Featured
Soneva: Where luxury blends castaway fantasy seamlessly

Soneva’s two iconic resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, have both island and overwater villas that embody sustainable luxury with castaway chic designs. Soneva Fushi’s recently launched One and Two Bedroom Water Retreats, of which there are only eight, are the largest one- and two-bedroom overwater villas in the world.
The Soneva Stars programme, which runs year-round at both resorts, sees visiting Michelin-starred chefs, famous authors, astronomers, athletes and wellness practitioners offering guests money-can’t-buy experiences.
The Den, Soneva’s children’s club, and its ever-changing programme of activities keep younger guests entertained and engaged throughout their stay.
Getting to the Maldives has gotten even easier for Russian guests, with Russia recently resuming direct flights twice a week to the island nation.
Villas
Soneva Fushi
The One Bedroom Water Retreats (584 sqm/6,286 sqft) and Two Bedroom Water Retreats (857 sqm/9,224 sqft) are the largest one- and two-bedroom overwater villas in the world.
The spacious interiors and exterior living spaces give guests more to love, as well as making them perfect for families.
As each of the rooms in the Water Retreats can be sealed off, the doors out onto the deck can be locked, and the children’s room is located at the back of the master bedroom, they are child-friendly and suitable for young Soneva guests of all ages.
The One and Two Bedroom Water Retreats, all with water slides, opened their doors to guests on Friday.
The interior colour palette consists of light blues, greens, and soft beiges, bringing to mind the colours of the ocean around Soneva Fushi. The décor comes to life in a contemporary castaway style, similar to the resort’s newer villas (Villa 37, 38 and 43). The lighting systems are from PLH Italia, known for their sleek and discrete design.

Last year, Soneva Fushi gave its one- and two-bedroom Crusoes (villa numbers 20-30), a long-anticipated refurbishment and design update.
Set within extensive tropical gardens, just steps away from pristine white sands and tranquil waves, these villas are located on the sunrise side of Soneva Fushi.
Each villa now features its own private pool, as well as outdoor showers and bathtubs. Multiple new terraced and decked areas offer vantage points no matter what time of day, whether relaxing on a shaded swing to escape the midday heat, or enjoying sundowners with postcard-worthy views of the magnificent natural surroundings.
The two-storey villas have been completely redesigned to maximise a sense of space and luxury and make the most of the villas’ stunning and secluded beachside setting.
Soneva Jani
The iconic white-washed Water Retreats at Soneva Jani all include a 13m private pool on the outdoor deck, a pantry with minibar, uninterrupted lagoon views with direct access, and many of them have water slides from the top deck into the water below.
This is in addition to a top deck dining area, an outdoor patio with a sunken dining table, a study and a sleeping area for children (conveniently located within the master bedroom so that parents can be assured their children are never too far from them in an overwater environment).
The Soneva signature retractable roof over the master bed lets guests stargaze from the comfort of their bedroom.
There are 24 overwater villas in total, ranging in size from one to four bedrooms.

On the island, three villas preside over the white sandy beach; the newest additions are the Two Bedroom Crusoe Residence and the Three Bedroom Island Reserve.
The three-bedroom reserve is wholly unique in that there are no straight lines in the design, and it comes with a viewing tower that is crowned by a dining table. This is also the only villa with its own ice cream and chocolate room.
Dining
While most luxury hotels and resorts around the world organise pop-ups with Michelin-starred chefs, it is usually just a few chefs over limited periods.
Soneva incorporates the visiting Michelin chef experience into its year-round operations. The dinners are intimate, with plenty of interactions with the chefs, and opportunities for bespoke, memorable and unique encounters such as picnics on a deserted island or cooking classes with the chef.

Some of the chefs to have hosted dining events include Julien Royer (three stars), Kiko Moya (two stars), Claus Meyer (the co-founder of Noma), and Chiara Pavan (one star).
Over 50 Michelin-starred chefs have since visited Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives over 18 months, most with two or three stars. All chefs were invited to curate a special Soneva menu by making their signature dishes using our organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Dining options at Soneva Fushi include the intimate chef’s table, Once Upon a Table, where award-winning chefs show off their culinary skills.
Out of the Blue, the overwater dining destination also houses Out of the Blue by Sobah, So Hands On and So Bespoke, a restaurant featuring Asian cuisines a sushi counter and Teppanyaki table, respectively.
Other dining experiences include the plant-based Shades of Green that marries Nordic cooking techniques with South Asian recipes, Mihiree Mithaa where breakfast is served daily, as well as buffet lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Down to Earth is inspired by the age-old tradition of gathering together for shared meals, with a menu of Asian and international dishes.
Fresh in the Garden, high above the fragrant herb gardens, focuses on Mediterranean cuisine.

