News
An ocean odyssey festive celebration In JOALI BEING
JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives, invites guests of all ages to celebrate the holidays while embarking on a wellbeing journey of their own. From 21 December 2024 to 10 January 2025, JOALI BEING will welcome some of the world’s top wellbeing practitioners to lead a robust Festive Season programme featuring various healing practices, movement classes, sound healing sessions, culinary workshops and more, alongside classic holiday traditions including holiday baking classes, Christmas movie nights and even a formal New Year’s Gala. Guests will head into the New Year feeling transformed with a renewed sense of “weightlessness.”
Transforming into a magical theme of “An Ocean Odyssey,” JOALI BEING’s decor and design will replicate a journey at sea, transporting guests to an underwater fantasy world. Rooted in the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING — Mind, Skin Microbiome and Energy – JOALI BEING’s festive activities. Additionally, JOALI BEING will welcome several globally recognised fitness practitioners and wellbeing experts to lead a collection of curated classes that will inspire new wellbeing practices and habits that guests can carry into the new year, including:
- Jeremy Jauncey: A well-known name in wellness, lifestyle, and travel circles, Jeremy is an inspiration. The successful serial entrepreneur known for his role as the CEO of Beautiful Destinations, a fitness enthusiast and ambassador of Technogym, will host a one-hour Motivational Training session blending cardio and weight training designed around the Energy Pillar of JOALI BEING.
- Chef Alexia Dellaca-Minot: Experience a gastronomical journey curated by Alexia Dellaca-Minot, Executive Chef from Gauthier Soho, the London fine-dining vegan restaurant by Michelin-Starred French Chef Alexis Gauthier. Guests can savour a five-course menu prepared with fresh produce from Her Garden and rare ingredients. Guests can discover the secrets of Gauthier Soho’s kitchen in an interactive plant-based pasta-making session at the Culinary Learning Centre. During this visit, Chef Alexia will host a culinary session for mothers and daughters from a nearby island, highlighting JOALI BEING’s commitment to uplifting and spreading joy in local communities.
- Javier De Prado: A master of craniosacral and Watsu therapy, visceral manipulation, and Osteothai, Javier De Prado has travelled the world extensively to study with therapeutic masters from diverse cultures, bringing a deep understanding of massage techniques. Javier de Prado will guide guests toward transformative healing through a seamless merging of Eastern and Western traditions.
- Carlos Aparicio: An expert Biocuántica practitioner, along with a strong background in the Wim Hof Method and Vipassana, Carlos Aparicio returns with the profound power of Biocuántica Original. Based on Quantum Physics, this pioneering therapy will guide guests to a deep state of relaxation, supporting longevity and allowing the transformation of stress into a new vitality.
- Dr. Igor Roganin – A leading expert in holistic medicine for over 25 years, Dr. Igor Roganin practices a blend of Chinese Medicine and modern science to harmonise the flow of Qi in the body, restoring vitality and enhancing overall health. Dr. Igor Roganin will offer a range of holistic therapies for guests focusing on pain relief, good sleep and punctual facial rejuvenation.
- Andrea Stuto – JOALI BEING’s master trainer in residence, Andrea Stuto is a former professional beach tennis athlete (best ranked #9 in the International Tennis Federation), head strength coach worldwide for Beach Tennis School and head coach for beach box camp (@beachboxcamp). Andrea is excited share his skills and education in wellness and sport with guests during friendly volleyball tournaments.
- SANCTUM – A unique method founded by Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski, combining Kundalini yoga, martial arts, HIIT and more, harnessing your body to enhance mental and physical wellbeing through movement, sound, and mindfulness. SANCTUM will allow guests to embark on a joyful journey of dance, philosophy, and dynamic activities that include sound journeys, mindful hikes, and signature ceremonies.
This is the season of togetherness and joy. Guests can expect a plethora of meaningful experiences curated for multi-generational travellers around the island and in B’Kidult, a multi-generational playground.
- Island Illumination – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Guests will connect with the energies of the archipelago, as they watch the island’s weightless Christmas tree light up the island and officially kick-off festival season.
- Table for Togetherness – Christmas Eve Dinner: Inspired by underwater myths and marvels, this magical, family-style feast will be an opportunity for families and friends to indulge in nourishing, holiday cuisine while creating lasting core memories.
- Christmas Movie Night: Guests of all ages will gather around for a nostalgic Christmas movie night complete with wholesome treats like healthy cookies, warm popcorn, fresh juices, fruit displays and more.
- Fun with Flour: Baking Workshop: Young bakers will roll up their sleeves, put on their aprons and come together to create classic holiday treats for the family. JOALI BEING’s chefs will guide them in learning new cooking skills that they can take home with them.
- New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner: A NYE culinary journey meets “An Ocean Odyssey” for this celebratory gala where guests will reflect and celebrate the year’s best memories with loved ones.
While the holidays are often associated with overindulgence and, sometimes, overwhelming emotions, JOALI BEING encourages wellbeing seekers to shift this mindset towards one that views festive season as a time to reconnect with themselves and loved ones.
A stay at JOALI BEING is a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal with the goal to return home with a new sense of “weightlessness.” Guests can achieve the property’s ‘Joy of Weightlessness’ philosophy from 68 exclusive guest villas, consisting of 33 beach villas and 35 water villas, each with their own private infinity pools and comes with a personal Jadugar, meaning ‘skilled magician’ in Dhivehi. Families can choose from thirteen categories ranging from one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom room types to accommodate groups of all sizes.
JOALI BEING has villas from $9,200 per night based on two persons sharing a Beach Pool Villa on a B&B basis. Wellbeing Programmes start from $1,693 per person based on a five-night programme. For bookings and further information, please contact reservations.being@joali.com.
Food
The Standard, Maldives unveils September line-up of Oktoberfest, Negroni Week
This September, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives invites guests to raise a glass, chase unforgettable moments, and embrace the resort’s signature playful spirit as Oktoberfest and Negroni Week arrive in paradise alongside a lineup of island adventures, social gatherings, and exclusive experiences.
From 19 September to 4 October 2026, Oktoberfest takes centre stage with daily beer-inspired celebrations, bringing together great food, ice-cold pours, and good company against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, cocktail enthusiasts can celebrate Negroni Week from 21 to 27 September 2026, discovering the timeless Italian classic reimagined in true Standard style.

