News
An ocean odyssey festive celebration In JOALI BEING
JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives, invites guests of all ages to celebrate the holidays while embarking on a wellbeing journey of their own. From 21 December 2024 to 10 January 2025, JOALI BEING will welcome some of the world’s top wellbeing practitioners to lead a robust Festive Season programme featuring various healing practices, movement classes, sound healing sessions, culinary workshops and more, alongside classic holiday traditions including holiday baking classes, Christmas movie nights and even a formal New Year’s Gala. Guests will head into the New Year feeling transformed with a renewed sense of “weightlessness.”
Transforming into a magical theme of “An Ocean Odyssey,” JOALI BEING’s decor and design will replicate a journey at sea, transporting guests to an underwater fantasy world. Rooted in the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING — Mind, Skin Microbiome and Energy – JOALI BEING’s festive activities. Additionally, JOALI BEING will welcome several globally recognised fitness practitioners and wellbeing experts to lead a collection of curated classes that will inspire new wellbeing practices and habits that guests can carry into the new year, including:
- Jeremy Jauncey: A well-known name in wellness, lifestyle, and travel circles, Jeremy is an inspiration. The successful serial entrepreneur known for his role as the CEO of Beautiful Destinations, a fitness enthusiast and ambassador of Technogym, will host a one-hour Motivational Training session blending cardio and weight training designed around the Energy Pillar of JOALI BEING.
- Chef Alexia Dellaca-Minot: Experience a gastronomical journey curated by Alexia Dellaca-Minot, Executive Chef from Gauthier Soho, the London fine-dining vegan restaurant by Michelin-Starred French Chef Alexis Gauthier. Guests can savour a five-course menu prepared with fresh produce from Her Garden and rare ingredients. Guests can discover the secrets of Gauthier Soho’s kitchen in an interactive plant-based pasta-making session at the Culinary Learning Centre. During this visit, Chef Alexia will host a culinary session for mothers and daughters from a nearby island, highlighting JOALI BEING’s commitment to uplifting and spreading joy in local communities.
- Javier De Prado: A master of craniosacral and Watsu therapy, visceral manipulation, and Osteothai, Javier De Prado has travelled the world extensively to study with therapeutic masters from diverse cultures, bringing a deep understanding of massage techniques. Javier de Prado will guide guests toward transformative healing through a seamless merging of Eastern and Western traditions.
- Carlos Aparicio: An expert Biocuántica practitioner, along with a strong background in the Wim Hof Method and Vipassana, Carlos Aparicio returns with the profound power of Biocuántica Original. Based on Quantum Physics, this pioneering therapy will guide guests to a deep state of relaxation, supporting longevity and allowing the transformation of stress into a new vitality.
- Dr. Igor Roganin – A leading expert in holistic medicine for over 25 years, Dr. Igor Roganin practices a blend of Chinese Medicine and modern science to harmonise the flow of Qi in the body, restoring vitality and enhancing overall health. Dr. Igor Roganin will offer a range of holistic therapies for guests focusing on pain relief, good sleep and punctual facial rejuvenation.
- Andrea Stuto – JOALI BEING’s master trainer in residence, Andrea Stuto is a former professional beach tennis athlete (best ranked #9 in the International Tennis Federation), head strength coach worldwide for Beach Tennis School and head coach for beach box camp (@beachboxcamp). Andrea is excited share his skills and education in wellness and sport with guests during friendly volleyball tournaments.
- SANCTUM – A unique method founded by Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski, combining Kundalini yoga, martial arts, HIIT and more, harnessing your body to enhance mental and physical wellbeing through movement, sound, and mindfulness. SANCTUM will allow guests to embark on a joyful journey of dance, philosophy, and dynamic activities that include sound journeys, mindful hikes, and signature ceremonies.
This is the season of togetherness and joy. Guests can expect a plethora of meaningful experiences curated for multi-generational travellers around the island and in B’Kidult, a multi-generational playground.
- Island Illumination – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Guests will connect with the energies of the archipelago, as they watch the island’s weightless Christmas tree light up the island and officially kick-off festival season.
- Table for Togetherness – Christmas Eve Dinner: Inspired by underwater myths and marvels, this magical, family-style feast will be an opportunity for families and friends to indulge in nourishing, holiday cuisine while creating lasting core memories.
- Christmas Movie Night: Guests of all ages will gather around for a nostalgic Christmas movie night complete with wholesome treats like healthy cookies, warm popcorn, fresh juices, fruit displays and more.
- Fun with Flour: Baking Workshop: Young bakers will roll up their sleeves, put on their aprons and come together to create classic holiday treats for the family. JOALI BEING’s chefs will guide them in learning new cooking skills that they can take home with them.
- New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner: A NYE culinary journey meets “An Ocean Odyssey” for this celebratory gala where guests will reflect and celebrate the year’s best memories with loved ones.
While the holidays are often associated with overindulgence and, sometimes, overwhelming emotions, JOALI BEING encourages wellbeing seekers to shift this mindset towards one that views festive season as a time to reconnect with themselves and loved ones.
A stay at JOALI BEING is a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal with the goal to return home with a new sense of “weightlessness.” Guests can achieve the property’s ‘Joy of Weightlessness’ philosophy from 68 exclusive guest villas, consisting of 33 beach villas and 35 water villas, each with their own private infinity pools and comes with a personal Jadugar, meaning ‘skilled magician’ in Dhivehi. Families can choose from thirteen categories ranging from one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom room types to accommodate groups of all sizes.
JOALI BEING has villas from $9,200 per night based on two persons sharing a Beach 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.
Featured
Sun Siyam Olhuveli launches Coral Frame Adoption programme on Earth Day
To mark Earth Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection within the House of Siyam, launched its new marine conservation initiative, the Adopt A Coral Frame experience, during a morning event held on 22 April at Milano Beach on Dream Island.
The initiative forms part of the resort’s wider marine conservation efforts and is designed to give guests a direct way to engage with coral restoration while supporting the protection of the surrounding reef ecosystem.
During the launch, guests were introduced to the coral restoration process through a hands-on experience that explained how new coral growth can be supported through frame-based planting. Under the programme, guests are invited to select and adopt a coral frame, attach healthy coral fragments to it, and take part in placing it within the lagoon to help form a new reef structure.
The process begins with the collection of healthy coral fragments under the guidance of the resort’s marine biologist. These fragments are then secured to specially designed coral frames and placed in selected areas within the resort’s coral garden, where conditions are intended to support growth and marine biodiversity. Guests who adopt a frame will also receive updates on its progress, including photographs shared every six months.
The resort said the programme is intended to make coral conservation more accessible to guests while also highlighting the role of reefs in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines and maintaining ocean ecosystems.
Chaminda Upul, Group Sustainability Manager for Sun Siyam, said the initiative was designed to give guests an opportunity to contribute in a direct way.
“Earth Day is a reminder that even the smallest actions can shape something far greater,” he said. “With Adopt-A-Coral Frame, we wanted to create an experience where our guests can leave a positive mark on the ocean. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it stays with you.”
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said the resort wanted to create an experience that combines guest participation with long-term environmental value.
“At Olhuveli, we believe the best experiences are the ones that stay with you long after you leave. Adopt-A-Coral is our way of inviting guests to be part of something lasting, while caring for the natural beauty that makes this place so special,” he said.
Part of the proceeds from each coral adoption will go towards Sun Siyam Care, the group’s sustainability platform, supporting marine conservation and reef restoration efforts.
Through the launch of Adopt A Coral Frame, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is combining guest experience with reef restoration, reflecting a wider focus on environmental engagement within its island operations.
Featured
Atmosphere Core reports progress on energy, waste and coral restoration
Atmosphere Core has released its latest sustainability report, the Core Impact Report 2025, outlining progress across its Maldives operations in areas including energy use, waste management, marine conservation and community engagement.
Published on Earth Day 2026, the report sets out the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into day-to-day operations and longer-term planning, at a time when tourism businesses face increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable environmental and social performance.
According to the report, Atmosphere Core generated 7.9 million kilowatt-hours of solar power over the past year, with renewable energy accounting for 13 per cent of its total energy demand. The company also reported that waste-to-value systems, including the conversion of 140 tonnes of organic waste into biogas energy, contributed to savings of more than 2.1 million litres of diesel and helped avoid over 5,700 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The report also details progress in reducing single-use plastics across Atmosphere Core’s portfolio of nine resorts. To date, the company said it has eliminated more than 2.1 million plastic bottles and 1.48 million plastic straws. These measures are supported by a centralised sourcing model aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing waste across the supply chain.
Marine conservation remains a central part of the company’s sustainability programme. According to the report, more than 16,600 coral fragments have been planted across 360 reef frames as part of restoration efforts intended to support reef regeneration around its resorts.
The report also highlights the work of the Atmosphere Foundation, the company’s non-profit corporate social responsibility arm, which is currently supporting 26 projects focused on education, livelihoods and community resilience. Among these is a bamboo-planting initiative that has established more than 3,700 plants across 45 locations in the Maldives.
Atmosphere Core said sustainability is embedded across the business rather than treated as a separate initiative, reflecting a broader shift in the hospitality sector towards operational accountability and measurable outcomes.
Commenting on the report, Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said: “At Atmosphere Core, sustainability is not a parallel initiative; it is fundamental to how we operate and grow. The Core Impact Report reflects our commitment to moving beyond reducing impact to creating lasting value for our communities and ecosystems.”
“As we look ahead, our focus remains on scaling these efforts in a meaningful way, ensuring that each of our resorts contributes to a more resilient and regenerative future,” he added.
Through the report, Atmosphere Core is positioning its sustainability strategy around data-led progress in environmental management and community engagement, while aligning its operations with wider industry expectations on climate and destination stewardship.
Action
SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ wellness activation
On Saturday, 25 April 2026, SO/ Maldives will stage its “Fight Fit” island activation as part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, bringing together fitness, wellness and local collaboration in a resort-wide programme.
Developed in partnership with Fight Soul Maldives, a local fitness collective focused on combat sports, the activation is designed to offer guests both participation and live viewing experiences while also bringing a local element into the resort’s wellness programming.
A key part of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests will have the opportunity to train with fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Open to different fitness levels, the sessions will introduce the basics of Muay Thai through drills, technique-based training and group activity.
The programme will extend across the island through a series of activities including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga accompanied by DJ music, and sunset fight showcases. According to the resort, the aim is to combine physical activity with the island setting through a range of structured wellness experiences.
The activation will also include a healthy menu developed to support fitness and balanced living, in line with the resort’s wider wellness focus.
Guests will also be invited to take part in a skincare workshop and ritual linked to the launch of products from Comfort Zone. The experience will introduce skincare practices based on science and sustainability as part of the broader wellness programme.
In the evening, the programme will continue with foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions featuring athletes from Fight Soul Maldives.
Through “Fight Fit”, SO/ Maldives is presenting a wellness-led island activation that combines fitness, lifestyle programming and collaboration with local talent.
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