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Soneva launches world’s first fully sustainable surfing programme

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Soneva has announced plans to launch the world’s first fully sustainable surf programme, Soneva Surf.

With the launch of planned in May, on the first day of the Maldivian surfing season which spans May through to October, the programme aims to tap into the growing interest in the Maldives as a surfing destination.

To celebrate the launch of the surf programme, Soneva has released this short video.

Soneva Surf will be offered at both of Soneva’s Maldives properties, Soneva Fushi in the Baa atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu atoll. Plus Soneva in Aqua will offer a Surfing Charter within both atolls.

Prices for Soneva’s surfing packages start at USD 350++ per guest for three hours from Soneva Fushi or Soneva Jani, which includes a Surf Instructor/Guide, water, snacks, usage of surfboards, rash guards, sunscreen and board wax. A private boat for a maximum of four guests for three hours including surfing equipment costs USD 1,000++.

The Surf Charter with Soneva in Aqua starts at USD 4,200++ for one night, a maximum of four adults and two children. This includes all meals (excluding alcohol and soft drinks), a Surf Instructor/Guide, Mr. Friday, Spa Therapist, Chef and Captain.

So far, Soneva has discovered 13 and 11 surfing spots in the Baa atoll and Noonu atoll, respectively; and hopes to uncover many more. Each of these locations are relatively unknown, meaning they are less travelled, uncrowded and secret. Surfing in the Baa atoll and Noonu atoll is more suited to intermediate to advanced surfers, but beginners will find surfing spots that cater to their needs.

“Surfing here is about the search and discovery of something that is secretive and pristine. This is something that is so rare to find in the world these days and, what is incredible, is that this is something that we have on our doorstep,” Soneva Surf’s Manager Sunny Yang was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“Our mission is to show surfers that sustainable surfing can be achieved without sacrificing the quality of the experience,”

Soneva Surf is pioneering luxurious yet sustainable surfing, using eco-friendly surfboards, leashes, fins, rash guards, sunscreen and board wax. Soneva encourages guests who are interested in surfing to leave their surfing equipment at home and use the eco-friendly brands that were carefully selected by Soneva. Products are also available for sale.

As part of the programme, Soneva will also be working with the local communities to help support the further growth and development of surfing across the Maldives in an effort to encourage the younger generation to understand the power and vulnerability of their ocean home. Soneva will be working with their partners to help provide equipment, opportunities and training for aspiring Maldivian surfers, including hosting surfing events in the future.

Soneva, a world-leading luxury resort operator, runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

Established in 1995, Soneva Fushi is the original Soneva. The No News, No Shoes blueprint for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways is located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 65 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, hidden amongst dense foliage.

The iconic resort has bagged several international awards for eco-friendly tourism and green initiatives, including the 2017 Green Hotelier Award for the Asia Pacific region and the Sustainable Hotel Award by the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) as well as a spot in the Gold List compiled by Condé Nast Traveler China as the Best Hotel in the Maldives and amongst the best resorts in the world in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2017.

Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and its second resort in the Maldives.

Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of 24 overwater villas and one island villa set in a 5.6 kilometre private lagoon located in the northern Noonu atoll. The resort spans five islands surrounded by pure white beaches, covered in rich tropical vegetation, offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury.

Each of the resort’s multilevel water villas has its own private pool and a retractable roof that allows guests to sleep beneath the stars. Many villas also have slides that transport guests directly from the top level into the lagoon below. Other hotel highlights include a spa, an observatory — home to the largest telescope in the Indian Ocean — and an outdoor cinema.

Since its opening, Soneva Jani has created a lot of buzz amongst luxury travellers with its exciting features such as the retractable roofs and the water slides. It has been named the Best Over-the-Top Luxury hotel of the year by Jetsetter.com, the best new resort in the world by CNN, and the Leading Luxury Hotel/Resort in South Asia and Leading Luxury Hotel/Resort in Maldives.

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands announces tennis workshops with Belinda Bencic

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is set to host an exclusive tennis exhibition this November, featuring WTA Tour Champion Belinda Bencic. The resort will offer guests an extraordinary weekend of tennis, including exhibition play and immersive workshops under the Maldivian sky.

This unique event is designed as a celebration of sport and community, allowing guests to engage with, learn from, and connect with the tennis star. The weekend will begin with a dynamic exhibition match between Belinda Bencic and the Resort Tennis Pro, which will be followed by complimentary participation for guests.

To provide guests with hands-on experience, the resort has scheduled dedicated workshops for different age groups:

  • Adult Tennis Workshop: Saturday, 8 November 2025, from 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM.
  • Children’s Tennis Workshop (under 14 years old): Sunday, 9 November 2025, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

For those seeking a more personalised session, exclusive private classes with Belinda Bencic will be available upon request.

Availability:

  • 10 to 15 November 2025.

Pricing:

  • A 60-minute session costs USD 360 per guest.
    A 60-minute session costs USD 390 per couple.

Guests interested in reservations or more information are encouraged to contact their Aris Meeha.

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OZEN LIFE MAADHOO debuts Wind Villa with Jacuzzi & Slide

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OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has announced the introduction of its newest villa category, the Wind Villa with Jacuzzi & Slide, offering guests a playful yet luxurious twist to their Maldivian getaway. Designed for travellers seeking both relaxation and excitement, the new villa combines captivating ocean views with dynamic features for an unforgettable island experience.

Located at the edge of the island, the Wind Villa enjoys a prime sunrise position and includes a spacious bedroom with high ceilings, an elegant outdoor lounge, and direct access to the lagoon’s clear waters. The addition of a private Jacuzzi and waterslide adds an element of adventure and intimacy, ideal for couples or small families in search of both tranquillity and fun.

Guests can unwind on the sun-drenched deck, enjoy a soothing soak under the Maldivian skies, or take a refreshing slide into the turquoise lagoon, surrounded by the serene beauty of Maadhoo’s shimmering waters.

Stéphane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer of Atmosphere Core, commented: “Imagining the children’s faces when they see for the first time the striking blue lagoon off the terrace and the bonus of sliding directly into the warm, calm waters below is a joy in itself. What’s even more delightful is the thought of adults embracing the same experience – sliding by day, then later cuddling beneath the starlit Maldivian sky in a hot Jacuzzi, bubbles all around – including in their flute glass! We are thrilled to introduce the Wind Villa with Jacuzzi & Slide, a fresh take on luxury that fuses private leisure with a sense of adventure. This new category reflects our commitment to creating memorable experiences for families and couples seeking a vibrant or romantic island retreat.”

The launch of the Wind Villa coincides with the upcoming holiday season and follows recent enhancements across the resort, including new pool additions to the Earth Villas. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO continues to evolve its offerings to elevate the guest experience.

With its contemporary design, luxurious comforts, and imaginative features, the Wind Villa with Jacuzzi & Slide offers a refreshing balance of indulgence and exhilaration—an experience that perfectly captures the resort’s philosophy of joyful island living.

Stay More & Pay Less with 20% savings when booking directly. These one-of-a-kind exclusive rates ensure a perfectly tailored Maldivian escape. Discover more at theozencollection.com.

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From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

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