News
JOALI BEING invites multigenerational travellers to join exciting weekend of wellbeing experiences
JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives, has announced the celebration of World Wellness Weekend on 20th, 21st, and 22nd September 2024. Guests are invited to take part in an extensive line-up of activities that will take place on the island during three consecutive days. The 8th annual World Wellness Weekend will be celebrated in 8,000 venues in 160 different countries this year. Every September, the World Wellness Weekend opens its doors to encourage people across the world to live a healthy lifestyle. The concept “September is the new January” inspires transformation after the summer period.
At JOALI BEING, transformative journeys await year-round where new beginnings transcend. Multigenerational guests are invited to participate in a range of joyful, wellbeing activities that are centred around the pillars of the World Wellness Weekend: Sleep and Creativity, Nutrition and Immunity, Movement and Vitality, Mindfulness and Serenity, and Purpose and Solidarity. Highlights include:
- Muay Thai: Chanel your inner warrior with Muay Thai boxing as you master the techniques of lower body strikes, and defences in a high-intensity workout.
- Movement Meditation: Embark on a transformative journey of inner peace and self-discovery, where every graceful gesture becomes a pathway to mindfulness and tranquillity.
- Yoga Marathon: Join an exhilarating, hour-long Yoga Marathon that immerses you in the art of Yoga, flowing through poses, breathwork, and finding balance amidst a community of like-minded souls.
- Beach Pilates: Rekindle your energy and ignite your happy hormones as you synchronise with the harmony of the ocean breeze and grace the nature around you.
- Functional Training: Indulge in a strength-boosting session that includes fundamental movements which improve your daily life and amplify your longevity.
- Yogic Breathwork and Yoga Nidra: Harness the ancient wisdom of pranayama to cultivate vitality, clarity, and a profound sense of inner peace, awakening your body’s innate capacity for balance and harmony. Yoga Nidra allows you to immerse yourself in a state of conscious relaxation where stress melts away, leaving you refreshed, renewed, and deeply connected to your inner calm.
- Walking Mediation: Every aspect of life can be meditative. Mindful walking is an excellent way of being grounded and integrating meditation into your daily life.
- Somatic Movement: An invigorating somatic movement class where you will unlock the secrets of fluidity and freedom through innovative techniques that blend mindfulness with physical expression, leaving you energized and empowered.
- Communal Table with Wellbeing Consultants: Dive into JOALI BEING’s Four Pillar wellbeing concept and Earth-to-Table cuisine with an expert team of resident consultants. Guests will have the chance to engage and learn holistic insights along with first-hand tips on nutrition and mindful eating, women’s health, healthy aging and longevity, gut health, sleep and mindfulness, yoga and breathwork, and so much more.
- Visiting Master Practitioner: JOALI BEING will host Dr. Leonard McGill during the month of September and the World Wellness Weekend. Dr. Leonard is the developer of Structural/Energetic Integration Therapy and a highly esteemed holistic physician with 30 years of experience. He focuses on transformative bodywork and pain relief, where guests can experience a powerful integrative approach to bodywork that addresses pain and musculoskeletal conditions such as neck, shoulder, low back, hip and knee challenges, and promotes overall wellbeing.
Designed to restore natural balance and facilitate personal transformation, the wellbeing offerings are woven around the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING – Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy. Families can indulge in the finest wellbeing facilities and unique transformational spaces, offering signature experiences such as Sound Healing and Watsu, whilst being grounded in the calm-inducing effects of nature. From exhilarating adventures and soulful relaxation to personalised nutrition and interactive learning, JOALI BEING creates wellbeing experiences tailored to individual lifestyles and goals. Culinary offerings are expertly curated with the help of the island’s nutritionists, offering a selection of flavours and cuisines with healthy and indulging dining options. JOALI BEING offers a range of daily activities for its guests to enhance their wellbeing, such as yoga, meditation, breathwork classes, mat Pilates, wellbeing conversations and health insights with resident consultants, functional training and mobility, HIIT workouts, sauna rituals, as well as tennis and padel tennis sessions. The herbology centre, AKTAR, offers workshops for guests to learn about the health benefits of herbs, essential oils and therapeutic teas, led by the resident Herbologist.
Guests of every generation can discover the best of nature and holistic wellbeing, guided by our expert team of naturopaths, herbalists, chefs, sound healers and fitness specialists. B’Kidult invites all guests to ‘be a kid again as an adult’ and experience the best of family vacations. The multigenerational zone is dedicated to wellbeing, sustainability and early learning that fosters a joyful environment. Daily activities include herbology sessions, botanical workshops, sound healing journeys, as well as kids-special fitness, yoga, Qi Gong, and sustainability initiatives. Guests can also enjoy marine adventures that explore the underwater world and an array of water sports.
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. For bookings and further information, please contact reservations.being@joali.com.
News
Sirru Fen Fushi introduces immersive summer programme inspired by the ocean
Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort invites guests to experience “Ocean Harmony”, its Summer 2026 programme celebrating nature, wellbeing, and togetherness through a curated collection of immersive island experiences.
Defined by understated luxury and a deep respect for the natural environment, this summer season encourages guests to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the rhythm of island life. Set within a thriving marine ecosystem, Sirru Fen Fushi continues to position itself as a sanctuary where conservation, wellness, and meaningful travel come together.
This year, the island’s surrounding waters have welcomed three remarkable sea turtle species – olive ridley, hawksbill, and green sea turtles – alongside successful nest hatchings, ongoing ghost net rescue efforts, and the continuation of coral planting initiatives. These commitments reflect the resort’s long-standing commitment to protecting and restoring its fragile marine environment.

