News

Soneva Jani opens in the Noonu Atoll, Maldives

Published

10 years ago

November 13, 2016

24 water villas and 1 island villa in the 5.6km Medhufaru lagoon
Most overwater villas feature a retractable roof for stargazing and waterslides from top floor into the lagoon below

Maldives.net.mv – The Soneva story continues with Soneva Jani, the luxury resort operator’s newest property, located in the Noonu Atoll, Maldives. The primarily overwater resort comprises 24 water villas and one island villa situated in a 5.6km lagoon, one of the largest in the Maldives.

The resort is built around the 150-acre island of Medhufaru, and surrounded by four other untouched islands within the lagoon. The resort comprises 18 units of one-bedroom water villas, four two-bedroom water villas, one three-bedroom and one four-bedroom water villa, as well as a four-bedroom island villa. At more than 410 square metres, the one bedroom villas are the largest entry-level villas in the Indian Ocean.

“It has been said that if Soneva Fushi was its own island, Soneva Jani is its own ‘atoll’, as it’s actually a small archipelago of five islands (four of them deserted) within the Medhufaru lagoon,” said Sonu Shivdasani, the CEO and founder of Soneva. “In fact, Medhufaru island is the largest tourist island in the Maldives. Plus, the lagoon is huge; more than 7,000 Olympic swimming pools can fit inside it. In this massive space with the islands and the lagoon, there are only 25 villas. It’s one of the lowest density resorts in the world, by far.”

“My wife Eva and I have spent many years travelling the world and searching for the perfect spot to open our next resort after Soneva Kiri. When we saw this lagoon, with the bluest water we had ever seen, we knew this was the place,” he added.

All villas include a 13m private pool on the outdoor deck, a walk-in mini bar, uninterrupted lagoon views with direct access, and many of them have water slides from the top deck into the water below. This is in addition to a top deck dining area, an outdoor patio with a sunken dining table, a study and a sleeping-area for children (conveniently located within the main bedroom so that parents can be assured their children are never too far from them in an overwater environment). Three different glass-bottomed areas in each villa guarantee that the underwater world is never too far away. Soneva’s ubiquitous chocolate parlours, ice-cream rooms and Mr./Ms Friday butler service is also provided to all guests.

With sandblasted pine decking and Shingle Red River Gum tiles adorning the outside of the fairytale-esque villas, the insides are made from subtly weathered woods and natural materials in a colour palette of white, pastel greens and mauves. The overall effect is ethereal, light and airy to encourage the ultimate state of relaxation. 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.

Another unique feature of the villas are the retractable roofs in the master bedroom, which slide back at the touch of a button to reveal the night sky for stargazing. If guests want a closer look, they can visit Soneva Jani’s Observatory, which is the first overwater observatory in the Maldives. A sophisticated telescope rises through the floor of the observatory deck, surrounded by four dining tables, where guests can dine and watch screens on the tables linked to the view from the telescope. The resort’s resident Astronomer is available to help guests discover the secrets of the universe.

The resort also features the largest overwater structure in the Maldives. At three storeys tall, The Gathering is the heart of the resort and houses the various dining outlets, which serve global cuisine, as well as the spa, library, retail area, wine cellar and Children’s Den. A Soleni Dive Centre and Marine Biology Champa are located next to The Gathering.

All guests are provided with bicycles or tricycles to help navigate the fun, snaking jetty that connects to the main island, home to Cinema Paradiso, Screwpine Alley, the Gardens and Labyrinth, and various walking and cycle paths. A shuttle boat service is also available to transport guests around the resort, should they prefer. Cinema Paradiso is an open-air, overwater cinema, where guests will be given Bluetooth headphones so as not to disturb the nesting turtles and other wildlife in the area.

While being a luxury resort, Soneva Jani’s eco-credentials strongly reflect the brand’s ‘intelligent luxury’ ethos, with fresh organic produce grown in farms on the island, as well as a recycling program and recycled glassware made at Soneva Fushi’s Glass Studio. 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 is collected and treated on-site, and water is also produced on-site, including drinking water, using desalination.

