The Maldives is often described as a paradise on earth, but beneath its turquoise waters lies an even greater wonder—one that draws explorers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The waters surrounding the islands are teeming with vibrant marine life and feature world-class dive sites, offering travellers an unparalleled underwater adventure.

At Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, diving transcends being a mere activity, becoming a portal to an awe-inspiring, living masterpiece. Renowned for its House Reef, celebrated as one of the top 100 dive and snorkelling sites globally, Ellaidhoo provides encounters that are both exhilarating and humbling. Grey reef sharks glide effortlessly through the currents, while manta rays perform mesmerising underwater dances. One guest recently commented, “You can’t count all the sharks, too many here,” highlighting the abundance of life within this pristine ecosystem.

Among the remarkable marine inhabitants is “Tripod,” a rare three-fin turtle whose resilience and charm leave a lasting impression on divers fortunate enough to encounter him. The feather-tailed stingray, with its hypnotic movements, adds an extra layer of wonder to the underwater experience. From delicate reef fish to barracudas and the occasional hammerhead shark, each dive presents an opportunity to witness the extraordinary.

The marvels of the ocean do not cease with the setting sun. Night diving offers a completely different adventure, revealing an enchanting underwater world in a new perspective—or in near darkness. Lobsters venture out from their rocky shelters, turtles nestle into their sleeping spots, and the bioluminescent glow of plankton creates a surreal and otherworldly experience. This unique setting allows divers to observe the ocean’s nocturnal rhythm and its secretive, captivating creatures.

For those who prefer staying near the surface, the Maldives offers equally enchanting snorkelling experiences. The coral reefs surrounding Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives showcase a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, with swaying anemones, clownfish darting from their homes, and moray eels gliding gracefully along the seabed. Family-friendly snorkelling excursions ensure that visitors of all ages can partake in these magical experiences.

Italian luxury fashion brand Aquazzura has partnered with JOALI Maldives, located on the Muravandhoo island in northern Maldives, to launch a special limited-edition tropical capsule collection. Inspired by the lush, art-immersive island, together the brands collaborated on a beautiful sandal and matching clutch. The capsule collection is available in the island’s boutique, Maison de JOALI.

Crafted in Italy, Aquazzura’s first Maldives collaboration was inspired by the brand’s founder and creative director Edgardo Osorio’s love of the sun, sea and passion for diving. The collection consists of a sandal slide and matching clutch in white leather, with a refined beaded embroidered motif depicting pristine blue water and cerulean sky with coconut palms. Fresh and casual but refined and bold, those wearing the items will be transported on an exotic journey. JOALI clutch features the spectacular arrival jetty at JOALI Maldives, inspired by the ocean’s ebb and flow to set the tone for an enchanting stay in the Maldives.

The turquoise colour of the sea surrounding JOALI ties to the inspiration behind Aquazzura, ‘Aqua’ blue, and the philosophy of sharing infinite joy with the world has created a remarkable synergy, reflected in this one-of-a-kind capsule collection. Praising the partnership, Edgardo Osorio, the founder and creative director of Aquazzura, complements, “I began diving in the Maldives a few years ago and was immediately captivated by the vibrant nature and stunning colours of its coral reefs. During a recent visit to JOALI Maldives, I was enchanted by the resort’s beautiful architecture, exceptional service, and wellness rituals. As a devoted admirer of the sun and the sea, I collaborated with JOALI Maldives to create something special, culminating in the exclusive launch of the first Aquazzura pop-up collection in the Maldives.”

Discover Aquazzura Casa collection at JOALI Maldives for a limited time only from 20th December 2024. The Secret Garden line showcases an enchanting tableware selection of botanical elements in lush, verdant tones inspired by 18th-century Chinese porcelain. Combined with a carefully crafted menu by Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser, guests will be able to enjoy a perfect evening at the resort’s restaurant Bellinis with authentic Italian flavours.

JOALI Maldives has villas from $2,928 per night based on two persons sharing a Water Villa with Pool on B&B basis. For further details and booking, please visit joali.com.

On December 10th, ELE|NA participated in the global celebration of World Digital Detox Day (WDDD) 2024, an initiative focused on promoting mindfulness and reducing screen dependency. The theme for this year, ‘Smartphone-Free Childhood,’ highlighted the importance of protecting young minds from overexposure to technology while fostering meaningful human connections and cultivating balance in an increasingly digital world.

World Digital Detox Day, founded by Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, is now celebrated in over 70 countries, with support from governments and organisations dedicated to promoting mindful living. ELE|NA’s involvement reflected its core philosophy, ‘Wellness Your Way™,’ which emphasises personalised well-being journeys, alongside its universal approach, “Wellness is for All,” aimed at fostering health and harmony within diverse communities.

In recognition of ELE|NA’s leadership in wellness within the Maldives, Heidi Grimwood, Vice President of ELE|NA, was appointed as the World Digital Detox Day Ambassador for the Maldives. This appointment acknowledged her dedication to advocating for digital mindfulness and holistic well-being across ELE|NA sanctuaries.

All eight ELE|NA sanctuaries—including OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU NATURE Helengeli, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, VARU by Atmosphere, and RAAYA by Atmosphere—hosted thoughtfully curated activities to promote disconnecting from screens.

Highlights of these activities included:

• Mindfulness sessions, encouraging participants to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness.
• Yoga classes, focusing on balance, strength, and present-moment mindfulness.
• Nature walks, offering opportunities to reconnect with the natural world.
• Team member wellness activities, designed to foster camaraderie and rejuvenation.

These initiatives invited participants to embrace meaningful, unplugged moments while nurturing their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

At ELE|NA, wellness is a collective journey shared by both guests and team members. On this significant day, team members were encouraged to unplug, reflect, and engage in activities that nurtured their personal wellness.

As the World Digital Detox Day Ambassador for the Maldives, Heidi Grimwood emphasised the importance of being present, stating, “World Digital Detox Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being truly present. Through our philosophy of ‘Wellness Your Way™’ and our belief in ‘Wellness for All,’ we aim to create spaces where everyone—from our guests to our teams—can disconnect, recharge, and rediscover the beauty of the present moment.”

Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, the founder of World Digital Detox Day, reflected on this year’s celebration, “This year’s worldwide celebration of World Digital Detox Day has spoken volumes, with wellness experts, educational entities, and global organisations joining hands to advocate for healthier, more mindful living. A significant highlight of our efforts has been the petition advocating for a ban on social media for children under 16 years, which has gained tremendous support. We are also thrilled to announce that we have surpassed our previous milestone of 7,500,000 offline supporters. This remarkable growth reflects the growing global recognition and impact of our mission.”

ELE|NA extended gratitude to Dr. Rekha Chaudhari for her vision and leadership, which have inspired millions to reevaluate their relationship with technology and prioritise offline moments of connection.

The success of World Digital Detox Day 2024 underscored ELE|NA’s commitment to promoting digital wellness and sustainable well-being. By supporting initiatives like WDDD, ELE|NA reaffirmed its mission to provide personalised wellness experiences while encouraging a deeper connection with what truly matters.

As the day concluded, the atmosphere across ELE|NA sanctuaries was one of inspiration and gratitude. Guests and team members celebrated the power of mindfulness, human connection, and the enduring beauty of an unplugged moment—reminding everyone that true wellness begins by stepping away from screens and embracing the present.