News
Maldives gears up for Global Wellness Day 2026 with community-focused events
The Maldives will join millions of people around the world in celebrating Global Wellness Day 2026 on June 13, with a series of community-focused activities centred on wellbeing, connection and healthy living.
Organisers announced that this year’s celebrations will mark the 15th anniversary of Global Wellness Day, an international not-for-profit social initiative founded by Belgin Aksoy in 2012. The movement, which promotes healthy and conscious living, is celebrated across all seven continents through free activities and grassroots community events.
Ahead of the celebrations, organisers connected with Global Wellness Day headquarters in Istanbul to discuss plans and share ideas aimed at enriching communities, strengthening relationships and encouraging healthier lifestyles throughout the Maldives.
This year’s programme will be guided by the theme of #JoyMagenta, focusing on four pillars designed to encourage wellbeing: movement, gratitude, connection and creativity. According to organisers, these elements provide a roadmap for individuals to live more consciously, compassionately and joyfully.
Julia Ivankovich, Global Wellness Day Ambassador for the Maldives, highlighted the importance of bringing people together through shared experiences.
“The success of Global Wellness Day is in giving as many people as possible the opportunity to get together and be inspired, building shared experiences that will sustain your wellness journey through the whole year,” she said. “We know our community here is something very special and that’s why we’ve planned the day to be fun, meaningful, accessible for everyone, and with a Maldivian touch throughout.”
The main celebration, titled the #JoyMagenta Fest, will take place at Hulhumalé Central Park on Saturday, June 13. Activities will begin at 6:30am and will offer adults, children and families an opportunity to participate in a range of wellness experiences free of charge. Organisers said the event is designed to encourage meaningful time together through simple and engaging activities.
Participants attending the festival will receive a #JoyMagenta welcome pack, including a personalised card allowing them to follow the event journey and participate in a special lottery draw scheduled for the end of the morning programme.
Prior to the main event, a Global Wellness Day Warm-up programme will be held on June 6 at the rooftop of Barceló Nasandhura Malé. The evening event, beginning at 5pm, has been organised in partnership with the hotel to support community wellbeing and build momentum ahead of the national celebrations.
The warm-up programme will feature a fitness session led by local fitness entrepreneur Kai, known on social media as train.with.kai. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a wellness session conducted by Wellbeing Leadership Strategist Adrianna Lawera and hear practical wellbeing insights from Josephine Njenga, Holistic Wellbeing Specialist at JOALI BEING.
Organisers noted that while the main celebrations will be centred in Greater Malé, people across the Maldives will be encouraged to participate in Global Wellness Day activities wherever they are, including at home, outdoors and in resorts.
Global Wellness Day has grown into one of the world’s largest wellness movements since its launch in 2012. The annual initiative promotes healthier lifestyles through free activities and community engagement, with participation spanning tens of thousands of locations globally.
Belgin Aksoy, founder of Global Wellness Day, said the concept of joy extends beyond happiness.
“Joy is more than happiness – it is a state of harmony between the heart, mind, and spirit,” she said.
Organisers have invited residents, families and visitors to save the date and join the nationwide celebration on Saturday, June 13, as the Maldives once again takes part in the global movement promoting wellbeing and positive living.
News
Reiki Master Nikki begins August residency at Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa
Amilla Maldives is hosting holistic wellness practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang, known as Nikki, for a month-long residency at the resort’s Javvu Spa.
Running from 2 to 30 August 2026, the residency offers guests a collection of treatments focused on physical relaxation, energy alignment and mental wellbeing.
A Reiki Master and sound healing specialist, Nikki has practised at luxury wellness destinations around the world. During her residency at Amilla, she is offering treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs, with sessions designed to release physical tension, support energy flow and encourage relaxation.
“True healing begins when we give ourselves the space to slow down, listen within, and return to our natural rhythm,” Nikki said.
The programme includes The Nikki Essence, her signature holistic massage, as well as Reiki Energy Healing, which focuses on subtle body alignment.
Guests can also take part in sound bath journeys using Tibetan and crystal bowls, or book intuitive bodywork sessions designed to provide restorative release.
The residency forms part of Javvu Spa’s wellness programme, which incorporates treatments and practices intended to support physical and emotional balance.
Sessions are available at Javvu Spa throughout the residency, with advance reservations recommended.