Located only 40 minutes from the capital Male, guests can arrive by seaplane, which lands at the floating airport situated in the deepest part of the lagoon, or by a 60-minute speedboat journey from the sister resort, Soneva Fushi.

“There are a lot of ‘biggest’ and ‘firsts’ associated with Soneva Jani, which is fascinating as it’s really a very small resort, in terms of room inventory, in the big scheme of things. However, we have pushed ourselves to create this totally unique, creative product in this incredibly beautiful location. 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,” said Olivia Richli, Pre-Opening and General Manager – Soneva Jani.

“The feedback we have received so far has been amazing, people haven’t seen anything like it. We are fully booked for parts of November and December, which is remarkable for the opening months of a luxury resorts life,” she concluded.

The resort, which celebrated its soft opening in October 2016, is open to the public however some elements of it are still in the final stages of development and are scheduled to be finished by December 2016.

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, was launched in the Maldives in 2015 and sails out of Soneva Fushi. For more information about Soneva visit www.soneva.com

Quick facts:

The Medhufaru lagoon is 5.6km long
There are 5.4 kilometres of nature trails to be explored on the main Medhufaru Island
1.6 kilometres of jetty links the water villas to the main island
12 kilometres of reef circling the lagoon, which include corals of all species, and a great deal of fish as well as huge old coral colonies creating a nice shallow 3D reefscape.
There are 104,000 pieces of Red River Gum Shingles from Laos on the roof of The Gathering

News

Ifuru Island Maldives celebrates 3rd anniversary with fashion, dance and music

Published

5 hours ago

October 1, 2026

m@ldives

On 1st December 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives will mark its 3rd anniversary with “Global Harmony,” a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and connection, bringing people together through the universal languages of fashion, dance and music.

Created around the message “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”, Global Harmony celebrates the many cultures, traditions and individual expressions that come together on one island.

The concept recognises that people may come from different countries, speak different languages, follow different traditions and express themselves in different ways, yet when those differences come together, they can create something extraordinary.

For Ifuru Island Maldives, the anniversary is not only an opportunity to celebrate another year. It is a moment to celebrate the people, cultures and shared experiences that continue to shape the spirit of Ifuru.

A Celebration Without Borders

At the heart of Global Harmony will be a creative fusion of fashion, dance and music, with different segments drawing inspiration from cultures, countries and styles from around the world.

Moving beyond the format of a traditional fashion show, the anniversary celebration is envisioned as a continuous performance in which fashion and movement become part of the same story.

Models will take to the stage in looks inspired by different parts of the world, with each fashion sequence transitioning naturally into a dance performance reflecting the culture, energy or character represented.

A traditional inspired look may lead into cultural movement, which can then evolve into a contemporary or fusion performance. As the evening progresses, individual styles and influences will begin to merge, building towards one collective finale.

The result will be a visual representation of the idea behind Global Harmony: different cultures and different styles finding one rhythm together.

Different Cultures. One Rhythm.

The 3rd anniversary theme reflects the international spirit of island life.

Every day, people from different backgrounds meet at Ifuru Island. Guests, team members, friends and partners each bring their own stories, traditions, personalities and experiences.

Global Harmony turns that diversity into the centrepiece of the anniversary celebration.

Rather than presenting cultures separately, the concept focuses on the beauty that emerges when they interact. Fashion becomes movement, movement follows music, and individual performances gradually become one shared celebration.

The finale will bring the different cultural and creative influences together, symbolising unity without losing individuality.

It is a message that feels particularly meaningful for Ifuru: people do not need to be the same to belong together.

Celebrating the Spirit of One Ifuru

The 3rd anniversary on 1st December will celebrate not only Ifuru Island’s journey, but also the community that has grown alongside it.

From memorable holidays and celebrations to friendships and shared island moments, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences that have become part of Ifuru’s story while looking forward to those still to come.

Through Global Harmony, the island will celebrate not simply another year, but the connections created along the way.

Against the natural backdrop of the Maldives, fashion, dance and music will come together to create an anniversary experience filled with colour, energy, movement and cultural expression.

