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JOALI BEING announces exciting programming working with global ‘Master Practitioners’ of wellbeing
On the pristine isle of Bodufushi in Raa atoll, JOALI BEING- the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives – has announced its programming for guests with focus on immersive wellbeing experiences curated by ‘Master Practitioners’ offering guests unrivalled expertise with personalised and results-driven transformative wellbeing menus to renew, uplift and inspire. Running from June to December early 2024, the menu presents a hybrid of healing and restorative practices alongside alternative methods of therapy, such as Holographic Memory Resolution and heart-centred wellbeing methodology, to name a few.
Redefining the meaning of wellbeing getaways, experts will work alongside JOALI BEING’s long-established network of specialists within its unique transformative spaces – including hydrotherapy, movement and sound healing treatments – to nourish guests and give them a new sense of ‘weightlessness’.
In keeping with JOALI BEING’s core methodology, the programme aims to fuse ancient Eastern and Western modern philosophies bringing leaders in alternative wellbeing practices to the destination.
The curated programme includes:
- 12 – 25 June – Andrea Stuto is JOALI BEING’S Master Trainer in Residence – and former professional beach tennis player and World Ranking No. 9 – will on hand to offer a full fitness screening, performance training and sports conditioning.
- Using the heart-centred wellbeing methodology, focused on mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, Rajesh Ramani and Smitha Jayakumar will help connect guests to their true potential through meditation, one-to-one mentoring and mind training sessions from 15 July to 14 August.
- Holographic Memory Resolution® (2 – 29 October) will be led by Dr Rachel Maurice – a former anaesthesiologist – and will be giving guests effective and personalised tools and methods for powerful self-healing. Workshops include Luminous self-healing sessions and self-sabotage coaching.
- Sound Healing with Aurelio Hammer (3 – 30 November) – embark on a resonant journey with sound designer, healer and educator, Aurelio, a pioneer in development and manufacture of innovative musical instruments specialising in sound healing.
- Transformative Healing – fusing Eastern and Western healing traditions, Javier de Prado is a master of craniosacral and Watsu therapy, visceral manipulation and Osteothai. The massage techniques aim to transform from within and will be running from 23 November 2023 to 1 March 2024.
- Elevate Your Life (4 December – 4 January 2024) will see expert Sandro Thiara Mota bring his pioneering Mota Method to JOALI BEING. Using a combination of breathwork and high-performance fitness training offerings also include water nervous system resetting (Janzu), energy activation and breathwork and ice bath, water rebirthing plus stress management and the option to book a separate five-day programme with Mato.
At the heart of JOALI BEING is modern science and long-honoured traditions aimed at guiding guests on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. A dedicated expert team of naturopaths, therapists and movement experts aims to work with guests every step of the way to help set intentions, nurture and co-create moments of ‘wonder and transcendence.’
The Four Pillars of JOALI BEING includes:
- MIND: Cultivate contentment and peace of mind through sound therapy and mind and body practices
- SKIN: Illuminate the skin with rejuvenating therapies that draw equally from timeless rituals and the world’s most advanced research
- MIRCOBIOME: Form a deeper understand of the connection between body, mind and nutrition while building eating habits around the body’s circadian rhythm
- ENERGY: Rebalance the nervous system and optimise energy flow through intelligent movement practices and restorative therapies
JOALI BEING further offers wellbeing programmes ranging from five nights to three weeks designed around its key pillars curated for each guest and their needs through Intelligent Movement Analysis and Integrative Health Assessment. These can also be tailored towards areas of strength and vitality; mental clarity and wellbeing, hormonal balance, women’s health, digestive and weight rebalance, restorative sleep as well as movement and alignment for good health and immunity.
The sanctum includes 39 elevated treatment rooms including Areka – home to scientific therapies and diagnostic services, learning programs and alternative healing treatments plus fitness facilities; CORE – dedicated to movement specialists and further training rooms, a multipurpose studio and diagnostic room and Ocean Sala; a Hydrotherapy Hall, KAASHI, with focus on traditional healing through water including Banya inspired by Russian Banya and a Turkish Hammam; SEDA – the Sound Therapy Hall and the Discovery Sound Path spaces fuse music and vibrations. AKTAR – the on-site herbology centre allows JOALI BEING’S herbologist to create natural remedies, spices and essential oils for guests to enjoy. It also houses a library and hosts interactive workshops educating guests who wish to take part on the benefits of herbal teas plus learn how to make natural body creams, face masks and massage oils.
