JOALI Maldives Unveils Easter Celebrations Where Wonders Soar

JOALI Maldives, the Maldives’ premier art-immersive destination, will launch its Easter celebrations for 2025 under the theme “Where Wonders Soar.” This captivating concept draws inspiration from the Painted Lady Butterfly, renowned for its incredible migrations to the world’s far-flung corners. Guests are invited to embrace their own transformative journey of freedom and exploration during this Easter season, which will take place from April 11th to 21st, 2025. With an array of festive activities, the island promises an immersive experience that will ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and inspire connections among guests of all ages.

Shifaz Hassan, the General Manager of JOALI Maldives, expresses excitement about the upcoming event, saying:

“We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to our Island of Joy, to find beauty in hidden places with their loved ones this Easter season. For an experience unlike any other in the destination, our art-immersive island and the specialty programming allows guests of all ages the opportunity to explore the island’s endless creative possibilities in their own way.”

Gourmet Easter Experiences: Chef Gonzo Jimenez and Chef Alex Webb

A key highlight of JOALI Maldives’ Easter celebrations is the arrival of world-renowned pastry chef and chocolatier Chef Gonzo Jimenez. Known for his work on Netflix’s “Bakesquad” and his commitment to sustainability, Chef Jimenez will lead a week-long residency from April 16th to 23rd. Guests will have the unique opportunity to learn the art of chocolate-making and savor indulgent desserts inspired by the Painted Lady Butterfly theme. Highlights of his residency will include chocolate masterclasses for both children and adults, as well as the chance to enjoy a limited-time dessert curated by Chef Jimenez himself, ensuring an Easter experience filled with sweetness and artistry.

Additionally, the resort will welcome back acclaimed chef Alex Webb, a trailblazer in the culinary world and winner of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals. From April 19th to 21st, Chef Webb will present a specially designed five-course menu, bringing his signature bold flavors and inventive cooking techniques to the island. His “Flavours of Joy Gourmet Dinner” promises to be a highlight of the Easter festivities, offering an unforgettable dining experience.

Curated Activities and Experiences for All Ages

Art and Creativity: As an art-immersive island, JOALI offers guests a chance to participate in eco-friendly art classes that focus on recycling and sustainability. Guests can try their hands at ceramic crafting, transforming recycled glass bottles into hand-painted vases, or creating spring-inspired artwork in the “Spring Reflections” class. Additionally, other activities will include fluid painting, Easter egg and chocolate bunny decorating, and exploring the island’s butterfly sanctuaries.

Culinary Delights: Beyond Chef Webb’s exquisite five-course meal, guests can enjoy a special Easter breakfast and an extravagant buffet-style Easter Feast, featuring both signature JOALI dishes and beloved holiday classics. Throughout the week, guests can also look forward to themed dinners such as Good Friday breakfast, Sundowner Reception, Sushi by the Sea, and the indulgent “Love of Levant” six-course wine-paired dinner. Moreover, other culinary experiences include a Street Food Fiesta, an Old World Wine Dinner, and a five-course feast at the resort’s over-water Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Tastes of Soake.

Adventure and Exploration: Guests can make the most of JOALI’s stunning natural surroundings by embarking on various land and sea adventures. From the serene “Seas of Gold” sunset cruise to exhilarating jet-skiing and efoil electric board experiences, there’s no shortage of excitement. Families can also join in on the fun with a variety of challenges, including the Easter Football Cup game.

Wellness Retreats: JOALI BEING, the resort’s wellness destination, will offer an array of wellness experiences, designed to align with the themes of rebirth, wonder, and transformation. Guests can engage in mindfulness activities such as gratitude meditation, cacao ceremonies, and various yoga classes, including aerial yoga and Yin Yoga.

Children’s Easter Adventures at the Muramas Kids Club

Families are sure to find joy in the many activities planned for younger guests at the Muramas Kids Club. This Easter, children will be entertained by a host of imaginative adventures, including:

Rainbow Doodles: A creative activity where children can decorate Easter-themed items like eggs and bunnies, using colorful markers to express their artistic flair.
Easter Bunny Quest: A fun-filled family Easter egg hunt, where the whole family can join in the excitement and track down hidden treasures with the Easter Bunny.
Floating Fun: A bubble party on the beach, where children can chase and pop shimmering bubbles of all sizes, bringing endless joy.
Galactic Explorers: Stargazing with the resort’s in-house astronomer, giving kids the chance to explore the night sky and observe planets, constellations, and more.
Movie Under the Stars: A magical evening spent watching a movie on the beach, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the waves and the sparkle of the night sky.

