Connect with us

News

Soneva honoured at Departures Legend Awards for eco-friendly initiatives

Published

on

Soneva has been recognised for its eco-friendly initiatives.

In its 2020 Legend Awards, Departures magazine listed Soneva’s Namoona Baa initiative amongst “The Best Eco-Initiatives in Hospitality This Year”.

Namoona Baa sees the islands of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo in the Baa atoll pledging to end the open burning of island waste, in a radical shift towards eco-friendly waste management.

The pledge was made by the presidents of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo island councils, during a workshop on waste held at Soneva Fushi on January 5-8, 2019.

To end the practice of the open burning of waste, which poses a health and environmental hazard and damages tourism, each island will create an ‘eco-centro’ waste-to-wealth centre that will sort, recycle and reuse island waste.

The eco-centro model was pioneered at Soneva Fushi, which is located close to Maalhos. At the resort, food and organic waste, metals, and bottles are chipped, ground down or composted, and turned into things of economic value, such as concrete building blocks and fertiliser. Plastic waste is either recycled or used to create useful new objects.

Soneva has pledged funds from its Soneva Save our Seas programme to support the creation of the eco-centros on Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo. During the January workshop, the island council presidents helped forge a new partnership amongst their islands, Soneva Fushi, and Common Seas, an international NGO dedicated to reducing marine plastic pollution.

The new partnership — part of the international Clean Blue Alliance which supports islands to prevent plastic waste leaking into the ocean — sets a course for Baa atoll, and eventually the Maldives, to become a global leader in halting ocean plastic pollution.

The Maalhos eco-centro waste-to-wealth centre – an innovative, waste processing complex modelled on Soneva Fushi’s Eco Centro — was inaugurated in February.

At the complex, the island’s waste is sorted into different categories such as plastic, glass, tin and wood; which is then compacted, crushed, and chipped where possible, and sent for recycling. The new eco-centro has enabled Maalhos to completely stop the open burning of rubbish and waste – making it the first inhabited island in the Maldives to do so.

Dealing with waste, particularly plastic, is a major issue for every island community in the Maldives. Plastic bottles and bags tend to litter streets, island jungle and beaches, while waste is routinely burned in toxic, open bonfires. Human health and guesthouse tourism suffer as a direct result of this practice.

Under the Namoona Baa Initiative, the Maalhos model will be expanded to neighbouring Dharavandhoo and Kihaadhoo, with eco-centro waste-to-wealth centres established on both islands later this year. With government support, it is hoped that the model can be rolled out across the Baa atoll, and eventually the whole of the Maldives.

In August 2019, Common Seas produced a preliminary report for the Maldivian government showing how the island nation could radically reduce the amount of single-use plastic it consumes, and reduce plastic pollution.

In September 2019, at his maiden address to the UN General Assembly, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced a nationwide phase-out of single-use plastics to be implemented by 2023, including phase-outs of single-use plastic bottles and bags. It is one of the most comprehensive phase-outs of single use plastics in the world.

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.

Departures magazine launched the Legend Awards last year.

The awards, selected by the Departures editorial team, span 24 categories, from Best Luxury Hotel Opening to Most Instagrammable Destination, covering every aspect of air, rail, and hotel travel experiences and amenities.

For the 2020 Legend Awards, editors curated the list of honourees based on experiences between May 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, awarding honours to at least 10 properties, products or services per category.

Drink

Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa secures three Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence

Published

on

Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa has been recognised by Wine Spectator with the 2026 Award of Excellence for all three of its dining venues: Oak Lounge Wine Cellar, Bodumas and Latitude 5.5.

The Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants whose wine lists offer quality selections that complement their cuisine while meeting high standards for accuracy and presentation.The Award of Excellence is presented to restaurants whose wine lists feature at least 75 selections and provide guests with a well-balanced choice of producers, styles and price points.

Under the direction of Head Sommelier Sasho Petereski, the resort’s wine programme spans approximately more than 300 labels across the three restaurants. Each wine list has been carefully developed to complement the individual dining concept of each venue, while all wines are maintained in temperature-controlled storage to preserve their quality and character. The selections range from well-known international producers to rare vintages, offering choices for both casual wine enthusiasts and experienced collectors.

Each restaurant presents a distinct dining experience. Latitude 5.5 pairs Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an extensive wine selection, Bodumas specialises in Japanese-inspired cuisine complemented by wines from renowned wine regions, while Oak Lounge WineCellar focuses on curated wine experiences, including wine pairing dinners.

Receiving the Award of Excellence for all three restaurants highlights the resort’s commitment to maintaining internationally recognised standards in wine selection, storage and food pairing, while providing guests with wine lists that complement the unique character of each dining venue.

Continue Reading

News

NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi unveils new under-the-stars wellness ritual

Published

on

Th.ari Spa at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi has introduced Th.ari Under the Night Sky, a new signature outdoor wellness experience designed for couples seeking relaxation, connection, and memorable moments beneath the Maldivian stars.

