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.
News
ONE Atmosphere: Atmosphere Core enters extended-stay market with fourth brand
Leading hospitality company, Atmosphere Core has announced the launch of its fourth brand, ONE Atmosphere, marking its strategic entry into the extended-stay segment. Designed for today’s work–live–travel flow, ONE Atmosphere will offer fully serviced apartments that combine the freedom and expanse of residential living with the consistency of hospitality, including branded amenities, seamless concierge services, and thoughtful design details.
Speaking about the launch, Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, said, “As travel becomes more fluid and work becomes borderless, guests expect more than a hotel room, they expect a lifestyle solution. They want a space that adapts as they move through different cities, work patterns, and rhythms of everyday life. ONE Atmosphere is designed to meet this shift by offering a reliable model of flexible living that blends the warmth of home with the precision of hospitality. Our spaces will be consistent, functional, design-led, and deeply attuned to how people live today.”
Building on this guest-centred philosophy, the design of ONE Atmosphere will focus on efficient layouts, layered with calming materials and curated local art to create intuitive environments that feel welcoming, practical, and visually inspiring. Every element will aim to enhance comfort and usability while reflecting a sense of place.
ONE Atmosphere apartments will be built for living, not simply staying overnight, with hotel-style services operating quietly in the background. Across all locations, the brand will deliver ‘ONE Experience’, a portable sense of home ideal for long stays, relocations, project assignments, holidays, and hybrid travel. This experience will be further strengthened by a comprehensive suite of amenities and leisure, work, and convenience features, under the ‘ONE Promise’, elevating intelligent serviced living into a lifestyle statement. Together, these amenities and services will create a holistic, flexible environment.
Commenting on the brand’s growth potential, Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director, ONE Atmosphere, said, “the serviced apartment sector is expanding rapidly yet remains highly fragmented. With ONE Atmosphere, we aim to establish a unified standard that can scale with ease while delivering a consistent, comfortable, and efficient experience. By leveraging the operational discipline we’ve developed across our award-winning resorts in the Maldives, we are confident in our ability to set a new global benchmark for extended-stay hospitality”.
ONE Atmosphere’s launch pipeline features a mix of metropolitan, urban, and leisure destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Gulf countries, with further international markets under evaluation as part of the brand’s long-term global rollout.
Entertainment
New Year’s Eve Gala at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La to feature live performance by Nasooh
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is preparing to host a vibrant New Year’s Eve Gala Night on 31 December 2025, inviting guests to welcome 2026 with an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and festive celebration.
The event will be headlined by Mohamed Nasooh, one of the Maldives’ emerging musical talents whose voice has earned national recognition. Nasooh first rose to prominence as a former vocalist of the popular band 2ofus, which represented the Maldives internationally and achieved notable success as the 2nd Runner-Up at the Battle of the Bands International. His growing popularity on TikTok, combined with his expressive vocal performances, has made him a well-loved figure among audiences of all ages.
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve Gala Night can look forward to a memorable live performance from Nasooh, who will bring his distinctive vocal style and stage presence to the celebration as the country ushers in a new year.
Adding to the excitement, the evening will also include a special grand prize, with details set to be announced soon. The announcement has already generated anticipation and is expected to be a highlight of the event.
The Gala Night will offer an elegant dining experience and a festive atmosphere, providing an inviting setting for families, couples, and friends wishing to celebrate the start of 2026 in style. The full programme and menu will be shared in the coming days.
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La welcomes guests to join this exceptional evening—an occasion filled with music, flavour, and celebration marking the arrival of the new year.
Awards
Hulhule Island Hotel extends global leadership with 14th consecutive World Travel Award
Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced its win as “World’s Leading Airport Resort 2025” at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards (WTA), held this year in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Tourism leaders and industry pioneers from around the globe gathered for the Grand Final Gala Ceremony to celebrate the finest achievements in global travel, tourism, and hospitality.
This prestigious accolade marks HIH’s 14th consecutive win in this category — a milestone that underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to excellence, comfort, and world-class service. In addition to this achievement, HIH has also been honoured as “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport Hotel” nine times, first earning recognition from the World Travel Awards in 2009.
Speaking on the achievement, Ali Shakir, Group General Manager, said: “It is an honour to receive such a prestigious global award once again. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our guests. Hulhule Island Hotel continues to stand proudly in all its glory, delivering exceptional experiences year after year. We remain committed to setting the gold standard for airport hospitality in the region and beyond.”
Hulhule Island Hotel extends heartfelt gratitude to its valued guests, partners, and dedicated team members for their continued support in achieving this extraordinary milestone.
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