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Work, study in a luxury Maldives villa with Soneva’s Workation Offer
With working and studying remotely now part of mainstream practices, what better place to work from than a Soneva resort in the Maldives?
Soneva recently announced its new Workation Offer, valid at all of its resorts between now and December 18. This offer can be tailored to guests’ needs, and can be booked for 14, 21, and 30-day stays, with reduced rates available for longer stays which include transfers and daily meals for the whole family.
Soneva’s sprawling villas provide ample space for all the family to find their own nooks to work in, whether they prefer to work communally in the living and dining rooms, or head to bedrooms, libraries or studies where there is always a desk with an inspiring view.
All villas come equipped with high speed internet, with super speed connections being available on request.
Outside of their studies, children and teenagers can find even more learning-inspired activities at The Den, Soneva’s sprawling children’s club, where there is a new programme every day.
Soneva’s resident marine biologists, astronomers, permaculture specialists provide opportunities for learning in the natural world, while Oppidan Education, a UK-based tutoring company that specialises in exam preparation and mentorship, also regularly hosts complimentary workshops and private tutoring for children.
When work finishes for the day, Soneva offers an array of interesting and rejuvenating activities for the whole family. Guests can go to the movies at Cinema Paradiso, eat at any of the onsite fine dining restaurants, relax with spa treatments, stay fit with yoga and personal training in the gym, meet friends new and old, or simply unwind on the beach after a day of productive work and study.
“Many of our guests are busy entrepreneurs who crave an escape from travel bans and lockdowns which hinder their lifestyles. Our Workation Offer is a chance for guests to regain some normalcy and freedom while not having to worry about being cut off from their work commitments back home,” Sonu Shivdasani, Soneva’s CEO and founder, said.
“Soneva has always been like a ‘home away from home’ for our guests, and this is no exception! Now they can work from their Soneva ‘home’ for three or four weeks in the Maldives or Thailand and run their business from a luxury villa.”
Soneva believes that the brightest ideas aren’t sparked by the blank walls of the boardroom, but by stripping back to the basics, challenging conformity and ridding oneself of distraction.
Soneva’s ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy is a great equaliser, swapping suits for shorts and pretensions for open minds. Each Soneva resort is a peaceful haven in which to disconnect, indulge in the luxury of time and find inspiration from within.
At the two Soneva resorts in the Maldives and one in Thailand, the Workation Offer starts each morning with a private yoga and meditation session to help centre the mind and guests can enjoy three made-to-order juices throughout the day. Of course, guests can reward their hard work with the complimentary ice creams, chocolates, and deli items!
At Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, the offer includes a complimentary three-hour Castaway Office on the sandbank with a picnic lunch once a week; a complimentary Later Afternoon Castaway Office on a private island with a sunset cocktail once a week; and the complimentary daily usage of the resort library.
When booking a 30-day stay at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, a day of sailing onboard Soneva in Aqua with a desert island picnic is also part of the package. Soneva in Aqua is a two-cabin yacht, measuring 23 metres in length, and comes with an onboard library, Wi-Fi capability, an on-deck Jacuzzi and numerous daybeds for lounging, working, and brainstorming.
When choosing the Workation Offer in the Maldives, guests can split their stay between both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, to experience the best of the island nation.
Guests at Soneva Jani can also work from the rustic al fresco restaurant, the Crab Shack that is situated right on the beach. Choose between the toes-in-the-sand experience or head to the upstairs deck with deep daybeds, perfect for watching the sun set.
Another spot for a day of creative work in the sun is North Island, where a gourmet picnic can be set up underneath umbrellas. Between work and delicious nibbles, guests can snorkel the lagoon and find inspiration from the underwater world.
For more information and bookings, please visit www.soneva.com.
Featured
Dreamlike retreat: explore Maldives with Marriott Bonvoy Resorts
The Maldives is a destination where summer feels eternal, offering turquoise waters, pristine white sands, and serene tranquility. Through the ‘Endless Summer’ campaign by Marriott Bonvoy, travellers are invited to escape the winter cold or bask in perpetual sunshine with a limited-time offer. Guests can choose from a selection of luxurious resorts in the Maldives and enjoy benefits such as a full-board dining plan, complimentary speedboat or seaplane transfers, or up to USD 250 in resort credit. Additional perks include non-motorised water sports like paddle-boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and catamaran sailing, depending on the property. This exclusive offer, valid for a minimum stay of four nights, is available for bookings between January 20 and February 28, 2025, and includes Marriott Bonvoy points to unlock future travel opportunities.
