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Soneva Fushi unveils opulent new Private Residences

Published

6 years ago

November 4, 2019

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.

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From wellness to culture: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts embodies new era of Maldivian travel

Published

7 days ago

October 23, 2025

m@ldives

The Maldives continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s premier island destinations, achieving global acclaim while maintaining steady growth in visitor arrivals. The country was recently named Best Beach Destination at the World Tourism Awards 2025 in Brussels and ranked among the Top Ten Countries for Food in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives recorded over 1.7 million tourist arrivals as of 21 October 2025 — a 10% year-on-year increase. The destination is on course to meet its ambitious target of 2.3 million arrivals by year-end, with the final quarter expected to bring the highest influx of visitors as the nation enters its peak travel season.

Sustained demand from key markets including India, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, alongside rising interest from the Middle East and Europe, continues to fuel this growth. The trend reflects a broader global shift towards experience-led travel, where visitors seek meaningful, immersive stays rather than conventional leisure holidays.

As arrival numbers climb, the focus within the Maldives tourism industry is evolving from volume to value. Hospitality brands are responding by offering experiences that highlight authenticity, sustainability, and cultural engagement. Among them, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts — which operates four properties across the Maldives — is redefining the concept of island travel through wellness, cuisine, and culture.

The brand’s approach extends beyond accommodation, curating distinctive experiences that deepen the guest journey. From spa rituals rooted in Asian wellness traditions at Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa to private beachfront dinners celebrating the region’s rich culinary heritage, each stay is designed to be both restorative and enriching. Guests who book directly also receive exclusive credits and tailored experiences, reinforcing the Maldives’ growing appeal as a destination for conscious and immersive travel.

This direction mirrors the Maldives’ evolving tourism strategy, which prioritises authenticity and quality over volume. As the nation edges closer to another record-breaking year, its success lies not only in the number of arrivals but in its ability to offer enduring, high-calibre experiences — a vision shared by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as it continues to shape the future of island hospitality across the region.

Featured

Centara Maldives unveils bespoke National Day escapes for UAE holidaymakers

Published

7 days ago

October 23, 2025

m@ldives

As one of the most notable occasions in the GCC calendar, UAE National Day presents the perfect opportunity to plan a dream island getaway at one of Centara Hotels & Resorts’ Maldivian destinations. Travellers can discover their own piece of paradise across four distinctive properties: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. Each resort offers a seamless blend of elegance, comfort, island activities, and rejuvenating spa experiences — the ideal way to celebrate the spirit of the occasion with a tropical touch.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Located a short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives provides an elegant island retreat ideal for celebrating special moments with family and friends. The resort features a range of overwater villas and beachfront residences, each complete with a private pool, jacuzzi, or both — offering guests an opportunity to truly unwind and disconnect from the outside world.

Set within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the resort offers an array of experiences, from exciting water sports and excursions to restorative wellness treatments at the tranquil SPA Cenvaree Retreat. Dining choices include international buffets at The Gallery, modern Mediterranean flavours at Bluefin, and light bites at Coco Drift’s swim-up bar. Guests can also toast to the occasion with a refreshing drink at Sunset Social.

In celebration of UAE National Day, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives invites guests to reconnect with loved ones through an exclusive stay package. Guests booking before 15 December for stays until 20 December can enjoy four nights for the price of three or seven nights for the price of five, with complimentary round-trip transfers included.

Additional benefits include:

Upgrade to the Half Board Plus meal plan when booking a Room with Breakfast
Club access
Complimentary sparkling beverage at Sunset Social on the first evening
One complimentary couples’ treatment at SPA Cenvaree Retreat
A 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

Nestled in the scenic North Malé Atoll, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers a vibrant, underwater world-themed escape perfect for families. The resort combines play and relaxation through its lazy river, splash zones, and water playgrounds, alongside the acclaimed SPA Cenvaree, a Candy Spa for children, and a lively kids’ club. Accommodation includes oceanfront and overwater villas, complemented by diverse dining experiences.

