News
Jumeirah Olhahali Island celebrates World Wellness Weekend with bespoke programming

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has presented an exclusive wellness programme in celebration of World Wellness Weekend, taking place from 20 to 22 September 2024. This specially curated event aligns with the five pillars of wellness established as an annual, pro bono initiative to support the United Nations’ goal of Good Health and Well-being for All, including sleep and creativity, nutrition and immunity, movement and vitality, mindfulness and serenity, and purpose and solidarity. With one bespoke activity per day aligning with each of the five pillars, guests can indulge in purpose-nurturing experiences such as:
- Purpose and solidarity: A variety of treatments such as Sodashi Heart Chakra face and body alignment, designed as a fusion of healing modalities to bring balance and harmony to the chakra system while restoring the skin’s complexion.
- Movement and vitality: Guests will have access to active pursuits throughout the resort such as dancing classes and mat Pilates.
- Mindfulness and serenity: Through activities to promote and practice mindfulness and concentration, guests can book sessions including prana, trataka and Tibetan singing bowl meditations. In the privacy of their contemporary villas, visitors can also indulge in customise bath rituals for guests of all ages, with soothing foam baths infused with citrus-scented oils and opulent amenities.
- Sleep and creativity: In addition to jet lag massages and shirodhara treatments, guests are invited to personalise their sleep experience with the resort’s curated pillow menu, offering nine options ranging from cassia seed pillows to orthopedic pillows, all designed to enhance sleep quality and provide maximum comfort.
- Nutrition and immunity: Throughout the weekend, Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s diverse culinary outlets present healthier lifestyle choices through bespoke gastronomy and nutritious food stations, featuring fresh ingredients for fruit juices, wellness elixir shots, and Ayurveda-inspired drinks, along with healthy entrees ranging from salads to soups and more.
“We are excited to host World Wellness Weekend, providing our guests with a unique opportunity to rejuvenate and reconnect in the stunning surroundings of our Maldivian paradise,” said Mohamed Ashraf, General Manager of Jumeirah Olhahali Island. “Our wellness programme is meticulously crafted to both inspire and invigorate, harmoniing with the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of our island. We believe this weekend will provide an enriching experience that leaves our guests feeling refreshed and balanced.”
All activities during World Wellness Weekend are available on an à la carte basis, with complimentary sessions to those ranging from $60 to $250 per person, allowing guests the flexibility to tailor their wellness journey according to their preferences and schedules.
In addition to World Wellness Weekend programming, guests can enjoy the Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s year-round wellness offerings at its Talise Spa. The spa’s five stand-alone treatment villas boast floor-to-ceiling windows and glass floors located beneath the treatment beds for guests to marvel at the vibrant underwater life while receiving therapies like Tibetan crystal healing massages. Beyond wellness in the treatment villas, the resort is home to beachside tennis courts for private lessons from the resident coach and access to its private island to enjoy moonlit sandbank massages under a starry sky, rooftop yoga and more.
For more information about the resort and to book a stay for World Wellness Weekend, please visit here.
Drink
Kandolhu Maldives introduces new villas and gastronomic journeys

Kandolhu Maldives has announced a new season of island experiences, highlighting the resort’s refurbished Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas and a series of exclusive dining collaborations with internationally acclaimed chefs. The resort aims to offer guests opportunities to rediscover its intimate setting through refreshed accommodation and elevated culinary events.
The newly enhanced Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas, each spanning 120 sqm, have been designed with relaxation and comfort in mind. The villas now feature a spacious bedroom, a light-filled bathroom with a deep oval bathtub overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a private deck furnished with sun loungers and a sun umbrella. A new 23 sqm private pool has also been added, alongside a hammock suspended above the water, offering uninterrupted ocean views.

