News
Soneva reveals one of the largest resort villas in the Indian Ocean
Maldives.net.mv – Luxury private residences created by the Soneva Group in the Maldives and Thailand have become coveted as the ultimate in SLOW LIFE status symbols and their new eight bedroom magnum opus is already commanding interest worldwide.
The largest private residence to be built in the region, the eight bedroom secluded stronghold on Soneva Fushi will be unique and truly magnificent when it is completed mid October.Rental prices will range from $11,300-$30,000 (+ taxes) / night depending on the season.
As with all Soneva Group’s privately developed villas, it is constructed using time-tested indigenous techniques with materials from sustainable sources adapted to preserve the integrity of the environment and the local communities.
But there are features in this new property that no realtor’s dictionary can adequatelydescribe including some of the most breathtaking views of unending cerulean seas and a versatility in accommodation for large families and their attendants (private secretaries, security, chefs or personal trainers) or groups (such as executive retreats)that is hard to match.
The two guiding principles in its design were the need for privacy and sociable relaxation.
Living spaces inside and out are carefully drawn and generous, and located on a prime beachfront spot with a spectacular view that will never change.
Sales of Soneva Group’s limited range of luxury villas at Soneva Fushi, Maldives and Soneva Kiri, Thailand have been strong. Opportunities to purchase are scarce since so few are being built and prices, ranging from US$3M-US$15M, reflect their exclusivity. They provide an attractive financial return as well as a guarantee a ‘return on life’. Rental programmes are tailored to owners’ requirements.
There are more than 100 resorts in the Maldives but Soneva Fushi is alone in offering private villas with more than three bedrooms. This new development, with eight suites, provides the perfect solution for large multi generational families, groups of friends, weddings, business gatherings and sophisticated hen and stag parties.
The residence is a two storey collection of villas with an expansive wraparound swimming pool spread over a large area with generous outdoor living space. The master bedroom boasts its own private swimming pool measuring 111.3 m2 and an outdoor bathroom but
there are five additional guest bedrooms, a children’s bedroom, a smaller nanny’s bedroom and of course one for the Mr./Miss Friday butler.
Other features include a wine cellar, library, large sunken dining area within the pool, children’s playroom and a private spa suite with steam facilities, a gym and massage room.
The main swimming pool is 477.3 m2 with a slide going from the children’s den into the swimming pool. 1 big deck (58.3 m2 in the middle of the pool). There is a sunken dining area (12.4 m2) that seats up to 12 people.
When not used by the owner, the villa can be rented out with a guaranteed annual investment. Rental yields of up to 4% net guaranteed per annum indicate solid investment potential.
As with all Soneva Group properties, each fully serviced villa comes complete with a dedicated 24/7 butler, discounted transfers to and from the resorts and full access to all the island’s facilities, with special ‘owners rates’ being offered in the restaurants, bars and
galleries.
Soneva is an established resort and luxury residences company. It captures the hearts of the UHNW family due to its philosophy, SLOWLIFE – Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness-Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences.
It has managed the delicate balance of lifestyle and sustainability by providing luxurious accommodations, magnificent natural locations, incredible cuisine and a wealth of local, “money can’t buy” experiences.
Hotelier Maldives has announced Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as the Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 under a multi-year agreement, reaffirming one of the longest-standing partnerships behind the publication’s flagship hospitality recognition platform.
The 2026 edition marks the third consecutive year that BBM has served as Title Partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards, having supported the event in the same capacity since its launch in 2024. BBM has also backed Hotelier Maldives’ second flagship event, GM Forum, every year since 2023, with 2026 set to mark its fourth year as a Silver Partner of the forum.
The continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to recognising the people behind the Maldives’ tourism industry while supporting platforms that encourage industry dialogue, leadership and professional development.
Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 entered its public voting phase on 15 March 2026, with voting set to remain open for one month. Winners will be announced at the gala ceremony on 26 April 2026 at NIVA Kurumba Maldives.
Commenting on the partnership, Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said: “BBM has been a valued partner of Hotelier Maldives Awards since the very beginning, and we are pleased to formalise this continued support through a multi-year agreement. Their decision to return as Title Partner for a third consecutive year reflects not only the strength of our relationship, but also a shared belief in the importance of recognising the people who drive excellence across the Maldives’ hospitality industry.
“BBM has also consistently supported GM Forum over the years, making them one of the most committed partners across our event platforms. We are proud to continue working together as we strengthen both Hotelier Maldives Awards and GM Forum as annual fixtures for the industry.”
AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of BBM, said: “At BBM, we have always believed that a strong hospitality industry is built by strong people, and Hotelier Maldives Awards provides an important national platform to recognise the professionals whose work often takes place behind the scenes. We are pleased to continue as Title Partner of the awards under this multi-year agreement, while also extending our support to GM Forum for a fourth consecutive year.
