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JOALI celebrates art, science, joy of wellbeing

Both JOALI islands in the Maldives marked Global Wellness Day with an array of meaningful activities.
This year, Global Wellness Day was celebrated in unique style at JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING, the brand’s two luxurious islands in the Maldives.
On this special occasion, JOALI focused on caring for guests, employees and local communities alike. The brand’s distinctive vision of “sustainable glamour” is based on core values like community engagement, environmental protection and women’s empowerment,. Indeed, this ambitious redefinition of luxury is at the very heart of JOALI.
Global Wellness Day in the Maldives
Celebrated on June 11, the motto of Global Wellness Day 2022 was: “One day can change your whole life”. Dedicated to living well, this special day encourages us to pause, think and recognise the value of our lives. It also calls on people around the globe to raise awareness about living well.
“In a setting as spectacular as the Maldives, one inspirational day really can change your whole perspective. It can spark your curiosity, open new doors and enable you to connect deeply with yourself and the world around you,” remarks Özgür Cengiz, General Manager of JOALI BEING. Özgür is also the official Ambassador of Global Wellness Day for the Maldives.
“The JOALI brand is all about discovery,” he explains. “Both our Maldivian properties invited guests to explore the idea of wellness in their own way. Our goal was to get people thinking and inspire them to create a healthier way of life.”
Joyful Wellness at JOALI Maldives
At JOALI Maldives, the region’s first art immersive luxury island resort, Global Wellness Day was ushered in with creativity, flair and a touch of indulgence. The celebrations kicked off early in the morning, with the JOALI Maldives Island Marathon. After a warm-up session, participants set off on the 2 km route, which took them through lush greenery and sweeping ocean views. The run concluded with a recovery stretching session, followed by prizes and a photoshoot.
Later in the day, guests joined a refreshing session of Aqua Gym, a form of resistance training in the water, followed by “oh-so-good for you” sorbets by the poolside. The invigorating workout and delicious bites were a hit with all age-groups.
Also on the day’s schedule was a detox drinks workshop at Mura Bar, where the talented mixology team guided guests on how to make healthy, nutritious and delicious beverages. Last but certainly not least, JOALI Maldives organised a special Island Marathon and Aqua Gym for the resort’s hosts.

Multifaceted Wellbeing Journeys at JOALI BEING
Being the first and only nature immersive wellbeing island retreat of its kind in the Maldives, JOALI BEING celebrated Global Wellness Week with calendar of experiences that began on June 4 and culminated with special events on June 11. Guests were able to explore different facets of wellbeing – from nutrition and fitness to social connection and sustainability. Additionally, the celebrations also focused on the wellbeing of the retreat’s hosts – a priority for JOALI.
The programme highlighted healthy practices like walking 10,000 steps a day, staying well hydrated, and developing good sleep habits. Guests also participated in meaningful activities around plastic waste reduction and island clean-up. One of the highlights of the week was the healthy cooking workshop at the Culinary Learning Centre, where an expert team of chefs and nutritionists guided wellbeing seekers on how to choose the right ingredients, preserve nutrition while cooking, and develop better eating habits. For fitness enthusiasts, the JOALI BEING Amazing Race provided an exhilarating challenge: a 1.5-kilometre island run and a 500-metre open water swim.

On Global Wellness Day, JOALI BEING organised a unique wellbeing event at nearby Meedhoo Island. This collective celebration connected JOALI guests from around the globe with local residents of Raa Atoll, with a view to fostering meaningful connections and inspiring island communities to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
A number of interactive experiences were organised, including an island run and a wellness expo featuring healthy elixirs, dietary advice from a nutritionist, informational sessions with Ayurvedic doctors, and classes with the resident herbologist from AKTAR, the herbology centre at JOALI BEING. There were also plenty of fun activities for young guests, including face painting and music.
A Brand Rooted in Community
JOALI is committed to engaging with and empowering local communities. Since its arrival in the Maldives, the luxury lifestyle and hospitality brand has demonstrated this commitment in a variety of meaningful ways. The team has partnered with Maldivian organisations to aid the training of girls in local schools; provide hospitality internships for aspiring candidates; and conduct virtual educational sessions for local university students.

