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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.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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