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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
Sun Siyam Olhuveli launches Coral Frame Adoption programme on Earth Day
To mark Earth Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection within the House of Siyam, launched its new marine conservation initiative, the Adopt A Coral Frame experience, during a morning event held on 22 April at Milano Beach on Dream Island.
The initiative forms part of the resort’s wider marine conservation efforts and is designed to give guests a direct way to engage with coral restoration while supporting the protection of the surrounding reef ecosystem.
During the launch, guests were introduced to the coral restoration process through a hands-on experience that explained how new coral growth can be supported through frame-based planting. Under the programme, guests are invited to select and adopt a coral frame, attach healthy coral fragments to it, and take part in placing it within the lagoon to help form a new reef structure.
The process begins with the collection of healthy coral fragments under the guidance of the resort’s marine biologist. These fragments are then secured to specially designed coral frames and placed in selected areas within the resort’s coral garden, where conditions are intended to support growth and marine biodiversity. Guests who adopt a frame will also receive updates on its progress, including photographs shared every six months.
The resort said the programme is intended to make coral conservation more accessible to guests while also highlighting the role of reefs in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines and maintaining ocean ecosystems.
Chaminda Upul, Group Sustainability Manager for Sun Siyam, said the initiative was designed to give guests an opportunity to contribute in a direct way.
“Earth Day is a reminder that even the smallest actions can shape something far greater,” he said. “With Adopt-A-Coral Frame, we wanted to create an experience where our guests can leave a positive mark on the ocean. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it stays with you.”
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said the resort wanted to create an experience that combines guest participation with long-term environmental value.
“At Olhuveli, we believe the best experiences are the ones that stay with you long after you leave. Adopt-A-Coral is our way of inviting guests to be part of something lasting, while caring for the natural beauty that makes this place so special,” he said.
Part of the proceeds from each coral adoption will go towards Sun Siyam Care, the group’s sustainability platform, supporting marine conservation and reef restoration efforts.
Through the launch of Adopt A Coral Frame, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is combining guest experience with reef restoration, reflecting a wider focus on environmental engagement within its island operations.
Featured
Atmosphere Core reports progress on energy, waste and coral restoration
Atmosphere Core has released its latest sustainability report, the Core Impact Report 2025, outlining progress across its Maldives operations in areas including energy use, waste management, marine conservation and community engagement.
Published on Earth Day 2026, the report sets out the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into day-to-day operations and longer-term planning, at a time when tourism businesses face increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable environmental and social performance.
According to the report, Atmosphere Core generated 7.9 million kilowatt-hours of solar power over the past year, with renewable energy accounting for 13 per cent of its total energy demand. The company also reported that waste-to-value systems, including the conversion of 140 tonnes of organic waste into biogas energy, contributed to savings of more than 2.1 million litres of diesel and helped avoid over 5,700 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The report also details progress in reducing single-use plastics across Atmosphere Core’s portfolio of nine resorts. To date, the company said it has eliminated more than 2.1 million plastic bottles and 1.48 million plastic straws. These measures are supported by a centralised sourcing model aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing waste across the supply chain.
Marine conservation remains a central part of the company’s sustainability programme. According to the report, more than 16,600 coral fragments have been planted across 360 reef frames as part of restoration efforts intended to support reef regeneration around its resorts.
The report also highlights the work of the Atmosphere Foundation, the company’s non-profit corporate social responsibility arm, which is currently supporting 26 projects focused on education, livelihoods and community resilience. Among these is a bamboo-planting initiative that has established more than 3,700 plants across 45 locations in the Maldives.
Atmosphere Core said sustainability is embedded across the business rather than treated as a separate initiative, reflecting a broader shift in the hospitality sector towards operational accountability and measurable outcomes.
Commenting on the report, Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said: “At Atmosphere Core, sustainability is not a parallel initiative; it is fundamental to how we operate and grow. The Core Impact Report reflects our commitment to moving beyond reducing impact to creating lasting value for our communities and ecosystems.”
“As we look ahead, our focus remains on scaling these efforts in a meaningful way, ensuring that each of our resorts contributes to a more resilient and regenerative future,” he added.
Through the report, Atmosphere Core is positioning its sustainability strategy around data-led progress in environmental management and community engagement, while aligning its operations with wider industry expectations on climate and destination stewardship.
Action
SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ wellness activation
On Saturday, 25 April 2026, SO/ Maldives will stage its “Fight Fit” island activation as part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, bringing together fitness, wellness and local collaboration in a resort-wide programme.
Developed in partnership with Fight Soul Maldives, a local fitness collective focused on combat sports, the activation is designed to offer guests both participation and live viewing experiences while also bringing a local element into the resort’s wellness programming.
A key part of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests will have the opportunity to train with fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Open to different fitness levels, the sessions will introduce the basics of Muay Thai through drills, technique-based training and group activity.
The programme will extend across the island through a series of activities including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga accompanied by DJ music, and sunset fight showcases. According to the resort, the aim is to combine physical activity with the island setting through a range of structured wellness experiences.
The activation will also include a healthy menu developed to support fitness and balanced living, in line with the resort’s wider wellness focus.
Guests will also be invited to take part in a skincare workshop and ritual linked to the launch of products from Comfort Zone. The experience will introduce skincare practices based on science and sustainability as part of the broader wellness programme.
In the evening, the programme will continue with foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions featuring athletes from Fight Soul Maldives.
Through “Fight Fit”, SO/ Maldives is presenting a wellness-led island activation that combines fitness, lifestyle programming and collaboration with local talent.
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