At the heart of the Oktoberfest festivities is Todis Bar, where guests can enjoy a daily Happy Hour featuring refreshing beers and lively island vibes at sunset. Guests can also indulge in specially curated Beer Pairing Lunches at Joos Café, showcasing hearty favourites including gourmet hot dogs, German bratwurst, and shareable plates designed for gathering friends and loved ones around the table.

“At The Standard, Maldives, every celebration is an opportunity to connect, explore, and create memorable moments together,” said Nandakumar Dharuman, the resort’s Director of Culinary. “Whether guests are toasting Oktoberfest, enjoying a perfectly crafted Negroni, or setting off on a marine adventure, this season is all about bringing people together in a fun and unexpected way.”

Beyond the food and beverage experiences, guests can seamlessly combine the festivities with the resort’s signature island adventures. After all, a Maldives holiday is best enjoyed in and around the water. From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and discovering the region’s marine wonders to unforgettable excursions in Hanifaru Bay, every experience offers a new opportunity to explore paradise. Guests can also join exhilarating manta ray excursions and glide alongside these gentle giants, with experiences available through the resort’s dive centre.

The Sip & Chat Cocktail Party, held every Monday, is another experience not to be missed. This lively social gathering brings together guests and members of the resort’s management team for an evening of cocktails, conversations, surprises, and exciting lucky draws. It is the perfect opportunity to mingle, share stories, and experience the warm, welcoming personality that defines The Standard.

Those seeking a more intimate celebration can elevate their stay with the resort’s Floating Sunset Sparkle experience. Set within the privacy of a villa pool, guests can enjoy house champagne and a selection of curated canapés while soaking in the magic of a Maldivian sunset, creating an unforgettable moment for couples and special occasions.

Whether sipping a Negroni at sunset, sharing a beer over lunch, connecting with fellow travellers, or discovering the natural beauty of the Maldives, guests are invited to celebrate September the Standard way: relaxed, playful, and anything but standard.
Awards
ROBINSON NOONU wins Best Fun & Friendly Resort title for second time
ROBINSON NOONU has been named Best Fun & Friendly Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026 for the second time. This marks the fourth consecutive TTM award for ROBINSON Clubs in the Maldives.
“Receiving the award for the second time is particularly gratifying. It shows that our concept resonates with both our guests and our industry partners, whilst we continue to follow our own path. ROBINSON NOONU has its very own character,” says General Manager Jan Karliczek.

ROBINSON NOONU is located on Orivaru Island in the Noonu Atoll. Guests stay in beach and water villas, many with direct ocean access or private pools. The club’s house reef invites snorkelling and diving. Sports offerings include fitness classes from yoga to HOT IRON as well as padel. The resort also features special event weeks, diverse entertainment, and programmes for children and teenagers.

