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

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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

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Barceló Nasandhura celebrates World Chocolate Day with sweet surprises in Malé

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This July, Barceló Nasandhura is offering guests a taste of the sweeter side of life through a series of limited-time dessert experiences in the heart of Malé.

In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the hotel hosted a Chocolate Indulgence Station in the Nasandhura Lobby on 7th July. Held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the event featured handcrafted chocolate desserts and tastings led by Head Pastry Chef Mohammed, a certified Continental Judge in Pastry Arts. The occasion attracted a delightful mix of in-house guests and walk-in visitors, who also enjoyed a specially curated photo setup and the opportunity to purchase exclusive, limited-edition treats.

Additionally, from 4th to 7th July, a dedicated Chocolate Dessert Station was presented at the Oivaru dinner buffet, located on the hotel’s third floor, offering a decadent addition to the evening dining experience.

To conclude the month’s celebrations, guests will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on all ice creams at Alimas Coffee Lounge from 20th to 26th July. Featuring house-made flavours, this offering provides the ideal way to cool off and indulge during the warm island afternoons.

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Dive into sustainable luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Baa Atoll

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Surrounded by flourishing reefs and pristine islands with the whitest of soft sands and crystal-clear waters, Coco Collection – a leading resort brand in the Maldives – invites guests to delve into the extraordinary underwater world of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

Nestled within the crown jewel of the Maldives, the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is renowned for its commitment to everyday sustainability. Setting the standard for sustainable luxury, the resort has once again been recognised as the Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2025, marking its third consecutive win at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

While the resort continues its efforts to protect and preserve a thriving marine ecosystem, it also encourages guests to immerse themselves in a range of signature marine experiences, all guided by resident Marine Educator Rosalie Bailie and supported by its long-standing partnership with the Olive Ridley Project.

The signature marine experiences include:

  • Guided Snorkelling – Guests may explore the house reef or venture to nearby coral gardens with expert guides. These excursions cater to all skill levels and often include sightings of green sea turtles, parrotfish, and, depending on the season, manta rays and eagle rays. Guests may also encounter hawksbill turtles grazing on coral at nearby turtle points.
  • Coral Planting & Restoration Workshop – Conscious travellers are invited to participate in meaningful conservation work through coral planting. With the guidance of the Marine Educator, guests can affix coral fragments onto reef frames which are then placed on the seabed, helping to regenerate damaged reefs and enhance marine biodiversity.
  • Discover Scuba Diving – From beginners to advanced divers, the island provides access to over 30 dive sites across the region, led by certified PADI instructors. Guests may dive among coral pinnacles, explore historic wrecks, and visit iconic spots such as Hanifaru Bay, famous for sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.
  • ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre Tour – Home to the Maldives’ first fully equipped, veterinary-run sea turtle rescue centre, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers guests the chance to engage with rescued turtles recovering from injuries or entanglements. Through this partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, guests can feed turtles, learn about conservation challenges, adopt a turtle, and contribute to protecting this endangered species.
  • Night Snorkelling – For a truly unique underwater adventure, the resort offers night snorkelling excursions led by the Marine Educator. As the reef transforms after sunset, guests will discover a different side of marine life, spotting lionfish, resting parrotfish, and other nocturnal sea creatures illuminated by torchlight.

Located in one of the world’s most spectacular hubs of marine biodiversity, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu promises an unforgettable escape. With the Discover Coco offers, travellers can enjoy 35% savings on their villa stay, making it the perfect time to plan an extraordinary Maldivian getaway.

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Timeless romance awaits at award-winning Coco Bodu Hithi

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Nestled in the heart of the Malé Atoll, the Maldivian-owned resort Coco Bodu Hithi warmly welcomes couples to embrace romance and tranquillity this summer in one of the world’s most idyllic island getaways.

Far removed from the bustle of city life, Coco Bodu Hithi serves as a sanctuary where intimacy, nature, and luxury coexist in perfect harmony. Designed for couples in search of meaningful moments, the island offers a captivating escape – from peaceful barefoot strolls and shared experiences to thrilling adventures.

Recently named the Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort at the 2025 World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year, Coco Bodu Hithi artfully blends modern comforts with traditional Maldivian charm. The resort boasts 98 expansive villas, each offering direct access to either the beach or lagoon. Thoughtfully designed to ensure privacy and relaxation, every villa promises a sense of seclusion and serenity.

Amongst the resort’s most celebrated accommodations are the Beach Villa with Pool and the iconic Coco Residence, both of which offer sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. These settings provide a picture-perfect backdrop for couples to reconnect, with each moment shaped by a spirit of warm island hospitality that is both personal and unmistakably Maldivian.

Honoured as the Best Service Resort at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025, Coco Bodu Hithi presents a carefully curated selection of personalised romantic experiences. Guests may begin the day with a floating breakfast in their private pool, enjoy a five-course candlelit dinner beneath the stars at Pergola, or embark on a serene sunset cruise – each moment tailored to celebrate connection in the most memorable ways.

Celebrated by Weddings & Honeymoons magazine as one of the Top 50 Honeymoon Resorts in the World, Coco Bodu Hithi offers an exquisite backdrop for couples to honour their love. The thoughtfully designed Forever Yours Package delivers a romantic destination wedding experience in the Maldives, with a dedicated team attending to every detail. The package seamlessly blends the island’s natural beauty with traditional elements, all personalised to reflect the couple’s unique story, style, and preferences.

With its heartfelt hospitality, refined elegance, and awe-inspiring surroundings, Coco Bodu Hithi offers the ideal setting to begin a new chapter of togetherness – a private Maldivian paradise where timeless romance truly comes to life.

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