JOALI BEING’S chefs and nutritionists create a mix of healthy and indulgent dining options plus the option to take part in interactive nutritional cooking classes. FLOW is our open-plan interactive dining space, featuring three signature kitchens: SU serves ocean-to-table pescatarian cuisine; Plantae offers nourishing vegetarian and vegan fare and B’Well features JOALI BEING’s signature menu with meat and poultry options. MOJO is the island’s tropical beach sanctuary, located on a three-layered sundeck and offering an ideal spot for lunch paired with sundowners by the pool. The destination is also home to SAI tea lounge where guests are invited to explore an incredible range of homemade brews and take part in traditional ceremonies and learning sessions hosted by JOALI BEING’s resident tea sommelier. For scenic seaside dining, Ocean Sala is the perfect spot offering specialties like Wagyu beef, Japanese scallops and freshly caught lobster and tuna from Maldivian waters. Ideal for up to six sojourners, Teppanyaki, offers a private dining experience with focus on celebrating the ‘Joy of Weightlessness – a feeling of freedom, lightness and wonder.’ Astonishing views of the Gate of Zero set the stage for artistry at the grill, from the dextrous flip of a shrimp tail to the soaring arc of an egg in flight. Dining can also be taken on a private sea bank, immersed in nature outdoors surrounded by lush plants and trees, or in the bespoke wooden carved Turtle Treehouse.
Boasting 33 design-led beach villas and 35 over-water villas surrounded by crystalline lagoons amidst glorious tropical nature, offering thirteen different villa categories with two, three and four-bed room options. Designed to seamlessly blend with its natural surrounds using organic materials with structures reminiscent of temples, guests are greeted by artwork by Sculptor Seçkin Pirim – an organic shape representing the dissolution of the ego. Architects working in unison with design studios Autoban and Atolye4N – which also led the design concept of sister destination, JOALI Maldives – acted together to preserve the local landscape and nature using Biophilic principles with the goal to achieve harmony by eliminating negative vibrations and enhancing the energy flow of the island; whilst ensuring the forest and wildlife remained untouched.
JOALI BEING also offers a wealth of water adventures for guests – including stand up paddle boarding, diving and snorkelling experiences where guests of all ages can spot turtles, moray eels and manta rays – and learning experiences, including wellbeing and nutrition workshops offered by resident experts. Guests can also earn a PADI license at its Marine Centre. Alternatively, they can charter a luxury yacht or traditional Dhoni boat excursions and meet local Maldivian communities.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will welcome Indian chef and restaurateur Atul Kochhar for a culinary residency from 7 to 9 November 2026, coinciding with Diwali.
Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, will bring the culinary approach of his London restaurant, Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, to Helios. The residency will present his contemporary interpretation of India’s regional cuisines, drawing on the traditions and influences that have shaped his cooking.
Rooted in Kochhar’s connection to India, the menu will combine regional flavours with contemporary techniques and carefully selected ingredients. It will reflect his approach to developing Indian cuisine while retaining its cultural foundations.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Kochhar has built an international reputation for his contribution to Indian dining. He received his first Michelin star in 2001, followed by another in 2007. His culinary philosophy brings together India’s regional diversity, traditional cooking practices and contemporary methods.
At Patina Maldives, this philosophy will be interpreted through the resort’s Indian Ocean setting and the multicultural character of the Fari Islands. The residency will give Kochhar an opportunity to adapt his culinary identity to the island and the Diwali celebrations, creating an experience shaped by the occasion and its surroundings.
Kochhar leads the Atul Kochhar Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Kanishka in Mayfair, Vaasu and Sindhu in Marlow, Riwaz in Beaconsfield, Masalchi in Wembley Park, Indian Essence in Petts Wood and Essence in Tunbridge Wells.
The residency forms part of Patina Maldives’ culinary programme, which connects guests with different cultures, perspectives and creative disciplines. Through Kochhar’s cooking, guests will have an opportunity to explore India’s regional food traditions and celebrate Diwali through shared dining experiences.
Baros Maldives will welcome guests for its festive season from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with a programme centred on the island’s natural surroundings, Maldivian heritage and a series of culinary, marine and cultural experiences.
The programme will combine Christmas and New Year traditions with activities inspired by island life, including ocean excursions, local cultural experiences, festive dining and wellbeing sessions.
The season will begin with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, followed by a series of activities introducing guests to festive traditions and Maldivian culture. These will include a Christmas cookie workshop, an Ocean, Coconut & Spice cooking class, a Maldivian Heritage Evening and an Island Christmas Market.
