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
Bandos Maldives marks 53 years of hospitality with guest celebration
Bandos Maldives marked its 53rd anniversary on 10 December 2025 with a heartfelt celebration alongside in-house guests. The celebration honoured more than five decades of service since the resort first opened on 10 December 1972, becoming one of the earliest pioneers of Maldivian tourism.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager Ismail Rasheed thanked everyone who has been part of Bandos’ journey, including long-time guests, partners, and the dedicated team that has carried the resort forward. He noted that reaching 53 years is a remarkable achievement built on consistency, care, and the spirit of hospitality that Bandos is known for. He also shared that the resort is preparing for an exciting phase of improvements in the years ahead.
Bandos has continued to grow its reputation recently, earning multiple international awards over the past years for its exceptional service, family experiences and diving. The resort is also proud to be a Green Globe certified property, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism
Bandos has plans for upgrades with focus on fresh designs, improved comfort, and modern amenities to elevate the overall guest experience while maintaining the classic charm that many loyal visitors love.
With its long heritage, strong values, and continued focus on innovation, Bandos Maldives remains committed to offering memorable island experiences for travellers from around the world.
Entertainment
Hulhule Island Hotel names 2ofus as New Year’s Eve 2026 headline act
Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced 2ofus as the main entertainment for its New Year’s Eve 2026 festive events. The highly sought-after musical band has partnered with HIH to bring an unforgettable night of performance, energy, and celebration to guests.
Known for their exceptional talent and stage presence, 2ofus has reached remarkable heights in the music scene, participating in and performing at international competitions and concerts. Their collaboration with HIH marks an exciting addition to the hotel’s festive lineup.
Renowned as the most popular festive destination in the Greater Malé Area, HIH continues its tradition of delivering vibrant, world-class celebrations. This year, the hotel once again promises a festive season filled with elegance, entertainment, and the signature warmth HIH is known for.
Commenting on the partnership, Group General Manager, Ali Shakir said: “Signing with 2ofus for New Year’s Eve is truly special for us. They are one of the most in-demand acts during the festive season, and we are delighted to have them onboard. Their energy and talent are unmatched, and we are confident that HIH will once again be the place to be this New Year’s Eve. Our team is committed to creating a celebration that brings our guests joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories.”
For 2026, HIH unveils exclusive celebrations, granting guests access to multi-venue experiences, curated staycation packages, diverse multi-cuisine dining, and a range of thoughtfully designed festive highlights.
With limited slots available, guests are encouraged to secure their bookings early for the best experience.
For more information or reservations, please contact +960 762 2667 or email events@hih.com.mv
News
The Standard, Maldives achieves Green Globe Certification after rigorous audit
The Standard, Maldives has announced that it has successfully achieved the prestigious Green Globe Certification, recognizing the resort’s comprehensive and continuous dedication to sustainable operations and management. This monumental achievement underscores the property’s commitment to protecting the pristine Maldivian environment, supporting local communities, and maintaining the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility across all aspects of its unique island experience.
The certification follows a rigorous auditing process that evaluated The Standard, Maldives’ performance in energy and water conservation, waste management, social responsibility, and sustainable procurement. A key highlight of the resort’s innovative sustainability initiatives is the introduction of the Zero Capsule Machine System for Coffee. By replacing traditional single-use capsules with eco-friendly coffee balls, the resort has achieved an estimated reduction of over 25,000 pieces of non-biodegradable coffee capsules annually, substantially minimizing plastic and aluminium waste and setting a new, greener standard for in-room and dining beverage service.
Furthermore, as part of our commitment to local support and Green Globe sustainability standards, The Standard, Maldives has actively strengthened its local supply chain. For the past three months, the resort has been consistently sourcing fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and lettuce from a local farm, Maldivian Mermaid, on a nearby island. This initiative not only strengthens our relationship with the local community but also:
- Reduces carbon footprint by minimizing long-distance transportation.
- Supports regional agriculture and local island economies.
- Optimizes logistical efficiency by easing storage demands on regular supply boat from Malé, ensuring imported items are kept at the correct temperature. The redefining agriculture farm delivers directly to the resort using their own boat, streamlining the process.
“Achieving Green Globe Certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who embody our commitment to sustainability every day,” says Justin Swart, General Manager The Standard, Maldives. “Our goal is to demonstrate that lifestyle, luxury and responsible travel can, and must, go hand in hand. Initiatives like the Zero Capsule Machine System and our growing partnership with local farmers like Maldivian Mermaid, show our proactive approach to finding practical, impactful solutions that preserve the incredible natural beauty surrounding us for generations to come.”
Moving forward, The Standard, Maldives will continue to implement and expand its sustainability programs, focusing on marine conservation, further reducing its carbon footprint, and enhancing local community engagement, all while ensuring guests enjoy the playful, yet mindful, hospitality the brand is known for. The resort looks forward to contributing to a more sustainable future for the Maldives and the broader travel industry.
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