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Soneva Jani announces new wellness practitioners line-up

Soneva has announced an impressive roster of visiting wellness practitioners that will be at Soneva Jani in Maldives, throughout December 2019 and into early 2020.
The practitioners include experts in Ayurveda, physiotherapy, massage, Pilates, yoga and more.
These decorated practitioners reflect Soneva’s ongoing commitment to focus more on holistic wellness, which encompasses a mind, body and soul approach consisting of four main pillars: Wellness of the Mind; Wellness of the Soul and Sleep; Wellness of the Body; and Wellness of Nutrition and Life.
The visiting practitioners fall under these respective pillars.
Roger Moore – Wellness of the Soul and Sleep (13/12/19 – 03/01/20)
Originally from the UK, Roger is a world-renowned therapist whose 30 plus years of experience ranges from western medical and scientific approach to health, to the Eastern ‘Shamanic’ esoteric spiritual approach to wellbeing and happiness. He combines both of these with a third sphere of psychological and spiritual philosophy, thus creating a very holistic and unique grounded and rounded approach to wellbeing, happiness and health.
His most popular therapies are: The Seven Chakra Massage; Metamorphosis, which uses a combination of Reflexology, Reiki, Indian head massage and Aura work; Deep Tissue Positional Release Therapy; Chi Nei Tsang, an abdominal ‘Chi’ organ massage; and Watsu Therapy, a blend of Zen Shiatsu, Tai Chi and soft tissue massage.
Some of his accolades include being voted as one of the “Top Eight Therapists in the World Worth Travelling Around the World For” by Tatler’s Travel Guide in a “Best of the Best” edition. He was also voted by Elite Traveler magazine (USA) as “The Best Therapist with the Best Therapy” at Chiva Som, (Asia) Resort.
His black-book of celebrity clients includes Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Richard Gere, and John Frida, as well as many politicians and CEOs.
Dr GN Lakshman – Wellness of Nutrition and Life (December)
Ayurveda is a passion for Dr Lakshman, who completed his training in Ayurveda in Chennai, learning this ancient therapeutic art from respected Ayurvedic gurus.
He specialises in a range of disciplines, including: paediatrics; eye care; ear, nose and throat (ENT) care; cancer care; Panchakarma (a process that cleanses the body of toxic materials left by disease, poor nutrition and environmental pollution); and Nadi Vigyan (an Ayruvedic method of diagnosis based on a patient’s pulse). He offers advice to his patients on following an Ayurveda diet and making appropriate lifestyle changes.
In 2003, he was honoured with the Jeevaka by The Himalaya Drug Company, and was asked to be a guest speaker at Ayurveda forums.
Dr Lakshman completed his post-graduate education from Pune in Ayurveda Pharmacology, and is currently completing his PhD, focussing on cancer, diabetes and thyroid problems, in Chennai.
Throughout his career, he has worked at various prestigious Ayurveda organisations, including the Arya Vaidya (Pharmacy) Institute (AVP), and the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT).
Pooja Das – Wellness of Nutrition and Life (December)
Pooja completed her Diploma in Ayurveda Panchakarma, after beginning her healing journey through Ayurveda in 2016. Since then, she has worked in leading Ayurveda centres in Kerala and Goa.
In 2018, Pooja joined Dr Lakshman’s team, specialising in Kerala Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies like Abyangam, Shirodhara and Kizhi. She also works on Ayurveda pressure points to help facilitate deep tissue repair and lymphatic drainage.
Jobin Kannonil Joy – Wellness of Nutrition and Life (December)
Jobin started his journey into the ancient art of Ayurveda when he completed his Diploma in Ayurveda Panchakarma in 2011. Since then he has worked in numerous leading Ayurveda centres all over India.
He joined Dr Lakshman’s team in 2016 and has been practising Kerala Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies that include Fusion Abyangam and specialised Marma Massage.
Mark Yevtifeyev – Wellness of the Body (year-round)
Mark has been working professionally as a physiotherapist, sports coach and massage therapist for over 25 years.
A native Russian, he trained at the Uzbek State Institute of Physical Education, before obtaining further training in sports massage, Acupuncture, Osteopathy and Chiropractic therapy over the years.
Mark has worked as a functional and rehabilitation trainer with many high-performance individuals including track and field athletes, AFC Football Teams and Olympic athletes.
With his extensive knowledge in health, fitness, nutrition and injury recovery he specialises in: acupuncture; chiropractic; vacuum cupping; sports, Swedish, and deep tissue massage; and personal training.
Pawan Kumar – Wellness of the Mind (year-round)
Pawan comes from a traditional Hindu family in the Himalayan region of India. Since childhood, he was brought up surrounded by spiritual practices and teachings. He studied yoga in numerous ancient Indian ashrams and with yoga masters in the Himalayas.
With the divine blessings of the yoga masters, Pawan uses his practice in a bid to help heal humanity and spread the awareness of yoga as a lifestyle choice around the world.
He views yoga as a science, a form of disciplined life, and as a practical system of self-culture. It is a discipline of the mind, the senses and the physical body. Yoga helps its students attain control of their thoughts and feelings, ethics, moral excellence, and spiritual calmness. It is the key that unlocks the realms of peace, bliss, mystery and miracles.
Pawan is qualified in: Traditional Hatha Yoga; Advanced Yoga (classical yoga poses); Vinyasa Yoga; Mantra Yoga (chanting); Pranayama (breath regulation and control); Meditation (traditional Vedic and mantra meditation); and Shat Karma (yogic detoxification practices).
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.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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