Families can enjoy the ultimate island holiday where children stay, play, and dine for free on all stays before 15 December. Perfect for the UAE National Day long weekend, the offer includes:

Special room rates
Complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers
Free stays and meals for up to two children aged 11 and under
A 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

For couples and solo travellers seeking tranquillity, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers an adults-only sanctuary designed for relaxation and connection. Guests can wake to panoramic sea views from oceanfront or overwater villas with direct lagoon access. The resort features world-class dining, a yoga pavilion, award-winning SPA Cenvaree, and water sports including windsurfing, parasailing, and snorkelling.

To mark UAE National Day, guests can take advantage of 30% off all villas (and 45% off for CentaraThe1 members), along with 50% off transfers for stays of two to four nights. The package also includes:

Sparkling beverage and fresh fruit upon arrival in overwater villas
A three-course poolside dinner under the stars for Half Board Plus guests and above
Buy-one-get-one-free spa treatments
20% discount on food and beverages
10% off water sports and excursions
Complimentary snorkelling and kayaking equipment

Bookings and stays are valid until 10 January 2026.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection

Set amidst breathtaking ocean views and a UNESCO-protected marine reserve, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection caters to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Home to an award-winning house reef and several renowned dive sites, guests can spend their days exploring coral reefs or discovering a historic shipwreck, followed by spa treatments and gourmet dining.

Guests can enjoy 45% off flexible rates for CentaraThe1 members and 30% off for non-members, along with 30% off seaplane transfers for stays of two to six nights until 10 January 2026.

The offer includes:

Handmade chocolates and tropical fruit upon arrival in overwater or pool villas
A complimentary picnic lunch for families or a private beach dinner for couples (Half Board Plus and above)
Buy-one-get-one-free spa treatments
Complimentary stays and meals for children aged six and under
20% discount on à la carte dining and floating breakfasts (Club Pool Villas only)
10% discount on water sports and excursions
Complimentary snorkelling gear and kayak use

For more information or reservations, guests can visit Centara Hotels & Resorts and explore exclusive UAE National Day offers available across all Maldivian properties.

Featured

Holistic journeys at One&Only Reethi Rah: Year of global wellness expertise

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2025

m@ldives

One&Only Reethi Rah invites guests to continue their wellness journey at the renowned One&Only Spa, which has recently received a prestigious five-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide — the first and only spa in the Maldives to earn this recognition. Surrounded by tropical greenery, the spa offers a tranquil retreat where ancient healing practices meet modern techniques, providing tailored treatments that promote lasting wellbeing.

Throughout the year, One&Only Reethi Rah has hosted leading international wellness practitioners, and the remainder of 2025 will feature an inspiring series of experiences guided by acclaimed experts. From holistic therapies and Ayurveda to Pilates, yoga, Barre, and CrossFit, each visiting specialist brings unique expertise and methodology to the island, delivering highly personalised sessions designed around each guest’s individual needs.

Beginning in October, Ayurveda specialist Dr Shreejit Ghadigaonkar will offer personalised consultations and treatments based on one of the world’s oldest healing systems, using herbal remedies, massage, and holistic therapies to restore balance. During the same period, Shannon Fenton, a Pilates and yoga instructor, will lead mindful movement sessions to enhance posture, body awareness, and overall wellbeing.

In November, bespoke fitness coach Nicky Holender will introduce tailored programmes focused on strength, endurance, and motivation, while holistic therapist Darya Gudkova will offer deeply restorative treatments combining Eastern traditions with a contemporary understanding of anatomy and psychology.

The season will continue into December and January with Sanam Heravi, a STOTT-certified Barre specialist, whose sessions use intelligent movement to support rehabilitation and life transitions. Guests seeking high-intensity training will be able to train with Zubaid Toefy, a CrossFit coach with a background in Muay Thai and Olympic weightlifting, known for his dynamic and disciplined approach.

Each visiting practitioner contributes distinct expertise to the spa’s offerings, enabling guests to explore individual paths towards vitality, clarity, and inner balance

Whether guests are beginning a new wellness journey or deepening established rituals, the One&Only Spa provides a setting for intentional transformation. From sunrise yoga sessions to deeply restorative treatments, every moment is designed to strengthen the connection between mind, body, and nature within the serene environment of the Maldives.

For guests seeking advanced skincare, the spa also presents a curated selection of facial treatments that combine cutting-edge technology with high-performance formulations. Through partnerships with globally renowned brands such as Augustinus Bader, the spa offers rejuvenating therapies that leave the skin feeling nourished, firm, and radiant.