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Soneva announces spectacular Easter programme for Maldives resorts

Published

5 years ago

February 11, 2020

Soneva has unveiled a thrilling Easter programme across its award-winning resorts in Maldives.

With Soneva celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary in 2020, this seasonal programme is set to be the biggest, most diverse and most exciting yet: alongside exceptional Easter activities for all ages and one-of-a-kind, thought-provoking experiences, Soneva will welcome a star-studded array of world-renowned experts and Michelin-starred chefs through the new Soneva Stars calendar.

Running between April 2 and 16, guests at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives will have an unprecedented opportunity to meet their sporting heroes, learn from pre-eminent experts in wine and astronomy, and dine with pioneering gastronomes.

A much-loved seasonal treat at Soneva, each of the two resorts will once again be hosting the World’s Greatest Easter Egg Hunt – open to guests of all ages, wooden eggs are hidden across each resort, to be exchanged for delicious chocolates from the Chocolate Parlour. An egg-stra special prize awaits the guest who collects the most eggs!

Soneva Fushi

Guests are invited to celebrate the joy of the holidays with an Easter Safari complete with mouthwatering food, live music, games and unforgettable entertainment.

Young Sonevians can expect a fun-packed Easter activities programme, with arts and crafts, Easter basket-making, a surprise Easter cruise and a special late-night Easter-themed party.

A sparkling constellation of Michelin-starred chefs and acclaimed restaurateurs are set to grace Soneva Fushi’s kitchens over the Easter holidays.

One-Michelin-starred chefs Jonathan K. Berntsen and Shaun Rankin will both be hosting intimate dinners at Once Upon a Table, a culinary theatre which sits just eight guests in front of an open kitchen, as well as Cedric Vongerichten, who is recognised by Zagat as one of the top 30 chefs under 30. Also hosting visiting chef finners are Kamilla Seidler, crowned Latin America’s top female chef in 2016, and Filip Langhoff, who has one Michelin star for his critically acclaimed restaurant, Ask.

The gastronomic line-up is perfectly paired with visiting expert Jancis Robinson, editor of The Oxford Companion to Wine, and long-time wine columnist for the Financial Times, who is considered the world’s foremost expert on wine.

Sporting legends, Graeme Le Saux and Jonas Bjorkman, will also be at Soneva Fushi over the Easter break. Former England international footballer Graeme will be hosting a Table Talk at Cinema Paradiso, as well as running a football camp for Young Sonevians, whilst former world No. 4 singles tennis player Jonas will be offering one-to-one private coaching for Soneva guests.

Freediver Ken Kiriyama, holder of Japan’s national freediving record, will be hosting freediving sessions, covering breathing techniques, theory, stretching, and confined and open water practice.

Astronomer Lars Lindberg Christensen, renowned for his work with some of the world’s largest telescopes, including Hubble and the Extremely Large Telescope, will be sharing his knowledge of the night skies. Lars will be hosting an Astronomical Breakfast at Fresh in the Garden, as well as fascinating private astronomy sessions at the Ever Soneva So Celestial observatory.

Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani will be hosting an Easter-inspired pop-up on the sands of North Beach. Starting with mouthwatering cocktails, it will feature a delectable Easter dinner accompanied by live entertainment and a DJ. For those in the holiday spirit, there will also be giant egg painting on North Beach, plus the chance for Young Sonevians to try their hand at sailing.

Regarded as a trailblazer on the Scandinavian food scene, one-Michelin-starred chef Jonathan K. Berntsen will be in residence at Soneva Jani over the Easter period. The creative force behind the much-vaunted Clou in Copenhagen, he is renowned for pairing classic cooking techniques with an innovative approach to matching food and wine.

With a two-Michelin-star pedigree, Soneva Jani’s Grand Master chef Kiichi will prepare an unforgettable degustation menu at The Gathering. Known for his playful approach, Chef Kiichi blends time-honoured Japanese techniques with a Maldivian twist.