Marine experiences will remain a central part of the festive programme. Guests will be able to join a Sunrise Nooma sailing experience, take part in fishing trips at sunrise or twilight, explore the house reef with the resort’s marine team or join a dolphin-watching cruise.
Private yacht excursions, visits to local islands and trips to Malé will also be available for guests wishing to explore beyond the resort.
Baros Maldives will also offer a series of culinary experiences throughout the festive period. These will include a Sake Pairing Dinner, a Great Gatsby-themed five-course dinner and a Champagne Dinner inspired by the Seven Seas.
Other dining experiences will include a Butcher’s Block buffet, an Omakase tasting lunch and a Master Chef Tuna Carving Show & Tasting. Guests will also be able to take part in wine discovery experiences, cocktail-making sessions and an Island Crafted Cocktails programme.
On Christmas Eve, guests will gather at The Lighthouse for a cocktail reception before continuing to Lime for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.
Christmas Day will feature breakfast, festive activities and time for guests to enjoy the beach, lagoon and other island experiences with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a Gala Dinner, live entertainment and the countdown to 2027.
New Year’s Day will start with a celebratory brunch, followed by a selection of wellbeing and dining experiences. These will include a beachfront degustation dinner accompanied by live violin and saxophone performances.
Younger guests will also have a dedicated programme of festive activities, including mocktail-making, Christmas cookie workshops and island-based activities designed for families and children.
Throughout the season, Baros Maldives will host live music, marine presentations, yoga and meditation sessions alongside its wider programme of dining, recreation and ocean experiences.
The festive programme is intended to reflect the character of Baros Maldives by combining Christmas and New Year celebrations with the island’s marine environment, culinary offering and Maldivian culture.
From 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, Niva Kuramathi will mark the festive season with “A Tropical Festive Season”, a programme of dining, entertainment, outdoor activities and family experiences shaped around the island setting.
The programme will make use of Kuramathi’s natural surroundings, including its house reef and sandbank, alongside its 12 restaurants and seven bars.
The festivities will begin on the evening of 21 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the sandbank. Guests will be welcomed with drinks and live music at sunset, followed later in the evening by a traditional Bodu Beru performance.
On 28 and 29 December, the resort will host a traditional Maldivian Market, featuring Bodu Beru drumming, a folklore parade and locally made artisanal crafts.
Christmas Eve festivities
Christmas Eve celebrations will begin on the sandbank at sunset, with welcome drinks and Christmas carols. Santa Claus and his elves will also make an appearance before guests gather for a gala buffet dinner.
The evening will conclude with an outdoor screening of a classic Christmas film under the stars.
Countdown to 2027
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin at sunset with cocktails on the sandbank.
A gala dinner will then be served across Farivalhu, Malaafaiy and Haruge restaurants before the countdown to 2027. Fireworks will mark the arrival of the New Year, while live music and DJ performances will continue at Fung Bar and Sand Bar.
Festive activities
Throughout the festive period, Niva Kuramathi will offer a programme of recreational, culinary and entertainment activities.
Guests will be able to take part in moonlit yoga sessions on the sandbank, sand sculpting, Sip & Paint evenings for couples and fire dance performances.
Sporting activities will include beach volleyball, a football match between the Niva Kuramathi team and guests, as well as kayak, pedal boat and stand-up paddleboard races.
The entertainment programme will also include wine tastings, karaoke, music trivia, live music and DJ evenings.
Cooking classes will be held at Kobe, where guests will be able to take part in sessions centred around the restaurant’s open kitchen experience.
The festive programme is designed to allow guests to participate in scheduled activities while also having the option to spend time at leisure.
The season will conclude on 1 January 2027 with a late-morning brunch and the first house reef dive of the year.
Festive programme for children
Bageecha Kids Club will host a separate festive programme for younger guests, combining recreation, creative activities and environmental learning.
Activities will include treasure hunts, splash pad games, cookie-making, arts and crafts, eco workshops, nature exploration, holiday films, karaoke, bracelet-making and gardening in the resort’s hydroponic garden.
Children will also be able to take part in scavenger hunts, mini-Olympic games, yoga and disco dancing, as well as shared lunches and dinners with other young guests.
On Christmas Eve, the programme will begin with a family photograph session, followed by gingerbread house decorating, writing letters to Santa, a palm-leaf handicraft workshop and outdoor games.
Christmas morning will feature a pyjama party with musical games and pool activities. Later in the day, families will gather at Athiri Deck to welcome Santa Claus, who will distribute gifts to children.
New Year’s Eve activities for younger guests will take place during the afternoon, with music and games around the pool followed by a children’s disco as part of the resort’s final celebrations of 2026.
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