A Summer Anchored in Nature and Celebration
The summer programme is highlighted by Wild Luxury Week (1–8 June), a dedicated period of sustainability-focused experiences aligned with global environmental dates including World Reef Awareness Day (1 June), World Environment Day (5 June), and World Oceans Day (8 June). The season continues with further global observances such as World Sea Turtle Day (16 June), World Whale & Dolphin Day (23 June), and World Manta Day (30 September), each offering moments of reflection and engagement with the ocean.
Throughout the summer, guests are invited to take part in meaningful activities designed to deepen their connection to the island and its ecosystem, including coral planting, turtle research, Coralarium discovery, and shark snorkelling experiences.
Wellness, Movement, and Island Energy
Wellbeing remains central to the Ocean Harmony experience, with daily opportunities for balance and renewal through sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, Sirry Fit Run, archery, and guided wellness activities. These experiences are designed to complement the island’s natural rhythm, encouraging guests to reconnect with themselves in an environment of calm and clarity.

Family Connection and Shared Discovery
Summer at Sirru Fen Fushi is also a season of togetherness, offering families a range of curated experiences that blend play, creativity, and exploration. From art and sustainability workshops to beach adventures, lagoon exploration, destination dining experiences, and cinema under the stars, each moment is designed to create lasting shared memories.
Dining Under the Stars and Island Moments
Guests can also enjoy elevated culinary experiences that bring people together in unique island settings, celebrating the simplicity of shared meals under open skies and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

A Continuing Commitment to the Ocean
“Ocean Harmony reflects our ongoing dedication to preserving the extraordinary ecosystem that surrounds our island,” said the resort’s management. “From coral restoration to marine life protection and immersive guest experiences, our focus remains on creating meaningful connections between people and nature.”
Sirru Fen Fushi continues to evolve as a destination where sustainability and luxury coexist, offering guests an authentic island experience rooted in care, purpose, and discovery.
For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Cooking
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru welcomes guest chef for Thai gastronomy experience
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites guests to discover an elevated dining journey at Saffron through an exclusive collaboration with Visiting Guest Chef Tipa, Head of Saffron at Banyan Group, who brings over a decade of culinary experience across Thailand and overseas.
Available from 17 June to 17 July 2026, A Southern Thailand Gastronomic Experience introduces a specially crafted, limited-time menu created exclusively for this one-month culinary collaboration. Designed as an immersive culinary journey at Saffron, the special menu presents a refined introduction of Southern Thailand’s rich culinary heritage through a contemporary lens.

Thoughtfully curated with harmony in taste, texture, and aroma, the menu celebrates Thai distinctive flavours through contemporary cooking techniques rooted in tradition. Signature highlights include Gai Yang Kor Lae, charcoal-grilled chicken served with Southern-style peanut sauce, and Gaeng Kiew Wan Nua, grilled beef tenderloin paired with aromatic green curry sauce.
Chef Tipa will be in residence at Saffron, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru from 15–19 June, bringing her culinary expertise to the island. Throughout her career, she has played an important role in shaping distinctive restaurant experiences and championing evolving perspectives within Thai cuisine for many Banyan Tree resorts in Southeast Asian region.

