wellbeing Residence in Maldives

Renowned wellbeing island partners with innovative mindful movement to offer inaugural residence in the Maldives
JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives, has announced a unique collaboration with Sanctum, the internationally acclaimed mindful movement. The inaugural Sanctum Wellbeing Residence, offering radical self-care and joyful healing immersions, is scheduled to take place in the Maldives, 28 April – 10 May 2024. Located on the pristine isle of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, JOALI BEING blends ancient wisdom and long-honoured traditions with modern science, to take guests on a journey of self-discovery and transcendence. This nature-immersive wellbeing island resort, designed to seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings and centred around the joyful feeling of weightlessness, is committed to showcasing world-renowned wellbeing experts.
In keeping with JOALI BEING’s core methodology and enhancing its offering to guests, the Sanctum Wellbeing Residence will centre on a holistic and unmatched moving sequence, rooted in multidisciplinary forms of kundalini yoga, martial arts, animalistic flow, breathwork and primal fitness with elements of HIIT. Harnessing the power of the physical body to unlock individual potential on a holistic level, the method is curated to music to complement meditation moments and aims to alter body frequencies within a class through mindful movement. The approach has been scientifically proven to decrease anxiety levels and enhance overall self-worth.
The two-week immersive programme, crafted to empower the body and expand the mind, includes sunrise and sunset rituals, mindful beach hikes, cathartic ocean dips, high-intensity workouts, immersive sound journeys, and dramatic fire ceremonies. Guests can also gain insight and guidance from the Sanctum Founders and the island’s wellbeing consultants and enjoy the resort’s signature treatments and bespoke wellbeing journeys, which have been curated around JOALI BEING’s Four Pillars: Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy. Sanctum experts will work alongside JOALI BEING’s long-established network of specialists to nourish guests and guide them on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.

Graeme Freeman, General Manager at JOALI BEING, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with such an innovative movement and bring a new, transformative practice to our valued guests.
Utilising our spectacular location, and enhancing our offering, our island of wellbeing and wonder will appeal to those who are who are keen to push boundaries and unlock human potential, and who seek radical self-discovery.”
Luuk Melisse, Sanctum Founder, added: “As the first dedicated wellbeing island of its kind in the region, JOALI BEING is influenced by culture and widely recognised for its transformative wellbeing experiences, and we are therefore delighted to collaborate on our inaugural residence in the Maldives. Our ambition is to lead the next generation of retreats, bringing together the most authentic community of like-minded individuals, and the award-winning JOALI BEING is aligned with this philosophy and offers the ideal locale to restore mental, spiritual, and physical balance.”
JOALI BEING has villas from $2700 per night based on two persons sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a B&B basis. Wellbeing Programmes start from $1,693 per person based on a five-night programme.
The Sanctum Wellbeing Residence is available 28 April – 10 May 2024
Price available upon request: info.being@joali.com
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils restorative wellness journey with Holistic Healer Karan Kumar

SO/ Maldives, the avant-garde private island retreat nestled in the Emboodhoo Lagoon, has announced a deeply restorative wellness journey for the wet season. This immersive experience is spearheaded by renowned Certified Holistic Healer, Karan Kumar, in collaboration with the resort’s resident wellness team.
Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, SO/ Maldives blends high fashion with holistic living, offering a bold and stylish take on island luxury. The resort comprises 80 individually designed villas—ranging from beachfront sanctuaries to overwater havens—all boasting panoramic views, complete privacy, and vibrant marine surroundings. Every element of the property is curated to appeal to modern travelers seeking indulgence, creativity, and connection.
At the heart of the resort lies the SO/ Wellness Camp, a sanctuary where cutting-edge design meets nature to provide a transformative escape. More than a traditional spa, this tranquil retreat delivers a full-body and mind experience. Guests are invited to unwind in contemporary, organic-inspired treatment rooms featuring amenities such as a Vichy rainforest shower, steam and sauna rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with sweeping ocean views. The spa’s architectural design is inspired by the gentle movement of water and the island’s natural contours, creating a space that is simultaneously grounding and ethereal.
Central to the wellness offering is a curated selection of therapies that balance ancient practices with modern innovation. Programming includes sound therapy using full moon singing bowls, high-tech facials that combine astrology with skincare, and other bespoke rituals designed to restore and inspire. Whether seeking deep relaxation or a revitalizing boost, SO/ Spa offers guests a chance to reconnect with themselves in an environment that’s as stylish as it is serene.
As part of this season’s programming, guests can access personalised healing sessions at the SO/ Wellness Centre led by Karan Kumar. With over six years of experience, Kumar brings together Ayurveda, Reiki, Energy Healing, and mind-body therapies in a powerful integrative approach. His one-on-one sessions aim to address physical pain, emotional trauma, and energetic imbalances while unlocking each guest’s potential for joy, clarity, and inner strength.
Each session is intuitively tailored, creating a compassionate space for healing and introspection. Guests are encouraged to slow down, reconnect with their inner selves, and rediscover a vibrant sense of balance and wellness.
Featured
Yoga Day marked with soulful island practice at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

