News
JOALI BEING announces B’Kidult Summer Programme 2024
JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing destination of its kind in the Maldives, has announced an extraordinary lineup of multi-generational experiences for its B’Kidult Summer Programme, where a range of activities will take place between 1st July to 31st August 2024. On the heels of the island’s recent transformation to welcoming guests of all ages, JOALI BEING’s summer programme welcomes families to come together and immerse in wellbeing, embark on family bonding excursions, discover the joys of movement, practice sustainability, unleash their creativity, and unearth elements of nature that are central to the ethos of the destination, all the while enjoying an idyllic setting amid crystalline lagoons, pristine beaches, and lush coconut palms.
A dedicated space for multi-generational learning and play, B’Kidult invites adventurers of all ages to embark on a shared journey of joy, discovery and connection that is centred around the island’s Four Pillars of wellbeing – Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. The summer programme will bring families together through purposeful, meaningful, and enjoyable experiences that are fun and at the same time offer various physical and mental health benefits for adults and children alike. During this period, JOALI BEING will welcome guests to its’ 68 exclusive beach and overwater villas with private pools, team of wellbeing experts and culinary maestros, and transformational spaces in nature, including AKTAR, the island’s herbology centre led by the resident herbalist.
Highlights from the summer programme include:
- Aqua Venture: Helping guests get comfortable in the water, these sessions will teach kids the basics of water safety, assist in developing swimming skills, learn the various strokes, and boost water confidence.
- Muay Thai: Conducted by professional and professionally trained instructors, Muay Thai classes will enable kids to discover the warrior within and become masters of their Martial Arts journey with classes rooted in the art of striking, essential defensive techniques, building agility and balance, unleashing power and precision, and combination techniques.
- Ocean Guardian: The ocean is central to JOALI BEING, and through these sessions, guests will deepen their relationship with an understanding of the world’s largest ecosystem through classes such as Coral Scientists, which will uncover the basics of corals, how one can help protect them, and apply that knowledge by assessing the island’s own coral reef; Fish Finders, in which guests can dive into the ocean and observe fish local to the island’s landscape and learn the behaviour of reef fish; Plastic Rangers, enlightening participants about the threats of water pollution and creating one’s own ocean-inspired recycled art piece; Eco Fishers to learn and practice the different fishing techniques and sustainable methods; become a Manta Ray researcher in Ray Researchers; and discover more about Dolphins in Dolphin Detectives.
- Eco Harmony: Sustainability, being a core focus of JOALI BEING, enables young guests to discover how to care for the environment; learning ways to protect wildlife, its’ habitats, reducing waste through educative sessions, gardening workshops, nature scavenger hunts such as bird spotting, plant identification, and much more. In partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), JOALI BEING recently inaugurated the new Raa Atoll Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and welcomed its’ first sea turtle patient currently undergoing rehabilitation. Guests can participate in sea turtle research activities and conservation efforts along with the resident Turtle Biologist.
- Padel Tennis: The next biggest sport, young guests will learn the basics of padel tennis from the JOALI BEING team of experts; including rules, fundamental skills, and strategy, then get to put their skills to practise in doubles play and point games.
- Ace Academy: Invites participants to become tennis pros through a variety of class levels and focuses that cover the fundamentals of tennis all the way up to exciting tennis matches.
- Joyful Journey: Embracing all the joys that JOALI BEING has to offer, these sessions will celebrate movement through Fitness Fun, Yoga Adventures, Pilates Power, Mindfulness Meditation, Fusion Flow, and Wellbeing Celebration.
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 Summer Programme coincides with the year-round B’Kidult calendar of activities and are complimentary for guests of JOALI BEING.
News
Beach dinners, Santa and fireworks feature in Niva Dhigali festive line-up
Niva Dhigali has unveiled its comprehensive festive programme for the upcoming December Festive Season, inviting guests to experience a blend of traditional holiday charm and vibrant island celebrations. The resort’s itinerary features a classic Christmas theme, exclusive culinary events, and a dynamic New Year’s Eve celebration headlined by Hungarian celebrity DJ Liliana Reagan, offering a memorable end-of-year escape in the Maldives.

The festivities commence on 21 December 2026 with a heart-warming Tree Lighting Ceremony on the beach, setting a classic Christmas tone against a tropical backdrop. This is closely followed by an elegant Starlight Beach Dinner, where guests can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted culinary experience beneath the Maldivian night sky. The holiday spirit continues to build towards Christmas Day, highlighted by the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, bringing joy and festive magic to the resort’s youngest visitors.

