News
Soneva reveals details of its newest resort, Soneva Jani

24 water villas and 1 island villa to open in October 2016 in the Maldives
All villas feature a retractable roof for stargazing
The resort is set in a 5.6km private lagoon
Maldives.net.mv – Soneva, the world-leading luxury resort operator, has revealed details of its newest resort, Soneva Jani, opening in October 2016 in the Maldives. The brand’s newest luxury resort offering will comprise 24 water villas and one island villa, with additional island villas planned at a later stage.
Inspired by a word that means wisdom in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru, which is part of an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll. The highlight of the resort is its location within a 5.6 kilometer lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted 360° views of the Indian Ocean. The main island is fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed with lush tropical greenery.

Every water villa has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze. Like all other Soneva properties, the spacious villas feature beautifully designed interiors by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders, and are made from the highest quality sustainable materials.
“When we opened Soneva Gili more than 15 years ago, it stood out as a unique and new concept in luxury travel. It is my belief that Soneva Jani is even more revolutionary. There are many small details and improvements, for example at Soneva Gili, guests would often sleep on the top deck so that they could sleep under the stars. In each Soneva Jani Water Retreat or Reserve the master bedroom roof slides back at the press of a button. It closes automatically if it rains,” said Sonu Shivdasani, founder and CEO of Soneva.
“We live in an ever more crowded and developed world. Soneva Jani is one of the lowest density resorts in the world. Just 25 Villas are built in an area that stretches nearly five kilometers. It is not an island resort. It is a lagoon with five private islands where only one of these will have development. When designing and building Soneva Jani, I was very mindful that when we open, the area should seem as natural and beautiful as the first day I laid eyes on it,” he added. “Soneva Jani is one of the most anticipated hotel openings in the Indian Ocean this year. We have already witnessed a huge amount of interest, with the first few weeks fully booked within a few days of opening the booking system to the global travel trade.”

Soneva Jani will include all of Soneva’s popular features including a Spa, a dive centre, an observatory, a children’s den, an Eco Centro, organic gardens and an outdoor Cinema Paradiso. The cinema will be the first ‘silent cinema’ in the Maldives, as guests will be given Bluetooth earphones to watch movies so as not to disturb the nesting wildlife in the area.
The resort will serve global cuisine at five dining outlets, and will feature Soneva’s ubiquitous cheese, chocolate, ice-cream and charcuterie rooms that are complimentary for all guests. Various destination and specialty dining experiences will also be available.
“Soneva Jani is a place of incredible natural beauty. The waters in the lagoon have the most vibrant shades of blue that I have not seen anywhere else in the Maldives. We have an extensive array of marine life, including turtles, rays and occasionally dolphins, and the lagoon is an excellent place for kayaking, sailing and swimming as it is calm, shallow and extends for miles and miles. The villas are stunning and include all the attention to detail that Soneva is renowned for. Construction is progressing quickly and we are on track for an opening in October 2016,” said Olivia Richli, the Pre-Opening and General Manager of Soneva Jani.
Soneva Jani includes 18 units of one-bedroom Water Retreats, four units of two-bedroom Water Retreats, one three-bedroom Water Retreat, 1 three-bedroom Water Reserve, and one four-bedroom Island Reserve.