Guests can also experience the new Guess Who’s Cooking dining concept – with a secret menu, the bespoke meal is tailored to their preferences by one of Soneva Jani’s talented chefs then served in a secret location. With a different chef and different location every day, the chef will only reveal their identity after the meal to explain their choice of dishes and their inspiration.

Visiting practitioner Kanlayanee ‘Jang’ Martthuean will be sharing her extensive experience across the wellness industry with Soneva Jani guests. As a passionate advocate for training wellness therapies and yoga, she will be helping guests realign their body and mind.

Soneva currently runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, and luxury yacht, Soneva in Aqua. The world-leading luxury resort operator also operates Soneva Kiri resort in Thailand.

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. Eight new one- and two-bedroom Water Retreats, perched above the turquoise depths of the Indian Ocean, are scheduled to open to guests by May. 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.

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.

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Family

Hop into Easter bliss at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Published

15 hours ago

April 4, 2025

m@ldives

Nestled in the pristine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is set to transform into an enchanting Easter paradise this April, offering guests an extraordinary celebration that seamlessly blends hospitality, wellness, and family entertainment. From April 14 to 20, 2025, this exclusive island retreat will come alive with the spirit of spring, promising an unforgettable escape in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

The Easter festivities begin with an exclusive Chef & Sommelier beach dinner on April 14, setting the tone for a week of exceptional culinary journeys. Guests can savor the artistic creations at Island Kitchen, where a special Easter à la carte menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients. Meanwhile, the Japanese Restaurant Pearl elevates the dining experience with traditional Teishoku dinners from April 15 to 20, featuring a traditional Japanese set menu with exquisite flavors.

The resort’s Easter celebration reaches its peak on April 20 with the magical Easter EGGstravaganza at the Westin Family Kids Club. Young guests will delight in creating their own sock bunnies, participating in an exciting Easter egg hunt, enjoying an exhilarating water balloon fun, and expressing their creativity through cookie decorating, wooden egg painting, and crafting festive bunny masks. These carefully curated activities create precious moments of joy and wonder for families to cherish. To conclude the celebration, a grand Easter Buffet Dinner in Island Kitchen promises a feast for both the eyes and palate.

For those seeking tranquility amidst the festivities, the Heavenly Spa by Westin offers a special Easter Renewal Package throughout the celebration week. This rejuvenating journey includes a blissful 60-minute massage with herbal poultice followed by a 30-minute rejuvenating facial treatment, providing the perfect opportunity for guests to refresh both body and mind.

As the gentle sea breeze carries the spirit of renewal across the island, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to experience an Easter celebration where every moment is crafted to create memories that will last a lifetime. Just a scenic 30-minute seaplane journey from Malé and with 69 thoughtfully designed villas, this exclusive retreat promises an unforgettable spring holiday for all.

Family

Celebrate Easter of discovery at LUX* South Ari Atoll

Published

2 days ago

April 2, 2025

m@ldives

This Easter, LUX* South Ari Atoll under The Lux Collective global hospitality group invites guests to escape to its sun-kissed shores for a week of extraordinary celebrations, where luxury meets adventure. From 14 to 21 April 2025, the acclaimed Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards resort will immerse guests in a curated programme of island experiences and unforgettable moments, for adults and children alike.

Easter Festivities for the Whole Family

A series of signature island experiences are crafted to bring loved ones together. Families can embark on an exciting Easter Egg Hunt, where hidden treasures await beneath the palm-fringed canopy. Creativity flourishes at the Easter Egg Painting Workshop at Junk Art Studio, where guests of all ages can design their colourful masterpieces. The Easter Sand Castle Competition invites families to craft intricate sculptures on the shore, while the Easter Cinema Paradiso sets the stage for an open-air movie night under the stars. For those looking to add a touch of style to their celebrations, the Easter Cocktail Reception & Fashion Show blends elegance with island chic for an evening of glamour by the sea.

Adventures Await

With the resort uniquely situated in the world’s only year-round whale shark aggregation site, guests can swim alongside these ocean’s gentle giants on the Whale Shark Discovery Snorkeling trip—an experience that promises to leave them in awe.

