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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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Sea, sand, and Centara: Maldivian escape at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

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Located in South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, offers a retreat for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. With panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, a diverse choice of dining, an award-winning house reef, and a UNESCO-protected marine reserve nearby, guests are presented with opportunities to explore, discover new flavours, and enjoy moments of calm. The resort now extends exclusive savings and benefits through its Sea, Sand, & Centara offer, welcoming families and couples to plan their next Maldivian escape.

The property features 112 elegant beachfront and overwater villas that blend island character with contemporary design. Options range from the intimate Beach Villa, designed for couples, to the spacious Club Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa, well suited for families or friends travelling together.

Guests can spend their days exploring the surrounding coral reefs and marine life. A short distance from the harbour channel lies the island’s notable attraction, the Shipwreck, where nurse sharks, stonefish, and schools of glassfish can be found. For alternative experiences, visitors may take a semi-submarine excursion, embark on a big game fishing trip, or explore the waters by kayak or paddleboard.

Wellness is also central to the resort experience, with SPA Cenvaree offering treatments that combine ancient Thai healing with modern techniques. Therapies range from massages to facials and holistic practices. A 200-year-old Banyan Tree nearby serves as a cultural and spiritual landmark, where guests are invited to join a mindful blessing ritual that connects them with nature.

Dining at the resort spans six restaurants and bars. Reef serves international breakfast buffets, Mare Azzuro offers Italian-inspired dishes, and Suan Bua presents Thai cuisine. Aqua provides a lagoon-side setting for evening drinks, while Coral Bar & Lounge offers a more casual atmosphere.

The Sea, Sand, & Centara offer provides guests with savings and additional benefits. CentaraThe1 members receive 45 per cent off flexible meal plan rates, while non-members receive 30 per cent. All guests enjoy a 30 per cent discount on seaplane transfers with a minimum stay of two to six nights. Overwater and Club Pool Villa guests are welcomed with handmade chocolates and fresh tropical fruit. Families benefit from a complimentary picnic lunch, while couples can enjoy a private three-course dinner on the beach. Guests may also enhance their stay with floating breakfasts, decorated beds on the first night, discounted water sports, spa treatments, and food and beverage offers. Children aged six and under stay and dine free of charge under their parents’ meal plan, with complimentary use of snorkelling gear, kayaks, and pedalos also included.

The booking and stay period for this promotion runs until 10 January 2026.

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Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives welcomes GCC families with Stay 3, Pay 2 offer

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Situated in the North Malé Atoll, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers a setting that combines family entertainment, adventure, and relaxation. The resort has been designed to provide memorable experiences for guests of all ages, with activities to enjoy, opportunities to relax, and plenty of ways for families to spend time together. A Stay 3, Pay 2 offer is currently available, providing every third night complimentary for guests planning their summer holidays.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is particularly popular among Emirati and GCC families, as every aspect of the resort has been developed with their needs in mind. Its accessibility from Dubai and other GCC cities, combined with a short speedboat transfer on arrival, ensures a seamless journey to the island. Accommodation options include beachfront rooms and overwater villas tailored to different family sizes. The Mirage Panoramic Room caters for families of four with bunk beds, a king-sized bed, a terrace, and an outdoor bathtub. Those seeking more space can choose the Mirage Overwater Sunset Villa, which includes a jacuzzi, or the Four-Bedroom Mirage Beach House, ideal for larger groups and offering direct views of the Indian Ocean.

The resort is part of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, an island destination featuring two distinct properties. Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is designed with a family focus, incorporating a playful, underwater-inspired theme, while its sister property, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, offers a more private retreat with fine dining and wellness facilities at SPA Cenvaree Retreat. Guests benefit from the combined offerings of both resorts, with opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and dining that reflect the warmth of Thai hospitality alongside Maldivian island living.