As each individual performance becomes part of something bigger, the evening will ultimately return to one simple message: “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”

EVENT DETAILS

Celebration: Ifuru Island Maldives 3rd Anniversary
Theme: Global Harmony
Date: 1 December 2026
Location: Ifuru Island Maldives
Concept: A fusion of cultural fashion, dance and music
Tagline: “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”

Further details on the anniversary programme, performances and entertainment will be announced closer to the celebration.

Set amid the natural beauty of the Maldives, Ifuru Island Maldives brings together island living, dining, entertainment and memorable experiences in a destination shaped by freedom, connection and discovery.

With guests and team members from different parts of the world coming together on one island, Ifuru celebrates individuality, shared experiences and the connections that turn an island holiday into something more meaningful.

Cooking

Hideaway Beach Resort announces six-course dining experience with Chef Kanji Kobayashi

Published

7 hours ago

October 1, 2026

m@ldives

This November, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa will welcome acclaimed Japanese Chef Kanji Kobayashi, owner-chef of Villa Aida in Wakayama Prefecture, for two exclusive evenings celebrating the artistry, seasonality and refined traditions of Japanese cuisine.

Taking place on 10 and 14 November 2026, the intimate culinary experience will feature a meticulously crafted six-course fine dining menu, offering guests the opportunity to discover Chef Kanji’s distinctive approach to Japanese gastronomy in the spectacular surroundings of Hideaway.

At the heart of Chef Kanji’s culinary philosophy is a deep respect for nature and the Japanese tradition of appreciating ingredients at their finest moment. Each course will showcase carefully selected seasonal produce through refined techniques and elegant presentation, creating a harmonious journey of flavour, texture and craftsmanship.

From delicately prepared seafood to thoughtfully composed signature creations, the menu will bring together authentic Japanese culinary traditions with Chef Kanji’s contemporary expression. Each dish will reflect a balance between simplicity and sophistication, allowing the character and seasonality of the ingredients to take centre stage.

The exclusive dinners form part of Hideaway’s commitment to creating exceptional gastronomic experiences, bringing distinguished culinary talent to its private island retreat in Haa Alifu Atoll. Against a backdrop of pristine beaches, lush tropical surroundings and the Indian Ocean, the evenings promise an intimate celebration of food and artistry.

With a limited number of seats available on each evening, advance reservations are highly recommended.

For gourmands, admirers of Japanese cuisine and travellers seeking an extraordinary addition to their Maldivian escape, Chef Kanji Kobayashi’s six-course dining experience at Hideaway promises two memorable evenings where seasonality, craftsmanship and Japanese culinary heritage come together in paradise.

Nestled within the lush tropical vegetation of Dhonakulhi Island, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an exceptional island escape where luxury, privacy and personalised hospitality come together. With a diverse collection of restaurants and bars offering exquisite international cuisine and intimate private dining experiences, the resort caters to every culinary preference. Beyond gastronomy, guests can enjoy an extensive range of recreational activities, including tennis, padel, pickleball, golf, diving and exhilarating watersports, complemented by rejuvenating treatments at Hideaway Spa. Surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and abundant natural beauty, Hideaway places guest happiness at the heart of every experience, ensuring that each stay is filled with memorable moments, thoughtful service and endless opportunities to explore, unwind and indulge.

For bookings, please click here.

News

Dusit brings ‘Ocean Carnival’ and ‘Reef & Rhythm’ festive celebrations to Maldives

Published

11 hours ago

October 1, 2026

m@ldives

This festive season, Dusit Hotels and Resorts invites travellers to experience two distinctive celebrations in the Maldives, united by a shared source of inspiration: the ocean.

At Dusit Thani Maldives, the festive season comes to life through Ocean Carnival, a joyful celebration inspired by the colour, movement and wonder of the underwater world.

Meanwhile, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives turns up the island energy with Reef & Rhythm, where the ocean meets music, flavour, culture and celebration. Together, the two programmes offer different interpretations of the festive season while sharing the warmth of Dusit’s Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

“While Dusit Thani Maldives and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives each have their own distinctive character, both are deeply connected to the ocean and the spirit of the Maldives,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Dusit Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives. “With Ocean Carnival and Reef & Rhythm, we wanted to create two festive experiences that reflect the personality of each resort while sharing the same sense of celebration, connection and discovery. Whether guests are looking for a vibrant island atmosphere or a more tranquil escape surrounded by nature, we look forward to welcoming them to celebrate this special time of year with us.”

