With an impressive schedule of over 50 weekly activities to choose from, few resorts in the Maldives offer quite as many workshops, masterclasses and unforgettable experiences as Jumeirah Olhahali Island. There is something to suit every traveller, whether you’re an avid gastronome, a family seeking a memorable adventure or a couple escaping for a moment of peace and quiet, we’ve designed our resort with everyone’s enjoyment in mind. From planting coral to playing tennis on an idyllic beach court, here are eight skills you can learn during your stay with us.

1. Learn to calm your mind through guided breath work

Nestled in the heart of the resort, Talise Spa is an overwater haven of wellbeing and beauty. Here, you can choose from an array of rejuvenating rituals and signature treatments including the Heyovaru Si'hathu massage, which includes guided breathing exercises inspired by shiatsu and a full posture assessment to refresh your mind, body and soul.

2. Master underwater photography

Home to 1,100 species of fish, the Maldives is one of the world’s best places to experience underwater photography and our island hosts team will be more than happy to arrange this for you. The Indian Ocean teems with underwater life, so you might spot manta rays or whale sharks, as well as turtles, moray eels and the peculiar-looking frogfish and nudibranchs. There are also 200 species of coral, which will make you feel as if you’ve immersed yourself in a magical underwater haven.

3. Take part in a local coral restoration project

If you’re a conscious traveller keen to give something back to the communities you visit, let our Dive Team enrich your understanding of the local coral reefs in this stunning archipelago. Both children and adults can take part in local restoration projects and help plant coral to enhance the reefs that ring Olhahali Island.

4. Learn to make coconut oil

The Maldives’ tropical climate makes it ideal for unwinding on sandy islets all year round, but it also offers the perfect environment for coconuts to grow. Maldivian coconuts are vast in comparison to other types of coconut and contain high levels of glycerin and nutrients, making them sought after for ingredients in natural beauty products such as hair oils and lotions. Ask your island Host to arrange an interactive lesson on the traditional Maldivian cold press method of making coconut oil, which preserves nutrients.

5. Hone your racket skills on one of the world’s most beautiful courts

Hone your racquet skills on the resort’s picturesque beachside tennis courts, nestled on the island’s postcard-perfect shoreline. You can join weekly workshops on the court, which is floodlit for evening play, or book a one-to-one session to perfect your serve.

6. Master the art of yoga on our stunning roof terrace

Early risers will enjoy sunrise yoga on the stunning roof terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean, while yoga nidra is a meditative practice which guides the mind to a state between sleep and wakefulness. Alternatively, enjoy one-on-one pranayama breathing techniques or align your qi, or inner energy, to soothing vibrations from Tibetan sound bowls. Expecting mothers looking to unwind can also book into prenatal yoga.

7. Try an adventurous watersport

Book into the world-class PADI dive centre or glide across the ocean on a transparent kayak, watching colourful butterflyfish, clownfish and angelfish swimming beneath you. You can also try jet skiing, stand up paddleboarding and flyboarding or explore the sea in a partially submerged submarine. For the ultimate indulgence, charter a private yacht right to your water villa’s private terrace.

8. Take a masterclass with a renowned Chef or Sommelier

Our famed culinary offering means you can tuck into a delicious array of Peruvian-Japanese dishes at Kayto or indulge in Mediterranean delicacies and award-winning drinks at photogenic beachside restaurant, Shimmers, where you can also enjoy a pizza-making masterclass. For a special occasion, embark on a sensory Journey to Bordeaux tasting experience with the resort’s resident Sommelier who will regale you with fascinating tales about Château Margaux 1996 to Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande, Pauillac 1990.


Discover more ways to enjoy this extraordinary archipelago when you stay at Jumeirah Olhahali Island.