News

Soneva honoured at Departures Legend Awards for eco-friendly initiatives

Published

6 years ago

May 17, 2020

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.

Action

Royal Island takes Best Dive Resort honour at TTM Awards 2026

Published

6 hours ago

August 31, 2026

m@ldives

Royal Island has been named Best Dive Resort at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising an underwater experience shaped by one of the Maldives’ richest marine environments and a dive operation built around discovery, expertise and a genuine respect for the ocean.

Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Royal Island sits surrounded by coral gardens, channels and thilas alive with reef fish, turtles, rays and sharks. Its location places some of the atoll’s most rewarding dive sites within easy reach, while the island’s own house reef makes the underwater world feel less like an excursion and more like an extension of the resort itself.

At the centre of it all is diveOceanus, Villa Resorts’ specialist diving brand. At Royal Island, the operation is remarkably comprehensive. Complete beginners can take their first breaths underwater through Discover Scuba Diving, while certified divers can progress through PADI courses all the way to Divemaster. Dedicated programmes extend to children, advanced and Nitrox diving, refresher courses and freediving, with private instructors and private dive boats available for those wanting a more individual experience.

The facilities make it easy to build diving into the rhythm of a stay. House reef and training dives run throughout the day alongside scheduled two-tank and afternoon boat dives, with night diving available by arrangement. A full range of equipment is available, including dive computers and underwater cameras, while certified Nitrox divers receive complimentary Nitrox fills. Freedivers are equally well catered for, with dedicated courses, coaching, equipment and open-water sessions.

Beyond diving, Royal Island is exceptionally placed for some of the Maldives’ great marine encounters. Hanifaru Bay is approximately 25 minutes away, where seasonal plankton blooms bring extraordinary gatherings of manta rays and, at times, whale sharks. As the season changes, diveOceanus also operates manta snorkelling journeys into neighbouring Raa Atoll, extending opportunities for encounters across much of the year.

That access comes with responsibility. Marine conservation has long been part of diveOceanus across Villa Resorts, with coral restoration programmes established at Villa Nautica, Villa Park and Royal Island alongside reef monitoring, clean-ups and guest education. At Royal Island, the team maintains coral nurseries in the lagoon and house reef and involves guests directly in coral planting and restoration. It has also led wider reef-cleaning initiatives alongside the Baa Atoll Council and Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, extending that work beyond the island itself.

What sets Royal Island apart is the completeness of the experience. The house reef, the wider Baa Atoll, the expertise and facilities of diveOceanus, and the conservation work happening quietly alongside it all create something deeper than a collection of good dive sites. The Best Dive Resort title recognises an island where life below the surface has always been central to the experience.

Awards

Villa Nautica’s Araamu Spa wins Best Spa at TTM Awards 2026

Published

6 hours ago

August 31, 2026

m@ldives

Araamu Spa at Villa Nautica has been named Best Spa at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising a wellness experience shaped as much by its surroundings as by the treatments themselves.

Hidden within a quiet corner of the island, Araamu Spa feels like a world of its own. Dense tropical greenery surrounds winding pathways, flowers spill into shaded courtyards and the pace of Villa Nautica gradually falls away. It is lush, calm and deeply restorative, a space designed to shift the mood almost as soon as you enter.

Araamu is the dedicated spa and wellness brand of Villa Resorts, with its philosophy carried across the collection. Rooted in relaxation, rejuvenation and a more holistic approach to wellbeing, each Araamu Spa brings together experienced therapists, traditional healing practices and contemporary wellness in settings that remain closely connected to nature. The Villa Nautica spa menu describes the experience as a journey towards restoring balance through classic treatments, Ayurvedic therapies and beauty care.

At Villa Nautica, the experience is particularly immersive. A robust collection of body therapies, facials, Ayurvedic treatments and island-inspired rituals sits alongside flower and herbal bath ceremonies, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam facilities. The spaces themselves are part of the ritual, with private courtyards, tropical planting and moments of complete quiet creating an atmosphere that feels more like a hidden garden sanctuary than a conventional resort spa.

At the heart of the menu is Swept Away, Araamu’s signature experience inspired by the purifying energy of the ocean. The journey begins with warming ginger lemonade, a detoxifying foot ritual and deep breathing before moving through Himalayan salt therapy, scalp reflexology, cool salt-stone massage and a warm herbal vitality bath. It is deliberately transformative, moving through heat, scent, touch and stillness before ending with fresh papaya and time simply to be.

What makes Araamu Spa at Villa Nautica memorable is not one treatment or facility on its own. It is the way everything works together: the greenery, the flowers, the warmth, the stillness and the feeling of being completely removed from the outside world. The Best Spa recognition reflects an experience that does not need to be loud to leave an impression.

News

JA Manafaru invites Saudi travellers to celebrate National Day in Maldives

Published

6 hours ago

August 31, 2026

m@ldives

The breathtaking JA Manafaru beckons travellers from across the Kingdom to enjoy an island escape to the Maldives. With its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, private pools, and personalised experiences, it is the ideal setting to celebrate the occasion. Located in the Haa Alifu Atoll, the picturesque resort offers a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, spacious private residences, six distinctive dining venues, and Calm Spa Sanctuary, alongside a wide range of experiences for families, friends, and groups. This Saudi National Day, travellers can choose from three exclusive offers, including complimentary nights, group benefits, and added privileges when staying in the resort’s largest private residences.

