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Soneva Fushi wins Community Engagement Award at PURE 2018

Soneva Fushi has picked up the Community Engagement Award at PURE 2018.
The winners were announced at the PURE Awards Party hosted at Sofitel Marrakech on September 12.
The Community Engagement category recognises a project or initiative that strategically and sensitively integrates the local community, aligning itself with the values of the inhabitants and protecting the authenticity of their culture, while enriching the experience of the traveller.
Two initiatives won Soneva Fushi the award; the Soneva Ocean Stewards, a programme that teaches Maldivian children to swim and to learn to love and protect the marine environment, and the Soneva Eco Camp, which educates children on the environmental challenges faced by their communities in the hopes of inspiring them to become environmental stewards.
“We are thrilled that Soneva Fushi won the award for Community Engagement, and we couldn’t have done it without our fantastic Community Engagement team, headed by Ahmed Moomin. They have done an incredible job teaching so many local children how to swim, training swimming instructors and raising awareness in local communities on how to safeguard the Maldives’ natural environment,” Sonu Shivdasani, Soneva’s CEO and co-founder, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Despite living in an island nation just one metre above sea level, a large number of Maldivians are unable to swim, a problem that poses a particular risk to children. According to UNICEF, child drowning is an epidemic that happens less than 500 metres from home. While safety is an important driver for the Soneva Ocean Stewards programme, it is also about introducing children to the marine life in the Indian Ocean, which many of them never get the opportunity to see.
Soneva believes that if children are taught how to swim, then taken snorkelling to see reefs and marine animals, then they will want to protect the ocean. Combined with environmental education, the aim is to inspire children to become the next generation of ocean stewards.
The Soneva Ocean Stewards programme is divided into three focus areas: training swimming instructors, teaching children how to swim and apply these new skills, and educating them on environmental awareness. A train-the-trainer programme was put into practice to ensure there were enough qualified local swimming instructors to have an impact on many local islands.
Children in the programme can choose to take either an intensive two-week programme or weekly swimming classes over a longer period of time. The programme focused on third graders who are at a good age to learn to swim, with water festivals arranged as a means for them to put their skills into practice.
The Soneva Ocean Stewards programme has taught over 300 children how to swim, which was achieved by training 38 swimming instructors who will ensure that the number of children who learn to swim continues to increase. This programme is currently running on three local islands, which should increase by another six over the next 12 months.
Conversely, the Soneva Eco Camp is an initiative that invites local children on a five-day training course at Soneva. During this time, they get to see first-hand how Soneva’s Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth facility recycles 90 percent of its solid waste and turns it into real financial value, and also to learn about the biodiversity on land and in the sea.
In addition to the Soneva Eco Camp, Soneva regularly invites local Maldivian and Thai school groups to take the Soneva Eco Tour, which are day trips to Soneva to see its Waste-to-Wealth practices in an effort to build their interest in environmental protection.
Fifty children have participated in the Soneva Eco Camp so far. A collaboration with UNDP provide theoretical depth to the learnings at the camp, while experts from Soneva provided the children with tangible examples.
Soneva has also hosted over 150 children on the Soneva Eco Tours. The success of the programme can be seen in this statement from one of the participants of the Soneva Eco Camp: “I want to actually make a difference to our society. I want to protect our environment, not using PET bottles. I have been using one single bottle since I came here. I think I will try to stick to that.”
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.
Excursions
COMO Maalifushi launches freediving with Maldivian pioneer Fahd Faiz

