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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.
Celebration
Patina Maldives unveils festive season of culinary delights and unforgettable experiences
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, a trailblazer among tropical island destinations, is redefining seasonal celebrations with a festive program that blends classic Christmas traditions with a contemporary Maldivian flair. Highlights include a net-zero dinner by candlelight, a Japanese-Scandinavian sake experience, captivating performances by international artist Kelis, and ancient healing practices led by renowned practitioner Yuki Nishikubo. This enchanting lineup invites travellers to create lasting memories with loved ones.
From December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, the resort will present a range of tailored experiences, events, and pop-ups, encompassing gastronomy, wellness, sports, and family fun. Festivities begin on December 15 with the grand opening of Santa’s House—an enchanting wonderland of gifts and seasonal delights at the Fari Art Atelier—culminating in the highly anticipated Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 21.
On December 22, the Fari Beach Club Party will feature a sizzling BBQ feast, a laid-back coastal ambiance, and live performances by Hong Kong violinist Olivia Xiaolin and DJ Arthur Yeti. Christmas Eve will be celebrated with a special seasonal dinner at Portico restaurant, accompanied by live jazz from Indonesia’s Batavia Collective. Christmas Day will include holiday fun such as trivia, cocktails, canapés at Fari Beach Club, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, culinary adventures will continue. On December 26, the Net Zero Candlelight Dinner at Roots restaurant will offer a starlit, eco-friendly dining experience accompanied by a performance from British singer-songwriter Portia Emare. The menu, inspired by slow food philosophies, highlights pure, seasonal ingredients. December 27 will see Helios restaurant hosting a Bedouin Night, featuring Middle Eastern flavours, fire and belly dancers, and live music.
On December 28, a Sake pairing dinner at Kōen will merge Japanese culinary artistry with Scandinavian emphasis on premium ingredients, creating a sophisticated dining experience paired with sake by the resort’s sommelier. The Fari Marina Village Festival on December 29 will bring together traditional Christmas market charm and vibrant local culture, with live music, performances, and local vendors.
As the new year approaches, beachside sundowners at the Stargazing Pier on December 30 will set a relaxing tone for the evening, featuring craft cocktails, canapés, and a curated wine selection. The New Year’s Eve celebration promises a spectacular farewell to 2024, featuring global cuisines, performances by local and international musicians, and dazzling midnight fireworks. Grammy-nominated artist Kelis will headline the evening at Amarta, a Skyspace installation by artist James Turrell, with DJ Tom Yeti leading an electrifying countdown to 2025.
The new year will begin with an exclusive creative collaboration between Japanese artist and designer Verdy and Patina Maldives. On January 4, Verdy will take over the decks at Fari Beach Club’s poolside party as part of the Fari Marina Festival. From January 5-10, Verdy’s Osaka-meets-NYC pizzeria, Henry’s PIZZA, will pop up at Farine, serving sensational slices and limited-edition Verdy x Patina Maldives merchandise.
Wellness enthusiasts can enjoy a range of treatments featuring products from Noble Panacea and Haeckels throughout the festive period. Renowned practitioner Yuki Nishikubo will return for a holistic wellness residency, offering shiatsu and acupuncture treatments to promote relaxation, stress relief, and increased energy.
Families can look forward to a host of activities designed to foster connection and joy, including a family football contest, padel and tennis tournaments, the Patina Triathlon, and the “Amazing Race.” Additional offerings include gingerbread house decoration, a family movie night under the stars, and a dedicated kids’ adventure zone.
Celebration
Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s festive journey begins with Cake Mixing ceremony
Sun Siyam Olhuveli marked the highly anticipated start of the festive season with a lively Christmas Cake Mixing ceremony held on the picturesque Watersports Beach, set against the stunning backdrop of a Maldivian sunset. The event, which took place on November 15, 2024, continued the resort’s cherished tradition of welcoming the holiday season, drawing inspiration from the classic European Rumtopf practice, where seasonal fruits are soaked in rum to create festive treats.
Under the vibrant hues of the evening sky, guests joined in the time-honoured ritual of mixing dried fruits, spices, and spirits, creating a flavourful base for the Christmas cakes and seasonal delicacies to be served during the festivities. The engaging atmosphere was enhanced by the active participation of the resort’s culinary team and management, who guided attendees through the experience while sharing insights into the tradition’s origins and its role in building excitement for the holidays.