Destination dining lets guests create bespoke menus under the guidance of the resort’s Executive Chef.
Soneva Jani’s The Gathering houses the all-day dining outlet, Down to Earth, where breakfast kicks off the day, before buffet lunches and dinners.
The toes-in-the-sand dining at the Crab Shack is a homage to crustaceans and seafood, with Alaskan and Mud crabs regularly appearing on the rotating menu.
Cinema Paradiso by Chef Nikki is a contemporary Japanese restaurant with a Maldivian twist that overlooks the overwater Cinema Paradiso screen.
For stargazers, So Starstruck’s set menu dinners are accompanied by gazing through the resort’s Eleos telescope with the resort’s astronomer.
The weekly Guess Who’s Cooking dinner experience involves a secret menu, by a secret chef, held on the beach. Towards the end of the meal the chef will reveal themselves and explain their menu concept, inspiration and story behind the dinner.

Of course, Soneva’s food and beverage offerings would not be complete without the famous complimentary ice cream, chocolate and deli rooms, which are open all day long. An ever-changing selection of resort-made ice creams, sorbets, chocolates, truffles and more tempt any guest with a sweet tooth, with interesting flavours like screw pine, rosemary, and chilli with pineapple.
The deli rooms feature premium cold cuts, cheese, preserves, freshly baked bread and more. The Sommeliers at the resorts are more than happy to organise blind tastings, wine pairings and more.
Experiences
Soneva’s signature experiences mean that there is always something to do, whether that is taking a glassblowing class in the only hot glass studio in the Maldives at Soneva Fushi, or joining the resident marine biologist for a guided snorkelling session.
The complimentary water sports available include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and kite surfing (lessons with an instructor are chargeable).
Dive the vibrant atolls with the Soleni Dive Centre, snorkel with manta rays or try the world’s first fully sustainable surfing programme, Soneva Surf.
Private astronomy sessions, cooking classes with speciality chefs, or cruising the waves looking for playful dolphins at sunset are also available.
Soneva recently launched its Conscious Experiences, which centre around learning and delving deeper into Soneva’s philosophy and sustainable practices. Guests can take part in marine conservation under the guidance of the resort Marine Biologist, learn how to track wildlife on the island, or learn about the organic gardens and pick ingredients for their lunch.

Soneva Stars, focuses on five key periods including February half term, the Easter break, August holidays, October half term and the end of year Festive holidays.
The new, annual programme promises an eclectic line-up of thought-provoking experts and rare experiences from across a thrilling spectrum of interests and disciplines – from best-selling authors, daring explorers, and sporting heroes to leading wellness practitioners, motivational speakers and Michelin-starred chefs.
Throughout the year, guests are guaranteed to encounter bespoke experiences with Soneva Stars’ fascinating array of talent, whether those are hosted dinners, engaging talks or enriching one-on-one sessions.
Guests can expect fitness gurus to lead boot camps or get invaluable training from some of tennis’ sporting legends such as Jonas Bjorkman and Thomas Johansson.
Children’s experiences
Soneva is known for its children’s clubs, called The Den. Every day there are countless activities to take part in, from arts and crafts, recycling, cooking classes and more.
The Den teams organise experiences for children and teenagers around the resort, from joining the Marine Biologist for a guided snorkelling session to learning about the organic gardens with the resort gardeners.
Tours of the Eco Centro waste management centres allow Soneva’s young guests to learn about sustainability practices and what they can do to give back to the environment and local communities.

