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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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Centara Hotels & Resorts marks Valentine’s Day with island-wide celebrations in Maldives

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Centara Hotels & Resorts is marking Valentine’s Day across its four Maldivian resorts with a collection of curated experiences designed to reflect different expressions of romance, from wellness and gastronomy to shared adventure and quiet celebration. Set within the Maldives’ natural environment of open horizons, white-sand beaches and private island settings, each property presents a tailored programme for couples seeking time together in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives will mark Valentine’s Day on 14 February with a programme of romance-themed experiences set within its island surroundings at The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts. The day is designed around shared activities and curated moments intended to encourage connection and creativity.

Evening celebrations begin at Coco Drift with the Salaan Galaan Valentine’s Soirée, followed by a four-course beachfront dinner accompanied by selected beverages, personalised cocktails, live entertainment and musical serenades. The celebrations conclude with an intimate sip-and-paint session under the night sky.

Couples may also unwind with the Grand Valentine’s Ritual at Spa Cenvaree, a 105-minute treatment comprising a massage and body wrap designed for shared relaxation. Guests can further personalise the occasion by arranging fresh floral bouquets through the front office.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Valentine’s Day is presented through a full-day programme of shared experiences set in North Malé Atoll. Activities include sunrise yoga, a tree-planting ceremony and henna art, offering couples a blend of relaxation and meaningful engagement.

The evening programme centres on a mixology masterclass, followed by a candlelit dinner at Sailhouse Beach featuring seafood, Asian-inspired dishes, desserts and free-flowing beverages. The night concludes with an outdoor movie screening beneath the stars.

Spa Cenvaree complements the celebrations with a Valentine’s Indulgence ritual, a 120-minute couples’ treatment that includes a body scrub, massage and bath ritual paired with sparkling beverages. Floral arrangements may also be arranged through the front office.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives

From 10 to 14 February, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives will host a series of Valentine’s experiences designed to reflect personal moments and shared celebration. Highlights include vow renewal ceremonies at Reef Beach and private canapé and champagne experiences at Aqua Bar.

On Valentine’s Day, couples may begin with a floating breakfast served in-villa, followed by a choice of dining experiences ranging from international buffet dining to a four-course gourmet dinner at the Love Hut, complete with sparkling beverages and floral arrangements. Additional options include a three-course beachfront dinner at Reef Beach, a relaxed BBQ and movie night at North Beach, and an evening DJ programme at Coral Lounge.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only resort in North Malé Atoll, will host a refined Valentine’s celebration on the evening of 14 February. The highlight is a seven-course beachfront dinner at Waves Beach, paired with sparkling beverages and accompanied by live music.

The evening continues with an after-dinner beach gathering, extending the celebrations in a relaxed setting. Guests may also opt for a package that includes an in-villa breakfast with sparkling beverages the following morning.

Across its Maldivian portfolio, Centara Hotels & Resorts presents Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for couples to celebrate through shared experiences, thoughtful dining and time spent together in distinctive island settings.

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Art, wine and storytelling take centre stage at Milaidhoo Maldives

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Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a four-day creative residency this March that brings together art, wine and storytelling in a series of intimate island experiences guided by internationally recognised curator Vera Alkhova.

From 25 to 28 March 2026, the resort will present the Art Spirit Residency, welcoming Alkhova, founder of Art Spirit, to its private island setting in the heart of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The residency is designed as a relaxed exploration of creativity, taste and inspiration, set against Milaidhoo’s natural surroundings.

An art consultant, curator and educator, Alkhova is known for making contemporary art accessible through storytelling rather than theory. Through Art Spirit, she curates immersive experiences that encourage dialogue and personal interpretation, including her established programme How to Read Contemporary Art. Her residency at Milaidhoo is structured around conversation-led sessions rather than formal lectures, with the aim of sharing art in an engaging and approachable way.

Taking place during the same month as International Women’s Day, the residency also reflects on the creative contributions of women. This theme is most clearly expressed in the opening experience, Women in Art, which highlights female voices and influence within contemporary artistic expression.

The programme also aligns with Milaidhoo’s focus on gastronomy and fine wine. Each experience is paired with carefully selected wines and hosted within the resort’s restaurants, where the evening themes are reflected in ingredient-led menus. The format is intentionally informal, in keeping with the atmosphere of the boutique island resort.

Programme highlights include:

  • Wednesday, 25 March – Art Stories & Wine Tasting | Women in Art
  • Friday, 27 March – An Artist’s Table | Wine and Art Dinner | Love of the Painter and His Muses
  • Saturday, 28 March – Art Stories & Wine Tasting | Marine Life

With Alkhova’s curated insights and Milaidhoo’s considered hospitality, the Art Spirit Residency brings together art, wine and shared conversation in a setting designed to encourage reflection and connection.

Milaidhoo Maldives is accessible via a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport, or by a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa Atoll followed by a 15-minute speedboat journey to the island.

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St. Regis Maldives Vommuli welcomes Glynn Purnell for Tastemaker Series

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Glynn Purnell, the Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and television personality known as “The Yummy Brummie”, will bring his modern British cooking to the Indian Ocean this April as part of the Tastemaker Series at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.

With a career spanning more than 35 years, two Michelin-starred restaurants and a long-standing presence on British television, Purnell’s residency will take place from 3 to 6 April. His ingredient-led approach will be presented through a curated programme that includes a signature tasting dinner, an intimate cooking class and a closing experience hosted at The Whale Bar, offering guests the opportunity to engage with his cuisine in an informal setting.

Purnell began his culinary career at the age of 14 through a hotel kitchen work placement before refining his skills at the Metropole Hotel and at Simpson’s Restaurant, where he contributed to the restaurant’s first Michelin star. His professional training also includes working alongside chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes and Claude Bosi, as well as experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. Purnell later made history by earning Birmingham’s first Michelin star for Jessica’s in 2005, followed by a Michelin star for Purnell’s, which the restaurant has retained since 2009.

In addition to his restaurant work, Purnell is a well-known figure on British television. He has won Great British Menu twice and has returned to the programme as a mentor. His television appearances also include Saturday Kitchen, and he co-presented My Kitchen Rules UK alongside Rachel Allen on Channel 4.

Recognised for combining technical precision with an approachable style, Purnell’s residency forms part of the St. Regis Maldives’ 2026 Tastemaker Series, a programme designed to showcase international culinary talent through immersive guest experiences. His emphasis on seasonal, responsibly sourced ingredients and sustainable practices aligns with the resort’s broader commitment to considered luxury and culinary quality.

Set on Vommuli Island, the residency offers guests the opportunity to experience contemporary British gastronomy in a distinctive island setting, with rare access to one of the UK’s most influential chefs.

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