Featured
Soneva Fushi unveils first overwater villas

Soneva has announced the launch of Soneva Fushi’s first ever overwater villas.
Perched above the turquoise depths of the Indian Ocean, the eight new one- and two-bedroom Water Retreats are scheduled to open to guests by April 2020, marking the start of a remarkable new chapter for this iconic Maldives resort.
Designed to exist in complete harmony with Baa atoll’s idyllic island setting, the new Water Retreats adhere to Soneva’s pioneering sustainability ethos, as well as its renowned ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy of barefoot luxury.
“We are very proud to announce this exciting new phase for Soneva Fushi,” Sonu Shivdasani, founder and CEO of Soneva, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“When we first launched Soneva Fushi back in 1995, we redefined tourism in the Maldives with our unique vision that pioneered the concept of sustainable luxury. After more than two decades at the forefront of the global luxury tourism sector and as a bucket-list destination in the Maldives, we strive to evolve with our guests’ ever-changing needs. While we will always remain true to the much-loved spirit and laid-back ethos of Soneva Fushi, the new Water Retreats will elevate our offering, ensuring that our guests’ experience is more memorable and special than ever before.”

Accessed via a gently curving jetty near Dolphin Beach, at the opposite end of the island to Out of the Blue restaurant, the eight Water Retreats have been carefully designed to ensure the utmost privacy for guests, as well as to make the most of the picture-perfect ocean vistas.
Both the 584 sqm. (6,286 sqft.) One Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide, and the 857 sqm. (9,224 sqft) Two Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide come with their own private pool, as well as a curving slide that plunges directly into the Indian Ocean.
With a choice of either sunrise or sunset views, the villas feature a large al fresco deck, which includes plush sun loungers, a sunken seating area and catamaran nets over the ocean.
Both villa types feature an expansive upper level with a dining sala and day bed, as well as Soneva’s signature open air bathroom with direct access to the sea – ideal for guests looking to shower off after a dip in the balmy waters, or for a relaxing bath under the stars.
Vast floor-to-ceiling windows fill the interior of the Water Retreats with light and a sense of space. The generous living area is inspired by the ocean setting and is a luxe take on castaway chic – from sustainably-sourced materials such as reclaimed driftwood, to crisp white linens. Every detail, from a well-stocked wine fridge and mini bar to an ample pantry, ensure guests’ every need is met.
Flanked by an en-suite bathroom, dressing room and children’s sleeping area, the master bedroom suite features a king-sized bed for the ultimate in comfort. At the push of a button, the ceiling will retract automatically, enabling guests to wake with the morning sun, or to sleep under a sky that is blanketed with stars.
In the two-bedroom villa, a second guest bedroom also includes a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom and dressing room.
The design and choice of location of the Water Retreats followed a comprehensive environmental assessment within the resort to ensure that the Baa atoll’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems remained unharmed by construction activity and the subsequent use and maintenance of the villas.
Like all Soneva’s carbon neutral properties, construction materials for the villas were sourced sustainably, whilst the low-impact overwater design maintains and complements the natural beauty of the tranquil coastal setting.
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.
In addition to the newly launched Overwater Retreats, 62 private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden amongst 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.
The starting price for the new Water Retreats at Soneva Fushi is USD 2626 +++ for the One Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide, and USD 5232 +++ for the Two Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide on a B&B basis. For more information and reservations, visit www.soneva.com
Entertainment
Centara Maldives unveils season of celebration across four island paradises

As the festive season draws near, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives invites guests to celebrate the holidays amid the beauty of the Indian Ocean. Each of its distinct island destinations blends the warmth of Maldivian hospitality with the timeless traditions of the season. From family-friendly adventures to serene adult escapes, guests can choose from four remarkable properties — Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Just a short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers a sanctuary of tranquillity and privacy. Located within The Atollia, the resort presents a wealth of world-class dining, exhilarating water sports and excursions, and holistic wellness experiences at the serene SPA Cenvaree Retreat. Elegant beachfront and overwater villas provide the perfect setting for a memorable festive escape.
