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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
Sun Siyam unveils new identity and signature experiences

Sun Siyam has unveiled a milestone transformation as it celebrates 35 years of Maldivian hospitality. More than a visual refresh, the brand’s evolution introduces a new statement anchored in The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ most culturally authentic resort operators. The transformation enhances guest journeys through the introduction of Signature Experiences across all six resorts and strengthens customer relationships via Siyam Rewards.
The group has unified its five Maldivian resorts and Sri Lankan retreat under a single identity, The House of Siyam. To provide greater clarity for guests and partners, properties are now grouped under three distinct collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle.
- Luxury Collection: Representing the highest calibre of island indulgence, led by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, this collection offers premium exclusivity.
- Lifestyle Collection: Designed for energetic adventure and diverse experiences, Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World form part of this portfolio.
- Privé Collection: Centred on privacy and bespoke comfort, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka comprise this category.
A central feature of the transformation is the introduction of Signature Experiences, designed to extend beyond villa stays and integrate Maldivian heritage and imagination into every visit. Guests may participate in Maldivian Roots, a weekly culinary and cultural series, book the Maldives’ first overwater photo studio, the Insta Villa, or enjoy the atmosphere at the Sun Siyam Beach Club. Other offerings include the Wow Welcome, Hidden Treasure Chests, Plant Based Bliss dining, and Moonlit Cinemas.
The brand has also launched Siyam Rewards, a digital membership programme offering personalised itineraries, room upgrades, and optional carbon offsets. Members benefit from rewards starting with their first booking. Each stay contributes to marine conservation and community projects through the group’s sustainability initiative, Sun Siyam Care.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder, Owner & Managing Director, said, “When we founded Sun Siyam in 1990 and later opened our first resort in 1998, our goal was simple: to share the warmth of our islands and our people with the world. This transformation keeps that soul alive while giving us the space to innovate for the next generation of free-spirited travellers.”
Chief Executive Officer Deepak Booneady added, “This rebrand is not just about design, it is about experience. It is about cultural authenticity, purpose-driven hospitality and creating moments that spark joy. With the Maldives’ widest choice of villas, the region’s most generous premium all-inclusive plan and now our Signature Experiences, we are setting the stage for the future of island travel.”
The redesigned website, sunsiyam.com, brings the new brand identity across all touchpoints with a look and feel that is both distinctly Maldivian and modern.
The rebrand was developed with leading industry experts: JHAGGER&CO as brand advisors; StudioSixty7, led by Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for interior restyling; and Dominik Ruhl, a Maldives hospitality pioneer, for operational standards and experiences. Implementation was carried out by Sun Siyam’s operations team, General Managers, Resort Managers, and brand, sales, marketing, and public relations teams, coordinated by Abdulla Thamheed, VP of Operations.
The outcome is a design system that retains Maldivian heritage while embracing a contemporary edge.
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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort wins ‘Best Design Resort’ at TTM Awards

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been named ‘Best Design Resort’ at the TTM Awards 2025, an accolade that recognises architectural excellence combining innovation with distinctive aesthetics. The award highlights the resort’s position as one of the Maldives’ most striking luxury properties, known for its design vision and refined guest experiences.
Located on a private island in Dhaalu Atoll, the resort is distinguished by its architectural concept created by Singapore-based WOW Architects. Its design draws inspiration from the natural environment of the Maldives, incorporating organic forms and local motifs with a modern interpretation. Among the resort’s most notable structures are the Whale Bar, shaped in the likeness of a whale shark, and the overwater Iridium Spa, designed to resemble a seashell, both exemplifying the seamless integration of luxury and nature.
The property’s design approach extends across its 77 private villas, positioned to offer either ocean or jungle views. Each villa is designed to blend with the island landscape, integrating sustainable elements while maintaining comfort, privacy, and style. The resort’s spaces reflect a balance between contemporary lines and Maldivian influences, creating a distinct sense of place.
The TTM Awards, presented annually during Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), recognise outstanding contributions to the region’s hospitality sector. This year’s award reinforces The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s reputation as a leader in design and attention to detail.
Since its opening, the resort has become known for uncompromising luxury, featuring celebrated dining options, an extensive wine cellar, and curated experiences supported by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. The recognition at the TTM Awards 2025 further strengthens its status as a global benchmark in design-led hospitality.
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Festive escapes await at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has announced its Festive Early Bird package, inviting guests to celebrate the holiday season amidst tropical gardens and white sandy beaches. Available for stays between 20 December 2025 and 10 January 2026, the offer combines dining, family-friendly experiences, and wellness, creating a seamless festive escape.
The package includes a full-board meal plan across the resort’s restaurants. Children aged 11 and under stay and dine with compliments when sharing accommodation with their parents, reinforcing the family-focused spirit of the season.
Each day begins with a buffet breakfast at Feast, featuring fresh juices, coffees, and teas. Lunch is served à la carte across four venues, with menus showcasing Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican, and Asian-inspired cuisine. Evenings offer either a buffet dinner at Feast or a curated three-course à la carte menu at selected outlets. Adults also receive dining credits to experience the distinctive Thai flavours of Baan Thai or seafood specialities at Sea Salt.
Guests benefit from complimentary shared speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport, ensuring a smooth arrival. During their stay, they may enjoy activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, and tennis. Additional relaxation awaits at Shine Spa for Sheraton, where a 15% saving is available on selected treatments.
The resort has tailored the festive programme with carefully considered details, blending leisure, cuisine, and wellness to create lasting memories. The Festive Early Bird package reflects the essence of a Maldivian holiday, combining turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and moments of celebration.
Reservations for the Festive Early Bird package are open until 15 October 2025, offering guests the opportunity to secure a seasonal retreat at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.
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