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.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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