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October nights are full of Michelin stars at Soneva’s Maldives resorts

Soneva has announced plans to welcome a host of renowned Michelin-starred guest chefs and visiting experts from the worlds of sport and wellness at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in Maldives.
The incredible line-up for October is part of the Festival of Colour – a two-year campaign across Soneva’s resorts which celebrates the diverse array of guest experiences on offer.
An exquisite opportunity to experience the culinary prowess of some of the world’s most talented chefs, during October every dining venue across both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani will host a Michelin-starred chef for at least one evening. Guests at Soneva Fushi will also be able to delight their taste buds with a Michelin-starred food journey across the island, and watch in awe as award-winning chefs go head-to-head in a Michelin-starred cooking competition.
One of Asia’s most acclaimed chefs, Julien Royer, will be gracing Soneva Fushi’s Once Upon a Table between October 16 and 23.
The two-starred Michelin chef is co-owner of Odette at the Singapore National Gallery – named after Royer’s grandmother, it was recently crowned the Best Restaurant in Asia for its modern French cuisine focusing on seasonality, terroir and the finest artisanal produce sourced from across the globe.
With three Michelin stars to his name, Maxime Meilleur will be showcasing his craftsmanship at Soneva Fushi between October 6 and 11, followed by Soneva Jani between October 12 and 20.
The self-taught French master chef made his name through his family-run restaurant La Bouitte in the French Alps – which he has helped transform into a sophisticated gourmet destination, one of just 26 three-starred restaurants in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
The third French chef on October’s Festival of Colour line-up is Gregoire Berger. Ranked number 10 in the Best Chef in the World Awards 2017, guests will have the opportunity to experience Berger’s award-winning cuisine at Soneva Fushi between October 19 and 28.
Originally from Brittany, Berger honed his culinary skills in some of the world’s top kitchens, including France’s Le Pressoir, Le Domaine de Rochevilaine and La Grande Cascade, and today he heads the Ossiano underwater restaurant at Atlantis the Palm in Dubai.
Italian chef Giancarlo Perbellini, who is the president of the prestigious culinary competition Italian Commission of the Bocuse d’Or, will be bringing his pioneering culinary vision to Soneva Fushi between October 22 and 30.
Perbellini made his mark by blending cutting edge culinary innovation with traditions inspired by Italy’s rural heritage. The multi-garlanded chef was awarded his first Michelin star in 1996, whilst most recently his concept restaurant, Casa Perbellini, was awarded two stars by the Michelin Guide in 2016, with another star going to his other venture, the Dopolavoro Dining Room – an unprecedented double achievement in Perbellini’s Italian homeland.
From culinary masters to the world of sport, Soneva Fushi is set to host Jason Robinson, who is considered a living legend by both Rugby Union and Rugby League enthusiasts, from October 18 and November 3.
Robinson is famed for his trademark sidestep, devastating acceleration and daring manoeuvres that made him a crowd favourite during his time on the pitch. As a Rugby Union player, he won 51 international caps for England, as well as multiple titles for his club Wigan, including the World Club Challenge and Regal Trophy. In 2000, he switched codes to Rugby League to join the Sale Sharks as well as England’s national team and the British Lions, scoring 30 tries across 56 international matches, and captaining the England squad in the 2005 and 2007 Six Nations campaigns.
Former WTA tennis player Daniela Hantuchová will be at Soneva Fushi between October 18 and 27.
Now an acclaimed tennis pundit, during her career she won seven WTA tournaments, most recently the Thailand Open in 2015. Her biggest wins included victories over Serena Williams, defending champion in the third round of the 2006 Australian Open, and against world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the third round of the French Open in 2011.
Visiting practitioner Sandra Laznik will be hosting sessions at Soneva Jani between October 1 and 25.
The international wellness consultant is known for mixing science with the esoteric, and has a roster of private clients across the world. A professor of sport education, she is also trained in classical and sports massage, is a qualified Sun Power Yoga and Pilates teacher, and is a Universal Tao Healing Arts facilitator for Sacred Femininity Courses.
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.
For more information about the Festival of Colour, together with the calendar of visiting artists, visit www.soneva.com/festivalofcolour
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
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