Guests can start the day with a morning Dolphin Cruise, where playful dolphins leap through the turquoise waters, creating a magical spectacle at sunrise. For those eager to explore the wonders beneath the waves, our Sea Turtle Snorkeling and Manta Snorkeling excursions offer intimate encounters with some of the ocean’s most graceful marine creatures.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Ironman Triathlon is the ultimate endurance challenge, set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, the Island Treasure Hunt promises fun-filled exploration as guests uncover hidden surprises across the island.

As the day draws to a close, guests can sail into a sunset cruise, watching the sky transform into a canvas of golden hues—an idyllic way to unwind and embrace the beauty of the Maldives.

Wellness and Rejuvenation

At the award-winning LUX* ME Spa, relaxation takes center stage. A series of complimentary wellness workshops offer guests a chance to reconnect and refresh, including the Bastien Gonzalez Hand & Feet Beauty and the D.I.Y Facial & LUX* ME Product Discovery workshops. Each session offers a chance to win exciting prizes, adding a touch of luxury to their wellness journey.

Guests can delve deeper into holistic well -being with Discover the Five Elements workshop, designed to align body and mind. For an indulgent treat, the Chocolate Wrap for Hands offers a touch of self-care.

Culinary Delights

Easter at LUX* South Ari Atoll is a gastronomic celebration, where every meal is an experience in itself. The Lobster & Seafood Market at MIXE presents a feast of ocean delicacies, while the Easter Buffet Dinner at MIXE & East Market showcases an elegant spread of global flavors.

For those craving flame-grilled perfection, the Easter Roast Feast at Beach Rouge and the BBQ Party at Lagoon Bar offer mouthwatering selections in a beachfront setting. The Burger Shack at Veli Bar brings laid-back gourmet bites.

Plan Your Easter Getaway

Winning the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for the second consecutive year, LUX* South Ari Atoll presents an exclusive Fabulous Offer for Easter, featuring accommodation and a lineup of unforgettable activities. Guests booking the special full-board meal plan will enjoy a complimentary upgrade to all-inclusive, making their stay a time of island luxury and culinary excellence.

For reservations or further information, please visit www.luxresorts.com, contact stay@luxmaldivesresort.com, or call +960 668 0901.

Family

Exciting Easter adventures await families at Kandooma Maldives

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2025

m@ldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites families to embrace the spirit of Easter with an exciting line-up of activities and themed experiences from 18 to 24 April 2025. Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, the resort offers the perfect setting for a memorable tropical Easter escape.

A Week of Wholesome Adventures at Kandoo Kids’ Club

The Easter celebrations centre around the Kandoo Kids’ Club, open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm for children aged 4 to 12. Supervised by a caring and energetic team, it will offer a rotating schedule of themed activities, including nature exploration, wellness-focused fun, traditional Maldivian experiences, Easter celebrations, and ocean discovery that little VIPs will surely enjoy.

Island-Wide Easter Fun

Families can enjoy a week full of island-wide Easter activities. On Easter Sunday, 20 April, guests can participate in Easter card making, egg painting and decoration, and a festive Easter Egg Hunt. The evening will conclude with an International Easter Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, showcasing a diverse selection of global flavours, from roast lamb and seafood to bunny-themed treats and indulgent desserts.

Throughout the week, guests can also participate in various recreational activities, including sunset cruises, snorkelling adventures, volleyball matches, and an Easter-themed movie night under the stars.

Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, shared: “Easter is a time for families to come together, and at Kandooma, we’re proud to offer a setting where guests of all ages can connect, celebrate, and create special memories. Our team puts great care into crafting meaningful experiences, especially for our younger guests, and we’re excited to welcome families for a truly unforgettable Easter week.”

Plan the Perfect Family Escape

Families looking to make the most of Easter at Kandooma Maldives are encouraged to take advantage of the Family Getaway package. This special offer includes family-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, memorable island experiences, and the added benefit of kids staying and dining for free. Terms and conditions apply.

For bookings and more information, visit https://maldives.holidayinnresorts.com/hotel-offers/family-getaway/. For the full Easter 2025 Brochure, visit https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_EasterBrochure.html.