I Was There 2026

Held –

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort
and .Here — Baa Atoll, Maldives

The inaugural gathering of the global private luxury travel community, through the lens of Maldivian culture.

Explore the highlights
Guests gathering at the Sunset Soirée

Inner Circle

Inner Circle opened I Was There 2026 with a closed-door session designed for industry insights, open Q&As and meaningful conversations around the changing luxury travel landscape.

Perspectives from across the industry encouraged the exchange of ideas, shared experiences and new opportunities.

An industry discussion at Inner Circle
Industry perspectives, shared in conversation.
Conversations during Inner Circle
Sharing industry perspectives at Inner Circle
A creative welcome at the Sunset Soirée

Sunset Soirée

Sunset Soirée brought the private luxury travel community together at Crab Shack at Finolhu for an evening of recognition, celebration and entertainment.

Against the Baa Atoll sunset, the evening introduced Circle of Luxury, welcomed its inaugural members and featured the first reveal of the Circle of Luxury magazine.

The team welcoming guests to the Sunset Soirée
A shared moment of celebration at the Sunset Soirée
The Circle of Luxury shield at I Was There 2026

Circle of Luxury

Created as an invitation-only guild recognising the absolute pinnacle of luxury lifestyle and travel craftsmanship, Circle of Luxury welcomed 23 inaugural members across Bespoke Travel Designers, Destination Management Companies and Luxury Event Producers.

Each was selected for their expertise, execution and ability to create highly personalised luxury travel experiences.

Discover Circle of Luxury

Keyn

Networking brunch with cultural experiences

Keyn brought business conversations and Maldivian culture together within one fluid programme.

Networking breakfast and luncheon sessions, dedicated pre-scheduled meetings and 10 Maldivian cultural experiences allowed attendees to connect through shared moments rooted in Maldivian artistry, craftsmanship, music and local traditions.

A Maldivian cultural experience during Keyn
Connections rooted in Maldivian culture.
Maldivian culinary traditions at Keyn
Guests at the Keyn gathering

Moments from 2026.

Conversations, celebrations and a shared sense of place.

Guests gathering at the Sunset SoiréeConversations during Inner CircleSharing industry perspectives at Inner CircleA creative welcome at the Sunset SoiréeA Circle of Luxury recognition during the Sunset SoiréeA Maldivian cultural experience during KeynGuests exchanging ideas at Inner CircleA shared moment of celebration at the Sunset SoiréeMaldivian culinary traditions at KeynA speaker addressing the Inner Circle gatheringGuests at the Keyn gatheringA moment from the Keyn gathering

Be there in 2027.

I Was There returns to the Maldives on 30–31 August 2027.

Explore the next gathering