Joali Being, a nature-immersive wellness resort in the Maldives, has announced the Joy of Being retreat, which invites young adults and future naturalists to the island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll to connect with nature, discover science, and explore their path to wellbeing. During the months of June through August, the adults-only retreat will welcome children of all ages for a seven-day retreat to uncover the Four Pillars of Joali Being and expand their minds and hearts through new experiences while creating lasting memories.
Along the pristine beaches, striking blue waters, and lush landscape at Joali Being, each activity of the Joy of Being Retreat will reflect one of the Four Pillars of Joali Being—Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy—as children discover a love and respect for nature, learn about the island’s sustainability, and can return home with science-based tools applicable in their daily lives. While children are enjoying the Joy of Being Retreat, parents will embark on their own journey to transcendence, self-discovery, and renewal—both coming together at the close of each day to share their experiences over dinner at Flow, Joali Being’s open-plan interactive dining space with three signature kitchens and a picturesque sunset over the Indian Ocean.
“Our guests have shared that they would love to share the Joali Being experience with their families, and we’re excited to share the magic of our awe-inspiring destination and inspire the next generation of future wellbeing seekers and naturalists,” says general manager Özgür Cengīz.
During the retreat, children can take part in a vast array of activities, educational classes, and ocean adventures with Joali Being’s wellbeing consultants, marine biologists, nutritionists, and herbalists in a collection of world-class transformational spaces. With WIFI only available in the villas at Joali Being, children will disconnect and immerse themselves with nature and the following activities:
- Sea Gardeners: With a marine biologist, young guests will learn the importance of the coral reef through Joali Being’s Coral Reef Restoration Project, which encourages them to interact with live organisms and replant coral colonies in a nursery.
- Herbology 101: At Aktar, Joali Being’s on-site herbology center, resident herbalists will educate on the healing power of herbs through workshops highlighting skin health, medicinal herbs, and the body system, Participants will learning about aromatherapy and essential oils through soap making
- Friends of Nature: This session willshare with the new generations the importance of sustainable tourism, marine life, and species found in the Maldives during a conversation with marine biologists.
- Nutritional Workshops: Focused on the Microbiome pillar, cooking classes will allow children to learn the art and science of cooking and encourage them to explore the diverse world of taste and flavor through healthy ingredients. For example, The Laughing Boocha is a class exploring the health benefits of kombucha; Iced Tea Hunters lets kids make iced tea at SAI tea lounge with resident tea sommelier, Fuel Your Body is a nutrition session with the resident nutritionist. Other classes include Fun with Mocktails, Mindful Nice Cream, and more.
- Snorkeling, A Turtle’s Journey: On a voyage to the nearby turtle reef, young guests get the opportunity to watch marine life up close. Children will learn how Joali Being supports the Olive Ridley Project, protecting sea turtles and their habitats in Raa atoll through rescue and rehabilitation, research, education, and outreach
- Jungle Yoga & Active Meditation: Experienced movement and mindfulness specialists will lead children and parents through meditation and traditional yoga mixed with animal-inspired movements at the overwater Ocean Sala.
- Movement in Nature: Daily movement classes include Ninja Class, a self-defense martial arts class teaching inner strength and discipline; Ozzie’s Tennis Journey, where children will develop strength, coordination, balance, reflex, and focus; Pilates; beach games; dance classes; and more.
- Stargazing: With a Joali Being astronomer, children will learn about the night sky, exploring space, the moon, planets, and galaxies under the clear skies and glistening stars of the Maldives.
Families will enjoy Joali Being’s 68 elegantly appointed and expansive guest accommodations with 33 beach villas and 35 over-water villas. Offering 13 different villa categories, guests may choose from one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom options, all of which come complete with a personal Jadugar, meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi.