This year, the resort introduces the theme ‘Crystal and Bubbles’, a celebration that captures the glamour and sparkle of the season. From 22 December to 7 January, guests can enjoy a calendar of curated activities and entertainment beneath glittering crystal-inspired décor.
Families can look forward to treasure hunts, cupcake decorating, and pyjama parties leading up to Santa’s grand arrival on Christmas Day, while couples can indulge in elegant gala dinners and wine tastings. Each day brings new delights — from Boduberu masterclasses and festive workshops to themed dinners and karaoke nights.
The celebrations culminate in a New Year’s Eve gala, featuring cocktails, live entertainment, and fireworks beneath the stars. The festivities continue into January with island cinema nights, sandcastle competitions, and Orthodox celebrations that showcase local culture and cuisine.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
Located within The Atollia, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives embodies the signature spirit of Centara’s Mirage brand — a lively, family-focused resort inspired by the wonders of the ocean. The property features diverse dining options, a kids’ club, and the renowned SPA Cenvaree, complemented by the playful Candy Spa for younger guests. A sprawling outdoor water complex — complete with a lazy river, splash zone, and multiple pools — forms the heart of the island’s entertainment.
Festivities begin on 3 November with a joyful cake-mixing ceremony and continue through 7 January with an Orthodox Day celebration. Guests can join daily activities such as sunrise yoga, beach fitness sessions, and family games, or unleash their creativity through crafts including tote bag painting and festive T-shirt design.
Evenings are filled with BBQs under the stars, themed buffets, live music, Boduberu drumming, and mixology contests. Young travellers can enjoy pyjama parties, gaming challenges, and movie nights at the E-Zone, while families come together to welcome the New Year at the Mirage Carnival Celebration, complete with cocktails, a grand buffet, and live performances.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives
For those seeking an adults-only escape, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers a tranquil haven where indulgence meets serenity. Guests can unwind in beachfront or overwater villas, explore the lagoon’s marine life, and savour moments of connection during a thoughtfully curated festive programme running from 15 December to 6 January.
Days begin with sunrise yoga, meditation, and Pilates sessions, while creative workshops invite guests to make botanical scrubs, organic face masks, and coconut-leaf crafts. More energetic visitors can join Thai boxing classes, beach volleyball, and boot camps.
As the sun sets, the resort transforms into a scene of celebration, with tree-lighting ceremonies, carol singing, cocktail hours, and themed dinners. Culinary highlights include seafood barbecues, Kin Khao dinners, and traditional Maldivian feasts. The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, inspired by an underwater theme, promises an evening of fine dining, live music, and dancing beneath the stars, followed by a warm Orthodox Day gathering to close the season.
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection
Situated in South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, captures the essence of Maldivian island life — where nature, culture, and the ocean intertwine. Offering 112 beachfront and overwater villas overlooking a UNESCO-protected marine reserve, the resort provides an idyllic setting for meaningful festive celebrations.
Running from 7 November to 6 January, the programme begins with a cake-mixing ceremony and tree-lighting event, followed by Santa’s jet-ski arrival to delight guests of all ages. Children can take part in creative workshops, pizza-making, and scavenger hunts at Camp Safari, while adults enjoy beachside yoga, meditation, and wellness sessions.
Families can join sandcastle competitions, outdoor movie nights, and karaoke sessions, or explore local heritage through storytelling and cultural activities. As evening falls, the island comes alive with Fire & Ice pool parties, wine-pairing sessions, seafood feasts, and live DJ nights. On Christmas Eve, guests are treated to a festive buffet at Reef or a fine dining experience at Mare Azzurro, leading up to a New Year’s Eve island celebration of music and dance. The season concludes with a relaxed beach gathering on 6 January, featuring traditional dishes and festive cocktails.
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives invites guests to embrace the season’s joy across its enchanting island collection — where every sunrise brings celebration, every sunset brings connection, and every moment becomes a cherished memory beneath the Maldivian sky.