Meditation
Reconnect with nature at Milaidhoo Maldives this World Wellness Weekend
This September, Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to press pause and reconnect with what matters most. From 18th to 20th September, the boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will mark World Wellness Weekend with a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences celebrating movement, mindfulness and the simple joy of being immersed in nature.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing isn’t centred on strict routines or quick fixes. It comes naturally through the island’s slower pace, the restorative power of the ocean, time spent outdoors and fresh, nourishing cuisine inspired by the Maldives. On the small island, guests are gently encouraged to switch off, breathe deeply and savour each moment.
This philosophy is reflected at Serenity Spa, where a dedicated team of therapists and wellness practitioners share a deeply personal approach to wellbeing. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored, blending time-honoured healing traditions with genuine care to help guests relax and restore themselves.
To celebrate World Wellness Weekend, Milaidhoo has created a three-day programme of complimentary and signature experiences, from sunrise yoga and aqua meditation to aerial wellness sessions and a workshop on mental wellbeing led by visiting practitioner Dr Lim Xiang Jun, who combines traditional healing wisdom with modern medical knowledge. Guests and the Milaidhoo Family members will also come together for Moving Together, a relaxed community jog along the Water Villa Jetty, celebrating the wellbeing that comes from sharing experiences with others.
Programme of activities as follows for the World Wellness Weekend:
Friday, 18th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
Begin the day with a gentle yoga practice surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the ocean.
11.00 – Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management Workshop
Yoga Pavilion | Complimentary | 45 minutes
Led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun, visiting practitioner at Milaidhoo. A Modern Traditional Doctor, Dr. Lim combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge, sharing practical approaches to managing stress and supporting mental wellbeing.
19.00 – Moonlit Sound Journey
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A calming evening experience using sound and vibration to encourage deep relaxation beneath the Maldivian night sky.
Saturday, 19th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Aqua Workout
Compass Pool
A refreshing water-based workout to energise the body and mind.
11.00 – Group Aerial Yoga Flow
$35++ per person (minimum 4 guests)
A guided aerial yoga session combining movement, balance and mindful breathing.
16:30 – Moving Together
Water Villa Jetty | Complimentary
A one-hour relaxed jog along the Water Villa jetty, open to all guests and Milaidhoo Family members, celebrating movement and connection.
Sunday, 20th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
11.00 – Aqua Sonic Meditation
Compass Pool | Complimentary
A unique meditation experience combining the calming environment of water with soothing sounds.
15.00 – Aerial Thai Wellness
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A gentle wellness session inspired by Thai therapeutic movement techniques.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing is not something to be added to island life, it is naturally part of it.
This World Wellness Weekend, guests are invited to take time for themselves, discover new ways to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of being fully present.
News
Vakkaru Maldives elevates overwater luxury with new pool villas
Vakkaru Maldives, the award-winning private island resort set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, has revealed the launch of a new villa category: the Overwater Villa with Pool.
The new Overwater Villa with Pool is available to book now for stays from 22 October 2026 onwards. Combining the spacious, light-filled layout and direct lagoon access that define a stay at Vakkaru with the addition of a private pool suspended above the water, the new category offers an enhanced overwater experience. Each villa offers 165 sqm of villa space and a private pool of 23 sqm, creating an intimate sanctuary where the lagoon begins at the doorstep and the horizon stretches uninterrupted to the edge of the Indian Ocean.

Comprising odd-numbered villas 211 to 245, the new Overwater Villa with Pool category sits within Vakkaru’s carefully considered overwater collection, which also includes the resort’s signature Overwater Deluxe Pool Villa. The new category has been designed for guests who seek the freedom of private outdoor space alongside the calm and seclusion that only an overwater setting can offer.
Introductory rates for 2026 start from US$1,650++ per night in low season, with shoulder season rates from US$1,950++ and festive season rates from US$4,500++. All rates are combinable with current seasonal offers.

To better reflect the distinction within its overwater collection, Vakkaru Maldives will simultaneously rename the current Overwater Pool Villa category to Overwater Deluxe Pool Villa. This is a name change only, with no amendments to villa features, inventory or rates.
Vakkaru Maldives was recognised with one MICHELIN Key in the MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection 2025 and was recently ranked No. 9 among the Best Resorts in Asia in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026. The resort was also named World’s Leading Private Island Resort and Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking its sixth consecutive year of recognition.
For reservations, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
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