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.
This festive season, NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is turning up the rhythm with Havana Nights, a colourful island celebration inspired by the music, flavours and unmistakable spirit of Cuba.
Running from 21 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the programme brings together festive dining, live entertainment, family experiences, wellness and ocean adventures, all set against the natural beauty of Fonimagoodhoo in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.
The celebrations begin on 21 December, an especially meaningful date as the resort marks the first anniversary of its new chapter as NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort. An anniversary cocktail reception will be followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree, setting the mood for more than two weeks of festive island life.
Christmas Eve will unfold with a distinctly tropical spirit. Guests can spend the day between wellness sessions, family activities and the beach before gathering for festive cocktails, Santa’s arrival and a Christmas Gala Dinner at Jumla. Live music and Cuban-inspired performances will carry the celebrations into the evening.
The programme continues with relaxed festive dining, music, beach activities, wellness experiences and plenty for younger guests, allowing families and couples to enjoy the season at their own pace.
On 29 December, Havana Nights takes its sense of adventure beneath the surface with the resort’s Sunken Rum Dive. Divers will retrieve an ocean-aged rum cask before the story continues ashore with Bring Up the Lost Treasure, a guided tasting inspired by Handhuvaru’s signature rum experience.
The island reaches its most vibrant on New Year’s Eve, with live entertainment, music and fire performances leading into a midnight fireworks display over the Indian Ocean. New Year’s Day slows the tempo with a leisurely brunch, live music and relaxed afternoon celebrations by the sea.
Inspired by the romance of Caribbean travel and the easy rhythm of island life, Havana Nights gives the traditional festive escape a warmer, more playful character. Days are made for the ocean, spa and sunshine, while evenings bring people together over good food, music and celebration beneath the palms.
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is home to 105 renovated beach and overwater villas, complemented by restaurants and bars, REVIVE Spa & Wellbeing, family facilities and a wide range of marine and recreational experiences.
The resort is located 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé, or 20 minutes by domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer.
For more information about NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, please visit the resort’s official website.
Joy Island has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027. Titled Joyful Horizons the festive season runs from 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, offering a vibrant programme of celebrations and experiences inspired by the island’s natural rhythm.
Christmas on the Island
The season opens on 22 December with the lighting of the island’s Christmas tree on Rainbow Beach, with cocktails, and Captain Santa’s Ocean Escape, a family dhoni cruise. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy cocktails at Rainbow Bar, a candlelit Gala Dinner at The Market and a Christmas Eve Party with a midnight snack spread. Christmas Day begins with Santa’s arrival on Rainbow Beach, followed by a festive brunch at The Market, a Christmas BBQ Dinner at Palm Beach and live music at Rainbow Bar.
Welcoming the New Year 2027
On 31 December, guests can start with a pre-dinner cocktail at Rainbow Bar, then sit down to a multi-course Gala Dinner on Rainbow Beach. Fireworks light up the beach at midnight for the countdown to 2027, and a midnight snack spread keeps the celebration going. New Year’s Day begins with breakfast, a Recovery Brunch at Market Restaurant, a Celebrate Maldivian Culture evening and Cinema Under the Stars at Palm Beach.
Dining Experiences
Explore signature culinary experiences such as Tales of the Maldivian Sea on 26 December, A Food Journey Through the Wines with Master Sommelier on 28 December, Endless Romance, a private candlelit dinner for two on 30 December, and the Italian Wine Journey on 4 January. Guests can also savour a diverse range of flavours across the resort’s restaurants, from international cuisine at The Market to authentic Italian dishes at Il Basilico and Asian specialities, including teppanyaki-inspired creations, at the Japanese Corner.
Family, wellness and discovery
Beach Family Olympics, a Family Kayak Race, a Family Amazing Race and family pool fiestas run through the season. Guests can also join a local island discovery tour, sunset fishing, coral planting with a marine biologist, and mixology and chocolate-making classes. The daily Kiddie Cove programme includes coconut shell painting, gingerbread crafts, treasure hunts and a kids’ talent show. Oasis Spa offers couples’ massages, facials and a Maldivian herbal poultice, and daily yoga runs at the Spa Yoga Pavilion.
As night falls, Rainbow Bar comes alive with vibrant themed evenings, including Hawaiian Night with a fire show, the Blanc & Beats White Party, Mystic Mask Night, Masquerade Party and Glow After Dark, creating a festive atmosphere filled with music, entertainment and unforgettable island moments.
“This festive season, we invite our guests to embrace the joy of togetherness and create unforgettable holiday memories. From exquisite gala dinners and vibrant themed evenings to exciting island adventures and fun-filled celebrations for all ages, we have curated a festive programme that captures the lively spirit of Joy Island, ” said Bandula Thilakarathne, Resort Manager of Joy Island.
You & Me Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027. From 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, the adults-only romantic retreat will offer sixteen days of vibrant celebrations, exclusive dining experiences and unforgettable island adventures.
Christmas on the Island
The season opens on 22 December with a sunset cocktail party and “A Spark of Love” tree-lighting ceremony at Cheers Bar Beach. On Christmas Eve, guests are joined by carolers for a cocktail party, followed by a Christmas Gala Dinner on The Sand Beach and a late-night Christmas Party. Christmas Day brings carols, Santa’s arrival on the beach, a Christmas Brunch, an X-Mas Day Cruise and an Indian Chef Movement dinner.
Welcoming the New Year 2027
On 31 December, guests can enjoy a cocktail party at Cheers Bar Beach and a gala dinner on The Sand Beach. The night closes with the Disco Around the World Party, featuring dazzling performances, live music and DJ sets, before a midnight fireworks display over the Maldivian sky. New Year’s Day starts slowly with a “Love at First Light” breakfast and a New Year’s Brunch, then continues with the First Wave and First Catch of the Year excursions.
Romantic Dining Experiences
Romantic dining is the heart of the programme, featuring exclusive culinary experiences such as Krug Beneath the Waves on 28 December, a five-course dinner paired with Krug Champagne at H2O, the resort’s underwater restaurant six metres below the ocean’s surface, curated by Chef Andrea Berton. Other highlights include Journey Through the Night, a five-course dinner aboard the Love Boat; Beneath the Canopy of Love, an intimate beachside dinner paired with Ruinart Brut; Sand & Romance, featuring a unique sunken table set into the sand; and An Affair with Lobster, a beachfront lobster barbecue accompanied by Champagne, alongside many other exquisite culinary offerings.
Experiences and entertainment
Guests can head out on a Love Drift castaway sandbank picnic lunch, sunset fishing, dolphin cruises, stargazing and local island excursions. Evenings feature a Maldivian Boduberu show, a fashion show, karaoke, belly dance performances, a Glow Party and an Orthodox Christmas Party on 6 January. By day, the resort offers morning flow yoga, aqua aerobics, Tabata and a pool party.
Wellness Packages include the Moonlight Spa Ritual under the stars and a Private Sandbank Massage. Highlights include the Asian Heritage Signature Massage, Chakra Therapy and Lava Stone Therapy at our beautiful You & Me Spa.
“This festive season, we celebrate the special moments and connections that make the holidays truly memorable. From sumptuous gala feasts to extraordinary dining experiences six metres beneath the ocean at H2O, we have curated an exclusive programme that reflects the essence of our adults-only premium all-inclusive resort, inviting guests to celebrate romance in its most enchanting form here on the Island of Love,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
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