Awards
Jen Maldives Malé by Shangri-La named ‘Leading Business Hotel – Maldives’ at SATA 2025

Jen Maldives Malé by Shangri-La has been named ‘Leading Business Hotel – Maldives’ at the prestigious South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, held this year in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The award recognises outstanding achievements in travel, tourism, and hospitality across South Asia, underscoring the hotel’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional service, modern business facilities, and a seamless experience for both corporate and leisure travellers.
General Manager Juan Carlos Diago expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition from SATA. The award is a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work of our entire team, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services to our guests. We share this achievement with our valued guests and partners who continue to trust and support us.”
Situated in the heart of Malé, the capital of the Maldives, Hotel Jen Malé Maldives by Shangri-La has long been a preferred choice for business travellers seeking convenience, comfort, and efficiency. The property offers state-of-the-art amenities, versatile meeting and event spaces, and a balance of work and leisure. Guests regularly commend the hotel’s professionalism and consistency in delivering high standards, making each stay both productive and memorable. Whether for a short stopover or an extended business visit, Hotel Jen continues to set the benchmark for world-class service in a dynamic urban setting.
Director of Sales Mariyam Shafiyya Steinhilber added, “We are deeply honoured to receive the Best City Hotel Award. Winning this award reflects the passion and dedication of our entire team, from our front-line staff to our management. Every department has played a vital role in creating the outstanding guest experiences that make our hotel a leader in the city’s hospitality landscape.”
The South Asian Travel Awards brings together leading industry figures from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, and has become one of the region’s most respected platforms for recognising excellence and innovation in tourism and hospitality.
As Jen Maldives Malé by Shangri-La celebrates this milestone, the team remains dedicated to enhancing service standards and redefining the business travel experience in the Maldives and beyond.
Cooking
Grégory Doyen brings his sweet artistry to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is continuing its acclaimed Tastemaker Series, a curated programme of exceptional collaborations with world-renowned chefs, artists, and creative visionaries, with the arrival of Chef Grégory Doyen, one of the most distinctive talents in contemporary pastry art.
Born in Burgundy, France, into a family of artists, Chef Doyen discovered his passion for pastry during childhood, turning his family kitchen into his first studio. A graduate of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie, his career spanning two decades has taken him through Michelin-starred kitchens and international stages, earning him recognition as a leading figure in modern patisserie.
Renowned for his sculptural desserts and refined French craftsmanship, Chef Doyen’s creations merge technical precision with emotional expression, transforming pastry into a form of edible art. His innovative approach has led to collaborations with some of the world’s most iconic luxury maisons—including Cartier, Marc Jacobs, La Prairie, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vacheron Constantin, and Hermès—alongside bespoke commissions for Range Rover and Vogue. Often described as the creator of fashion-desserts, he is celebrated for infusing haute couture sensibility into the timeless artistry of French patisserie.
Guests at The St. Regis Maldives are invited to immerse themselves in Chef Doyen’s world of delicate textures and visual poetry through a special festive programme. On 10 December, he will conduct an intimate pastry masterclass, offering participants rare insight into his creative process and sculptural finesse. That evening—and throughout the festive season—his desserts will take centre stage at ALBA, the resort’s signature dining venue, where a curated dessert collection will be presented daily from 10 December to 7 January, offering a decadent celebration of the holiday season.
The residency’s highlight will unfold on 11 December at Decanter, where Chef Doyen will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef for a six-course, four-hands wine-pairing dinner, showcasing a symphony of refined flavours and masterful artistry.
A testament to The St. Regis legacy of exceptional taste and global collaboration, the Tastemaker Series at The St. Regis Maldives unites leading talents from gastronomy, art, and design in one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship amid the breathtaking surroundings of Vommuli Island. From Michelin-starred chefs to visionary mixologists and artisans, the series continues the St. Regis tradition of curating the extraordinary—where innovation, tradition, and indulgence converge in the most exquisite of island settings.
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