Beyond the dining experience, guests may connect more closely with Chef Tipa through two exclusive Thai Cooking Classes on 17 and 18 June. Designed as engaging and hands-on sessions, the classes invite guests to discover authentic techniques and inspirations behind Thai cuisine while creating meaningful moments of cultural discovery.

Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant, was introduced to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in 2024 as part of the resort’s transformation, bringing a deeper exploration of Asian gastronomy to the island. The restaurant celebrates Thai cuisine through Saffron’s signature touches – from its welcoming hand-washing ritual to curated rice selections through the Rice Master experience – inviting guests into a deeper appreciation of Thai culture and cuisine.
As Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru continues to evolve its guest journey, culinary is an important part of the resort’s transformation. Following its 2024 renovation, the resort expanded its dining experiences to include three restaurants and two bars, creating a variety of flavours and experiences for guests.

A Southern Thailand Gastronomic Experience will be available at Saffron from 17 June to 17 July 2026, with Visiting Guest Chef Tipa at the resort from 15–19 June 2026.
For reservations and enquiries, please visit the resort’s website.
Cooking
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort unveils voyage-inspired dining experience Caravela
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, a newly-opened sanctuary in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, has introduced Caravela, an immersive culinary journey inspired by the great maritime expeditions that shaped global gastronomy.
Blending Spanish culinary heritage with Maldivian provenance, Caravela offers a multi-sensory journey where each course unfolds as a chapter in the story of exploration, trade and cultural exchange. The concept takes its name from the caravel, the agile Portuguese vessel that enabled pioneering voyages between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Designed as an intimate, dinner-only experience for up to 12 guests, Caravela centres around a communal table, fostering connection and shared discovery. The inaugural menu, The Atlantic Voyage of 1487, traces the route of early explorers who sailed from Iberia along the African coast towards the Cape of Storms in search of a sea passage to India.

The five-course menu opens with First Light of the Atlantic, crispy King Crab fritters with ikura and lime-yuzu vinaigrette, before moving into Winds of the Cantabrian Sea, a torched Maldivian tuna loin with escabeche and subtle Moroccan spices. Crossing the Madeira Currents follows with local job fish, confit plantain purée and a prawn coral tuile. A green apple sorbet, inspired by the Wambugu Apples of western Africa, serves as a palate cleanser before the main course, Benguela Shores at Dusk: a 12-hour sous vide pork belly glazed with smoky chilli and Spanish chorizo jus. The voyage closes with Triumphant Return to Iberian Coast, an olive oil cake with port wine and blood orange gel, encased in a sugar sphere inspired by the Armillary Sphere, a symbol of Portuguese navigation.

Petit fours of caramelised torrija, coffee chocolate bonbon and South African milk tart complete the evening, alluding to the upcoming voyage that discovered the Americas.
Caravela’s narrative-driven approach will continue to evolve as future voyages launch, including The Pacific Voyage of 1492 and The Indian Ocean Voyage of 1498. Each new menu will introduce a distinct flavour map, encouraging guests to return and explore the histories that shape modern cuisine.

The concept was created under the direction of Resort Manager Melroy Fernandes, in collaboration with the resort’s culinary team, drawing on a deep appreciation for the Age of Discovery. Fernandes, a Master Sommelier, has also curated a thoughtful wine pairing experience alongside the resort’s sommelier team to complement each course.
On the launch of Caravela, Fernandes said, “NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is designed for travellers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences. Whether exploring the natural wonders of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and nearby Hanifaru Bay or embracing the tranquillity of our island, Caravela offers a journey of a different kind, one that connects history, culture and cuisine in a truly immersive way.”

Caravela completes NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort’s diverse dining portfolio, spanning all-day dining at Jumla, signature restaurants Alifaan and Kaiyo, beverage-led experiences at Atardecer, Handhuvaru, Madumaithiri and Splash Bar, and the Adrift destination dining concept.
The Atlantic Voyage tasting menu with wine pairings is priced at USD 190++ per guest and is available by prior reservation. For more information or to book, visit the resort’s website.
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