“As a company that has grown alongside the Maldives’ hospitality sector, we value opportunities that celebrate talent, encourage professional pride and contribute to the long-term development of the industry. Our continued partnership with Hotelier Maldives reflects that commitment.”
Bestbuy Maldives is one of the country’s leading importers and distributors, serving the hospitality, HORECA and retail sectors with a broad portfolio of international brands. The company positions itself as a partner to the Maldivian hospitality industry, supplying products from around the world across key business verticals including resorts, foodservice and retail.
Hotelier Maldives Awards continues to recognise the contributions of resort-based hospitality professionals across the Maldives, highlighting both individual excellence and team performance. The awards programme remains the country’s only dedicated recognition platform focused on professionals working in resort operations. The current public voting round allows industry stakeholders, colleagues, guests and the wider public to take part in selecting this year’s winners.
The growing list of confirmed partners for Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 includes Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as Title Partner, Dhiraagu as Platinum Partner, Storm Events as Organising Partner, NIVA, Kurumba Maldives as Host Partner, Souvenir Marine as Transport Partner, ALIA as Associate Sponsor, and Lightsout Studios as Associate Partner. More partners and sponsors will be announced soon.
For centuries, the maturation of fine spirits has been a land‑bound ritual, guided by oak, air and time. At NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, that tradition turned seaward. In partnership with Planteray Rum, widely regarded as one of the world’s best premium rum brands, the property has completed the world’s first certified underwater ageing of rum in glass bottles by a resort, with the inaugural batch earning glowing evaluations for its depth and complexity.
For twelve months, while the resort itself was undergoing a transformation, the rum matured in a gentle rocking motion, shaped by hydrostatic pressure, slow currents and the constant temperature of the deep. Resting in custom‑designed metal cages ten metres beneath the surface, a selection of Planteray Rum bottles lay undisturbed in their ocean cellar, at a site identified by our resident Aquafanatics dive experts as sheltered from harsh currents, protected from excessive sunlight and calm enough to let time do its work uninterrupted.
Brought ashore for the resort’s reopening on 21 December 2025, the sunken treasure, still bearing the fingerprints of marine life that had embraced it during its underwater repose, revealed a character that surprised even seasoned experts.
“Underwater, time and conditions interact differently with the liquid. After a year beneath the sea, the rum has developed enhanced roundness, smoothness and complexity,” said Fannie Thibaud, Deputy Master Blender at Planteray Rum.
“A passion project and an ambitious experiment, our sea-aged rums bring together innovation, artistry and storytelling in every sip,” said Valentin Osolos, General Manager at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort. “We couldn’t have done it without our partners at Planteray Rum, who immediately recognised the potential to create something the industry hadn’t seen before and helped us reimagine what craftsmanship can look like in the Maldives.”
By choosing to surrender control to nature and letting it work in patience and silence, with only occasional dives to check the integrity of the cages, the spirit becomes inseparable from its setting in the UNESCO‑protected Baa Atoll.
Buoyed by the success of this inaugural vintage, Planteray Rum has already entrusted the resort with new varieties, now undergoing their own year‑long transformation beneath the waves. The programme is set to become a permanent feature of the resort’s culinary and mixology offering. At Handhuvaru, the resort’s signature mixology concept, guests can experience the new maritime vintage neat or in imaginative cocktails such as Chai on the Rocks, combining aged XO rum with warming chai spice and subtle tropical sweetness, or Mocha Molasses, an intense expression of overproof rum layered with espresso and dark chocolate.
For more information about NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, please visit https://world.nh-hotels.com/en/nh-collection-maldives-reethi.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah has announced a line-up of Easter celebrations for guests, featuring a day of activities and dining experiences at its resort in South Ari Atoll.
The programme is designed to cater to families and travellers of all ages, combining interactive sessions, culinary offerings and outdoor activities across the island.
The day will begin at Sea Spray Restaurant with the “Flu y Bunny Breakfast Bash”, which will include live pancake stations and themed breakfast selections. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in the “Egg Decoration Extravaganza”, an activity focused on creating decorated keepsakes.
Midday activities will continue at Glow Bar with “Bliss Cupcake Creations”, an interactive baking session led by the resort’s culinary team. An “Egg Hunt Adventure” will also be organised, allowing guests to search for hidden items across the resort.
In the evening, the resort will host an Easter Beach Dinner at Sunset Beach, offering a menu of seasonal dishes and international cuisine in a beachfront setting.
The resort team stated that the Easter programme is designed to provide opportunities for connection and shared experiences among guests.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah also noted that the activities align with its “Live Local” initiative under Minor DISCOVERY, which focuses on delivering local and experiential elements within guest stays.
Further details on the Easter programme are available through the resort’s official website.
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