This November, JOALI BEING celebrates its fifth anniversary with The Joy of Becoming: Celebrating Five Years of Transformation, honouring five years of well-living and the journeys shared by guests, hosts and community. Centred around Reflect, Become, Connect, Celebrate and Inspire, the milestone will come to life through a series of culinary, movement and island experiences, celebrating how far JOALI BEING has come while looking ahead to the next chapter of transformation.

The journey towards the milestone begins with two special residencies, bringing together culinary artistry and world-class sport.

From 20th to 23rd October, acclaimed Emirati Chef Sahar Al Awadhi joins JOALI BEING for A Taste of Becoming, an exclusive culinary residency celebrating the evolution of tradition. Chef and Owner of Dubai’s Abra Restaurant and named MENA’s Best Pastry Chef 2022 by MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, Sahar is recognised for championing New Emirati Cuisine, bringing the flavours, traditions and stories of her heritage into a contemporary culinary language – an approach that naturally connects with JOALI BEING’s philosophy of growth and transformation.

Through an intimate pastry masterclass and Signature Afternoon Tea and Dessert Pairing, guests can experience Sahar’s distinctive approach to heritage, flavour and contemporary pastry. During the residency, she will also create an exclusive signature dessert for JOALI BEING’s fifth anniversary, inspired by the natural flavours of the Maldives and her Emirati perspective, to be unveiled during the anniversary celebration on 15th November.

From 11th to 18th November, ATP Tour professional Roman Safiullin brings another expression of movement and transformation to the island. With a career-high singles ranking of World No. 36 and a Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance in 2023, Roman’s residency invites guests to experience the joy of world- class tennis through play and connection. A dedicated Kids and Teens Tennis Workshop on 13th November will give younger players the opportunity to learn directly from Roman, before he joins the island’s main anniversary celebration.

Five Years, One Island, One Journey

On 15th November, The Joy of Becoming comes to life through a day of experiences celebrating the island’s five-year journey. The day begins with MOVE – Anniversary Island Run, followed by GROW – Anniversary Coral Planting, where guests and hosts create a living legacy on dedicated coral frames. The afternoon brings JOY – Zumba Together, before PLAY – Tennis with Roman Safiullin and Sunset Gathering brings world-class tennis, connection and an anniversary toast to the court. The celebrations conclude at MOJO Beach with a relaxed Beachside Grill, bringing together fire, flavour and laughter by the ocean, followed by Chef Sahar’s signature anniversary dessert.

As JOALI BEING enters its next chapter, The Joy of Becoming celebrates a journey that continues to unfold – inspiring new pathways to well-living, transformation and joyful living for the years ahead.

A stay at JOALI BEING is a transformative journey where guests return home feeling lighter, happier and more energised.

Villas start from USD 2,442 per night for two guests sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a B&B basis. For further information and to discover offers, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations.being@joali.com.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives has been recognised as Best Luxury Resort at the Asia Hotel Awards 2026, marking a significant accolade for the resort and recognising its distinctive interpretation of contemporary Maldivian luxury, where an exceptional lagoon setting, considered design and highly curated experiences come together to shape a refined island experience.

Set within The Atollia by Centara Hotels and Resorts in North Malé Atoll, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives brings together an expansive lagoon setting, refined architecture and a collection of beachfront and overwater residences designed to offer a more contemporary interpretation of island living. Since opening in April 2025, the resort has established a distinct position within the Maldives luxury landscape, with its design, culinary experiences, wellness offering and carefully curated island experiences forming an integrated guest journey.

With 142 villas and residences, including spacious two- and three-bedroom residences with private pools and Jacuzzis, the resort offers a choice of sophisticated beachfront and overwater living. Across the island, guests can discover a world class gastronomic journey spanning diverse flavours and culinary expressions, complemented by dedicated holistic wellness experiences and a considered collection of activities shaped by the natural character of the destination.

“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the philosophy behind Centara Grand Lagoon from the very beginning. We did not set out to create luxury through scale alone, but through a sense of place, thoughtful design and the quality of every experience. The lagoon is at the heart of the resort, shaping how guests arrive, stay, dine and experience the destination. From the architecture and residences to our culinary and wellness offerings, every element has been considered to create a contemporary expression of Maldivian luxury. We are honoured that the Asia Hotel Awards has recognised this approach, and grateful to our team and partners whose commitment brings the vision to life every day,” stated Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

The 15th Asia Hotel Awards 2026 recognition adds to a growing portfolio of accolades for Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, reflecting its emerging position as one of the Maldives’ distinctive contemporary luxury resorts.

JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is celebrating a double win at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, earning two prestigious accolades: Leading Business Hotel and Leading City Hotel (40 Rooms and Above).

The dual recognition marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s journey, reaffirming its position as a distinguished hospitality destination in the heart of Malé. It also reflects the hotel’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences, thoughtfully curated services, and the warmth of Shangri-La’s Asian hospitality.

Situated in the vibrant capital of the Maldives, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La offers a welcoming urban retreat where contemporary comfort meets genuine hospitality. Catering to the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers, the hotel brings together stylish accommodation, versatile meeting facilities, and distinctive dining experiences, creating an inviting space for guests to connect, unwind, and discover the city.

The Leading Business Hotel accolade recognises the hotel’s commitment to providing a seamless and rewarding experience for today’s business travellers, combining convenience, efficiency, and attentive service. Meanwhile, the Leading City Hotel (40 Rooms and Above) award celebrates its continued excellence in urban hospitality, where thoughtful touches and personalised experiences transform everyday stays into memorable moments.

At the heart of these achievements are the people who bring the JEN experience to life. Guided by Shangri-La’s purpose to deliver the art of joy and Asian hosting, the dedicated team at JEN Maldives continues to create an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed, valued, and cared for. Their passion, teamwork, and commitment to service excellence remain the driving force behind the hotel’s success.

JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La extends its heartfelt appreciation to its valued guests, trusted business partners, and dedicated colleagues whose continued confidence, loyalty, and support have made these accomplishments possible.

As the hotel celebrates this proud milestone, it looks ahead with renewed inspiration to further elevate its offerings, strengthen meaningful connections, and continue creating memorable experiences. Rooted in the timeless values of Asian hospitality and the spirit of Shangri-La, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La remains committed to delivering hospitality that goes beyond expectations, ensuring every guest feels a true sense of belonging.