In constructing the resort, Soneva kept its environmental impact as low as possible. The pools use seawater with UV filtration and the villas have been built over the sandy floors of the lagoon, with no damage to any part of the reef. Furthermore, solar PV will be a significant source of power generation at the resort, all waste-water will be collected and treated on-site, and water will also be produced on-site, including drinking water. Soneva’s Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre will ensure that waste is recycled, while the extensive vegetable garden will give local produce for the restaurants based on organic principles.
The resort’s soft opening is planned for October 01, 2016, while the official opening date is fixed at November 05, 2016. Bookings are now available from October 01, 2016 onwards.
In addition to Soneva Jani, 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. For more information about Soneva visit www.soneva.com
Pictures by Richard Waite for Soneva Jani
News
Centara unveils KSA National Day holiday offers across Maldives resorts
With KSA National Day approaching on 23 September, Saudi travellers looking to make the most of the holiday break can trade the city for the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the Maldives. Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection offer two distinct island experiences, from spacious stays and wellness to marine adventures, diving and memorable dining.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Located in the turquoise waters of North Malé Atoll, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers an elegant island oasis for families, couples and groups looking for space, privacy and a wide choice of experiences. The resort features spacious two- and three-bedroom overwater and beachfront residences, alongside six restaurants and four bars offering a variety of dining experiences.
Wellness also takes centre stage throughout the stay, with SPA Cenvaree Retreat offering holistic treatments inspired by Thai wellness traditions, complemented by a yoga pavilion and modern fitness centre. Guests can also explore the surrounding waters through diving, watersports and guided marine excursions, while the Kids’ Club and E Zone offer dedicated spaces for younger guests, alongside a range of recreational activities designed for all ages.
For those planning a longer National Day getaway, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives’ A Summer of Island Elegance offer makes the journey to paradise even more worthwhile. Guests staying four nights or more can enjoy complimentary round-trip luxury speedboat transfers for two adults, allowing more time to focus on the island experience from the moment they arrive. Combined with spacious residences, exceptional dining and access to the resort’s extensive leisure and wellness facilities, the offer provides an added-value way to experience the Maldives in comfort and style.
When: Valid on stays from now until October 15th
Offer Details: Complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers for two adults on stays of four nights or more.
Terms & Conditions:
- Applicable for new bookings only and subject to availability.
- This offer is non-transferable and cannot be used by or given to another person.
- This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or partnership discounts.
- All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid for the entire stay.
- Centara Hotels & Resorts reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without notice.
- In case of dispute, the company has the final decision.
For more information, click here.
For travellers who want their National Day escape to be as restorative as it is relaxing, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers complimentary spa credit to enhance selected meal-plan stays. Guests can enjoy up to USD 60 (SAR 225) per person per stay at SPA Cenvaree Retreat, where traditional Thai-inspired treatments, massages, body rituals and facials provide the perfect way to unwind after a day spent exploring the lagoon or simply relaxing on the island.
Booking Period: From now until September 30th
Stay Period: From now until December 31st
Offer Details: USD 60 (SAR 225) spa credit per person per stay for guests on Half Board Plus, Full Board Plus, All-Inclusive and Atollia Destination meal plans, as well as guests who book directly.
Terms & Conditions:
- Applicable for new bookings only and subject to availability.
- This offer is non-transferable and cannot be used by or given to another person.
- This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or partnership discounts.
- All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid for the entire stay.
- Centara Hotels & Resorts reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without notice.
- In case of dispute, the company has the final decision.
For more information, click here.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Located in South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, presents a different side of the Maldives. Surrounded by an award-winning house reef, the resort offers an immersive island experience centred around marine adventures, pristine nature and relaxed island living.
The surrounding waters offer exceptional diving and snorkelling opportunities, centred around Machchafushi’s award-winning house reef, which is home to an extraordinary variety of coral and marine life. Guests can explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and thousands of species of tropical fish, while more than 50 dive sites across South Ari Atoll offer even more to discover. A particular highlight is the 52-metre Kudhi Maa shipwreck, which has transformed into a thriving artificial reef since sinking in 1999, attracting colourful marine life including glassfish, trevally, snapper, and reef sharks.
Away from the water, guests can take to the lagoon by kayak or paddleboard, explore the island at their own pace or retreat to the award-winning SPA Cenvaree, nestled beneath a 200-year-old banyan tree, offering a tranquil setting for Thai-inspired treatments and restorative rituals.
For families and groups seeking additional space, the Club Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villa is the pinnacle of both indoor and outdoor living, with two bedrooms, a private pool, sun loungers and direct access to the beach. Framed by uninterrupted sea views and a fresh, all-white interior, the villa creates a serene private retreat where days can be spent between the comfort of the villa, the pool, and the turquoise waters nearby.
Guests staying four nights or more can enjoy 25% savings on seaplane transfers, while those staying for nine nights or longer can save 50%, making it an ideal opportunity to turn the KSA National Day break into a longer Maldivian holiday filled with diving, snorkelling, nature and uninterrupted island time.
When: Valid on stays from now until October 15th
Offer Details:
- 25% savings on seaplane transfers with a four-night stay.
- 50% savings on seaplane transfers with a stay of nine nights or longer.
Terms & Conditions:
- Applicable for new bookings only and subject to availability.
- This offer is non-transferable and cannot be used by or given to another person.
- This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or partnership discounts.
- All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid for the entire stay.
- Centara Hotels & Resorts reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without notice.
- In case of dispute, the company has the final decision.
For more information, click here.
After a day spent exploring Machchafushi’s celebrated house reef, guests can retreat to SPA Cenvaree for a restorative treatment inspired by traditional Thai wellness. Guests staying on Half Board Plus can enjoy USD 30 (SAR 112.50) spa credit per person per stay, while Full Board Plus guests receive USD 40 (SAR 150) per person per stay, offering an opportunity to slow down, recharge and add a moment of calm to an adventure-filled island escape.
Booking Period: From now until December 31st
Stay Period: From now until June 30th, 2027
Offer Details:
- Half Board Plus: USD 30 (SAR 112.50) spa credit per person per stay.
- Full Board Plus: USD 40 (SAR 150) spa credit per person per stay.
Terms & Conditions:
- Applicable for new bookings only and subject to availability.
- This offer is non-transferable and cannot be used by or given to another person.
- This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or partnership discounts.
- All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid for the entire stay.
- Centara Hotels & Resorts reserves the right to change these terms and conditions without notice.
- In case of dispute, the company has the final decision.
For more information, click here.
Family
Kuda Villingili to host ‘Friendly Spirits & Ghosts After Dark’ this Halloween
This Halloween, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites families to reconnect over a week of island celebrations. From 28 October to 1 November 2026, Friendly Spirits & Ghosts After Dark brings together imaginative children’s activities, Halloween evenings and time shared in the Maldives.
Home to a 150-metre swimming pool—one of the largest in the country —Kuda Villingili is among the best places to stay in the Maldives for families seeking space, privacy and experiences to enjoy together. Spacious one- to four-bedroom private pool villas provide space and privacy for multi-generational stays, complemented by eight restaurants, a dedicated Kids Club, spa and wellness experiences, watersports, surfing, tennis and pickleball. The five-star luxury resort in the Maldives is located just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.