The company has also made significant contributions to local agencies. Generous funds have been donated to several organisations working in the archipelago, including three Women’s Development Committees in Raa Atoll, Women in Tech Maldives, Zero Waste Maldives, and the Olive Ridley Project. In May 2022, the brand donated a sum of US$ 30,000 and two eight-seater buggies to the Raa Dhuvaafaru Council. These contributions are being utilised by the island council for the benefit of local residents.
Featured
Spellbinding Halloween awaits at Kuramathi Maldives’ Bageecha Kids Club

Kuramathi Maldives is set to delight its youngest guests with a week of thrilling Halloween festivities at Bageecha Kids Club. From 27th October to 1st November 2025, children can look forward to a magical and mysterious line-up of activities designed especially for them. With haunted adventures, imaginative crafts, exciting games, and vibrant pool parties, every day promises a new and unforgettable experience.
Each Halloween-themed day will offer something unique, encouraging children to unleash their creativity through spooky arts and crafts. Activities include making pirate hats and treasure maps, crafting vampire teeth and pasta skeletons, and engaging in pool games, treasure hunts, and obstacle courses designed to entertain and challenge. Dance lovers can take part in monster dance-offs and zombie limbo, guaranteeing plenty of laughter and fun.
The centrepiece of the week’s festivities takes place on 31st October with a grand Halloween Day celebration. Youngsters will have the chance to show off their costumes in a Trick-or-Treat parade, decorate haunted cookies, and join a lively monster-themed pool party. The celebrations will culminate in a magical finale on Saturday 1st November, featuring rainbow potions, fairy wings, dragon tails, and other enchanting surprises.
With themed meals, creative workshops, and non-stop entertainment throughout the week, Bageecha Kids Club offers an unforgettable Halloween experience. Whether discovering their spooky side or diving into a whimsical world of magical creatures, young guests are sure to take home lasting memories of a truly spellbinding holiday.
Featured
Indulgent island retreat awaits with Cinnamon Velifushi’s limited-time flash sale

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is extending an exclusive invitation to travellers with a limited-time flash offer combining exceptional value with indulgent island experiences. Available for bookings made between 3rd and 17th August 2025, the promotion offers up to 85% off stays throughout September 2025, inclusive of complimentary return speedboat transfers and a selection of three curated experiences tailored to elevate each guest’s stay.
Shaped like a manta ray gliding through turquoise waters, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is one of the most picturesque islands in the Meemu Atoll. As part of this special offer, guests may personalise their getaway by selecting three of the following signature experiences:
- A four-course beachside dinner featuring premium steak or freshly caught seafood
- A 45-minute spa treatment for deep relaxation
- A scenic island-hopping excursion across neighbouring islets
- A dolphin-watching trip in their natural habitat
- USD 200 in resort credit for added flexibility
From underwater adventures to open-air dining under the stars, or simply embracing the island’s tranquil pace, the offer encourages guests to make the most of their tropical escape — for considerably less.
Ideal for those in search of an elegant end-of-summer retreat, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides a sophisticated setting with both overwater and beachside villas, and a variety of dining options. Among them is the acclaimed Marlin Restaurant, regarded as one of the atoll’s finest à la carte experiences, particularly renowned for its fresh seafood.
Reservations under this flash offer are open from 3rd to 17th August 2025, for stays between 1st and 30th September 2025.
Excursions
COMO Maalifushi launches freediving with Maldivian pioneer Fahd Faiz

COMO Maalifushi has announced the launch of its new freediving programme, developed in collaboration with Fahd Faiz, the first Maldivian freediving instructor and a prominent advocate for marine conservation in the country. This initiative reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformative guest experiences while promoting sustainability, education, and professional development within its team.
Running from 27 July to 10 August 2025, Fahd Faiz’s residency marks the official introduction of freediving training at COMO Maalifushi. The programme centres on equipping the resort’s marine team with advanced skills in breath-hold diving, safety protocols, and heightened underwater awareness. These freediving techniques are set to be incorporated into the resort’s PADI offerings, providing guests with an opportunity to engage with the ocean in a more mindful and unrestricted manner.
Fahd Faiz is the founder of Freedive Maldives, the country’s first locally owned freediving centre, established in 2015. A world record holder in static apnea, he has trained more than 1,000 students and currently serves as President of the Maldives Freediving Association. As the country’s sole PADI Instructor Trainer, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the freediving landscape both in the Maldives and internationally.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Maldives, remarked, “Having Fahd with us at COMO Maalifushi has been an inspiring experience for the team. His passion for the ocean, combined with his exceptional expertise and dedication to education, aligns perfectly with our brand’s ethos of holistic wellness, sustainability, and authentic connection to place. This new freediving initiative not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also enriches the experience we offer our guests, allowing them to encounter the marine world in a deeper and more tranquil way. We are proud to support Fahd’s mission and delighted to introduce freediving at COMO Maalifushi.”
During his residency, Fahd is leading immersive training sessions with the resort’s marine team, focusing on breath control, rescue techniques, equalisation, and mental conditioning—skills essential to freediving and valuable in ensuring guest safety and engagement.
This new freediving experience at COMO Maalifushi is poised to become a signature offering, inviting guests to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean on a single breath, amidst vibrant coral gardens, tropical reef fish, and the meditative silence of the sea.
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