Featured
Eight Michelin stars to light up Soneva’s kitchens in August

Soneva has announced that its resorts in Maldives will welcome three Michelin-starred chefs this August, as part of its year-long Festival of Colour.
Soneva Fushi
Japan’s youngest three-starred chef Kenji Gyoten returns to Soneva Fushi this August to once again offer guests the chance to skip the six-month long waiting list at his restaurant Sushi Gyoten in Fukuoka. He will be crafting his bite-sized sushi using the hontegaeshi (hand flip), a technique rarely seen these days, at So Hands On.
The three-starred Chef Christian Le Squer from France defines himself as a creator of flavours and composer of tastes, shaping and assembling ingredients in order to enhance them and obtain the most exacting flavours with perfect coherence.
Chef Kiko Moya is a Spanish two-starred chef who offers gourmet explorers dishes full of delicacy, skill and traditional flavours. His dishes comprise aromas and textures of game, handmade sausages, mushrooms, and fish such as sea bass, cod or tuna.
Chef Christian and Chef Moya will be cooking at Out of the Blue’s Once Upon a Table. Christian will be at Soneva Fushi from August 11-25, Kenji from August 18-29, and Kiko from August 25 to September 1
Soneva Jani
At Soneva Jani, Chef Joe Barza, the renowned Lebanese Masterchef and co-host of the TV programme Top Chef, will be preparing traditional Lebanese cuisine from August 22-28.
Chef Zuhair, Soneva’s Maldivian chef who specialises in local cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, will be hosting a Maldivian pop-up dining experience.
Meanwhile, at The Director’s Cut by Gaston, Soneva Jani’s new overwater dining experience at Cinema Paradiso, Peruvian set menu and á la carte options will be available to choose from. Guests will be able to experience Peruvian cuisine by Chef Gaston at the only Peruvian restaurant in the Maldives.
In February, Soneva launched its first ever year-long campaign known as the Festival of Colour, to celebrate the diverse array of guest activities and experiences on offer this year. Soneva has confirmed a huge line-up of visiting experts, including chefs, authors, wine producers, world-champion free-divers, astronomers, artists, wellness practitioners, tennis coaches and more at all resorts.
Soneva’s Festival of Colour runs from February 2018 to February 2019.
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.
Cover photo: (R-L) Chef Kiko Moya, Chef Christian Le Squer and Chef Kenji Gyoten.
Entertainment
Ultimate experience of music and magic at Reethi Faru Resort

The stage is set for a one-of-a-kind celebration of artistry, wonder, and sustainable luxury as the Festival of Magic and Melodies arrives at Reethi Faru Resort. Taking place from April 26 to April 30, 2025, the festival promises an immersive journey through the realms of music and magic, all within the serene beauty of one of the Maldives’ most intimate island resorts.
Located on the tranquil island of Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort is known for combining opulence with ecological responsibility. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and lush tropical vegetation, the resort provides an idyllic backdrop for this exclusive event. With a strong dedication to preserving the island’s natural ecosystems, Reethi Faru offers guests a unique experience of sustainable luxury.
Headlining the festival are two internationally acclaimed performers who each bring a powerful and transformative artistic vision to the stage.
Swiss violinist and composer Nurdana Ernst will present her celebrated concert Soul Therapy. A graduate of the Haute École de Musique in Lausanne and certified in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music, Ernst is recognised for blending classical mastery with contemporary expression. Her performances invite audiences to explore inner emotions through the healing qualities of music, creating an atmosphere of deep reflection and emotional connection. With a background as a soloist with prestigious orchestras and a growing international fanbase for her debut singles Tomiris and The Voice of the Heart, Ernst is poised to deliver an unforgettable musical journey.
Sharing the spotlight is French magician and mentalist Nicolas Subra, also known as The Dream Guider. With over 15 years of experience and performances in more than 20 countries, Subra is renowned for his mesmerising stage presence and the philosophical depth behind his illusions. His shows are not just spectacles, but immersive experiences that blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy, offering audiences moments of wonder, inspiration, and introspection.
Together, these two exceptional artists will transform Reethi Faru into a realm where music and magic converge. The Festival of Magic and Melodies is designed to captivate the senses while honouring the natural beauty and sustainable ethos of its island setting.
Guests at the festival will not only enjoy world-class performances but also the chance to connect with nature, art, and themselves in a setting that celebrates mindful luxury.
The Festival of Magic and Melodies offers a rare and enriching escape—an opportunity to indulge in elegance, creativity, and ecological harmony.
Featured
ELE|NA teams up with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health for personalised wellness in Maldives