The North Malé Atoll is a marine sanctuary renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and secluded luxury. Just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, it hosts three Marriott Bonvoy resorts. These waters, rich with stingrays, nurse sharks, turtles, and dolphins, offer exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities for adventurers of all levels. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, features 100 villas with ocean or lagoon views, infinity pools, and personalised butler service. Dining options span Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, while the Ritz-Carlton Spa offers treatments inspired by Yin and Yang. Guests can also explore curated dining and art installations at Fari Marina Village and participate in the Defining Moment ceremony featuring Boduberu drumming.
The JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, located in the largest lagoon of Kaafu Atoll, offers 80 luxurious pool villas with ocean views. The resort combines contemporary design with personalised service and features seven dining venues, including Athiri and Nikkei, which serve steak and Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. The Spa by JW offers exclusive treatments by BABOR, while younger guests can enjoy activities at the Family by JW Kids’ Club and the teens’ zone.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, set on a private natural island, provides 176 beachfront cottages and overwater villas that blend rustic charm with modern comforts. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and lush palm groves, the resort offers family-friendly programs such as beach picnics, cooking classes, and nature walks. Its farm-to-table dining and coral restoration initiatives, alongside complimentary stays and meals for children under 12, make it a sustainable and family-oriented retreat.
North Ari Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, and Baa Atoll showcase the Maldives’ extraordinary natural beauty. North Ari Atoll is famous for iconic dive sites and whale shark migration routes. W Maldives, reopening in March after a transformation, offers 77 overwater and beach villas with bio-boho designs. Guests can explore the house reef, enjoy unique dining experiences, and participate in private island excursions.
In Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort features 77 villas with private pools and panoramic views. The resort offers Ayurvedic treatments, the Maldives’ largest hydrotherapy pool, and signature experiences like the Champagne Sabering Ritual. Dining options include Japanese Kaiseki at T-Pan and a wine cellar boasting 650 labels.
Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, which features 69 villas surrounded by lush foliage or perched above turquoise waters. The resort offers Japanese cuisine, pan-Asian flavours, and holistic wellness programs. Children under 12 stay and dine for free, making it a family-friendly haven.
In Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa combines mid-century modern design with eco-conscious features such as a large organic garden. Guests can enjoy culinary experiences, spacious villas, and abundant marine life around its thriving house reef.
The Shaviyani Atoll offers ultimate seclusion at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, with 60 villas and personalised butler service. Families can enjoy the extensive kids’ club and adventure activities, while food enthusiasts indulge in farm-to-table dining. Water-sports like jet skiing and parasailing cater to thrill-seekers.
As the sun sets over the Maldives, Marriott Bonvoy invites travellers to embrace the promise of an eternal summer in this idyllic paradise.
Celebration
Immersive festivities and exquisite dining await at Jumeirah Olhahali Island
During the Year of the Snake, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers an extraordinary escape, combining cherished traditions, culinary artistry, and serene wellness amid the stunning beauty of the Maldives. From January 21 to February 7, 2025, the resort presents a thoughtfully curated program to celebrate the Year of the Serpent, honouring time-honoured traditions with meaningful and immersive experiences.
A highlight of the festivities is the return of the ‘Flavours of China’ culinary pop-up event, now in its second year. Led by Chef Charles Liu, the Chinese Executive Chef at Jumeirah Guangzhou with over two decades of experience in prestigious five-star hotels and grand banquets, the event features an exquisitely crafted six-course menu. Guests can indulge in dishes such as Typhoon Shelter Crispy Fried Oysters and Deep-sea Grouper Broth, with main courses including slow-cooked Abalone with Fish Maw and braised Maldivian Lobster with Caviar. Additional offerings include pan-fried Australian MB9 Wagyu Beef, steamed Alaskan King Crab Leg, and a refreshing Raspberry Cheesecake paired with tropical fruits. To elevate the dining experience, a curated selection of fine Chinese wines is available to complement each course.
