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Soneva celebrates festive traditions this holiday season

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This festive season, Soneva brings back all its festive traditions to its resorts in the Maldives.

Guests can expect eggnog on a sandbank, visits from Santa and his elves for children, visiting practitioners, sporting greats, private stargazing sessions with award-winning astronomer and science communicator Lars Christiansen, and so much more throughout December.

Ring in the New Year with Soneva’s iconic Journey, each one celebrating 25 years of Soneva. Wind your way along torch-lit paths, past performers and food stations, and a countdown to 2021 with fireworks and DJs spinning tracks into the early hours of the morning.

Soneva Fushi

Younger guests can get into the festive spirit with a range of Christmas-themed activities and events in The Den, from Christmas carols, a candy cane hunt, making paper stockings, Christmas tree decorating, and Christmas storytelling with the Barefoot Bookseller.

The second season of Soneva’s Junior Master Chef lets aspiring chefs show off their culinary skills before a panel of judges with prizes to be won.

Later in December, Lana Murphy and Jonathan Näslund, who were crowned Sweden’s dance champions 10 times, are offering dance lessons to children.

Pool parties for teenagers, themed late-night Den parties, and various arts and crafts sessions await Soneva’s young guests. Quiz Nights and Carnival Games, as well as a Pirate Treasure Hunt are ideal for bringing the family together.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal player, Mikael Silvestre, will be hosting the famous Soneva football camp for children and teens from December 14 to 26.

Soneva Fushi’s new Conscious Experiences take guests on exploratory excursions to the resort’s Waste to Wealth centre, across the Indian Ocean to learn how to fish sustainably or along island paths to learn how to track and spot the local flora and fauna that call Kunfunadhoo home.

Start days in the Maldives with Meditation at Turtle Beach before a nutritious breakfast, or ‘floating breakfast’ in the privacy and comfort of your villa. Water sports, snorkelling, diving and eco-friendly surfing mean there is something for everyone who loves the ocean.

Tennis legend Jonas Bjorkman returns once again to offer exclusive coaching from December 19 to 26.

When the sun sets guests can explore the night skies through the lens of the state-of-the-art telescope with Lars Christiansen, the award-winning astronomer.

When it comes to dining, the festive season always has so much to offer, from the Christmas Eve Gala dinner, to Biodynamic Wine Tastings and pop-up Martini Bars.

The celebrations reach their peak with the 2020 Slowlife Journey on New Year’s Eve. Beginning at Bar(a)bara, and winding your way along lantern-lit paths to dine on a myriad of tantalising dishes and drinks, while acrobats, singers, musicians and performers enchant and wow. The night culminates with the countdown to 2021, fireworks and dancing into the early hours of the morning.

View the Soneva Fushi’s festive programme here. Watch 2019’s New Year’s Journey video here.

Soneva Jani

Christmas and New Year’s festivities at Soneva Jani centre around fine dining, over the lagoon, in the lagoon, and on the white sandy shores.

Start mornings with a Sunrise Dolphin Cruise and Champagne Breakfast, or indulge in the bountiful selections at Down to Earth’s buffet breakfast. Choose from Wine Lunches, Live Station Lunches in The Gathering, succulent crustaceans at the Crab Shack, or dining in the midst of the Organic Gardens.

The Christmas Eve Live Station Dinner on the sands of North Beach add tropical flair to this festive meal of grills, international favourites, Asian and traditional Maldivian dishes, while a live band followed by a DJ set the mood.

Chef Kat’s Degustation Menu will take diners on a sensory discovery of Thailand’s flavours and aromas.

When it comes to drinks, expect Sake Tastings with Sushi and Sashimi, Champagne Tasting in the Lagoon, and Sunset Cocktails and Champagne at the beach by the Crab Shack. Keeping to tradition, the New Year’s Eve Journey and countdown to 2021 on South Beach is the icing on the culinary cake.

Travel through the cosmos with private stargazing experiences with the resort’s resident astronomer, or hone your serve and smash with one-to-one tennis lessons with Coach Millis Heimklo. Hit the ‘gym’ surrounded by tall screw pines when you take on the Jungle Gym’s obstacles, think balancing beams, monkey bars, rope climbs and rings.

For the children, picnics and barbecues, ‘Beach Olympics’, Secret Santa and a special Christmas disco await. Island discoveries, arts and crafts, cupcake decoration and more from the Den team are available to keep them entertained, learning and curious.

In the realm of wellness, Soneva Jani’s spa and resident experts have much to offer.

Bill Curry, an expert in Cranial Sacral Therapy, Deep Tissue Fusion massage and Reiki, will be in residence at the resort. He is devoted to integrating breath work and relaxation from his meditation studies into all of his massage techniques and healing modalities.

Pawan, Soneva’s yoga and meditation guru, will be holding Guided Meditation for Inner Silence, Beginner’s Yoga, Pranayama and more throughout the festive calendar.

View Soneva Jani’s festive programme here. Watch 2019’s New Year’s Journey video here.

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.

Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 63 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in size from one- to nine-bedrooms, hidden among dense foliage and located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Watch classic movies at the resort’s outdoor Cinema Paradiso. Choose from nine different dining options, five hundred wines and 11 types of pillow. Unwind at the on-site Six Senses Spa. Nature’s resources are transformed into art at the Glass Studio, while The Den gives children the freedom to live their island dream. Glorious days are spent star-gazing at the Observatory, sampling organic delicacies and exploring the coral reef.

Inspired by a word that means ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is located on a collection of five islands, and a beautiful, 5.6km lagoon.

The resort currently comprises 24 overwater villas and three island villas, with additional villas to be built in Chapter 2. Each Water Villa opens to its own stretch of sparkling lagoon and is complete with a private pool and a retractable roof to stargaze from the master bedroom, while many villas also have slides from the top deck into the water below.

Explore the glimmering galaxies from the resort’s state-of-the-art observatory or spend time indulging in a range of activities including water sports, scuba diving, wellness therapies, dolphin cruises and bicycling along the island’s many trails.

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Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories

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Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.

The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.

The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.

A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.

Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.

Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.

The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.

All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.

The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.

The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.

The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.

Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.

The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.

The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.

The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.

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Awards

.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026

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.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.

The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.

The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.

At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.

Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.

Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.

The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.

The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.

Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.

The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.

The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.

These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.

The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.

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Awards

Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027

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Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.

The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.

Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.

The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.

Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.

Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.

Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.

Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.

The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.

The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.

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