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.
Cooking
The St. Regis Maldives announces exciting culinary journey with renowned Chef Jolly

Over the turquoise waters of the Dhaalu Atoll, a rare culinary voyage is about to unfold as The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes the celebrated Chef Surjan Singh, fondly known as Chef Jolly, for two-month pop-up residency from mid-October to mid-December 2025. This immersive celebration of Indian cuisine coincides with the festive spirit of Diwali, blending tradition with contemporary flair in a truly unforgettable island setting.
A beloved TV personality on MasterChef India, Chef Jolly brings over 30 years of culinary expertise to this special collaboration. Celebrated for his ability to blend royal Indian heritage with everyday comfort food, he unveils a vibrant menu inspired by his travels, culinary roots, and the rich tapestry of the Indian subcontinent.
Guests can expect standout creations such as Lamb Ghee Roast served on Malabar Bread Tacos, Cafreal Tiger Prawns, and his signature Butter Chicken. Each dish will be accompanied by fragrant biryanis, hand-rolled breads, toasted spices, and house-made chutneys—all carefully plated to evoke both nostalgia and discovery. A bespoke cocktail list brings further depth to the experience, with Indian-inspired blends such as The Great Indian and Imli Margarita, along with thoughtfully curated wines and low-ABV selections.
“Food is memory. It’s emotion. It’s a journey,” shares Chef Jolly. “To bring the vibrancy and soul of Indian cuisine to The St. Regis Maldives is a true privilege. Each dish tells a story, one of tradition, reinvention, and joy.”
As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members have the exclusive opportunity to bid on an extraordinary Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience. The package includes a five-night stay for two guests in an Overwater Villa with Pool from October 19 to 24, with daily breakfast at Alba, a private six-course wine-paired dinner hosted by Chef Jolly himself, and a curated wellness experience featuring a signature massage and the renowned Blue Hole hydrotherapy journey at Iridium Spa. Round-trip seaplane transfers from Malé International Airport are also included, creating a seamless luxury journey from arrival to farewell.
Tucked away on its own private island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a destination that embodies barefoot luxury and discreet glamour. Its striking architecture, an elegant harmony of tropical modernism and local inspiration—blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the atoll. The resort features 77 spacious villas, each offering panoramic ocean views or lush jungle surroundings, along with personalized St. Regis Butler Service. From restorative treatments at the award-winning Iridium Spa to yachting adventures aboard the resort’s private Azimut Flybridge, the experience is curated for those who seek both indulgence and escape.
This limited-time pop-up isn’t just a dining event, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the unmatched power of storytelling through food. It’s where the timeless rituals of Indian hospitality meet the barefoot luxury of the Maldives.
Members can now bid for a Curated Culinary Experience with Chef Jolly and a five-night stay in at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort from now until 25 August through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. For more information, visit stregismaldives.com.
Fitness
Velassaru Maldives opens Reformer Pilates and Barre Studio

Velassaru Maldives has announced the opening of its brand-new Reformer Pilates and Barre Studio on 25 July 2025, offering guests an exceptional wellness experience in the heart of paradise. Combining style, comfort, and functionality, the new studio provides a peaceful yet invigorating space for guests to refresh both mind and body.
Open daily from 08:00 to 20:00, the studio is nestled among lush greenery, creating the perfect setting for wellness enthusiasts. Whether guests are experienced practitioners or beginners, Velassaru’s new movement space offers a variety of classes tailored to suit all fitness levels.
Barre Classes: Fun, Fitness, and Flexibility
For those keen to try something new, the Barre classes are open to everyone with no prior experience required. Inspired by ballet training, barre combines elegant movements with Pilates-style exercises, resistance work, and light weights to tone and strengthen the body. Classes are designed to improve balance, build strength, and enhance flexibility, all while moving to energising music in intimate group sessions of up to six participants. Private classes are also available for those seeking a more personalised experience.
Beginner classes start with a warm-up, followed by upper body exercises using free weights. Participants then move to the barre to focus on their thighs and glutes through small, controlled movements. The class concludes with a cool-down session and stretching.
Reformer Pilates: The Celebrity-Favourite Workout
Guests can also enjoy Reformer Pilates, a versatile workout favoured by athletes and celebrities such as Jeniffer Aniston, David Beckham and Novak Djokovic to name a few. Using the Reformer machine, this dynamic practice focuses on improving flexibility, core strength, and balance. Its spring-based resistance engages every muscle group, while the emphasis on controlled breathing promotes mindfulness, delivering a workout that is both meditative and powerful.
Beginner classes introduce the mechanics of the Reformer, breath-led core work, and posture awareness, incorporating exercises such as footwork, leg circles, the short box series (round back and flat back), the long stretch series, knee stretches, and the back rowing series.
Visiting Wellness Practitioner
Adding to the excitement, Velassaru will host renowned wellness practitioner Jyoti (Jazz) Kodwani from 15 August to 15 September 2025. During her residency, Jazz will offer a range of specialised Pilates classes and treatment sessions, catering to a variety of needs:
Discover the benefits of Therapeutic & Functional Pilates, designed to address chronic pain, postural imbalances, and injuries. These healing-focused sessions incorporate rehabilitation techniques, postural correction, and approaches to relieve issues such as back pain and sciatica.
Tailored Pilates classes are also available to meet specific needs. Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates focuses on core strength, pelvic health, and recovery. Runner’s Pilates helps improve stride and prevent injuries, while Athletes’ Pilates builds strength, agility, and flexibility.
Guests can join Jazz for dynamic Reformer Pilates sessions designed to enhance strength, balance, and control, catering to all fitness levels. Alternatively, they can try her Mat Pilates classes, offering low-impact, floor-based exercises centred on core strength. Jazz helps participants refine their technique and build endurance.
The opening of the studio marks another milestone in Velassaru’s commitment to holistic wellness, providing guests with the opportunity to experience something new and to recharge and reset amidst stunning natural beauty. With turquoise waters, powder-soft sands, and cutting-edge fitness facilities, Velassaru offers the ultimate escape for relaxation, renewal, and personal growth.
Featured
World Travel Awards honours Kurumba Maldives for family excellence