Soneva Fushi’s Den is a sprawling playground for the imagination. Children can explore a pirate ship, splash in two swimming pools, go down the spiralling red water slide, play in the Lego and Duplo room, dress-up and makeup area, and watch movies in the cinema.
There is also a library, learning area, and music room filled with instruments, and more. During family time, parents can head over to The Den with their little ones to enjoy their very own shallow pool.
The Den also has a separate lounge area dedicated to teenagers.
At Soneva Jani, The Den is not just in The Gathering, it also includes the whole island itself. Creative and learning-inspired activities happen all day long, while water sports around the lagoon include kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkelling, sailing and so much more.
There are plans to build a much larger children’s club on the main island in the near future.
An Insider
Abdulla Wisam: A journey of excellence and growth in the Maldivian hospitality industry

In the heart of the stunning Maldives, where luxury resorts and crystal-clear waters come together to create a paradise on Earth, there are individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every guest’s experience is nothing short of exceptional. One such individual is Abdulla Wisam, whose remarkable journey in the hospitality industry is a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to providing the best possible service to guests.
Abdulla Wisam’s journey in the hospitality industry began right after completing his schooling. In 2003, he embarked on his professional career by joining Dhoveli Beach Resort & Spa, where he gained his first taste of the world of hospitality. It was here that he discovered his passion for creating memorable guest experiences and building relationships with visitors from around the world.
After his initial foray into the industry, Wisam’s career path continued to evolve. His dedication and hard work caught the attention of industry leaders, leading him to take on roles of increasing responsibility. His time at Meeru Island Resort saw him as an Outlet Cashier and Night Auditor, roles that allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the operational aspects of a resort.
Wisam’s determination and eagerness to learn led him to the iconic Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where he started as a Recreation Attendant. Over time, he showcased his exceptional skills in guest relations and management, and he was promoted to the position of Front Office Supervisor. His journey with Four Seasons served as a stepping stone for what was to come next.
In 2014, Wisam joined the W Maldives, a resort known for its luxurious offerings and unparalleled guest experiences. Starting as a Welcome Team Leader, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his impeccable guest service skills and innate leadership abilities. His promotion to Guest Experience Manager was a testament to his ability to not only meet but exceed guest expectations. He was then transferred to The St. Regis Maldives as the Assistant Front Office Manager with the pre-opening team.
As his career trajectory continued its upward trajectory, Wisam took on the role of Front Office Manager at prestigious resorts such as Milaidhoo Island, Raffles Maldives, and The Standard Maldives. These roles allowed him to refine his management style, hone his problem-solving skills, and contribute to the overall success of each resort.
Wisam’s journey eventually led him to COMO Cocoa Island, a resort renowned for its unparalleled luxury and exquisite attention to detail. Joining as the Front Office Manager, he embraced the challenges and responsibilities that came with the position. His dedication, combined with his innate ability to create genuine connections with guests, led to his promotion as the Director of Rooms.
Wisam’s journey in the Maldivian hospitality industry is a remarkable tale of perseverance, growth, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. His diverse roles, spanning from recreation to guest experience management, have equipped him with a holistic understanding of the industry. His commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to delivering top-tier service have not only benefited the resorts he’s been a part of but have also contributed to elevating the reputation of Maldives as a premier luxury travel destination.
As Wisam continues to shape the guest experience landscape at COMO Cocoa Island, one can only imagine the heights he will reach and the impact he will make on the ever-evolving hospitality industry of the Maldives. His journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring hoteliers and a testament to the boundless opportunities that await those who are truly passionate about their craft.
Fan Club
A remarkable tale of wanderlust: Naito Takashi’s 103rd journey to the Maldives

