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Experience ultimate rejuvenation: Karol Krauser III’s wellness residency at Jumeirah Olhahali Island

Jumeirah Olhahali Island is hosting Karol Krauser III, a renowned wellness expert with more than 35 years of experience, for an exclusive “Journey of Renewal” residency from 15 November to 18 December 2024. Recognised as the visionary behind FitwellX, Krauser is celebrated for his holistic approach to health, which merges modern sports medicine with traditional mind-body practices. During his residency, he will provide personalised training experiences aimed at restoring and rejuvenating guests amidst the serene surroundings of Olhahali Island.
Krauser’s extensive global expertise reflects a profound belief in the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Over his career, he has developed tailored wellness and recovery programs for clients around the world, including locations such as Thailand, Hawaii, and London. His specialties include martial arts, therapeutic bodywork, corrective exercise rehabilitation, and stress-relief techniques like Tai Chi and Chi Kung meditation. Each of his programs is customised to align with the health goals of individuals, accommodating guests of all ages and fitness levels.
Commenting on Krauser’s residency, Mohamed Ashraf, General Manager of Jumeirah Olhahali Island, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are excited to bring Karol’s wellness expertise to our guests. His personalised programs offer a transformative experience, leaving guests feeling revitalized, balanced, and deeply connected to both themselves and the tranquil environment around them,” he said.
Featured Experiences:
- Martial Movement Therapy: Private sessions integrating martial arts and functional fitness to enhance overall strength, balance, and focus while promoting mental clarity.
- Mindfulness & Meditation: Daily guided practices, including Tai Chi, Chi Kung meditation, and chakra-balancing sessions, designed to reduce stress, improve resilience, and foster mindfulness.
- Corrective Exercise Rehabilitation: One-on-one sessions featuring medical massage and personalised exercises to address pain, recovery from injury, and structural imbalances, focusing on healing and improving flexibility.
- Intuitive Bodywork: Private 60- or 90-minute sessions offering diverse healing techniques such as Hawaiian Lomi Lomi and Reiki for deep relaxation and energy balancing.
Situated in the tranquil Maldives, Jumeirah Olhahali Island provides the ideal backdrop for the “Journey of Renewal” experience. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s year-round wellness activities, including oceanside group fitness classes, spa treatments with panoramic marine views, beachside tennis, rooftop yoga, and Moonlit Sandbank Massages beneath the stars. With its expansive beachfront and overwater villas, serene spa, and a range of activities from PADI diving to coral restoration, the resort offers an unparalleled setting for a transformative and restorative retreat.
Featured
Barceló Nasandhura Malé named Best City Hotel at TTM Awards 2025

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has been awarded Best City Hotel at the TTM Awards 2025, held on 28 August at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi.
The recognition reflects the passion, hard work, and dedication of the team at Barceló Nasandhura, whose commitment to excellence has been evident since the property opened earlier this year. The hotel has focused on creating memorable guest experiences and setting new standards for city hospitality, which contributed to this achievement.
The TTM Awards, part of the Maldives’ largest travel trade show, celebrates the country’s hospitality sector across 28 categories, bringing together leading travel and tourism professionals from the region.
As it marks this milestone, Barceló Hotel Group reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the future of city hospitality in Malé.
Featured
Sun Siyam unveils new identity and signature experiences

Sun Siyam has unveiled a milestone transformation as it celebrates 35 years of Maldivian hospitality. More than a visual refresh, the brand’s evolution introduces a new statement anchored in The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ most culturally authentic resort operators. The transformation enhances guest journeys through the introduction of Signature Experiences across all six resorts and strengthens customer relationships via Siyam Rewards.
The group has unified its five Maldivian resorts and Sri Lankan retreat under a single identity, The House of Siyam. To provide greater clarity for guests and partners, properties are now grouped under three distinct collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle.
- Luxury Collection: Representing the highest calibre of island indulgence, led by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, this collection offers premium exclusivity.
- Lifestyle Collection: Designed for energetic adventure and diverse experiences, Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World form part of this portfolio.
- Privé Collection: Centred on privacy and bespoke comfort, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka comprise this category.
A central feature of the transformation is the introduction of Signature Experiences, designed to extend beyond villa stays and integrate Maldivian heritage and imagination into every visit. Guests may participate in Maldivian Roots, a weekly culinary and cultural series, book the Maldives’ first overwater photo studio, the Insta Villa, or enjoy the atmosphere at the Sun Siyam Beach Club. Other offerings include the Wow Welcome, Hidden Treasure Chests, Plant Based Bliss dining, and Moonlit Cinemas.
The brand has also launched Siyam Rewards, a digital membership programme offering personalised itineraries, room upgrades, and optional carbon offsets. Members benefit from rewards starting with their first booking. Each stay contributes to marine conservation and community projects through the group’s sustainability initiative, Sun Siyam Care.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder, Owner & Managing Director, said, “When we founded Sun Siyam in 1990 and later opened our first resort in 1998, our goal was simple: to share the warmth of our islands and our people with the world. This transformation keeps that soul alive while giving us the space to innovate for the next generation of free-spirited travellers.”
Chief Executive Officer Deepak Booneady added, “This rebrand is not just about design, it is about experience. It is about cultural authenticity, purpose-driven hospitality and creating moments that spark joy. With the Maldives’ widest choice of villas, the region’s most generous premium all-inclusive plan and now our Signature Experiences, we are setting the stage for the future of island travel.”
The redesigned website, sunsiyam.com, brings the new brand identity across all touchpoints with a look and feel that is both distinctly Maldivian and modern.
The rebrand was developed with leading industry experts: JHAGGER&CO as brand advisors; StudioSixty7, led by Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for interior restyling; and Dominik Ruhl, a Maldives hospitality pioneer, for operational standards and experiences. Implementation was carried out by Sun Siyam’s operations team, General Managers, Resort Managers, and brand, sales, marketing, and public relations teams, coordinated by Abdulla Thamheed, VP of Operations.
The outcome is a design system that retains Maldivian heritage while embracing a contemporary edge.
Featured
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort wins ‘Best Design Resort’ at TTM Awards

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been named ‘Best Design Resort’ at the TTM Awards 2025, an accolade that recognises architectural excellence combining innovation with distinctive aesthetics. The award highlights the resort’s position as one of the Maldives’ most striking luxury properties, known for its design vision and refined guest experiences.
Located on a private island in Dhaalu Atoll, the resort is distinguished by its architectural concept created by Singapore-based WOW Architects. Its design draws inspiration from the natural environment of the Maldives, incorporating organic forms and local motifs with a modern interpretation. Among the resort’s most notable structures are the Whale Bar, shaped in the likeness of a whale shark, and the overwater Iridium Spa, designed to resemble a seashell, both exemplifying the seamless integration of luxury and nature.
The property’s design approach extends across its 77 private villas, positioned to offer either ocean or jungle views. Each villa is designed to blend with the island landscape, integrating sustainable elements while maintaining comfort, privacy, and style. The resort’s spaces reflect a balance between contemporary lines and Maldivian influences, creating a distinct sense of place.
The TTM Awards, presented annually during Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), recognise outstanding contributions to the region’s hospitality sector. This year’s award reinforces The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s reputation as a leader in design and attention to detail.
Since its opening, the resort has become known for uncompromising luxury, featuring celebrated dining options, an extensive wine cellar, and curated experiences supported by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. The recognition at the TTM Awards 2025 further strengthens its status as a global benchmark in design-led hospitality.
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