Connect with us

Featured

Soneva to launch private luxury seaplane in Maldives

Published

on

Soneva has announced that it will soon be unveiling its new 10-seater luxury seaplane in the Maldives.

The DHC-6 Twin Otter, which normally seats 19, has been overhauled by the IKHANA Group in Canada, custom-painted with Soneva’s branding in a rich purple on the exterior, and outfitted with new chrome and purple leather interiors.

The aircraft has been customised to meet Soneva’s luxury brand standards, with interior panels designed to provide a smoother, cleaner look than the typical commuter aircraft interior. The seats have been reupholstered using Elmosoft leather in Soneva purple with a floor covering that mimics slate. The aircraft has 10 VIP seats (eight front-facing and two rear-facing), with two additional fold-down seats and two pilot seats. There are also signature Soneva design touches on-board, such as handcrafted lighting.

Twin Otter planes have short take-off and landing (STOL) abilities, which makes them ideal float planes as they lift off the water faster. DHC-6 Twin Otters have an average range of 886 miles, a top speed of 184 miles per hour, a cruise speed of 173 miles per hour and a wingspan of 66 feet.

This model of aircraft’s fixed tricycle undercarriage, safety record, twin turboprop engines and high climb rate have made it a successful commuter passenger airliner as well as a cargo and medevac aircraft. The Twin Otter has been popular with commercial skydiving operations, and is used by the US Army Parachute Team and the US Air Force’s 98th Flying Training Squadron.

Soneva’s plane is currently en route from Canada across Greenland to Iceland in one hop, then through Europe and the Middle East, before landing in the Maldives.

The new plane, which will be in operation by mid-December, will transport Soneva guests roundtrip from Velana International Airport to Soneva Fushi in Baa atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu atoll. The cost of the roundtrip seaplane transfer will be USD 1,100 return from Male to Soneva Fushi or Soneva Jani.

Aerial view of Soneva Jani, the newest property of Soneva. PHOTO/ SONEVA

Soneva 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.

Featured

Kuramathi Maldives celebrates International Women’s Day

Published

on

Kuramathi Maldives embraced the spirit of International Women’s Day, aligning with this year’s theme, ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ The occasion served as a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable women in society, celebrating their achievements, resilience, and contributions.

The day commenced with a peaceful and empowering ladies-only complimentary yoga session at the Kuramathi Spa. From 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM, participants engaged in stretching, breathing exercises, and relaxation under the guidance of an expert yogi, all while surrounded by the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Bageecha Kids’ Club also took part in the celebrations, organising a day filled with creative and engaging activities. Children participated in a craft session where they created drawings and cards to honour the strong women they admire. One of the highlights of the activities was the mocktail-making session, where children enjoyed preparing drinks accompanied by pastries and fresh fruits. These activities allowed the younger guests to engage with the event’s empowering theme in a joyful and meaningful manner.

As the sun set, the festivities continued with a lively celebration at the Sand Bank. Guests gathered to embrace the theme of the day, engaging in laughter, music, and meaningful conversations while reflecting on the importance of creating opportunities and empowering future generations of women and girls.

Featuring live music, fun games, and an uplifting ambiance, International Women’s Day at Kuramathi Maldives was more than just an event—it served as a reminder of the power of community, support, and the ongoing journey toward equality. The resort extended its gratitude to all those who participated in making the day truly special, celebrating the strength and achievements of women past, present, and future.

Continue Reading

Featured

Varu Spa’s new holistic wellness experiences at Kandolhu Maldives

Published

on

Kandolhu Maldives has introduced a new menu at Varu Spa, offering a range of treatments designed to harmonise the mind, body, and soul. Inspired by the essence of ‘Varu,’ meaning energy in the local Dhivehi language, the revitalised offerings include signature experiences aimed at restoring balance and enhancing overall well-being.

One of the standout treatments is the Varu Origins treatment, a 120-minute immersive ritual that features a full-body exfoliation, a personalised massage, and a rejuvenating facial to promote skin radiance. Additionally, the Varu Tradition provides a holistic experience by combining aromatherapy, spinal pressure techniques, and reflexology to relieve stress and encourage relaxation. For those seeking a detoxifying treatment, the Varu Essential offers an invigorating therapy incorporating grapefruit, rosemary, and juniper essential oils for complete renewal.

Alongside these treatments, Varu Spa has introduced curated wellness journeys tailored to different relaxation needs. The Three-Day Reset focuses on gentle rejuvenation through a rose body scrub and specialised massages. The Five-Day Tranquil package includes the Maldivian Fusion Massage and Glow Facial for an indulgent experience. For couples, the Varu Haven package presents a shared retreat featuring sea salt soaks, full-body massages, and lymphatic drainage facials in a tranquil setting.

With these thoughtfully crafted experiences, Varu Spa at Kandolhu Maldives provides an ideal escape for guests to unwind, refresh, and reconnect with their inner energy.

Continue Reading

Family Fun

Whimsical Easter celebration awaits at Amilla Maldives

Published

on

Amilla Maldives invites guests to experience a whimsical Easter journey where magic, wonder, and creativity seamlessly blend with the island’s tranquil beauty. The festivities commence with pre-Easter celebrations beginning on April 11th, leading into the enchanting Easter celebrations that extend from April 14th to April 28th, 2025.

Easter Sunday, April 20th, 2025, will serve as the highlight of this magical fortnight, featuring an unforgettable Easter Sunday Brunch. Visitors will be treated to a feast of seasonal delights while enjoying the lively sounds of the Mystique Beats Dragon DJ and the soul-stirring performances of the Naail Quartet. The whimsical Wings of Wonder Egg Hunt, hosted by the charming Mystique Dragon MC, will add a playful element to the day, alongside the Fiesta Fairies and Strolling Magic performers. The excitement will continue with an Easter Egg Pinata and entertaining Acrobatic Bunnies.

Amilla Maldives maintains its reputation for surprising and delighting guests with an extensive lineup of events and activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to indulge in unique culinary experiences, whether by savouring freshly prepared meals at the resort’s renowned restaurants or participating in bespoke dining experiences designed to celebrate the season.

From playful adventures to serene moments, Amilla’s Easter celebrations promise magical memories for all visitors to cherish.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.