A key attraction is the award-winning SPA Cenvaree, which caters to both adults and children. Adults can choose from treatments such as traditional Thai massages and Ayurvedic therapies, while younger guests can enjoy the Candy Spa, which provides child-friendly options including facials, manicures, pedicures, and edible treatments.

Families can also take advantage of a large outdoor water complex, which includes swimming pools, a kids’ pool, a lazy river, and an aquatic playground. Supervised activities are available at the kids’ club, while teenagers have their own dedicated E-Zone. For those seeking adventure, the resort provides water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing, as well as snorkelling, diving excursions, and PADI-certified diving courses to explore nearby reefs.

Dining options are diverse, with a variety of restaurants offering international and regional cuisines. Guests can begin their day with breakfast at The Sailhouse, enjoy ice cream from Scoops, sample Italian dishes at Acqua, and end with a Thai dinner at Suan Bua. In addition, guests may choose dining packages such as Atollia Destination Half Board Plus, Full Board Plus, or All-Inclusive, which provide access to ten restaurants across the two properties.

This summer, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is extending its Stay 3, Pay 2 offer, valid for bookings made until 30 September for stays up to 30 November. Guests are able to extend their holiday by paying for six nights and staying nine, or for four and staying six, providing additional time to enjoy the island’s beaches, water facilities, and spa. Accommodation includes 145 villas, whether located on the beach or over water, each equipped with a private outdoor bathtub, jacuzzi, or pool.

The offer comes with conditions: the stay must be under the same guest’s name and cannot be transferred, CentaraThe1 membership benefits and other promotions do not apply, and the offer cannot be combined with vouchers or exchanged for cash. For families from the GCC region and beyond, this promotion represents an opportunity to extend their holiday while making the most of the resort’s activities and services.

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THE OZEN COLLECTION marks four years of partnership with Bodegas Viñátigo

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THE OZEN COLLECTION has marked four years of partnership with Bodegas Viñátigo, the Tenerife-based winery recognised for reviving nearly-lost grape varieties from the Canary Islands. For more than three decades, the winery’s vineyards, cultivated in volcanic soils, have preserved traditional winemaking heritage, a philosophy that aligns with THE OZEN COLLECTION’s focus on authentic, terroir-inspired experiences. The collaboration extends beyond seasonal events, with Bodegas Viñátigo’s wines available year-round through THE OZEN COLLECTION’s holiday programmes: the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO.

Winemaker Juan Jesús Méndez reflected on the collaboration, stating: “THE OZEN COLLECTION has become an integral chapter in our story. Over these years, we have developed a deep understanding of their vision and clientele. To see our wines travel from Tenerife’s volcanic soils to the Maldives’ shores has been extraordinary. The enthusiasm of guests and connoisseurs continues to inspire us to create new expressions and strengthen this valued partnership.”

Celebrations will begin at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO from 24 to 26 November, featuring an evening at the underwater restaurant M6m, a dinner at TRADITION PEKING, and a sundowner at HUDHU BAY Beach Club, where guests can enjoy Bodegas Viñátigo wines against the backdrop of the Maldivian sunset.

From 28 to 30 November, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will host events at ORIGINƎ, a Canary-Asian fusion dining experience at SOYI, and sunset wine gatherings on the beach, designed to highlight rare Canary Islands vintages and encourage interaction between guests and winemakers.

These curated events provide opportunities for guests to meet the winemakers, learn about their craft, and experience food pairings that enhance each wine’s character. Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, commented: “Canary Wine transcends simple consumption; it forges connections between people and cultures. Our partnership with Bodegas Viñátigo, who produce some of the most distinctive wines that even captivated Shakespeare, has significantly enriched our offerings. It has also elevated guest experiences and contributed to our wine programme receiving notable recognition and awards.”

THE OZEN COLLECTION continues to offer curated wine experiences throughout the year, including pairing dinners and sommelier-led tastings. Travellers can explore these vintages while benefitting from 25% savings on direct bookings, combining luxury with value.

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