W Maldives, the luxury private-island resort and home to one of the Maldives’ best house reefs, will welcome international acclaimed Japanese cocktail pioneer Hiroyasu Kayama and Tokyo’s legendary Bar Benfiddich from August 18-21, 2026. As part of The Wavemaker Edit’s Island Alchemy series, the exclusive residency brings one of the world’s most sought-after cocktail experiences to the Maldives for a rare international appearance, offering guests immersive mixology events, bespoke cocktails and unforgettable island-inspired creations.

Hidden above the streets of Tokyo, the intimate 15-seat Bar Benfiddich has earned an almost mythical reputation among cocktail enthusiasts. Currently ranked No. 18 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 and No. 9 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, following its recognition as The Best Bar in Japan 2025, the bar is celebrated for its deeply personal approach to cocktail creation, where craftsmanship, storytelling and discovery converge in every glass.

Every cocktail begins with curiosity. Kayama, a mixologist, farmer, ingredient curator, scientist and collector of forgotten traditions, builds his creations from botanicals harvested on his family’s farm in Saitama, alongside ingredients discovered through years of travel, research and experimentation. Antique tools share the bar with centuries-old books, Indigenous spirits sit beside freshly harvested herbs. Every conversation can inspire a new creation, making each to Bar Benfiddich as personal as the drink itself. It is this philosophy that makes Bar Benfiddich one of the most sought-after reservations in Asia, and one that is rarely experience outside Tokyo.

On August 18 and 19, guests are invited to SIP, the resort’s overwater cocktail bar, for intimate guest shits inspired by the spirit of Bar Benfiddich. Kayama will present four bespoke cocktails, including signature creations and original recipes inspired by the colours, botanicals and rhythms of Island life. Guests are encouraged to lean in, ask questions and discover the stories behind each creation directly from the master himself. Available exclusive at W Maldives during the residency, each cocktail reflects a unique dialogue between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural beauty of the Maldives through his own lens.

The residency culminates on August 21 at WET Deck, where Island Alchemy shifts into celebration. Set against sweeping ocean views and accompanied by a live DJ, Kayama’s inventive creations take on a brighter, more playful expression through an exclusive cocktail menu designed for a vibrant daytime poolside party, where Japanese precision meets the unmistakable energy of W Maldives.

“The Wavemaker Edit was created to connect our guests with the people redefining culture around the world,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “Hiroyasu Kayama embodies everything Island Alchemy stands for–creativity, craftsmanship, curiosity, and a genuine sense of discovery. Experiences like this become part of the island’s story, giving guests the chance to encounter extraordinary talent in a setting unlike anywhere else.”

Guests looking to immerse themselves in the island’s ever-evolving calendar of cultural experience can book the Original Wavemaker package, available until July 31, 2026. This offer includes a minimum four-night stay, seaplane transfers and half-board dining for two adults, creating the perfect base from which to experience eth next wave of The Wavemaker Edit.

For more information, visit wmaldives.com or connect with the resort team at reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.

In Maldives, ELE|NA Wellness Academy continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for holistic wellness education through the successful completion of two specialised certification courses: the Sound Healing Certification Course and the Reiki Level 1 Certification Course.

Designed to bridge traditional healing wisdom with contemporary wellness practices, both programmes welcomed wellness professionals, therapists, and aspiring practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise and expand their therapeutic offerings.

Building Practitioner Expertise in Sound Healing and Reiki

ELE|NA Wellness Academy delivered specialised certification programmes in Sound Healing from 10th–13th May and Reiki Level 1 from 14th–18th June 2026, equipping wellness professionals with practical skills in two increasingly sought-after healing modalities. Led by renowned practitioners Arjun Arora, founder of Sarveda Sound Healing India, and Gayatri Panjabi, Reiki Grandmaster and energy healing educator. The immersive courses explored sound therapy, energy healing, meditation practices, chakra systems, and hands-on therapeutic techniques. Through experiential learning and guided practice, participants gained the knowledge and confidence to integrate these holistic modalities into their personal wellbeing journeys and professional wellness offerings.

Building the Future of Wellness Education

As the wellness industry continues to evolve, the demand for specialised skills and authentic healing practices continues to grow globally. Through courses like Sound Healing & Reiki, the ELE|NA Wellness Academy is committed to developing the next generation of wellness professionals while supporting continuous learning within the hospitality and wellness sectors.