The culinary festivities also include a range of seasonal dining experiences. Guests can start their day with an Asian-inspired floating breakfast served in a private pool, featuring a vibrant medley of flavours. Evenings bring the charm of fragrant broths and fresh ingredients at an oceanside hot pot dinner, while the Asian market nights offer a lively atmosphere to savour regional delicacies against the backdrop of gentle waves.
For those seeking tranquility and renewal, the Talise Spa provides a sanctuary of pure bliss. Suspended overwater with glass floors, the spa allows guests to observe marine life during treatments, adding a distinctive element to relaxation. Mia Liu, a visiting spa therapist from Jumeirah Guangzhou, introduces moxibustion therapy—an ancient Chinese ritual combining therapeutic heat and deep tissue massage to promote harmony and well-being. Additionally, Dr. Shagnika Pradhan, a specialist in naturopathy and holistic wellness, hosts Reiki sound healing sessions, blending energy therapy with sound vibrations to restore balance and rejuvenate the spirit.
Immersive island activities further enrich the celebrations. At the MURACA Art Studio, guests can participate in creative workshops such as zodiac-inspired ceramic painting, candle crafting, and decorating traditional Maldivian coconut bowls, each reflecting the spirit of the season. For adventurers, opportunities abound to explore the surrounding marine ecosystem, with snorkelling excursions alongside turtles and tropical fish or dolphin-spotting in the open sea.
These bespoke experiences are complemented by Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s modern overwater and beach villas. Each of the 67 villas is bathed in natural light, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of palm-fringed shores and the vast ocean. Every villa is equipped with a private rooftop and infinity pool, offering unique spaces for relaxation and connection, whether through an intimate dinner or a personalised art class, ensuring that guests leave with lasting memories of their island retreat.
Celebration
Tradition and romance: twin-island escapes at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru
This New Year, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru invite travellers to embark on an extraordinary twin-island escape. Nestled in the pristine North Malé Atoll, these sister resorts offer curated experiences that blend tradition, intimacy, and luxury to celebrate two cherished occasions: Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
Guests are encouraged to reconnect with family and honour time-honoured traditions through a sumptuous Chinese New Year feast. The curated menu includes a lavish seafood bar, handcrafted dim sum, and decadent desserts, symbolising unity and abundance. Featuring the freshest oysters, seafood, and artfully prepared traditional dishes, the feast is set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers couples an opportunity to embrace love amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives. For Valentine’s Day, the resort presents exclusive intimate experiences designed to create lasting memories.
Enchanting Experiences Include:
- Couple’s Spa Retreat: Couples can reconnect with a 60-minute massage at the Banyan Tree Signature Spa, which combines ancient Asian healing philosophies with the soothing touch of locally sourced herbs.
- Blissful Floating Breakfast: Guests can begin their day with a romantic floating breakfast served in their private pool. The menu includes freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and gourmet delicacies, complemented by a bottle of champagne and charming floral arrangements.
- To Infinity and Beyond Private Beach Dinner: Couples can enjoy an enchanting evening beneath the stars with a chef-curated five-course gourmet dinner, paired with Veuve Clicquot Brut. This experience features dining on soft sands, candlelight, red roses, and a special setup for an unforgettable celebration of love.
- Sakura Omakase Set Dinner: The award-winning Madi Hiyaa restaurant offers an intimate dining journey with a chef-curated four-course Japanese menu, paired with Whispering Angel Rosé. The romantic ambiance is enhanced with delicate floral touches and attentive service. Guests staying at Dhawa Ihuru can enjoy a 20% discount.
- Chocolate and Wine Pairing: Guests can indulge in a curated pairing experience featuring artisanal chocolates, berries, and four premium wines. This offering is available in several serene settings, including Naiboli Bar, Madi Hiyaa, or by the tranquil lagoon.
Exclusive Valentine’s Day Offers (available for bookings with a minimum three-night stay):
- One complimentary 60-minute massage for two
- 20% off the Private Beach Dinner and Floating Breakfast
- 20% off the Sakura Omakase set menu
- 20% off Chocolate & Wine Pairings
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru provide a haven of barefoot luxury, inviting guests to create unforgettable moments with their loved ones.
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