The azure waters of the Maldives have long been a magnet for travelers seeking paradise on Earth. Among these wanderers, one name stands out – Naito Takashi, a Japanese tourist whose boundless enthusiasm for the Maldives has led him to visit this tropical haven a staggering 103 times. His unwavering love for this island nation, coupled with its mesmerizing beauty, has turned his visits into a remarkable testament to the allure of the Maldives.
For the past 24 years, Naito Takashi has visited Maldives between three to five times annually, embarking on a journey that has spanned more than two decades. His tale is one of dedication, passion, and a deep-rooted connection with the captivating landscapes that the Maldives offers. Each visit is not just a vacation; it’s a renewal of his profound relationship with the natural wonders that have captured his heart.
Naito Takashi’s 103rd arrival to the Maldives was met with a warm and heartfelt welcome from none other than the Tourism Minister himself, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom. This gesture symbolizes the deep appreciation the Maldivian people have for their loyal and devoted visitors. The ceremony held aboard the M/V Blue of the Fun Azul Fleet was a fitting tribute to a traveler who has become an honorary ambassador of the Maldives.
The M/V Blue, Fun Azul Fleet, holds special significance for Naito Takashi. As an avid diver, he has found his perfect companion in this cruise boat specialized in diving charters. The vessel offers schedules tailored to explore the best dive spots around the Maldives’ islands, making it an ideal partner for a diving enthusiast like Naito Takashi. The crystal-clear waters of the Maldives have witnessed countless underwater escapades orchestrated by this intrepid traveler.
The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism has lauded Naito Takashi’s enduring passion for the nation’s beauty. Their tweet acknowledging his multiple visits serves as a testament to his unique and cherished relationship with the country. He has witnessed the ever-changing landscape of the Maldives, from its pristine beaches to its vibrant marine life, and has undoubtedly contributed to the thriving tourism industry.
Naito Takashi’s story also reflects the profound impact that travel can have on an individual’s life. His unwavering commitment to exploring the Maldives has not only enriched his own experiences but has also brought attention to the natural wonders of Maldives. It stands as a reminder that the act of traveling is not just about ticking off destinations from a bucket list; it’s about forming connections, fostering appreciation, and creating lasting memories.
As Naito Takashi continues his journey through the Maldives, his story resonates as an inspiration to fellow travelers and a tribute to the unyielding allure of this island paradise. His 103rd visit is not just a numerical milestone; it’s a celebration of an extraordinary bond between a traveler and a destination, a bond that has grown stronger with each passing year and promises to endure for years to come.
Featured
Amari Raaya Maldives opens its gates to paradise

In a grand celebration of luxury and nature’s wonders, Amari Raaya Maldives resort has officially opened its doors, welcoming its first guests to experience a slice of paradise in the Maldives. The exclusive event was attended by the resort’s management team, as well as Atul Chordia, Chairman of Panchshil Realty, the developer behind this magnificent project.
Nestled on a pristine natural island in the heart of the Maldives’ Raa Atoll, Amari Raaya promises to be a sanctuary for travelers seeking an unforgettable escape amidst the archipelago’s breathtaking beauty. From the moment guests arrived via Manta Air seaplane, they were greeted with warm hospitality and a taste of Maldivian culture, as they were presented with traditional cultural items and treated to mesmerizing Maldivian dances.
Atul Chordia, the visionary behind Panchshil Realty, and Yuthachai Charanachitta ONYX Hospitality Group’s CEO marked the official opening of the resort by cutting the ribbon, signifying the culmination of a labor of love and dedication to creating a unique haven for luxury travelers.
With 187 villas offering a variety of luxurious experiences, Amari Raaya ensures that every guest’s stay is truly exceptional. Visitors can choose from an array of accommodation options, including the Beach Villas, Beach Pool Villas, and interconnecting Family Beach Villas, perfect for creating cherished memories with loved ones.
For those seeking unparalleled luxury and seclusion, the Ocean Villas and Ocean Pool Villas provide panoramic views of the azure waters teeming with marine life. Sunset enthusiasts can revel in the breathtaking beauty of the Maldivian dusk from the privacy of their villas, opting for the Sunset Ocean Villas or Sunset Ocean Pool Villas, promising an unforgettable experience.
Amari Raaya Maldives goes beyond offering captivating villas; it has curated an extraordinary culinary journey for its guests. With eight distinct dining options, visitors can embark on a gastronomic adventure that caters to every palate. From the signature Amaya Food Gallery, serving famous street food and hawker delights, to the rooftop bar Ampers&nd, where guests can savor sunset snacks and cocktails, the resort promises to delight all epicureans. Poolside Italian favorites, freshly caught seafood infused with Maldivian and Asian flavors, and the fun and playful experience of enjoying mobile snacks and drinks served from a bus all add to the culinary magic of the resort.
In the evenings, guests can find a sense of community and immerse themselves in the local culture through live music, traditional Boduberu nights, and regular cultural events and festivities, making every moment at Amari Raaya Maldives an enriching and memorable one.
Amari Raaya Maldives is developed by Panchshil Realty, a name synonymous with excellence in luxury real estate in India. The resort is managed by Onyx Hospitality, renowned for its exceptional and personalized hospitality experiences.
With its official opening, Amari Raaya Maldives invites travelers from around the world to discover the allure of the Maldives in unparalleled comfort and style. As guests arrive at this oasis of luxury and natural splendor, they are sure to find themselves enchanted by the timeless beauty of the islands and immersed in an experience that will linger in their hearts forever.
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