Designed for young explorers, this year’s celebration introduces Kuda Fiyo & the Friendly Ghosts, an original island story that brings Halloween to life through imagination and discovery. Throughout the week, children can follow Kuda Fiyo on an adventure featuring creative workshops, themed games, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, cookie and cupcake decorating, mocktail experiences and a Halloween Party— giving families a collection of family experiences in the Maldives to enjoy together.
As the sun sets, Ghosts After Dark takes over with Halloween-inspired experiences for families, couples and friends. Guests can enjoy haunted cocktails at sunset, set sail on a themed sunset cruise, explore the house reef during guided night snorkelling, try their hand at Halloween mixology or settle in beneath the stars for an open-air movie night. A Halloween Buffet Dinner with seasonal dishes and live entertainment anchors the celebrations, while themed cocktails and mocktails are served throughout the week.

Beyond Halloween, families have the freedom to shape each day around what they enjoy most. They can discover the marine world together, dine across the resort’s restaurants, retreat to the privacy of their villa or spend an afternoon beside the expansive pool. With experiences for different ages and interests, there is space to come together as well as time to enjoy the island individually.
This Halloween, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers families the chance to reconnect, create new traditions and experience the season differently. Friendly Spirits & Ghosts After Dark brings together children’s adventures, evenings by the sea and the freedom of an island holiday.
Because the best family traditions are not simply celebrated—they are created together.

View Kuda Villingili’s Halloween 2026 brochure here. For more information about Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, please visit www.kudavillingili.com.
News
ELE|NA ReFine Body Collection taps into restorative power of island life
Ask a guest on their last morning what the holiday did for them and the answer is usually vague. Rested. Switched off.
Ask on the third day and it is more specific. Sleep arrived earlier and held longer. Skin that looked tired at the airport looks like itself again. By the third day, the body has caught up with the holiday.

The Conditions Behind It
Most of what restores a guest here is unremarkable. Consistent sunrise and sunset give the circadian system a signal most travellers arrive without. Warmth supports circulation. Humidity rehydrates skin. Ordinary mechanisms, unusual concentration.
Less obvious is that the island supplies materials as well as conditions. Sand at this latitude holds heat evenly and releases it slowly, which is why it reaches muscle at a rate the tissue accepts without guarding. Warmth is what lets deeper work happen at all, and deeper work is where elasticity, tone and drainage actually respond.
Which is the difference between a holiday that rests you and one you leave looking different.

Ageing Well Is Not the Same as Fighting It
Anti-ageing treats time as an opponent. It works on surfaces and rests on a premise nobody wins.
ReFine, one of ELE|NA’s Pillars of Vitality, asks what the body needs in order to keep doing well what it already does. Skin that holds its tone. Circulation that reaches the extremities. Lymph that clears rather than pools. Those are conditions rather than treatments, which is precisely what a week on an island supplies. The question, then, is what a therapist adds to a process the setting has already started.
Where Treatment Fits
ELE|NA’s body collection therapies are built on that logic. They are designed to work with the recovery already underway rather than to substitute for it. Sculpt & Smooth, a contouring massage that exfoliates and brings circulation to the surface. Firming Flow, a warm Maldivian sand poultice followed by deep firming work for elasticity and lift. Lymphatic Lightness, dry brushing and light-pressure drainage to reduce puffiness. Taken in sequence across a stay, each prepares the tissue for the next.
At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, the therapies can be paired with the resort’s ice bath and steam. Heat opens circulation, cold prompts it to constrict, and the alternation moves blood and lymph more forcefully than either alone.

Ageing Well, Visibly
None of which is how guests describe what they are after. They want to look well on holiday, and that motivation happens to align with the physiological one more closely than it is usually given credit for. Skin that looks better on the last day looks that way because circulation improved and sleep did its work. Less puffiness is drainage functioning. Better tone is elasticity responding.
A holiday ends. A body that has slept properly for a week does not.
“The most lasting results come when we work with the body’s natural rhythms, not against them. ReFine Body Collection is designed to enhance the restorative benefits of a Maldivian escape, leaving guests feeling renewed from within,” said Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President, ELE|NA.
ELE|NA is a global spa and wellness management company dedicated to redefining personal well-being through tailored, immersive experiences. Operating in the Maldives and India, ELE|NA blends traditional healing practices, contemporary therapies, and wellness science to craft journeys as unique as each individual. Beyond exceptional spa and wellness experiences, ELE|NA provides expert management solutions for resorts and properties, helping them deliver personalized, elevated wellness offerings. Guided by the philosophy of Wellness Your Way™, ELE|NA empowers both guests and partners to discover their own path to vitality, balance, and inner harmony.
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