In honour of International Yoga Day, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives hosted a serene yoga session on its pool deck, inviting both in-house guests and resort colleagues to begin their day with mindfulness, movement, and meaning. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the session offered participants a chance to embrace the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga in a uniquely immersive natural setting.
Led by resident yoga instructor Malvika Pant, the morning session encouraged attendees to step away from their daily routines and reconnect with themselves through breathwork and gentle movement. “Yoga isn’t just a practice,” said Malvika. “It’s a way of returning to yourself. Here at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, with the sea breeze in your hair and the sound of the waves close by, even a few mindful stretches can feel like a profound reset. Nature supports the journey inward.”
The session drew participants from around the world, including both seasoned yoga enthusiasts and first-time practitioners. One guest shared, “I’ve done yoga before, but this was different—more peaceful, more connected. Doing sun salutations with the ocean in front of you and no distractions around is something I’ll carry with me long after I leave.”
Beyond marking the global celebration of yoga, the event showcased the resort’s ongoing commitment to wellness. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers a variety of well-being experiences throughout the year, from early morning yoga flows and sunset meditations to personalised one-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs.
As holistic wellness continues to shape global travel trends, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides a distinctive retreat where guests can reconnect with themselves and the natural world—one breath at a time.
Featured
Sun Siyam Iru Veli debuts Wellness in Motion Week with beach runs and expert-led yoga

Sun Siyam Iru Veli recently hosted its inaugural ‘Wellness in Motion Week,’ welcoming guests, local wellness leaders, and global experts for a curated celebration of movement, mindfulness, and holistic reconnection in the heart of the Maldives. The week-long programme attracted over 150 participants, offering a series of transformative events aimed at promoting deeper wellbeing in harmony with nature.
To commemorate Global Wellness Day, the island held the first-ever Maldives Wellness Run in partnership with iRunners Maldives on June 14th. Set against the stunning backdrop of the shoreline, the 4-kilometre beach run featured over 85 guests and team members, who completed an invigorating course around the island. Embracing the theme #ReconnectMagenta, participants were encouraged to connect with themselves, their community, and the surrounding environment through intentional movement and breath.
Central to the week were intimate Mind & Body sessions led by two international wellness experts. Marina Violinha, a holistic women’s health and fitness specialist, conducted a sunset yoga session and an interactive talk at Magoodhoo Beach, guiding attendees in exploring feminine strength and emotional balance. Meanwhile, Shane Seery, an award-winning executive health coach, offered functional movement coaching on the resort’s tennis courts, combining personalised support with outdoor flow.
On June 20th, 88 team members took part in a sunrise yoga session led by the resort’s spa team. This gathering aligned with the global theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ highlighting the resort’s commitment to wellbeing as a shared value among both staff and guests.
The week concluded on International Yoga Day (June 21st) with a serene sunrise yoga and wellness ceremony at Turtle Beach. Facing the Indian Ocean, participants welcomed the day in stillness and unity.
Through Wellness in Motion Week, Sun Siyam Iru Veli underscored its dedication to offering meaningful, restorative experiences where nature, culture, and conscious living converge. From sunrise yoga sessions and barefoot beach runs to expert-led coaching and immersive spa rituals, the resort continues to redefine island wellness and rejuvenation.
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