Kurumba Maldives has been named the 2025 Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a testament to its continued dedication to delivering stylish, family-friendly holiday experiences that harmoniously blend comfort with timeless elegance.
Nestled on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, just a 10-minute speedboat journey from the capital, Kurumba offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere ideal for families seeking a memorable tropical retreat. With spacious family villas and a wealth of activities, the resort is thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful connections and lasting memories.
Guests are invited to enjoy a wide array of experiences, from exhilarating water sports such as snorkelling and kayaking to cultural encounters, guided underwater dives, football clinics, and tennis coaching. Curated family activities—including beach games and cooking classes—add to the resort’s charm, all set against a backdrop of chic tranquillity.
For adults in search of relaxation, the resort’s spa provides treatments inspired by the island’s natural surroundings. Meanwhile, younger guests are kept thoroughly entertained at the Kids’ Club and Teen Lounge. The Kids’ Club offers an imaginative line-up of activities such as Jungle Yoga, Splash Time, Pizza Picassos, Rock Stars Painting, and Kings & Queens Crown Making. Children can also explore coconut bowling, herbalism workshops, junior mixology, and outdoor pursuits like beach clean-ups and Olympics. Evening fun includes mini discos, film nights, and marine-life presentations, ensuring a full day of excitement and learning.
The teen programme adds further appeal, combining adventure and creativity. Highlights include coral restoration and reef clean-ups, underwater photography, Dip & Paint workshops, and a range of sports like futsal, rugby, and 3-on-3 basketball. Additional entertainment such as VR gaming, karaoke, billiards, and sunset fishing ensures a dynamic and engaging experience for older children.
Kurumba’s design reflects a commitment to detail and elegance, with stylish dining venues and thoughtfully designed recreational spaces creating a seamless family escape. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant reef, the resort offers the perfect setting for families to unwind, bond, and discover the wonders of the Maldives together.
“This award is an incredible recognition of what we strive for every day – crafting meaningful moments for families,” said Morten Junior, General Manager. “It’s not just about the resort; it’s a celebration of the joy, connection, and memories shared by the families who stay with us. We are deeply grateful to the World Travel Awards and to our wonderful guests for believing in our vision.”
-
Cooking1 week ago
Malaa – The Maldivian Café: NH Kuda Rah’s new culinary jewel
-
Featured1 week ago
Madifushi Private Island makes impact at ILTM Asia Pacific 2025
-
Action1 week ago
Jesse Mendes to ride at 2025 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing showdown
-
Excursions1 week ago
Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025 returns to Dhawa Ihuru
-
News1 week ago
InterContinental Maldives enhances wellness offerings with Dr Shagnika Pradhan
-
Awards1 week ago
Bandos Maldives crowned Indian Ocean’s Best Dive Resort at World Travel Awards 2025
-
Excursions5 days ago
Baros Maldives hosts special events in honour of PADI Women’s Dive Day
-
Featured5 days ago
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO celebrates Women’s Dive Month with captivating underwater exhibition