The resort has also introduced a line-up of exclusive dining events, bringing together Michelin-starred chefs and distinguished winemakers. These collaborations, hosted at Olive restaurant, combine fine cuisine with curated wine pairings, promising immersive gastronomic experiences.
- 3 October 2025: Chef Bernd Bachofer will present a degustation menu combining Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French haute cuisine. The evening will be paired with vintages from New Zealand’s Schubert Wines, led by winemaker Kai Schubert. Chef Bachofer, awarded a Michelin star in 2015, brings decades of expertise from renowned kitchens in Germany and Switzerland.
- 23 November 2025: The Kandolhu culinary team, headed by Chef Justin, will prepare a five-course Mediterranean dinner paired with Stonefish wines. Wine expert Peter Papanikitas will guide guests through each course, providing insights into the pairings.
- 3 December 2025: Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser will craft contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine in a five-course dinner for just 14 guests. Each course will be paired with fine Italian wines, offering an intimate dining experience.
Kandolhu’s Island Hosts, Claudio Stupan and Luciana Codiferro, commented, “Our vision has always been to create a space where guests feel both completely relaxed and deeply inspired. With refreshed villas and new culinary journeys ahead, we are proud to offer an experience that truly reflects the spirit of Kandolhu.”
Featured
Bavarian traditions meet island living at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Oktoberfest

Sun Siyam Olhuveli has announced that it will host its own take on Oktoberfest from 1 to 5 October 2025, bringing one of the world’s most recognised celebrations to a tropical island setting. The resort will combine Bavarian traditions with Maldivian hospitality, offering guests a week-long programme of music, food, and festivities.
A highlight of the event will be a performance by international DJ twins Kristina and Anna Grushina. With a strong global following of more than two million on social media and chart-topping success on Spotify, the sisters are renowned for their high-energy sets that transform any stage into a vibrant dance floor. Their performance on the resort’s beachfront is expected to be a key feature of this year’s festival.
Alongside live music, the festival will present German brews and themed culinary experiences inspired by Oktoberfest. Guests will be able to enjoy Bavarian-style dishes alongside a selection of hops and lagers served beachside. To add to the atmosphere, family-friendly activities and games will be organised throughout the resort, creating a spirit of connection and celebration in an island environment.
“We are excited to bring together international music talent, authentic gastronomy, and our island’s natural beauty in this celebration,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Every year, Oktoberfest and many other celebrations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli continue to highlight culture, community, and entertainment in a way that is unique to our resort and to the Maldives.”
The five-day festival will not only celebrate Oktoberfest but also demonstrate Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s ability to host immersive experiences that blend international entertainment with the relaxed lifestyle of the Maldives. Guests staying at the resort during this period will experience a beachfront festival of music, cuisine, and festivities designed to leave a lasting impression.
Local
MU Maniku, key architect of Maldives tourism industry, dies

Mohamed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku), a key figure in the establishment and growth of the Maldives tourism industry, has died in Singapore. He passed away on Saturday while in intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment for about a month.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Universal Enterprises announced:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mohamed Umar ‘M.U.’ Maniku on 30th August 2025 at 0630 hrs Singapore time in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore. As Chairman of Universal Enterprises, he will forever be remembered as a pioneer whose vision, loyalty and integrity were felt by generations of industry professionals, who will remember him with deep affection and respect. He had been an integral part of the inception and growth of the tourism industry in the Maldives. We remember a man whose legacy cannot be confined to a date or a place.”
“To those close to him, M.U. Maniku was a guiding light. He was the steady hand that led Universal Enterprises through decades of change, and a mentor for many. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who have offered support and condolences during this difficult time.”
Maniku was part of the group that opened Kurumba Maldives in 1972, the country’s first resort, widely regarded as the starting point of the modern tourism industry in the Maldives.
As Chairman and a principal shareholder of Universal Enterprises/Universal Resorts, Maniku oversaw the development of a portfolio that has included properties such as Kurumba, Kuramathi, Baros, Velassaru, Kandolhu, Milaidhoo and Huvafen Fushi.
Beyond the Maldives, he also served as Chairman of Mahaweli Reach Hotels PLC in Sri Lanka from 2012, reflecting the group’s cross-border hospitality interests.
Maniku chaired the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), which was formed in 1982 to represent resort owners and operators and to engage with government on policy and sector development. Under his leadership, MATI became a key platform for industry coordination and dialogue.
Contributions and legacy:
- Pioneering market entry (1972): Helped establish Kurumba and proved the commercial viability of resort tourism in the country.
- Resort development: Guided Universal’s expansion into multiple resort segments, supporting destination diversification and supply growth.
- Institution-building: Long-time chairmanship of MATI, fostering private-sector collaboration on standards, training and policy.
- Regional footprint: Leadership roles in hospitality ventures beyond the Maldives, including Mahaweli Reach Hotels.
Maniku had been hospitalised in Singapore for several weeks prior to his passing; local media had reported his transfer to intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
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