The Ultimate Group Getaway

The perfect opportunity for a well deserved break, The Ultimate Group Getaway makes it easy to share the best of JA Manafaru with your nearest and dearest. Spacious villas with private pools provide plenty of room to relax, while curated dining, wellness, cultural, and marine experiences give every member of the group something to enjoy. Thoughtful benefits, including a complimentary villa when booking five or more, hosted dining and excursions, group yoga, and a Maldivian cooking experience, make this an ideal choice for a memorable island gathering.

When: Available for stays until October 30^th

Offer Inclusions:

A bottle of sparkling grape upon arrival
Book five villas and receive one additional villa complimentary
For dinner at the Wine Cellar, every 10 guests booked includes one complimentary guest
For group excursions, every 10 guests booked includes one complimentary place
Complimentary airport transfers for stays of seven nights or more
Daily minibar replenishment
Group yoga sessions designed to restore balance and connection
A personalised facial skin analysis to assess hydration, pigmentation, and overall skin health
A 30-minute masterclass at Calm Spa Sanctuary, where guests can learn to create their own bath tea using herbs from the spa garden
Complimentary non-motorised watersports throughout the stay
A guided Maldivian cooking experience, where guests prepare traditional dishes for lunch

Terms & Conditions:

Minimum stay of five nights applies
A deposit equal to 25% of the total stay is required at the time of booking

For more information, click here.

Stay Five Nights, Pay for Four

For travellers seeking a longer island escape, Stay Five Nights, Pay for Four promises an extra night in paradise, allowing guests to savour more time soaking up the beauty of the Maldives. Throughout the stay, enjoy JA Manafaru’s powder-soft beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and dedicated children’s and teens’ activities, alongside personalised service from a private butler. With daily breakfast, a choice of dining upgrades, a complimentary experience, and a host of watersports and wellness activities, the offer makes an extended island holiday even more rewarding.

When: Available for stays until October 30^th

Offer Inclusions:

One complimentary night when staying five nights or more
Additional 10% savings for JA DISCOVERY members
Daily complimentary breakfast
Half Board or All-Inclusive upgrade at preferred rates
Enjoy one experience once per stay: a sunset dolphin cruise or teppanyaki dinner at White Orchid
Complimentary airport transfers when staying seven nights or more
Sparkling grape on arrival
Personal butler service throughout the stay
Complimentary group yoga sessions
Complimentary non-motorised watersports
Daily activities programme for kids and teens

Terms & Conditions:

Minimum stay of five nights applies
JA DISCOVERY member savings are subject to membership terms
Subject to availability at the time of booking
Additional terms and conditions may apply

For more information, click here.

Three Bedroom Royal Beach Residence

The Three Bedroom Royal Beach Residence at JA Manafaru is an extraordinary 5,800 sqm private sanctuary and the largest three-bedroom residence in the Maldives. An exceptional choice for families and groups seeking space, privacy, and comfort, it accommodates up to six adults, three children, and two infants. The residence features expansive indoor and outdoor living areas, a private beach, multiple pools, a dedicated spa pavilion, and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Dedicated Thakuru service ensures every stay is tailored to each guest, with personalised attention and thoughtful touches throughout.

Made for guests who want to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms, the residence features a private bar, shaded cabanas, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and a dedicated beachfront setting for leisurely days by the sea. Guests can also unwind in the spa pavilion with its sauna and steam room, explore the island by bicycle, or gather for memorable evenings beneath the stars.

Maldives Private Residence Escape

JA Manafaru’s Maldives Private Residence Escape is an exceptional opportunity to experience the resort’s spacious two and three-bedroom private residences with added privileges to elevate every moment. Combining the comfort of a private home with the personalised service and world-class amenities of a luxury island resort, and surrounded by uninterrupted ocean views, guests can enjoy the generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, incredible infinity pools, and the freedom to experience the Maldives at their own pace during a five night stay.

Each stay is enhanced by a dedicated personal butler, ensuring a seamless and highly personalised experience throughout, alongside a complimentary CIP airport meet-and-greet service, allowing guests to bypass standard immigration and baggage collection queues for a smoother, more effortless arrival and departure. Guests can also enjoy an intimate stargazing session and movie under the stars, available exclusively for bookings made via the official booking link on the JA Manafaru website, allowing them to further soak up the beauty of this stunning destination.

Spend time exploring the island by bicycle, enjoying curated marine and cultural experiences, or simply unwinding in complete privacy. Thoughtful touches, including a bottle of bubbly and fruit basket on arrival, daily turn-down amenities, complimentary laundry services, and priority restaurant reservations, add further convenience, while complimentary seaplane transfers ensure everything is covered from arrival to departure.

When: Available for stays until December 23^rd

Offer Inclusions: