Featured
JOALI launches first-ever wellbeing residences in Maldives

JOALI has introduced Island Homes, offering a unique opportunity to own a private residence on the award-winning, first-of-its-kind wellbeing island in the Maldives. Accessible via a 40-minute scenic seaplane journey from Velana International Airport or a 90-minute yacht cruise from Maafaru International Airport, the island combines convenience and exclusivity. Buyers can select from one- to four-bedroom residences, either on the beach or overwater, designed with biophillic architectural principles.
Each residence, spanning 230 to 1,700 square meters, features cathedral ceilings, intricate mosaic finishes, and natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows connect the interiors to the surrounding tropical environment. The homes include private swimming pools, spacious sundecks, indoor and outdoor showers, and luxurious standalone or sunken bathtubs. A state-of-the-art home operating system ensures optimal ambiance and temperature control.
The Four-Bedroom Wellbeing Private Ocean Residence is the pinnacle of luxury. Situated above turquoise waters near a vibrant house reef, it offers breathtaking sunset views and proximity to marine life, including dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. This residence includes four generously sized bedrooms, three with sea views, a 118-square-meter infinity pool, an enclosed kitchen, and a dedicated wellbeing complex with a private sauna, a treatment room, and a movement studio equipped with Technogym equipment and a Pilates Cadillac.
For those who prefer a beachside retreat, the Three-Bedroom Wellbeing Beach Residence offers elegant indoor and outdoor living and dining spaces. It features a 105-square-meter private pool, a kitchen with an island, a gym, a massage bed in an open-air cabana, and a private sauna. Each bedroom boasts Indian Ocean views, walk-in wardrobes, and luxurious bathrooms with indoor and outdoor elements.
JOALI fully manages these Island Homes and provides owners with an attractive rental returns plan. The island itself is dedicated to wellbeing, hosting 68 well-living villas and residences alongside 39 transformational spaces, such as Watsu Pools, a Himalayan Salt Inhalation Room, a Cryotherapy Chamber, and a Sound Healing Room. The offerings align with the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING—Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy—developed by Oxford University professor and wellness expert Gerry Bodeker. Bespoke wellbeing journeys are guided by an in-house team of naturopaths, nutritionists, therapists, herbalists, and practitioners of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Guests of all ages can engage with wellbeing workshops and activities at B’Kidult, the first multi-generational playground of its kind. From crafting natural self-care products with resident herbalists to exploring sound healing, the space offers enriching experiences for families.
The culinary offerings at JOALI BEING are guided by an earth-to-table philosophy. FLOW Restaurant features international cuisine from interactive kitchens, including Su for pescatarian dishes, Plantae for vegetarian and vegan options, and B’Well for premium meat and poultry selections. MOJO, the island’s beach sanctuary, serves Mediterranean and international fare, while Yutori offers mindful Japanese cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Yamamoto Hidemasi.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness real estate is among the fastest-growing sectors, increasing from $225 billion in 2019 to $438 billion in 2023. Reflecting on JOALI’s expansion into this market, Founder and Vice President Esin Giral Argat noted, “Since JOALI’s founding in 2019, our approach has been to introduce a lifestyle brand with a soul, redefining luxury hospitality. With JOALI Maldives as the first art-immersive resort and JOALI BEING as the first wellbeing island in the Maldives, we are thrilled to expand into wellness real estate, creating an exclusive community for our loyal customers.”
Island Homes at JOALI BEING are available starting at USD 5 million.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
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