COMO Maalifushi has announced the launch of its new freediving programme, developed in collaboration with Fahd Faiz, the first Maldivian freediving instructor and a prominent advocate for marine conservation in the country. This initiative reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformative guest experiences while promoting sustainability, education, and professional development within its team.
Running from 27 July to 10 August 2025, Fahd Faiz’s residency marks the official introduction of freediving training at COMO Maalifushi. The programme centres on equipping the resort’s marine team with advanced skills in breath-hold diving, safety protocols, and heightened underwater awareness. These freediving techniques are set to be incorporated into the resort’s PADI offerings, providing guests with an opportunity to engage with the ocean in a more mindful and unrestricted manner.
Fahd Faiz is the founder of Freedive Maldives, the country’s first locally owned freediving centre, established in 2015. A world record holder in static apnea, he has trained more than 1,000 students and currently serves as President of the Maldives Freediving Association. As the country’s sole PADI Instructor Trainer, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the freediving landscape both in the Maldives and internationally.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Maldives, remarked, “Having Fahd with us at COMO Maalifushi has been an inspiring experience for the team. His passion for the ocean, combined with his exceptional expertise and dedication to education, aligns perfectly with our brand’s ethos of holistic wellness, sustainability, and authentic connection to place. This new freediving initiative not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also enriches the experience we offer our guests, allowing them to encounter the marine world in a deeper and more tranquil way. We are proud to support Fahd’s mission and delighted to introduce freediving at COMO Maalifushi.”
During his residency, Fahd is leading immersive training sessions with the resort’s marine team, focusing on breath control, rescue techniques, equalisation, and mental conditioning—skills essential to freediving and valuable in ensuring guest safety and engagement.
This new freediving experience at COMO Maalifushi is poised to become a signature offering, inviting guests to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean on a single breath, amidst vibrant coral gardens, tropical reef fish, and the meditative silence of the sea.
Featured
Tailored tranquillity and adventure at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Long celebrated as a quintessential romantic escape, the Maldives is now enchanting travellers of every age — from families with children and teenagers to couples and solo adventurers. The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents a setting where guests can share extraordinary experiences and create lasting memories, whether they are seeking exhilarating marine encounters, exceptional dining, or a tranquil wellness retreat.
The resort’s JW Little Griffins Kids Club, among the largest in the Maldives, offers a captivating world for younger guests. Designed around the theme of a beachside pirate shipwreck, the outdoor space features a 13-metre-long pirate ship, a dedicated children’s pool, and miniature amenities such as sun loungers. Over 100 engaging activities are on offer, including pizza-making classes, island discovery walks, kite flying, sandcastle building, and the JW Beach Olympics. Children under the age of 12 dine free of charge. Teenagers aged 12 and above have access to a private pool and lounge, as well as indoor entertainment such as PlayStation gaming and karaoke — ensuring a tailored experience for every age group.
For those drawn to the ocean, the resort’s Dive & Water Sports Centre offers a comprehensive array of aquatic experiences. From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and scuba diving to dolphin spotting and deep-sea fishing, activities are designed to suit all interests and skill levels. Adventure-seekers can indulge in jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, and kite surfing, while guests preferring a gentler pace can opt for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a traditional banana boat ride. The resort’s experienced team ensures each encounter with the ocean is both safe and unforgettable.
Those in pursuit of serenity can unwind at the overwater SPA by JW, where contemporary design harmonises with the soothing rhythm of the sea. Guests may select from a variety of rejuvenating treatments, including restorative massages, crystal facial therapies, and invigorating body rituals — all designed to promote inner and outer balance. A tranquil swim in the outdoor pool, framed by sweeping ocean views and gentle breezes, completes the experience.
Culinary exploration at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is nothing short of exceptional, with five distinctive restaurants offering flavours from across the globe. Fiamma serves beloved Italian classics, while Kaashi offers Thai cuisine high in the treetops with panoramic sea views. Hashi presents refined Japanese teppanyaki over water, and Shio provides premium meats and seafood in a fine dining atmosphere. Aailaa offers a global dining experience throughout the day, with live cooking stations adding an interactive flair. Guests may also enjoy cocktails at Wabi Sabi, rare aged rums at Rum Baan, and a selection of curated wines from the resort’s expansive cellar. For more intimate occasions, private Destination Dining options include an eight-course Indian tasting menu at RIHA or bespoke meals under the stars or in-villa.
Solo travellers are equally well catered for, with the resort offering a unique combination of seclusion and luxury. Without the need to accommodate group plans or shared schedules, guests travelling alone are free to tailor their stay as they wish — from early morning yoga overlooking the Indian Ocean to private snorkelling sessions guided by marine biologists. The resort’s spacious overwater villas provide a peaceful refuge for reading, journaling, or quiet contemplation. Private dining options allow solo guests to enjoy gourmet cuisine in complete privacy, and the dedicated Thakuru (butler) service ensures every detail is attended to with care.
Featured
Wellness visionaries unite for SOUL Festival 2025 at Soneva Fushi

If the terms ‘peak performance’ and ‘breathwork’ are not yet part of one’s vocabulary, they are likely to be after five days at SOUL Festival 2025. Set to take place from 9th to 13th October at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, this year’s edition marks the highly anticipated return of Jamie Wheal and Julie Webster, co-founders of the Flow Genome Project and two of the most prominent figures in the world of transformational wellness.
Following their captivating sessions at last year’s festival, the pair return with a newly curated programme of immersive experiences designed to enhance movement, mindset and emotional wellbeing. Mornings begin barefoot, awakening the body; days are enriched with science-based insights into the brain’s most powerful states; and evenings are grounded in restorative practices that leave participants centred, clear, and recharged. The Flow Genome Project’s methods, which are followed by elite athletes, creatives, CEOs and even special forces operatives, will once again be brought to life amidst the serene meeting point of jungle, ocean and refined luxury.
Throughout the festival, guests can expect movement practices that reconnect them with their bodies, workshops aimed at fostering greater ease in relationships, and breathwork sessions that promote nervous system recovery and a deep sense of calm. The experience is a journey in learning how to attune, release, and rediscover one’s natural rhythm.
Joining Jamie and Julie this year are Sanctum founders Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski, Nathalie Schyllert of Bodyism, Peigín Crowley of Ground Wellbeing, and a host of leading names in holistic health and performance, including Tim Gray, Dr Timm Golueke, Roses Gabor, Frida Redknapp, Kirsten King, Adrienne Adhami, Dong Juan, Anika Lefebvre, and Nils Behrens.
SOUL Festival is Soneva’s annual celebration of visionaries, seekers, and innovators from across the globe. This year’s programme is ambitious, the setting is extraordinary, and places are limited. Guests booking before 31st August 2025 will enjoy a 10% saving with the SOUL Festival early bird offer.
Returning home unchanged may not be an option.
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