Featured
Soneva announces summer programme with Michelin chefs, UK’s youngest director, wellness practitioner
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.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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