Following the cake mixing ceremony, the resort hosted an exclusive Management Cocktail event to express gratitude to its guests for choosing Sun Siyam Olhuveli as their holiday destination. This intimate gathering featured a curated selection of beverages and canapés, providing a relaxed setting for guests to connect with fellow travellers and members of the resort’s management team. The evening was made even more special with the distribution of prizes and gift vouchers, adding an element of surprise and joy.
Commenting on the occasion, Hassan Didi, Executive Chef at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, stated, “With the cake mixing ceremony, we set the tone for a season of joy, togetherness, and celebration. It’s a cherished tradition that brings our guests and team together, creating unforgettable memories as we head into the holiday season.”
This year’s festive celebrations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli will feature an extraordinary theme, AstroFest 2024-2025, running from December 21, 2024, to January 8, 2025. This interstellar-inspired event promises a series of unforgettable activities and experiences, including stargazing sessions on the beach, celestial-themed gala dinners, and stellar performances. Designed to capture the wonder of the cosmos, AstroFest offers guests a unique blend of luxury and enchantment beneath the breathtaking Maldivian night sky.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli looks forward to welcoming guests to this cosmic celebration, setting the stage for a holiday season filled with joy, imagination, and festive cheer.
Celebration
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives unveils spectacular Christmas and New Year offerings
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites travellers to escape to a tropical paradise for an unforgettable festive season, offering stays from December 22, 2024, to January 7, 2025. The resort promises a stunning lineup of events, gourmet dining, and activities for all ages.
Nestled on a pristine natural island, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives provides an idyllic setting for families, couples, and groups of friends to celebrate Christmas 2024 and welcome the New Year. Located just a 40-minute scenic speedboat ride from Male’s Velana International Airport, the festive experience begins the moment guests arrive. The resort’s dedicated team ensures a seamless and memorable holiday from start to finish.
“At Kandooma, every detail is designed with our guests’ comfort and joy in mind, from festive celebrations to tranquil island escapes. To enhance the experience, we’ve created an e-brochure that highlights all the exciting activities available during the festive season,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
The resort, situated on a peaceful private island, offers a serene escape exclusive to its guests, ensuring privacy and safety for families. Dining options include the vibrant international buffet at Kandooma Café, the elegant Asian Kitchen with its fresh seafood and Asian-inspired dishes, and the Hibachi Table-Top Barbecue experience. Guests can enjoy poolside snacks at Bokkuraa Pool Deck, refreshing drinks at the BAR-aveli Beach Bar, or stunning views at the rooftop Sunset Bar, perfect for watching Maldivian sunsets.
For the festive season, the resort offers exclusive accommodation packages with Half Board, Full Board, or All-Inclusive options. The All-Inclusive package includes premium beverages, afternoon snacks, and free scoops of ice cream during specific hours.
The island features a range of villas to suit different preferences, from Overwater Villas for romantic getaways to 3-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas for families or groups. The two-story Beach Houses offer direct beach access, while Beach Villas feature stunning sea views and outdoor hammocks. Garden Villas, nestled in lush greenery, include open-air showers and private outdoor seating. Festive season rates start at $394++ per night for double occupancy in a Garden Villa, with a minimum four-night stay. Additionally, kids under 13 stay and eat free. Mandatory Gala Dinners during the festive period add an elegant touch to the celebrations.
The culinary team at the resort has crafted holiday meals that blend international flavours with Maldivian specialties. On Christmas Eve, the Gala Dinner at Kandooma Café features a lavish feast and live entertainment, priced at $250++ per person, with complimentary dining for children under 13. Christmas Day celebrations include a bonfire gathering at Surf Corner and a Sand Snowman competition at the Kandoo Kids’ Club, complete with a visit from Santa distributing festive treats.
The resort’s New Year’s Eve celebrations include a Glittering Gala Dinner poolside at Kandooma Café, featuring a sumptuous feast under the stars and live entertainment. Guests can dance into 2025 with live music and DJ performances. The Gala Dinner is priced at $350++ per person, with children under 13 dining for free. Both Gala Dinners follow an “All White” theme, encouraging guests to dress in white for a magical evening.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a popular destination for Russian guests celebrating Orthodox holidays. On January 7, the resort will host a special Russian Orthodox Christmas celebration, featuring a vibrant beach party with a live DJ, music, dancing, and oceanfront festivities.
Throughout the festive season, the resort offers a full schedule of activities for all ages. Children can enjoy the Kandoo Kids’ Club, complete with a water playground, indoor craft zones, and island adventures. Parents can relax knowing their children are engaged and entertained while they enjoy the festive atmosphere of the island.
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