The JOALI Maldives Experience: A Celebration of Joy and Sustainability

JOALI Maldives continues to lead the way in luxury travel with its unique blend of elegance, creativity, and commitment to sustainability. The resort’s philosophy of joie de vivre—the joy of living—shines through in every aspect of the guest experience, from its beautifully crafted over-water and beach villas to its bespoke services, including the personal touch of a “Jadugar” for each guest. With a strong dedication to environmental responsibility, JOALI Maldives offers an exceptional experience, combining innovative dining, immersive art programs, and its holistic wellness destination, JOALI BEING Cure, to redefine what luxury truly means.

mAs the resort welcomes guests this Easter and beyond, JOALI Maldives promises an extraordinary retreat that goes beyond relaxation. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a world of creativity, adventure, and indulgence, all while making lasting memories and experiencing transformative moments. Whether exploring the island’s artistic offerings, indulging in unique culinary delights, or enjoying family-friendly activities, JOALI Maldives ensures every visit is filled with joy and discovery, offering an unparalleled escape where luxury and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

The Maldives has long been a dream destination, known for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters. However, the tourism scene is evolving, with a new wave of emerging markets fueling its growth. While traditional markets like China, Russia, and the UK continue to play a significant role, it’s the rising influence of countries from Eastern Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East that is reshaping the tourism landscape. This shift signals a diversification in the Maldives’ visitor base, attracting a new generation of travelers from dynamic, fast-growing regions. Let’s explore the top emerging markets that are driving this exciting transformation in Maldives tourism.

Emerging Tourist Markets in Maldives as of February 2025

Poland: Poland entered the top 10 in February 2025 with 5,354 arrivals, a notable increase of 681 from the previous year.
Kazakhstan: With 2,385 arrivals in February, Kazakhstan maintained steady numbers, reflecting its growing interest in Maldives tourism.
Romania: February 2025 saw 2,857 arrivals from Romania, continuing the trend of increased engagement with the Maldives.
South Korea: South Korea’s arrivals reached 3,141, marking an increase of 410 compared to February 2024, signaling growing interest from this market.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE saw 747 arrivals, up from 676 in the previous year, continuing its steady growth.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka contributed 714 arrivals in February, reflecting the rising interest from the region.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh registered 2,490 arrivals, indicating a consistent presence in the Maldives market.
Serbia: Serbia showed positive growth with 904 arrivals, continuing its upward trend.
Turkey: Turkey had 1,096 arrivals in February, marking a modest increase of 66 from the previous year.
Egypt: Egypt showed a slight increase in arrivals, reaching 536 in February 2025, compared to 530 in February 2024.

The Maldives’ Expanding Global Reach

The rise of emerging markets is reshaping the Maldives’ tourism sector, with countries from Eastern Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East driving this shift. As a result, the Maldives is increasingly attracting visitors from regions that were once less prominent. This expansion reflects broader diversification, with new markets such as Poland, Kazakhstan, and Romania showing steady growth. Moreover, these countries are not only adding to the tourism numbers but are becoming integral in redefining the Maldives as a sought-after destination for travelers seeking luxury and exclusivity.

This transformation is supported by the Maldives’ strategic efforts to enhance accessibility, particularly through expanded direct flight routes and targeted marketing in fast-growing economies. Thus, these initiatives have allowed the Maldives to position itself as a top destination for an emerging generation of affluent travelers. With sustained growth from these new markets, the Maldives is solidifying its appeal to a broader global audience, ensuring that its tourism sector remains dynamic and poised for continued success.

Top 5 Markets for the Maldives (as of March 2025)

As of March 2025, the Maldives continues to see strong contributions from its traditional markets, with the top five markets based on arrivals being:

China – 69,010 arrivals
Russia – 59,636 arrivals
United Kingdom – 57,944 arrivals
Italy – 53,252 arrivals
Germany – 39,856 arrivals

These markets have long been key players in the Maldives tourism sector, consistently delivering high numbers of visitors and maintaining a dominant position. Nevertheless, the influence of emerging markets is steadily gaining momentum, further diversifying the destination’s visitor base. While the top markets remain strong, the growth of new regions highlights the Maldives’ evolving appeal and its ability to attract a more global audience, ensuring the tourism sector’s ongoing development.

A Diverse Future for Maldives Tourism

As the Maldives continues to attract a diverse range of travelers, the rise of emerging markets signals a bright future for the country’s tourism industry. With steady growth and the continued strength of traditional markets, the destination’s visitor base is becoming more diverse than ever before. Ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and target new audiences ensure the Maldives will remain a leading global destination. As new markets continue to gain ground, the future of Maldives tourism looks increasingly dynamic and promising.

Feature Image: OBLU Select Sangeli

JOALI Maldives Unveils Easter Celebrations Where Wonders Soar

Gourmet Easter Experiences: Chef Gonzo Jimenez and Chef Alex Webb

Curated Activities and Experiences for All Ages

Children’s Easter Adventures at the Muramas Kids Club

The JOALI Maldives Experience: A Celebration of Joy and Sustainability

Latest

Top Emerging Markets Driving Tourism Growth in the Maldives

Chef Dinesh Pai Joins JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa as Executive Pastry Chef

Step Into a Whimsical Easter Wonderland at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Famous Influencer Khalid Al Ameri Arrives in the Maldives

Top Emerging Markets Driving Tourism Growth in the Maldives

Emerging Tourist Markets in Maldives as of February 2025

The Maldives’ Expanding Global Reach

Top 5 Markets for the Maldives (as of March 2025)

A Diverse Future for Maldives Tourism