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Soneva Fushi unveils opulent new Private Residences

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Soneva has unveiled two breath-taking new additions to its portfolio of villas and private hideaways at Soneva Fushi, the world-leading resort in the idyllic Baa atoll in Maldives.

Scheduled to be ready for occupancy by Christmas 2019, the six-bedroom Villa 43 Sunset Reserve and four-bedroom Villa 38 will set a new standard of desert island luxury.

Just steps away from the beach and hidden amongst lush tropical forest, both residences have been designed to exist in perfect harmony with the unspoiled setting and Soneva’s one-of-a-kind ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy. Each celebrates the wonders of nature – with expansive al fresco decked areas and terraces, verdant private gardens and open-air bathrooms with sunken baths and outdoor rain showers.

Named after its incredible views of the sun setting over the horizon, Villa 43 Sunset Reserve is one of the largest and most luxurious residences on the island. Centred around an ancient Banyan tree, it features a cluster of six buildings that are interconnected by extensive wooden walkways and elevated terraces. The vast main swimming pool comes with its very own water slide and sunken seating area, while a second pool sits just outside the master suite. The seashore is just a few feet beyond, with pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkelling.

With a maximum occupancy of 12 adults and 4 children, the 2,303 sq m (21,851 sq ft) Villa 43 achieves the perfect balance of secluded spaces and convivial communal living – private bedroom suites, living rooms and terraces with oversized daybeds are perfect for quiet moments of reflection, while family and friends can spend precious time together in the open plan living and dining areas, TV suite and well-appointed library.

The generously-sized master suite features its own living room, as well as Soneva’s signature open air bathroom – surrounded by a tranquil water feature, it includes a deep, sunken bath, steam facilities, indoor and outdoor rain showers and his-and-hers sinks. The main guest suite also features an al fresco bathroom, whilst three additional guest bedrooms include ample en-suite bathrooms and showers. For younger residents, there is a separate children’s bedroom which also features an en-suite and additional nanny’s room.

A true haven from the outside world, Villa 43 features its very own private gym with the latest fitness technology, plus a dedicated spa suite, complete with sauna and steam room. For wine connoisseurs, there is also a substantial cellar with a selection of the world’s finest vintages.

The four-bedroom Villa 38 is found on the serene sunrise side of the island. Also situated just next to snow-white sands, the two-storey villa is partly encircled by a vast, curved swimming pool, which can be accessed directly from both ground-floor bedroom suites and also features a lengthy slide. Large decked areas overlook the pool and the beach beyond, and include comfortable loungers and daybeds, dining areas and a sunken seating area for relaxing and entertaining.

The 1,525 sq m (16,415 sq ft) Villa 38 has a maximum occupancy of eight adults and four children. On the ground floor, there is an open-plan, double-height living area which is filled with light and a sense of space, plus a dining room, kitchen and pantry, as well as a spa suite, which features a sauna and steam room. The master bedroom suite and guest bedroom both include an extensive outdoor garden bathroom, with sunken baths, outdoor rain showers and water features.

Upstairs in Villa 38, there are two additional guest bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, dressing rooms and private balconies, as well as a fully-equipped private gym. A first-floor decked area offers an incredible vantage point over the Indian Ocean – with a dining table and plush daybeds, it is a tranquil spot to start the day watching the stunning Maldivian sunrise.

Both Villa 43 Sunset Reserve and Villa 38 are Private Residences, part of the exclusive Soneva Villa Ownership Programme – the first and only developer to offer high-end, luxury homes to foreign owners in the Maldives.

Currently operating in Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, as well as Soneva Kiri in Thailand, each Private Residence is a completely bespoke home-away-from-home, and has been carefully located to ensure that owners enjoy maximum privacy while remaining close to Soneva’s first-class services and amenities.

Sold on a renewable leasehold, every Private Residence is designed to meet its owner’s individual needs, whilst remaining true to Soneva’s signature ‘Intelligent Luxury’, uncompromising ecological and ethical credentials, high quality design and utmost attention to even the smallest of details. Privately-owned villas and retreats are fully maintained by the resort (including repairs, replacement furniture, fixtures and fittings, lighting, gardening and pest control), whilst owners enjoy myriad benefits, such as 20 per cent savings on food and beverages, motorised water sports and flight transfers.

As well as making significant savings whilst enjoying the use of their property during their own holidays, Private Residence owners can maximise their return on investment through Soneva’s Villa Rental Programme, which offers a strong cash yield when villas are rented out whilst owners are not residing at the resort. In the Maldives, for example, capital prices have appreciated by approximately eight to ten per cent per year.

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 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.

Entertainment

Centara Maldives unveils season of celebration across four island paradises

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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.

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Awards

Jen Maldives Malé by Shangri-La named ‘Leading Business Hotel – Maldives’ at SATA 2025

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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.

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Cooking

Grégory Doyen brings his sweet artistry to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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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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