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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
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives launches March flash offer with savings of up to 80%
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced a limited-time flash offer inviting travellers to experience the Maldives in March, one of the destination’s most favourable months, with savings of up to 80 per cent when booking direct. The promotion is available across all four Cinnamon resorts in the Maldives and combines discounted rates with added island experiences, allowing guests to enjoy the destination during a period of ideal weather conditions.
The offer is open for bookings from 23 January to 2 February 2026, for stays between 1 March and 31 March 2026, using the promotional code MARCH26.
Guests booking under the offer can look forward to a range of experiences, including diving and snorkelling excursions with opportunities to encounter manta rays, reef sharks and sea turtles. On land, activities include island hopping, sunset fishing trips, Balinese spa treatments and four-course beachfront dinners. Guests staying a minimum of three nights are also eligible to receive resort credits of up to USD 150, providing additional value during their stay.
At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, guests booking direct may select any two island experiences, or enjoy up to all available benefits once per stay depending on their GHA DISCOVERY membership tier, along with USD 100 in resort credits for stays of three nights or more. Available experiences include a beach dinner, a Balinese massage, a swim and snorkel excursion, and a local island visit.
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, guests may select any two island experiences, or enjoy up to all benefits once per stay depending on their GHA DISCOVERY membership tier, together with USD 150 in resort credits for qualifying stays. Available options include a beach dinner, a spa treatment, island hopping and dolphin watching.
At Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, guests may select any two island experiences, or enjoy up to all benefits once per stay depending on their GHA DISCOVERY membership tier, along with USD 100 in resort credits for stays of three nights or more. Experiences include sunset fishing, island hopping, a bottle of sparkling wine and a kayaking experience.
At Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, guests booking direct may select any two island experiences, or enjoy up to all benefits once per stay depending on their GHA DISCOVERY membership tier, together with USD 100 in resort credits for qualifying stays. Available experiences include a beach dinner, a Balinese massage, sunset fishing and a dolphin safari.
Under the GHA DISCOVERY membership programme, Silver tier members may select two benefits, Gold tier members may select three benefits, and Platinum tier members are entitled to all listed benefits once per stay.
In addition, GHA DISCOVERY members who book direct are eligible for further privileges, including the ability to earn and redeem DISCOVERY Dollars, potential room upgrades up to suite category, and early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability and membership tier.
Available for a limited time, the flash offer is designed to encourage travellers to visit the Maldives in March, when weather conditions are favourable and island experiences are at their most appealing.
Featured
Romantic island experiences await couples at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, romance forms an integral part of the island’s atmosphere, unfolding from the first light of sunrise to the calm of moonlit evenings. This Valentine’s season, the boutique resort is inviting couples to rediscover connection through a curated collection of experiences designed specifically for two. From early morning moments by the lagoon to evenings beneath the stars, each experience is created to celebrate intimacy, encourage togetherness and transform simple moments into lasting memories.
One of the signature experiences offered is the Sunrise Lagoon Breakfast, designed as a gentle beginning to the day in a tranquil setting. Breakfast is served directly over the water, allowing couples to enjoy the warmth of the early sun and the sound of the waves in a private and visually striking environment. The experience is intended for guests who wish to begin the day in a quiet and intimate way.
As evening approaches, couples may retreat to the Tranquillity Package, created for those seeking relaxation and renewal together. The experience takes place in one of the resort’s outdoor cabanas during the golden hour and begins with a traditional foot bath ritual. Guests may then choose between a Balinese massage or an Asian blend massage, followed by a relaxing foot treatment. The ritual concludes with a toast using a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, reflecting the resort’s focus on personalised service and romantic detail.
Nightfall introduces an exclusive date night through the resort’s Cinema by the Moonlight experience. Couples may choose from a floating cinema aboard a dhoni, a sunset cruise with a film, or a private dinner accompanied by champagne in a tailored setting. These experiences combine cinema with the natural beauty of the Maldivian night sky, offering personalised menus and locations designed for an intimate evening.