Two islands, one ocean-inspired celebration

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dusit Thani Maldives sets the scene for a festive escape surrounded by a vibrant house reef and the tranquillity of its natural island setting. Its Ocean Carnival programme brings together festive dining, family activities, wellness experiences and live entertainment, culminating in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach.

Just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers a different rhythm. The lifestyle-focused, Premium All-Inclusive resort embraces its playful character with Reef & Rhythm, bringing together pool parties, beachfront dining, live bands, DJs, cultural experiences, family adventures and celebrations beneath the stars.

Ocean Carnival at Dusit Thani Maldives

The celebrations at Dusit Thani Maldives begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Sand Bar on 21 December, setting the stage for a programme of memorable island experiences.Festive highlights include a beachfront Lobster BBQ, a lively Bartender Flairing Show, Santa’s arrival on Christmas morning, and an elegant Christmas Family Set Dinner at Sea Grill.

The programme continues between Christmas and New Year with a pool party and the resort’s Jungle Night, transforming Coconut Grove into an immersive tropical setting with a playful Jurassic twist, BBQ dining, entertainment and the unmistakable rhythm of Maldivian Boduberu.

The season reaches its crescendo on 31 December. Guests will begin the evening with a New Year’s Eve cocktail reception before Market Beach transforms for the Ocean Carnival New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Party. A lavish gala buffet will be accompanied by live music, DJs and entertainment inspired by the movement and magic of the ocean, before a midnight fireworks display welcomes 2027 beneath the Maldivian sky.

Celebrations continue into the New Year, including an authentic Thai Street Food Market at Benjarong on 3 January, accompanied by a traditional Thai dance performance.

Feel the Reef & Rhythm at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives

At dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, Reef & Rhythm follows the pulse of island life, with music and entertainment woven throughout the festive programme.

The season officially begins on 10 December with a sunset Christmas Cocktail Soirée and Tree Lighting Ceremony at SOI Beach. Christmas Eve brings a beachfront festive feast at Baraveli followed by live performances, Christmas celebrations and an LED party, while Christmas Day begins with Santa’s arrival before moving into a day of poolside music, beach games and tropical festivities.

Food takes centre stage throughout the season with experiences ranging from Streets of Thailand to Seafood, Sax & Champagne, an evening of fresh seafood, sparkling champagne and live saxophone melodies by the beach.

Maldivian culture also plays an important role in Reef & Rhythm. The resort’s Discover the 26 Atolls of the Maldives experience brings local traditions to life through arts and crafts, cultural performances and the rhythms of the islands.

Families can slow the pace with Cinema Under the Stars, while evenings across the resort feature an ever- changing soundtrack of live bands, DJs, solo singers, saxophone performances and visual shows.

On 31 December, SOI Beach becomes the heart of the celebration for the Reef & Rhythm New Year’s Eve Gala. Beginning with a sunset saxophone performance, the evening progresses through an international gala, live music and stage entertainment before the countdown to 2027. A DJ-led after-party then carries the celebration into the early hours of the New Year.

Celebrate the Maldives, your way

While each resort brings its own character to the festive season, both celebrations share a common spirit: bringing people together through memorable dining, music, culture and experiences shaped by their island surroundings.

For travellers seeking a vibrant, social and contemporary celebration close to Malé, Reef & Rhythm at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives delivers a festive season filled with energy from morning until late into the night.

For those drawn to the natural beauty and laid-back luxury of Baa Atoll, Ocean Carnival at Dusit Thani Maldives offers an immersive festive escape where celebration, discovery and connection unfold against one of the Maldives’ most remarkable ocean settings.

From reef to rhythm, and from carnival colour to celebrations beneath the stars, Dusit invites guests to end 2026 and begin the New Year surrounded by the ocean.