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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
The Standard, Maldives unveils romantic Valentine’s Day experiences
This Valentine’s Day, The Standard, Maldives is inviting couples to celebrate love through a curated collection of romantic dining experiences set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Designed to encourage connection and indulgence, each experience combines refined cuisine, intimate settings and signature details that transform shared moments into lasting memories.
For couples seeking privacy and exclusivity, the Romantic Dinner at Baby Island offers a secluded escape on a private island setting. Guests are treated to a bespoke dining experience for two, accompanied by champagne and specially curated Valentine’s touches, all within an atmosphere that is personal, tranquil and understatedly romantic, creating an intimate celebration of love surrounded by nature.
The Private Dinner at Kula Beach provides an equally refined beachfront experience beneath the night sky. Set along the shoreline with the sound of the ocean in the background, the evening is designed to balance elegance and intimacy, creating a warm ambience that allows couples to immerse themselves fully in the moment. Advance reservations ensure exclusivity and a peaceful setting for this special occasion.
Valentine’s Day at The Standard, Maldives may also begin in relaxed island style with a Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa. Carefully prepared and attractively presented, guests may choose from a range of breakfast options, from classic favourites and lighter wellness-inspired selections to a champagne-enhanced start to the day, offering a leisurely and indulgent morning together.
From private island dinners and starlit beachfront evenings to indulgent floating breakfasts, The Standard, Maldives has crafted Valentine’s Day experiences designed to be shared and savoured. Each moment reflects the resort’s signature blend of playful luxury and meaningful connection, inviting couples to celebrate love in a way that feels personal, immersive and memorable.
To further enhance the romantic escape, guests may complement their stay with The Standard, Maldives’ Premium All-Inclusive experience, offering seamless indulgence throughout the visit. With daily dining at selected restaurants, premium beverages, in-villa refreshments and curated resort experiences included, couples are free to focus on one another, enjoying a relaxed and immersive Valentine’s celebration in a tropical setting.
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Pulse Hotels & Resorts unveils eco-chic Eri Maldives in North Malé Atoll
Eri Maldives has officially opened in the North Malé Atoll, introducing a new eco-chic lifestyle resort concept focused on accessible island living in the Maldives. Located a 45-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, the resort combines ease of access with the calm of a natural island environment, offering a streamlined escape for travellers seeking authenticity rather than artificial luxury.
Set on a lush natural island, Eri Maldives is defined by dense greenery and a vibrant house reef accessible directly from the shore. The resort operates under the philosophy of “The Island of Becoming”, favouring genuine cultural immersion over traditional hospitality formality. Local arts, Maldivian cuisine and cultural practices shape the daily rhythm of island life, supported by a focus on mindful living that integrates sustainability and wellbeing throughout the guest experience. Visitors are encouraged to disconnect, slow down and engage more deeply with both the island and its cultural heritage.
Accommodation at the resort is offered across four categories designed to prioritise comfort, connection and simplicity. Beach Pool Villas feature private pools surrounded by tropical vegetation, while Beach Villas offer direct access to the shoreline and lagoon sunsets. Beach Studios, located on the ground floor, provide immediate beach access, and Sky Studios on the upper level include private balconies with expansive lagoon views. Dining follows the same relaxed approach, with Full Board Plus and All-Inclusive options available across three venues: international cuisine at Soul Kitchen, casual beachfront dining at Beach Shack, and sunset refreshments at Sip & Dip.
Adventure and relaxation are balanced through a range of experiences. A five-star PADI dive centre operated by Euro-Divers provides access to more than 30 recognised dive sites, alongside a comprehensive water sports programme. For restorative experiences, Eskape Spa is set within the island’s tropical canopy, offering holistic treatments and ocean-inspired rituals rooted in Maldivian traditions. The resort also curates bespoke celebrations, including destination dining under the stars and vow renewals accompanied by traditional Bodu Beru drumming.
Commenting on the opening, General Manager Haroon Mohamed stated that Eri Maldives is founded on the principle of experiencing the Maldives in an authentic and uncomplicated way, with an emphasis on wellbeing and meaningful connection. He noted that the resort aims to create moments that leave guests feeling cared for, understood and positively transformed.
Frederic Brohez, Chief Operating Officer of Pulse Hotels & Resorts, said the opening marks a significant addition to the group’s portfolio, introducing an eco-chic lifestyle brand designed for environmentally conscious travellers seeking a genuine Maldivian escape. He added that Eri Maldives reflects the group’s broader vision of sustainable island living, where design, community and wellbeing are closely aligned.
Eri Maldives is now welcoming guests. To mark its opening, the resort has introduced a limited-time launch offer featuring exclusive savings and added inclusions. Further information is available via the resort’s official website.
Featured
Endless Summer awaits at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is inviting guests to extend their time in paradise with the introduction of its Endless Summer offer, a thoughtfully curated stay designed to encourage a slower pace, elevated comfort and a deeper appreciation of island living.
Created for travellers seeking flexibility and ease, the Endless Summer offer combines dining experiences, leisure activities and added privileges that allow each stay to feel personalised. From arrival, guests receive USD 150 in resort credit per room, per stay, providing the freedom to enjoy moments of relaxation, culinary discovery or island exploration.
Mornings begin with a buffet breakfast at Feast, offering a selection of international favourites alongside fresh pastries and live cooking stations. Lunch is served as a relaxed three-course à la carte experience at four selected restaurants, including a beachfront venue, presenting a range of global flavours inspired by island freshness.
In the evening, guests may choose between a buffet dinner at Feast or a three-course à la carte menu at Indian, Mediterranean or Asian dining venues. Adults also receive a nightly USD 45 dining credit, which can be used at Baan Thai for authentic Thai cuisine or at Sea Salt, known for its seafood-focused menu and oceanfront setting.
Families are welcomed with added convenience, as children aged 11 and under dine complimentary from the breakfast and dinner buffets or from the Kids’ Menu when accompanied by parents. Daily experiences throughout the resort include poolside events and live entertainment at Anchorage, creating relaxed and social evenings.
Wellbeing and recreation are integrated into the daily programme, with complimentary wellness sessions and recreational activities available according to the resort schedule. Guests also have access to the tennis court with equipment included and may enjoy a 15 per cent saving on selected treatments at Shine Spa for Sheraton.
The Endless Summer offer is available for booking until 28 February 2026, for stays valid through to 20 December 2026, allowing guests to plan a year-round island escape.
Reflecting the essence of a Maldivian holiday, the Endless Summer experience is defined by unhurried days, diverse dining options and moments designed to linger beyond the stay. At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, summer is presented not as a season, but as a way of life.
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