Throughout February, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef presents its Valentine’s Collection under the theme of Coastal Blush and Champagne Bubbles. The programme includes experiences such as a floating breakfast, signature cocktails, dedicated Valentine’s spa rituals, private lagoon dining and starlit movie nights. Each element is designed to encourage connection and create a relaxed and romantic atmosphere.
Together, these experiences form a season of calm, harmony and reflection for couples, with every detail intended to deepen the sense of escape and support meaningful reconnection at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
Featured
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils Masters of Crafts programme for 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has unveiled its Masters of Crafts programme for 2026, presenting a year-long series of residencies and collaborations designed to celebrate artistry, innovation and cultural exchange. The programme brings together internationally recognised figures across culinary arts, mixology, wellness, sport, music and design, inviting guests to engage with craftsmanship at its highest level within one of the Maldives’ most distinctive island settings.
The 2026 calendar reflects the resort’s focus on transformative travel and experiential learning, uniting masters from diverse disciplines who share a commitment to excellence. Throughout the year, guests will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of experiences, from surf coaching with a world-class athlete and guided stargazing with an astronomer, to Michelin-starred dining, bar takeovers by leading mixologists, immersive wellness practices and encounters with contemporary artists. The programme is shaped by the resort’s Blue Prescription philosophy, which emphasises wellbeing, balance and the restorative power of the natural environment.

The year opens in January with the return of movement coach and founder of the Jacy Method, Jacy Cunningham, who will lead a four-day training series focused on resilience, strength and mindful movement. His sessions will take place across the resort’s gardens, beach and spa spaces, combining high-intensity training with breathwork and connection to the surrounding seascape. Later in January, singer-songwriter and producer Madison McFerrin will present a series of three performances, including a sunset gathering, a candlelit concert and a relaxed morning coffee session, offering guests an intimate introduction to her neo-soul, R&B and jazz-influenced sound.
In February, the culinary and beverage programme will be highlighted by chef Maurizio Bufi of the Michelin-starred Il Fagiano and head mixologist Rama Redzepi, who will host a series of dining and cocktail events at the resort’s Italian restaurant. Their collaboration will combine regional Italian cuisine with curated cocktail pairings, marking the opening of the Behind the Bar series for 2026.

March will see the arrival of award-winning floral designer Harijanto Setiwan, who will host workshops, a botanical afternoon tea and culinary experiences featuring edible flowers, alongside children’s workshops and in-villa floral installations using locally sourced and sustainable materials. In April, astronomer and author Tom Kerss will guide guests through a programme of stargazing experiences, introducing both adults and children to the constellations visible from the Maldives and the stories, science and mythology behind them. Later in the month, mindset mentor Harriet Mandak will lead a three-night retreat for couples, offering guided workshops and shared activities designed to support conscious partnerships.
In June, a trio of leading Asian bars from The World’s 50 Best Bars list will take part in a series of bar takeovers and workshops as part of the resort’s fifth anniversary celebrations, bringing together The St. Regis Bar Jakarta, Punch Room Tokyo and Bar Sathorn Bangkok. In July, big wave surfer Nic von Rupp will return to the resort during the Maldives’ peak surf season, offering coaching sessions for both adults and children around selected surf breaks in the atoll.
The autumn programme continues in October with chef Jean-Philippe Blondet of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, who will present a series of fine dining events at the resort’s Beach Shack. In November, fermentation specialist Alexis Goertz will curate a five-day programme of workshops and tastings focused on gut health and probiotic cuisine during the Thanksgiving period. The year concludes in December with a mixology residency by Moebius, ranked among the world’s leading bars, followed by a mindfulness session led by author and wellbeing advocate Virginia Gambardella, integrating meditation, oceanfront reflection and alcohol-free mixology.
Through its 2026 Masters of Crafts programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to position itself as a destination for immersive, high-level experiences that combine cultural exchange, wellbeing and creative expression within a refined island setting.
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