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Soneva announces summer programme with Michelin chefs, UK’s youngest director, wellness practitioner

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Soneva has released its Festival of Colour’s summer programme that covers July and August.

Guests staying at Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi in the Maldives are in for a treat with highlights including the Baa Atoll Summer Festival and the three Michelin-starred chef Kenji Gyoten returning to Soneva Fushi. At Soneva Jani, the talented, up and coming director Elliott Hasler will be showing a world’s first screening of his latest film, To Hunt A Tiger.

Soneva Jani

Elliott Hasler is currently the UK’s youngest feature film director, having completed his first feature, Charlie’s Letters, aged 16 after a three-year production. Charlie’s Letters premiered in his hometown of Brighton, selling out six of the seven showings. The film was also screened at the Edinburgh Festival and was shown on the Brighton Big Screen alongside T2 Trainspotting and La La Land. His latest film, To Hunt A Tiger, is set in the British Raj and stars John Locke (Darkest Hour) and Charlotte Peters (Pound of Flesh). During his time at the resort from July 1-7, Elliott hosted the first public screening of To Hunt A Tiger, as well as a dinner and a mobile video shooting workshop.

Pawaneeuch Soisongsee, who is visiting Soneva Jani from July 3-24, has practiced different healing techniques for over 15 years. Her aim is “to set your mind free” through Reiki and sound healing. She is a yoga instructor, meditation leader, a Thai massage therapist, a practitioner of cupping techniques, and a specialist in reflexology and manual lymphatic drainage. Using the healing qualities of crystal singing bowls, her goal is to heal the body, mind and spirit, and to bring you into a deep state of awareness where you begin to remember the truth within. Each of her therapies results in the most powerful awakening and transformation.

Poland’s premium craft vodka, Vestal Vodka is changing the vodka game. CEO William Borrell creates vodkas with personalities and attitudes more akin to wines than spirits. Simon Difford, a British spirits guru, awarded an unprecedented 5+ (out of five) to Vestal’s 2010 vintage Kaszebe and 4.5 for both the 2009 and 2010 of the Podlasie. A 5+ is equivalent to a wine being awarded 100+ by Robert Parker. While at the resort from July 14-15, William will be hosting two six-course dinners by Chef Okabe at So Imaginative with vodka pairings, as well as complimentary sunset Soneva cocktails with a Vestal twist.

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi, Dusit Thani, Amilla Fushi, Vakkarau Maldives, Finolhu, The Westin Maldives, Royal Island, Dreamland, Anantara Kihavah have come together for the Baa Atoll Festival 2019, which runs from July 8-21. The one-of-its-kind festival brings the best of what each resort has to offer in the dining scene. Guests from each resort will have the opportunity to experience the varied cuisines the Baa atoll has to offer and a chance to explore other islands during their stay. During the festival, each resort has a calendar of activities for the whole family, including water sports, children’s activities and more. To close the festival the resort teams will gather on a sandbank for the Catamaran Regatta, guests can choose to join in or spectate the event.

Jérôme Banctel will be hosting a limited number of dinners at Once Upon a Table at Out of the Blue from August 4-10. Banctel’s Le Gabriel at La Réserve Paris was awarded two Michelin stars in 2016, just a year after opening. His gastronomic career began with Michel Kerever’s team at the Duc d’Enghien, followed by a stint at the Vreugt en Rust restaurant in the Netherlands. He spent eight months at the Jules Verne with Monsieur Reix before joining the kitchen team at Les Ambassadeurs, a gourmet restaurant at the Hôtel de Crillon.

Chef Kenji Gyoten opened his restaurant, Sushi Gyoten, at the age of 26. Sushi Gyoten received three Michelin stars in three consecutive years since 2014, making him the youngest three Michelin-starred chef in Japan. The waiting list for his restaurant in Fukuoka is nearly a year long, making his return to Soneva Fushi the perfect opportunity for lovers of sushi to dine on his expertly crafted dishes. From August 13-24, Chef Kenji is to host a limited number of dinners at Out of the Blue’s sushi counter, So Hands On.

John Burton-Race is a chef, television personality and restaurateur born in Singapore. He rose through the ranks of kitchen life and worked his way through restaurants such as Quaglino’s – Hotel Meurice London, Chewton Glen, La Sorbonne Oxford (1*) ending up at one the true edifices of Michelin cuisine in 1983 under Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. When Raymond opened Le Petit Blanc in Oxford, he turned to John to head the restaurant and the kitchen, it was here that he won his first Michelin star. In 1986 he opened his own restaurant, L’Ortolan in Berkshire, where he earned two Michelin stars. In 2004, he opened The New Angel in Dartmouth*, which was awarded a Michelin star in 2005 and retained it until his departure in 2010. During his time at Soneva Fushi from August 15-23, guests can dine on his French cuisine at Once Upon a Table at Out of the Blue.

World-leading luxury resort operator Soneva runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

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.

Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.

Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.

Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.

Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.

Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.

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COMO Maalifushi launches freediving with Maldivian pioneer Fahd Faiz

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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.

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Tailored tranquillity and adventure at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

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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.

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Wellness visionaries unite for SOUL Festival 2025 at Soneva Fushi

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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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