News
Heinrich Morio joins Soneva as Managing Director – Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Soneva Resorts and Residences, the world-leading luxury resort operator, has announced that Heinrich Morio has joined the company as the new Managing Director – Maldives, responsible for overseeing its flagship resort Soneva Fushi as well as its latest luxury offerings Soneva in Aqua and Soneva Jani.
A dual US and German National, Heinrich’s hospitality career spans more than 35 years, most of which have been spent in the management team of some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels and resorts.
Prior to joining Soneva, Heinrich was the General Manager (opening) of the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai, and formerly the General Manager of the Burj al Arab, as well as the General Manager of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, both also located in Dubai, UAE. Before moving to the Middle East, Heinrich was the General Manager of several One & Only properties in Mauritius and Bahamas, as well as luxury resorts in the United States. He will join Soneva in July 2016.
We are very excited to have Heinrich on board with us. He has impressive hospitality experience in iconic properties around the world and we look forward to leveraging his expertise to further enhance Soneva’s service offering. He will work closely with Olivia as we ramp up to open Soneva Jani by October 2016,” said Sonu Shivdasani, Founder and CEO of Soneva Resorts.
In October 2015, Soneva welcomed Olivia Richli as the new General Manager (opening) of Soneva Jani, Soneva’s newest property in the Maldives, which is currently under construction. The resort is being built on a large island surrounded by four smaller islands in the middle of a large, five-kilometre turquoise lagoon in the Noonu Atoll, Maldives. Four of the five islands will remain untouched so it will be, by far, the lowest density development in the Maldives. Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani comprises 24 over water villas and 32 island villas.
The resort is surrounded by crystal clear waters, with pure white beaches, islands covered in rich tropical vegetation and set in a vast sparkling lagoon.Soneva owns and operates Soneva Fushi in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Soneva in Aqua, an ultra luxurious yacht offering an experiential travel experience, was launched in the Maldives in 2015 and sails out of Soneva Fushi.
News
Milaidhoo Maldives included in Tatler Travel Guide 2026’s top hotels
Milaidhoo Maldives has announced its inclusion in the prestigious Tatler Travel Guide 2026, a coveted recognition celebrating the world’s most exceptional hotels. The island has been selected among Tatler 101: The World’s Best Hotels, an annual list that represents the pinnacle of excellence in global hospitality.
Curated by Tatler’s Travel Editor alongside an expert editorial team and an international network of contributors, the Tatler Travel Guide is renowned for its rigorous and discerning selection process. Each property is carefully evaluated to ensure that only those offering truly remarkable experiences earn a place on the list.
As one of the most established and influential society magazines in the world, Tatler’s endorsement is considered one of the highest honours in the travel industry. The guide speaks directly to a sophisticated and discerning audience, celebrating hotels that combine authenticity, character and outstanding service.
For Milaidhoo Maldives, the recognition is a meaningful affirmation of the island’s philosophy: a boutique, barefoot sanctuary where the essence of the Maldives is experienced in its most genuine form. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo is known for its intimate atmosphere, thoughtful hospitality and deep connection to Maldivian heritage and culture.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised in the Tatler Travel Guide 2026,” said Paul van Frank, General Manager. “At Milaidhoo, we strive to create experiences that feel personal, soulful and truly reflective of the Maldives. To be included among the world’s best hotels is a wonderful recognition of the passion and dedication of our team, the Milaidhoo Family.”
From the island’s iconic overwater restaurant Ba’theli, inspired by traditional Maldivian sailing vessels, to curated cultural and marine experiences, Milaidhoo offers guests an opportunity to slow down and connect with the natural beauty and traditions of the Maldives.
This recognition from Tatler further reinforces Milaidhoo’s reputation as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinctive luxury escapes, where authenticity, intimacy and heartfelt service define every stay.
News
ELE|NA marks World Sleep Day with SleepSync wellness ritual
In recognition of World Sleep Day, ELE|NA highlights SleepSync, one of its Six Pillars of Vitality dedicated to restoration and circadian rhythm alignment, through the SleepSync Ritual, a deeply calming spa experience designed to guide guests toward profound, uninterrupted sleep. The ritual is implemented across all ELE|NA locations in both the Maldives and India, ensuring guests can reconnect with restorative sleep wherever they experience the brand.
In today’s always-connected world, restful sleep has become increasingly elusive. Within this ritual, the body is gently led from stimulation into stillness, releasing the tensions of the day, calming the nervous system and preparing the mind and body for restorative rest.
ELE|NA believes that sleep is not simply the absence of wakefulness, but an essential pillar of holistic wellbeing – where restoration, emotional balance and cellular renewal take place.

