News
Soneva Fushi introduces larger villas for larger parties
Maldives.net.mv – There are few things in life more special than holidaying with a group of friends or extended family – and the latest in the line of Soneva larger villas at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives are designed to ensure bigger parties have room to relax in unadulterated, laid-back Intelligent Luxury. Truly vast multiple bedrooms, tropical open living spaces, romantic outdoor bathrooms… so much attention has gone into creating the perfect holiday hideaway you won’t want to leave.
Soneva Fushi is the only resort in the Maldives with villas housing more than four bedrooms – the recently upgraded and latest line of properties are made of a white-washed wood and clean lines, built to blend in with the natural jungle and beach surrounds.
If you’re looking for a three-bedroom option, take the new one on the end of the island with panoramic views, crafted from sustainable wood and bamboo, a true haven with sprawling terraces, seaside pool and special touches like a personal gym and steam bath. There’s an upgraded three-bedroom sunrise retreat with its suspended walkways connecting the living areas to sleeping quarters – and one bedroom is in a separate bungalow for that extra privacy. And the most recently launched villa has a decadent 2,250 meters surrounding its three bedrooms, an exceptionally large swimming pool and plenty of space to breathe.
Or if you need four bedrooms, there is the choice between the Jungle Reserve or a new residence that hugs a statuesque jungle tree in the hallway. This plush villa with ample space encapsulates everything you could dream of, with four sumptuous bedrooms, a study, a magical den for the children, even a room for their nanny. Not forgetting the huge slide from the upper deck into the seawater swimming pool below.
But for sheer size and spectacle, the nine bedroom villa that opened in September is the largest of any resort in the Indian Ocean, has real wow factor. Imagine a wrap-around sea water swimming pool with slide and over-water trampoline lounging area, a glorious master bedroom with its very own pool, and facilities that range from a children’s playroom to a library and private spa suite for all pampering needs. More of a private estate than a villa at 7,280 sqm, whatever the occasion you’d be hard pushed to find a more breathtaking, fun place to stay whether you’re celebrating a friend’s big birthday or enjoying a multi-generational family rendez-vous.
Offering the space and privacy to play, party or relax amidst blissful natural surrounds, with all the resort’s facilities from incredible food to the top masseuses at hand, the Soneva larger villas surpass expectations every time.
Soneva Fushi has a sister resort Soneva Kiri on the island of Koh Kood one hour by private plane south east of Bangkok. Koh Kood is Thailand as it was years ago. Untamed jungle, pristine beaches, fishermen going about their business. Barefoot Siam, at peace with itself. Also coming soon to the Maldives, is a floating villa concept Soneva in Aqua and a treasure trove childrens’ Den.
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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