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With a barefoot bookseller, Soneva Fushi to open Maldives’ first pop-up bookshop

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Soneva Fushi is set to introduce the first ever pop-up bookshop to the shores of the Maldives.

Run by Ultimate Library, the bookshop will open on December 1, and will feature a collection of stunning illustrated tomes focusing on art, design, style and haute cuisine. The collection will also include books that resonate with the energy and beauty of the Indian Ocean, its history, marine life and the natural environment.

The innovative idea caught headlines around the world when the search for a barefoot bookseller was posted on Bookbrunch, a niche book recruitment site. With most people stuck behind their desks dreaming of tropical getaways, a slow week for news saw the barefoot bookseller advert cut through the noise and go viral. The story has since been republished across global media, including Lonely Planet, CNN, Vanity Fair, La Repubblica (IT), 9 Travel (AU), The Daily Mail, The Guardian and The Telegraph.

Ultimate Library has been inundated with over 1,000 applications from 18-year-olds to 80-year-olds residing in over 40 different countries. Their professions have ranged from beat-poets, lawyers, photographers, film directors, national DJs, a member of the White House press corp and even a few booksellers. The diversity of applicants proves that in our current uncertain times, the dream of a residency amongst books, sea, and sand is universally appealing.

“We were seeking special individuals who share our passion for books and reading. Who in addition can bring books and writing ‘alive’ through reading groups, creative writing and bibliotherapy sessions; hosting celebrity writers and chefs and hand-selling books onsite,” Ultimate Library CEO Philip Blackwell was quoted in a statement, as saying.

The deadline for applications has now closed and candidates are being shortlisted with the lucky barefoot booksellers to be announced within the next two months.

Anyone can join the community of island loving readers, and follow the adventures of the barefoot bookseller on Instagram and Twitter as well as through a dedicated blog and newsletter.

Ultimate Library is the world’s leading supplier of bespoke book libraries for hotels, resorts and private residences. Their book collections can be found in many of the luxury hotels and resorts across the Maldives.

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.

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Ayada Maldives presents Easter week of family and wellness activities

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Ayada Maldives has announced a series of experiences to mark the Easter season, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion through a week of activities centred on family time, relaxation and shared island moments.

As the season approaches, the resort will host a programme designed to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Families are encouraged to spend time together in the island’s natural surroundings, while children take part in a variety of activities and explore the island environment.

Throughout the week, Easter-themed experiences will be integrated into daily island life. At the Zuzuu Kids Club, younger guests will have access to a range of creative and interactive activities designed to encourage imagination and discovery. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of wellness experiences including sunrise yoga sessions, spa treatments at AySpa, and quiet moments by private pools or along the beach.

Evenings will feature a range of social and culinary experiences, including beachside gatherings, live music and dining events set against the island’s coastal setting. These activities are intended to create a relaxed yet festive environment for guests to come together and enjoy the Easter holiday.

According to the resort, the Easter programme focuses on creating opportunities for guests to reconnect with family and friends while enjoying the island’s surroundings. The celebrations are designed to highlight shared experiences rather than a single event, allowing guests to enjoy the season at their own pace.

Through the programme, Ayada Maldives aims to offer visitors an opportunity to celebrate Easter in a setting defined by natural beauty, hospitality and time spent together.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef marks International Women’s Day with beach celebration

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Sun Siyam Resorts Privé Collection, marked International Women’s Day by celebrating the contributions of female team members and guests, recognising their role in shaping the experiences that define the island.

The resort hosted a white-themed sunset cocktail gathering on the beach on 8 March, where guests and female colleagues came together to mark the occasion. The event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of women across various roles within the resort.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef highlighted the role of its female team members in delivering guest experiences, from operational support and administrative roles to culinary and guest service positions. The resort noted that these contributions play a significant role in shaping the overall guest journey on the island.

As part of the evening’s programme, the resort’s resident artist conducted a live painting session, reflecting the creativity and energy women bring to the hospitality sector. Guests were also served a selection of specially curated “White Theme” cocktails prepared by the resort’s bartending team to mark the occasion.

Commenting on the celebration, Thoha Yoosuf said the resort’s female colleagues bring intuition and warmth to their roles, helping create memorable experiences for guests. He added that the celebration recognised their dedication, leadership and commitment.

Through the event, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef highlighted the diverse roles played by women within its team, while recognising the culture and individuality that contribute to the resort’s working community.

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Angsana Velavaru plans Easter weekend of activities and dining

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Angsana Velavaru is inviting guests to celebrate Easter with a two-day island programme featuring family activities, ocean experiences and seasonal dining from 4 to 5 April 2026.

Located within a lagoon in South Nilandhe Atoll, the resort will host a series of activities designed for families, couples and travellers seeking a seasonal getaway by the sea. The programme includes a combination of wellness sessions, marine experiences and leisure activities intended to bring guests together during the Easter holiday period.

Mornings begin with yoga sessions overlooking the lagoon, followed by opportunities to explore the island’s marine environment through guided snorkelling excursions and discovery experiences organised by the Endheri Marine Centre.

Throughout the day, guests can take part in a range of recreational activities across the island. These include beach kite flying, aqua aerobics sessions and bird feeding at the island’s sanctuary. Adventure-focused experiences are also available, with water sports such as family tube rides and sunset cruises offering guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding lagoon.

Dining experiences form a central part of the Easter programme. Guests can participate in interactive activities including cocktail-making sessions and the Wok & Toss dining experience, which allows visitors to engage with the resort’s culinary team. The programme also includes Easter buffet lunch and dinner at Kaani Restaurant, where seasonal dishes are served in a relaxed island setting.

Evening entertainment includes live music performances, DJ sessions and outdoor film screenings under the stars, creating a relaxed atmosphere for guests to gather and socialise.

Children’s activities are organised through the Ranger’s Club, where a dedicated Easter programme features creative workshops such as bunny mask making, Easter egg painting and string art. Traditional activities including Easter egg hunts and beach races are also planned for younger guests.

The Easter programme at Angsana Velavaru combines marine exploration, family-friendly activities and seasonal dining experiences, offering guests an opportunity to celebrate the holiday while enjoying the island’s natural surroundings.

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