ELE|NA, a trailblazer in transformative wellness experiences, has announced a strategic partnership with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health. This collaboration brings together world-class wellness programs and advanced DNA-based health insights to ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to holistic well-being. Guests can now enjoy an integrated approach to fitness, mindfulness, and personalised health optimisation in a luxurious island setting.
Through this partnership, ELE|NA now offers expert-led wellness experiences curated by Fit Bodies, Inc., the world’s largest provider of fitness, yoga, and sports instructors for luxury resorts. At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, guests have access to:
- Two daily group fitness sessions, including Paddle Yoga, Aqua Fitness, Water Pilates, Latin Dance, and Tai Chi.
- One private session per week with a visiting instructor, offering personalised attention and skill development.
- Two weekly workshops covering diverse topics such as self-care rituals, breath work, sound healing, and mindful movement.
Guests are also invited to participate in immersive experiences such as Luxury Sleep Recovery techniques, Sunrise & Sunset Rituals, and Art Therapy. These offerings provide a comprehensive approach that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. Additionally, year-round wellness experiences like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling are available to support deeper transformation.
Throughout April, special wellness workshops featuring live music are available, creating a serene yet energising environment that enhances each practice.
ELE|NA’s partnership with Muhdo Health adds a new dimension of personalisation to the wellness journey through DNA-based insights. Guests can access Muhdo’s exclusive DNA Kits—available only in the Maldives—to receive customised recommendations in the areas of:
- Nutrition and fitness, based on individual genetic profiles.
- Sleep optimisation strategies for improved recovery.
- Cognitive and stress resilience methods to enhance mental clarity and overall well-being.
To ensure a seamless experience, DNA Kits must be pre-booked prior to arrival, allowing each guest to begin their wellness journey with a fully prepared health report.
By blending scientific innovation with expert-guided wellness programming, ELE|NA continues to redefine luxury wellness travel, offering unique experiences that empower guests to pursue optimal health both during their stay and beyond.
ELE|NA offers a vibrant year-round schedule featuring practices such as Power Yoga Vinyasa, Deep Slow Flow, Yin Classes, Sweat & Surrender, and Restorative Yoga. These are complemented by holistic services like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling. During April, guests can also enjoy enhanced sessions with live music, amplifying the tranquil yet invigorating ambiance.
This innovative collaboration signals a new era in customised wellness travel. By combining leading-edge health insights with transformative lifestyle experiences, ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invites guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, movement, and renewal—guided by some of the most respected wellness experts in the world.
Awards
Angsana Velavaru wins 2024 British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award

Angsana Velavaru has been honoured with the esteemed British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for 2024, a recognition that underscores the resort’s steadfast dedication to delivering outstanding service and unforgettable guest experiences. With an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, the resort has secured its position among the highest-rated hotels worldwide, as determined by unbiased reviews from its guests.
In a hospitality landscape where perfection is often pursued but seldom attained, Angsana Velavaru shines as a symbol of excellence. Its strong reputation is rooted in flawless service, breathtaking natural surroundings, and a deep connection to the untouched beauty of the Maldives. Guests are welcomed into a serene escape, featuring spacious InOcean villas and beachfront villas designed to provide not only comfort but a sense of home. The resort offers a wide range of experiences, from private dining to extraordinary marine excursions, ensuring that every stay becomes a lasting memory.
Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the award reflects the team’s dedication to delivering more than just a stay – but an experience that lingers with guests long after they depart. He emphasised that this recognition from British Airways Holidays further reinforces the resort’s commitment to excellence.
British Airways Holidays, a prominent name in the UK travel industry, bases its Customer Excellence Awards on over 72,000 independent guest reviews collected in 2024. These awards are determined through comprehensive evaluations focused on location, service, cleanliness, and sleep quality.
Andrew Flintham, Managing Director at British Airways Holidays, shared his appreciation for Angsana Velavaru’s performance, noting that the awards celebrate hotels that mirror the company’s mission to provide unforgettable travel experiences. He highlighted that the recognition helps travellers make informed choices and ensures their holidays are truly memorable.
This award serves not only as validation of Angsana Velavaru’s outstanding offerings but also as a reaffirmation of its reputation as one of the Maldives’ most desirable destinations. With its unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, the resort continues to redefine what it means to experience paradise.
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