Throughout the festive period, guests can rejuvenate with a daily selection of Festive Elixirs. These refreshing, health-forward blends are expertly crafted to capture the vibrant energy of the island and support wellness during the holiday indulgences. Families and active guests are also encouraged to participate in a variety of engaging events, including outdoor chess competitions and spirited beach Olympics.

The seasonal celebrations culminate in a spectacular New Year’s Eve event titled: Where Freedom Celebrates. The evening transitions smoothly from an abundant gala dinner to an electrifying beach party, led by celebrity DJ Liliana Reagan. Her energetic performance, paired with a spectacular fire ritual and midnight fireworks, ensures a vibrant and unforgettable welcome to the new year.
For more information or reservations email: reservations@nivadhigali.com or call +960 6586060.
Cooking
Chef Nawal Alkhalawi leads Eid culinary programme at JOALI BEING
JOALI BEING has concluded its Eid al-Adha celebrations, which took place from 25 to 31 May 2026, bringing together families, culture, culinary discovery and shared experiences through a curated programme inspired by generosity, togetherness and reflection.
A central feature of this year’s celebrations was an exclusive culinary residency by Saudi chef Nawal Alkhalawi, who joined the island from Jeddah to present a series of dining experiences inspired by contemporary Saudi cuisine, heritage and storytelling.Throughout the residency, Chef Nawal introduced guests to the flavours, traditions and rituals that shape Saudi family life, using food as a platform for cultural exchange and connection.

One of the highlights of the programme was Chef Nawal Alkhalawi’s Dinner, held on 29 May at MOJO. The family-style sharing experience drew inspiration from the hospitality and flavours of Saudi Arabia, featuring signature dishes such as Whipped Date Butter with charcoal bread and her “Jewels of the Red Sea” selection.
The dinner continued with slow-roast lamb shoulder served with curated shawarma accompaniments, before concluding with a contemporary dessert of white peach, apricot rose and coconut yoghurt. Guests were also served a Saudi date and cheese platter showcasing regional flavours.

The following day, families gathered at the Culinary Learning Centre for Chef Nawal Alkhalawi’s Family Cooking Class. Designed as a hands-on experience for guests of different generations, the class explored the culinary meeting point between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Participants prepared Spiced Prawn Tartare with Lime and Black Lime Aioli in Tapioca-Wild Rice, reflecting the connections between the two regions through ingredients, techniques and shared coastal influences.

In addition to the residency, JOALI BEING’s Eid programme featured a range of family-focused culinary and lifestyle experiences. These included energy bar making, waffle and pizza workshops, afternoon tea rituals, chocolate masterclasses, destination dining experiences and the Eid Sunset Soirée, where guests gathered on FLOW Beach for a golden-hour celebration with music and ocean views.
Other experiences during the week included private villa dining, breakfasts at the Turtle Tree House and a special Eid edition of the Indian Ocean Dinner, offering families and loved ones opportunities to mark the occasion in different settings across the island.

JOALI BEING said the celebrations reflected its commitment to creating spaces where guests can reconnect with themselves and one another while embracing the island’s philosophy of the Joy of Well-Living.
Cooking
Taj Exotica introduces Sol & Sea, a new celebration of Indian coastal cuisine
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives has introduced Sol & Sea.
Perched elegantly above the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Sol & Sea is an exclusive overwater dining destination at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, offering an intimate culinary journey inspired by the rich coastal traditions of India.
Thoughtfully designed for only 16 guests, this refined dining experience combines uninterrupted sunset views, bespoke service, and the soulful flavours of India’s coastline in a setting defined by understated luxury and island serenity.
At Sol & Sea, the art of the traditional Indian coastal thali is elevated through sophisticated presentation and carefully curated regional flavours. Drawing inspiration from the coastal kitchens of Indian Western Coastline each menu celebrates the richness of Indian spices, the freshness of ocean harvests, and the depth of authentic culinary heritage.

As twilight settles over the lagoon and the horizon glows in hues of gold and amber, guests are invited to savour an immersive dining experience surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Maldives. Every detail — from the gentle sea breeze and candlelit ambience to the thoughtfully paired flavours — has been designed to create moments of connection, indulgence, and lasting memory.
Elegant, intimate, and destination-led, Sol & Sea offers a distinctive expression of luxury dining where the warmth of Indian hospitality meets the timeless beauty of the ocean.
Experience highlights:
- Exclusive 16-seater overwater dining venue
- Signature Indian Coastal Thali experience (Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian option)
- Curated sunset dining atmosphere
- Personalised and intimate guest experience
- Ideal for couples, honeymooners, and celebratory occasions
- Elevated luxury dining concept unique to the Maldives
As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean and the evening unfolds beneath the stars, Sol & Sea invites guests to discover a soulful expression of coastal India surrounded by the serenity of the Maldives.
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