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Soneva Fushi completes latest five-bedroom villa with 11m tall viewing tower
Soneva has just completed its latest villa at Soneva Fushi, the five-bedroom Villa 37 on the sunrise side of the island.
This 1,823 square metre villa’s main highlight is the 11 metre tall viewing tower, reached by a winding staircase, with a dining table called the Moonlight Table at the summit. This viewing tower is now the tallest point on the island and the ideal spot to take in the panoramic views, sunrises, sunsets, dining experiences and stargazing.
The maximum occupancy for this villa is eight adults and four children or 10 adults. Architecturally this villa is very different from Soneva Fushi’s other villas and private residences, and is now the benchmark for all future villa builds and renovations at Soneva Fushi.
The master bedroom is located on the ground floor, and comes with a king size bed, a dressing room with a daybed, indoor and outdoor showers, and an outdoor bathtub sunk into the water feature in the outdoor bathroom. Guests can step straight from the master bedroom and down into the pool. This villa has one more outdoor bathroom attached to the ground floor guest suite. On the first floor are three more guest bedrooms, all of which come with ensuite bathrooms. There is also a guest bathroom on the first floor, as well the TV lounge and a gym.
The open plan dining, kitchen, and living area have high ceilings and many windows to let in an abundance of natural light. The support pillars in this large open space, perfect for family gatherings, have been fashioned out of upside down tree trunks with the roots branching out across the ceiling. The ceiling has also been covered in cross sections of tree branches. The breakfast bar is between the open kitchen and the 10-seater dining table. The kitchen comes with its own wine fridge, as well as housing the minibar and a fully stocked pantry. The lights above the bar are suspended from the ceiling on gnarled vines. The living room has a deep, curved daybed that has wooden fish making up the legs and backrest. On the ground floor there is also a library, sauna, shower, steam room, and a guest toilet.
For fun and games guests can take their pick of the pool table or the foosball table. The villa comes with a 344 square metre pool that wraps around the entirety of the front of the villa, which includes a 25 square metre children’s pool and a water slide. There are two sunken seating areas by the pool, one covered and one uncovered, as well as a bridge that lets guests cross from the villa to the sand without having to go around the.
Villa 37 being on the sunrise side of the island means that guests will have virtually unimpeded views out towards the horizon, with the neighbouring island of Maalhos being just visible.
This villa is one of Soneva Fushi’s Private Residences under the Soneva Villa Ownership programme.
Soneva made history by being the first, and still only, developer to offer luxury homes to foreigners in the Maldives. Private Residences are currently available at Soneva Kiri in Thailand, and Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives.
Soneva Villa Ownership is particularly appealing to guests who return to the Maldives regularly. The villas achieve a strong cash yield when rented out while owners are away from the resort. Capital prices, especially in the Maldives, have been appreciating by around 8-10 per cent per annum.
Owners also enjoy the use of their villa during their holidays, which can add up to a significant amount of savings over several years. Other benefits of being an owner include 20 per cent savings on food and beverage, motorised water sports, and 20 per cent savings on all flight transfers to/from Male. The villa is fully maintained by the resort, which includes repairing and replacing furniture, fixtures, lighting, gardening, cleaning, and pest control.
Each residence is the ultimate expression of the signature experience and style for which Soneva has become world-renowned; understated design and luxuriously spacious accommodation, uncompromising quality and service and environmental sensitivity. All Private Residences are designed to meet its owner’s specific requirements, whilst remaining true to the brand mission of Intelligent Luxury.
In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.
Sixty-two private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.
Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options. In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing.
If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has announced the launch of its international social media contest titled ‘Busy Resting’. The initiative is aimed at providing a rejuvenating escape for overworked individuals in bustling cities around the world.
Running from April 11 to 24, 2025, the contest invites participants to post their most creative and unique depictions of being busy through photos or amateur videos on Instagram. Entries should feature either themselves or someone they know working in unconventional settings or situations.
The winner will be awarded a luxurious three-night stay in a Beach Villa with Pool at The Westin Maldives, complete with the brand’s signature Westin Heavenly® Bed for a restful sleep. The package includes roundtrip seaplane transfers for two and a full board meal plan, offering nutritious options from the resort’s Eat Well menu. To further elevate the relaxation experience, the winner will also receive a 30-minute treatment at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™.
To participate, entrants must share their ‘busy moments’ on Instagram, accompanied by a brief story explaining why they deserve a restorative retreat. Posts must tag @thewestinmaldives and include the hashtags #BusyResting, #WestinMaldives, and #RestAtTheWestin.
Vijay Kumar, General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, commented, “At The Westin Maldives, we recognise the importance of balance in today’s fast-paced world. This contest embodies our commitment to well-being and our belief that true restoration comes from quality rest in a peaceful setting.”
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has announced an exclusive partnership with BABOR, the internationally acclaimed German skincare brand, marking a new chapter in luxury wellness in the Maldives. This collaboration introduces BABOR’s high-performance skincare treatments to the Overwater Spa by JW, offering guests a fusion of advanced formulations and tranquil island experiences.
According to Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the partnership reflects the resort’s dedication to mindful living, sustainability, and holistic well-being. “Together, we are redefining wellness with transformative treatments at Spa by JW, that harmonise precision skincare with the serene beauty of the Maldives,” Devarapalli noted.
As a first for the country, the resort will offer BABOR’s signature treatments, including the prestigious SeaCreation line. This anti-aging collection utilises marine-based biotechnology and potent oceanic ingredients to revitalise the skin and restore its radiance.