“At ELE|NA, we believe when therapists are given opportunities to learn, grow, and expand their expertise, the entire industry benefits from their knowledge and skills. Whether they continue their journey here or take their expertise elsewhere, they contribute to raising standards, enriching guest experiences, and advancing the profession as a whole. Through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, our goal is to create meaningful pathways for learning that empower practitioners and strengthen the wellness community across regions,” said Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President of ELE|NA.

The successful completion of these certification courses marks another milestone in the ELE|NA Wellness Academy’s mission to cultivate knowledge, inspire growth, and create meaningful pathways for wellness professionals across the Maldives and beyond.

Coming Up Next: Body Massage Training – August 2026

Registrations are now open for ELE|NA Wellness Academy’s next CIBTAC-accredited Body Massage Training from 17-27 August 2026. Combining essential theory with immersive, hands-on practical training, the course equips aspiring and experienced therapists with internationally recognised skills and certification, preparing them for rewarding careers in the global spa and wellness industry.

For more information on ELE|NA Wellness Academy: trainingacademy@ele-na.com.

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has announced the upcoming residency of internationally acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson. Taking place from 21 to 31 October 2026, the residency will invite guests to immerse themselves in Williamson’s vibrant creative universe through exclusive workshops and artistic experiences inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Widely recognised for his kaleidoscopic use of colour, bold patterns and joyful maximalist aesthetic, Williamson first rose to prominence with his acclaimed debut collection at London Fashion Week in 1997. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has become one of Britain’s most celebrated creative talents, expanding from fashion into interiors, homeware and design, where his distinctive approach continues to shape inspiring spaces around the world.

Matthew Williamson’s residency forms part of Finolhu’s ongoing Art & Design programme, an initiative that has welcomed an exceptional roster of internationally acclaimed creatives to the island throughout 2026. Earlier this year, guests had the opportunity to engage with celebrated British artist and designer Sophie Tea, renowned fashion illustrator and creative director Megan Hess, acclaimed interior designer and television personality Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and multidisciplinary artist Natasha Kumar. Through workshops, exhibitions and immersive creative experiences, the programme continues to foster meaningful connections between guests and some of the world’s most inspiring artistic talents.

A proud member of Design Hotels™, Finolhu is renowned for its bold design identity and creative approach to luxury hospitality. The resort’s Art & Design programme extends this philosophy beyond architecture and interiors, offering guests rare opportunities to engage directly with globally recognised artists, designers and cultural visionaries in an inspiring island setting.

During his residency at Finolhu, Williamson will lead a series of intimate guest workshops focused on one of his favourite motifs – the palm tree. Drawing inspiration from the island’s tropical landscape, participants will explore an abstract and contemporary painting style that celebrates colour, nature and personal expression. Designed for both aspiring and experienced creatives, the sessions will offer guests a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of the industry’s most influential designers while creating their own artwork to take home.

The residency further strengthens Finolhu’s position as a leading creative destination in the Maldives, bringing together art, design and meaningful guest engagement in a setting that encourages inspiration, self-expression and cultural exchange.

At the heart of the programme is Finolhu’s Art Lab, a striking barnacle-inspired creative sanctuary that serves as a hub for artistic expression and cultural exchange. The space hosts workshops, exhibitions and immersive experiences throughout the year, encouraging guests to explore their creativity while engaging with leading artists and designers from around the world.

inolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has established itself as one of the Maldives’ most celebrated lifestyle resorts, renowned for its vibrant personality, playful approach to luxury and iconic two-kilometre sandbank, one of the longest in the Maldives. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort offers a collection of stylish beachfront and overwater villas, diverse culinary experiences, holistic wellness offerings and immersive recreational experiences. Known for seamlessly blending barefoot luxury with a dynamic social atmosphere, Finolhu has cultivated a loyal international following and continues to distinguish itself through creative guest experiences, contemporary design and a distinctive sense of island character. Through initiatives such as its Art & Design programme, the resort further reinforces its reputation as a destination where creativity, culture and hospitality converge in inspiring and unexpected ways.

To learn more about Finolhu, a Seaside Collection resort, visit the resort’s website.