Supporting the Body’s Natural Sleep Rhythm
Sleep begins long before the moment the head meets the pillow. It is a gradual transition where the body releases the day and prepares for stillness.

Within ELE|NA’s SleepSync Rituals, this transition is approached with intention and calm. As evening settles, the body begins its quiet descent into rest with the following:
- Reduce blue light exposure before sleep
- Dim lighting to signal the body’s nighttime rhythm
- Create calm through mindful transitions away from daily activity
- Release thoughts through journaling
- Hydrate and support the body’s nighttime recovery
These small rituals help guide the body from stimulation to restoration.

Reclaiming the Night
World Sleep Day serves as an important reminder that quality sleep is not a luxury, but a foundation of health and longevity. When supported with mindful rituals and intentional slowing down, the night becomes a space for true renewal.
Through SleepSync Rituals, ELE|NA continues its commitment to nurturing holistic wellbeing, guiding individuals back to the natural rhythms that allow the body to rest, restore and awaken with clarity and vitality.
Family
Kandooma Maldives invites families to Easter island celebrations
Swap traditional Easter routines for barefoot island celebrations as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives unveils a vibrant Easter programme designed for families seeking adventure, connection and memorable island moments.
Set on a lush private island surrounded by turquoise lagoons and powder-white beaches, the resort’s Easter festivities blend family adventures, island experiences and indulgent dining in true Maldivian style.
“Easter is a wonderful time for families to come together and create special memories,” said Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Our Easter programme has been designed to capture the spirit of the season while embracing the relaxed island lifestyle that makes the Maldives such a special place to celebrate.”
Guests can enjoy a week of fun-filled activities for all ages, from beach games, snorkelling adventures and creative craft sessions to relaxing spa rituals and sunset cocktails by the ocean. Younger guests will be happily entertained at the Kandoo Kids’ Club, where a dedicated Easter programme offers plenty of excitement for little explorers.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Sunday Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, a festive island feast bringing families together around a table filled with global flavours.
Guests can savour traditional Easter favourites from the carving station, vibrant salads and international cuisine, alongside chef-prepared dishes from live cooking stations. A dedicated Kids’ Corner ensures younger diners have their own fun selections, while a spectacular dessert spread, including Kandooma Café’s famous chocolate fountain and live crêpe station, provides a sweet finale to the evening.
Families planning an Easter holiday can choose from a range of holiday packages, including the resort’s popular All-Inclusive offer and a Family Getaway package packed with added extras for parents and children alike. More details can be found here.
The resort’s Easter Brochure outlines the full programme of island adventures and special experiences, including the Kandoo Kids’ Club Easter activities. View Easter Brochure here.
Located in the South Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is renowned for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear lagoon and some of the Maldives’ best scuba diving experiences.
Accommodation ranges from garden and beach villas to spacious two-storey beach houses and overwater villas, offering options ideal for couples, families and groups. Guests can enjoy six dining venues, a vibrant activities programme and wellness experiences at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala.
For more information, please visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com.
-
Drink1 week agoGerman winemaker Patrick Jacklin to host exclusive tasting at Constance Moofushi
-
Cooking1 week agoTAPASAKE Maldives hosts Chef Norimasa Kosaka for four-hands dining collaboration
-
Family1 week agoEaster comes alive at Amilla Maldives with family activities
-
News1 week agoCelebrating the women behind Coco Collection’s island experiences
-
Family5 days agoFrom egg hunts to island feasts: Easter at Centara Maldives Resorts
-
Family1 week agoJW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents Easter season of dining, discovery
-
News1 week agoThe Westin Maldives celebrates World Sleep Day with restorative island programme
-
News1 week agoWorld-renowned photographer Greg Finck to lead workshop at Milaidhoo Maldives