Inspired by the serenity of the Maldives after sunset, the 90-minute experience invites guests to immerse themselves in a unique wellness journey surrounded by the sights and sounds of the island evening. Set on an open-air spa deck, the ritual combines soothing massage techniques, warm locally sourced Maldivian coconut oil, and the calming resonance of singing bowls to create an unforgettable experience of relaxation and wellbeing.

Set on an open-air spa deck, the ritual allows couples to relax beneath the stars while enjoying a thoughtfully curated wellness experience designed to calm the mind, ease physical tension, and encourage a deeper sense of wellbeing. As the day gives way to evening, the Maldives transforms into a peaceful sanctuary where gentle ocean breezes, starlit skies, and the calming rhythm of island life create the perfect setting for relaxation.

Th.ari Under the Night Sky was created to embrace this natural beauty, offering guests an opportunity to experience wellness in harmony with their surroundings. The experience begins with a welcoming foot ritual before continuing with a restorative full-body massage using nourishing Maldivian coconut oil. The journey concludes with the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, encouraging a deeper sense of calm, balance, and renewal.

By bringing wellness outdoors, the experience allows guests to fully connect with the atmosphere that makes the Maldives one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Modern luxury travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences that create lasting memories alongside traditional resort offerings. Th.ari Under the Night Sky responds to this desire by offering couples a shared wellness journey designed to foster relaxation, presence, and connection.

Ideal for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, romantic getaways, or simply quality time together, the experience encourages guests to slow down and appreciate the moment while enjoying the beauty of the Maldives after dark.

Combining wellness with the intimacy of a private outdoor setting, the ritual offers a memorable way for couples to celebrate special occasions or enhance their island escape.

Available exclusively at Th.ari Spa, Th.ari Under the Night Sky adds a distinctive dimension to the wellness and romance offering at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi. Created specifically for the resort, the experience reflects the destination’s commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences inspired by the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Maldives.

More than a spa treatment, the experience has been thoughtfully designed to combine wellness, romance, and a strong sense of place. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic getaway, couples are invited to reconnect beneath the stars while enjoying a unique wellness journey inspired by the island’s enchanting evening atmosphere.

For travel partners and luxury travel advisors, Th.ari Under the Night Sky offers an additional point of differentiation for couples seeking meaningful, destination-inspired experiences during their stay. The experience is available exclusively at Th.ari Spa by Mandara Spa at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi.

Continue Reading

Awards

.Here Baa Atoll earns four AHEAD Asia 2026 finalist nominations

Published

on

.Here Baa Atoll, the ultra-luxury private island retreat from Seaside Collection, has been named as a finalist at the AHEAD Asia 2026 Awards, earning recognition across four distinguished categories: Resort, Restaurant, Spa & Wellness and Suite.

The achievement places .Here Baa Atoll among Asia’s most exceptional hospitality design destinations and celebrates a project where architecture, interiors, landscape, and guest experience have been conceived as a singular, harmonious vision.

Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll presents a bold new interpretation of luxury in the Maldives. Comprising just nine extraordinary residences across two private natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The retreat is defined by its commitment to privacy, spatial generosity, and an immersive connection with nature. Eschewing scale in favour of exclusivity, the resort offers an experience where tranquillity, design, and the natural environment exist in perfect balance.

At the heart of the project is a remarkable collaboration between internationally acclaimed architecture practice KulörGroup, London-based interior design studio Muza Lab and landscape architects Topo Design Studio. Together, they have created a destination that reimagines contemporary island living through thoughtful design and a profound sense of place.

KulörGroup’s architectural vision embraces the natural contours of the islands, positioning each residence to capture both sunrise and sunset while maximising uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean. Designed with a strong commitment to environmental sensitivity, the architecture incorporates passive cooling strategies, responsibly sourced materials and a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor living. Expansive private residences, each complete with generous living spaces and infinity pools, are carefully situated to preserve the islands’ pristine beauty while offering unparalleled comfort and seclusion.

Inside, Muza Lab has crafted a sophisticated design narrative inspired by the Maldives’ rich maritime heritage. Through bespoke furnishings, artisanal craftsmanship, and a refined palette of natural textures, the interiors evoke the spirit of traditional dhonis, celestial navigation, and the ever-changing hues of the ocean. The result is an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Completing the vision, Topo Design Studio has seamlessly integrated landscape and architecture, preserving native vegetation while creating immersive outdoor environments that encourage meaningful engagement with the natural world. Every pathway, garden, and communal space has been carefully curated to strengthen the relationship between land, sea, and sky.

The AHEAD Asia 2026 finalist recognition reflects not only the excellence of the individual design elements, but also the strength of the collective vision that defines .Here Baa Atoll. From its expansive residential suites and transformative wellness offerings to SAFAR, the resort’s signature culinary destination, every aspect of the retreat has been thoughtfully designed to deliver a new benchmark in contemporary luxury hospitality.

As the newest addition to the Seaside Collection portfolio, .Here Baa Atoll represents a significant milestone in the evolution of ultra-luxury travel in the Maldives. This recognition celebrates the extraordinary collaboration between Seaside Collection and its creative partners, affirming a destination that continues to redefine luxury through exceptional design, immersive experiences, and a deep connection to place.

To learn more about .Here Baa Atoll, visit www.here-maldives.com.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.