The exclusive Ocean Bliss treatment, crafted specifically for the Overwater Spa by JW, blends BABOR’s SeaCreation products with soothing elements inspired by the surrounding ocean. This luxurious ritual promises visible skincare results and deep relaxation, set within the spa’s four overwater villas, which house six treatment rooms designed to enhance the sensory connection with the Maldivian seascape.
Located in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon and only 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort offers a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. The resort features 80 private pool villas—including 47 overwater pool villas—that merge traditional island design with contemporary elegance. Guests can explore five distinct dining venues and two bars, each showcasing ingredients sourced from the resort’s own JW Garden.
For BABOR, this partnership marks an important step in its global expansion, solidifying its presence in the luxury wellness market and extending its award-winning skincare offerings to one of the world’s most stunning destinations.
Tim Waller, Co-CEO of BABOR BEAUTY GROUP, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “In today’s fast-paced world, true luxury lies in moments of tranquility and self-care. Our partnership with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort allows us to craft those moments, offering guests a skincare experience that is as indulgent as it is results-driven.”
With a shared commitment to excellence, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort and BABOR now invite travellers to embark on a wellness journey where cutting-edge skincare and the pristine beauty of the Maldives come together in perfect harmony.
With its postcard-perfect scenery and tranquil seclusion, the Maldives has long been a dream destination. Today, it’s also becoming a premier getaway for families, where multigenerational travel and immersive experiences take centre stage. Whether stargazing from a hammock by the shore or diving into coral-fringed lagoons, the islands offer a harmonious blend of peace and adventure—creating meaningful moments for travellers of every age.
This summer is all about togetherness, whether with family, grandparents, or lifelong friends. Marriott Bonvoy’s exclusive private island resorts across the Maldives welcome guests with the new Family Fun Summer offer. Each resort is easily accessible by speedboat or seaplane and includes a complimentary Full Board upgrade, free stays and meals for children under 12, and activities such as snorkelling, paddle-boarding, and kayaking. Curated family adventures add to the appeal, with the offer bookable until June 15, 2025, for travel through December 20, 2025 (minimum four-night stay required).
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites families to reconnect through refined service, striking architecture, and enriching activities. The Ritz Kids program, part of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment, engages children in marine conservation and cultural immersion. Complimentary Coral Garden Snorkelling and nature-inspired activities unfold alongside beach fun and tennis sessions. The resort offers spacious beach and overwater villas, with larger groups enjoying The Ritz-Carlton Estate—complete with a private chef, infinity pool, and dedicated Aris Meeha butler.
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort sits in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon, blending Maldivian tradition with stylish luxury. The Family by JW™ Kids’ Club provides a large indoor-outdoor playground with water features, reading spaces, and nap areas. Complimentary water-sports, marine life encounters, and a Maldivian cooking class offer rich experiences. Families may opt for the Ocean Residence, which includes a spa room, gym, and a waterslide into the lagoon.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, located on Furanafushi Island, offers rustic-chic villas and heartfelt island experiences. The ‘Side by Side’ program includes beach picnics, cooking classes, and nature walks, while kids enjoy the Sheraton Adventure Club. The Family Fun Summer offer includes complimentary speedboat transfers, dining credits, spa discounts, and cultural experiences such as coral planting through ‘Adopt a Coral’.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, set on a remote island in Dhaalu Atoll, is designed for luxurious family escapes. Multi-bedroom villas offer privacy and panoramic ocean views. Guests enjoy curated experiences including private yacht trips, snorkeling, and trampoline classes. Children receive personalized welcomes and can explore the Children’s Club or socialize in the teen lounge. The Family Fun Summer package includes Champagne on arrival and a Sunset Dolphin Cruise.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa on Vagaru Island, Shaviyani Atoll, is ideal for multigenerational families. Beach and overwater villas include private pools and Thakuru butlers. Children explore over 100 weekly activities at the expansive Little Griffins Kids’ Club. Adults unwind at Spa by JW or savor farm-to-table cuisine. The family package features floating breakfasts, beachfront dinners, professional photography, and exclusive dining offers.
W Maldives, located on a heart-shaped island in North Ari Atoll, brings bold energy to the tropics. A recent renovation introduced the Splinterworks Vertex—Maldives’ first sculptural water slide. The redesigned villas, dynamic dining, and the WET Deck with vibrant nightlife offer a balance of fun and relaxation. Guests also enjoy a Sunset Dolphin Cruise and access to the stunning house reef at DOWN UNDER.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort in Baa Atoll, the country’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a wellness-focused family retreat. Guests sleep soundly with Westin’s signature Heavenly® Beds and Sleep Well amenities. Kids benefit from the Savvy Sleep program, while the whole family can join yoga classes or recharge with WestinWORKOUT® activities. The summer offer includes painting sessions, dolphin cruises, photo shoots, and beach games.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa on Thilamaafushi Island, Lhaviyani Atoll, is a stylish, eco-conscious retreat inspired by the French Riviera. Families enjoy creative workshops, conservation projects, and lively events like pool parties, trivia nights, and stargazing. The Family Fun Summer package offers paddleboarding, snorkeling, padel matches, karaoke, and dolphin cruises—all set against serene turquoise waters and a thriving house reef.
Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points for their stays and experiences at these luxurious family-friendly resorts. Booking a multi-bedroom villa includes an added bonus of 25,000 points—making each family journey even more rewarding.
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