With this latest recognition, ROBINSON continues its TTM Awards success in the Maldives: ROBINSON MALDIVES won awards in 2023 and 2025, whilst ROBINSON NOONU impressed in the Best Fun & Friendly Resort category in 2024 and now 2026.
The TTM Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the Maldivian tourism industry and are presented annually at the international TTM Maldives trade fair. Winners are determined through online voting accessible via the TTM website. In 2026, awards were presented across 32 categories.
News
Sirru Fen Fushi brings music, Michelin-starred sining and wellness to festive season
This festive season, Sirru Fen Fushi –Private Lagoon Resort unveils A Constellation of Moments, a thoughtfully curated programme of immersive celebrations, wellness, gastronomy and unforgettable island experiences from 23 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, where every sunset, gathering and shared experience becomes part of an unforgettable island story.
Inspired by the natural rhythm of the Maldives, the programme celebrates the unique duality of Sirru Fen Fushi – Ocean by Day, Stars by Night. From golden sunsets over one of the Maldives’ largest private lagoons to evenings beneath some of the country’s darkest and most spectacular skies, the festive journey has been designed as a collection of meaningful moments.

Throughout the festive season, guests will gather for immersive sunset experiences accompanied by live music, before the celebrations continue with elegant after-dinner entertainment on the beach. Featuring an international ensemble of musicians, dancers and performers, each evening unfolds with captivating live performances, fire shows and vibrant entertainment, creating unforgettable moments under the Maldivian night sky.
The festive calendar reaches its peak with a series of signature celebrations, beginning with the Opening Night and Tree Lighting Ceremony on 23 December, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities, a spectacular Pirates of Sirru family celebration, an unforgettable New Year’s Eve gala and Orthodox Christmas celebrations, before concluding with a memorable Closing Night on 7 January.

Music remains at the heart of the programme through a resident ensemble of internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers, acrobats and fire performers, creating a seamless atmosphere across sunset gatherings, dining experiences and evening celebrations. Guests can also engage with the artists through the exclusive Constellation Academy, offering private and small-group masterclasses in music, dance and performance throughout the festive season.
Wellbeing also takes centre stage with the return of internationally renowned holistic wellness practitioner Dr Doshi, whose exclusive residency offers personalised consultations, holistic healing therapies and mindfulness experiences at Arufen Spa. Designed to restore balance during the festive season, the residency provides guests with an opportunity to reconnect with themselves and embrace a more mindful festive escape in one of the Maldives’ most tranquil settings.

Beyond the celebrations, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty through a curated collection of experiences. Marine adventures include Turtle Research excursions, guided Coralarium discovery experiences, sunset dolphin cruises, handline fishing and snorkelling across the resort’s spectacular 9-kilometre house reef, while creative workshops, sustainability initiatives and family-friendly activities provide meaningful experiences for guests of all ages.
For those seeking the ultimate festive escape, the resort’s private Azimut Yacht offers a collection of bespoke experiences, from romantic champagne sunset cruises and half- day lagoon adventures to full-day voyages exploring pristine sandbanks and vibrant coral reefs, each thoughtfully tailored to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean while creating unforgettable moments at sea.

Exceptional gastronomy forms an integral part of the festive journey. Throughout the season, Raha Market hosts lavish festive buffets and gala dinners, Kata offers refined Japanese dining accompanied by live acoustic performances, while Azure presents Mediterranean-inspired seafood in a spectacular overwater setting. Elevating the culinary programme further, Michelin-starred Chef Tristan Brandt returns to Sirru Fen Fushi to host two exclusive dinners, showcasing his signature contemporary cuisine through thoughtfully curated menus celebrating exceptional ingredients, creativity and refined craftsmanship.
“At Sirru Fen Fushi, we believe the most memorable holidays are shaped by the moments we share,” said Rudrojit Deb, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “This festive season, we have created a journey that celebrates connection – to loved ones, to nature and to oneself. Whether watching the sun set over our lagoon, enjoying music beneath the stars, discovering the underwater world or embracing a moment of wellbeing, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to become part of our guests’ own constellation of memories.”
Surrounded by one of the Maldives’ largest private lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi offers 120 spacious beach, jungle and overwater villas, exceptional dining experiences, the iconic Coralarium – the Maldives’ first underwater art installation and coral regeneration project – and a wealth of experiences that celebrate the island’s extraordinary natural beauty. This festive season, guests are invited to celebrate in a destination where every moment shines a little brighter.
To discover more or to reserve your festive escape, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
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