Family
Soneva’s ‘egg-cellent’ Easter for whole family in Maldives
This Easter, Soneva has created fun-filled calendars of experiences, dining, children’s activities and so much more for an unforgettable holiday in the Maldives.
Guests can expect more chocolate than they know what to do with, searching high and low across the resorts for hidden wooden eggs, Soneva Fushi’s much-anticipated football camp with sporting legend Mikael Silvestre, and private stargazing sessions with award-winning astronomer and science communicator Lars Lindberg Christensen.
For younger guests Easter-themed activities have been planned by the Den Teams, while Oppidan Education will be offering opportunities to learn and study outside of the classroom at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
Soneva Fushi (March 29 – April 7)
This year, the six-day Young Sonevian’s Football Camp will take place twice (March 26-31 and April 3-8).
The camp, led by former Manchester United and Arsenal player, Mikael Silvestre, gives budding football fanatics a chance to hone their skills, and learn more about the beautiful game.
Friendly matches will be incorporated at the end of the day to test out newly learned skills and strategies.
The yearly Easter Egg Hunt will see family members of all ages team up to search the island of Kunfunadhoo looking for hidden wooden eggs which can be exchanged for real chocolates. The person who finds the most eggs will be awarded a special prize.
Other children’s activities include making Papier Mâché Easter Eggs, their own egg collecting baskets, Easter-themed cupcakes and masks. They can also take part in an Egg-athon, an Easter Picnic, and a special Den Easter Egg Hunt.
The night before Easter Sunday, a Food Journey will take guests from the over-water Bar(a)bara to Mihiree Mithaa. The culinary adventure past different food stalls, with entertainment along the way, culminates with a Gala Dinner beneath the starry skies.
When it comes to learning outside of the classroom, Soneva makes sure its young guests are always engaged.
Oppidan Education, the UK-based experts for all things learning return to organise summer camp workshops and activities for children on the island. Best suited for children aged seven plus, the group workshops take place every day from 10.30am to 12.30pm and are complimentary.
Oppidan’s mentors are also experienced in helping boost the confidence of children and teens, as well as helping them with their studies. Private one-on-one tutoring and mentorship sessions are offered at an additional price.
Exclusive dinners are set to take place at Once Upon a Table, the intimate chef’s table at Out of the Blue. Cédric Vongerichten (March 25 to April 4), is the Chef de Cuisine at Perry St. and the French-Indonesian restaurant, Wayan, both in New York City, he is also the co-owner of Vong Kitchen and Le Burger, in Jakarta.
Alberto Faccani (March 30 – April 13), the owner and Head Chef of the two Michelin-starred Magnolia, brings his dynamic, self-taught style of cuisine that blends styles, forms and tradition back to Soneva Fushi.
For a taste of Thai cuisine guests should not miss Dylan Jones (April 1-10), who is one half of the dynamic chef duo at the helm of Bangkok’s Bo.lan.
When the sun sets, guests can explore the night skies through the lens of the state-of-the-art telescope with Lars Lindberg Christensen, the award-winning astronomer.
Soneva Jani (March 29 – April 7)
The Den team’s bunny-inspired activities include the Easter Egg Hunt around the lagoon and on the main island of Medhufaru.
Everyone is invited to join in the search for wooden eggs (three eggs can be exchanged for one chocolate egg), with the winner taking home a special prize.
There will also be Easter Egg and Face Painting, as well as Chocolate Easter Egg Decorating with the resort chocolatiers. There will be scavenger hunts, picnics, and a special Easter Disco Party with an entertainer.
Oppidan Education will also be at Soneva Jani over Easter, offering the same complimentary group workshops and private one-on-one tutoring and mentorship sessions for an additional price.
When it comes to dining, visiting chef Cédric Vongerichten (April 2-3) will be hosting an exclusive lunch and dinner at the Crab Shack after he completes his dining experiences at Soneva Fushi.
The resort’s Sommelier team have put together a Truffle and Caviar Wine Pairing, an Organic Wine and Cheese Pairing, and an exclusive Sunset Champagne Tasting out in the middle of the lagoon.
For budding mixologists, the Private In-Villa Sunset Cocktail Classes are not to be missed. The Easter Dinner on North Beach will have guests dancing the night away to tunes spun by a DJ.
Dine at the three recently opened restaurants that are part of Soneva Jani’s Chapter Two.
Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren is a casual, overwater restaurant that serves plant-based and pescatarian dishes for lunch and dinner, with produce freshly picked from the organic gardens, or sustainably caught in the waters around the resort.
So Wild by Diana Von Cranach is a fully plant-based restaurant in the middle of the organic garden that revives historical recipes from around South East Asia and Indonesia. Ingredients are prepared using techniques like steaming, flash-frying, and dehydrating when they are not presented raw.
So Primitive is set around a central fire pit, putting the element of fire in the spotlight. Think roasting, grilling, searing, salt-crusted baking, and cooking in kettles and clay pots over coals.
Travel through the cosmos with private stargazing experiences with the resort’s resident Astronomer or hit the ‘gym’ surrounded by tall screw pines when you take on the Jungle Gym’s obstacles: balancing beams, monkey bars, rope climbs and rings.
In the realm of wellness, Soneva Jani’s Spa and visiting experts have much to offer. Visiting practitioner Hortensia Corredoira’s multi-pronged approach to wellness and healing combines traditional osteopathy and her deep knowledge of the body, muscles and bones, and the cranio-sacral system.
Soneva’s Spa team also holds regular yoga and meditation sessions, as well as lectures on Ayurveda, or guests can enjoy package treatments like the 90-minute Glowing Spa Package, which includes a Sodashi Marine Mineral Facial and an Express Manicure and Pedicure.
Soneva is a pioneering family of hospitality properties, offering holistic encounters in luxurious and inspiring environments – from world class resorts to outstanding natural locations.
Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand rebuke the traditional concept of luxury and instead promise the luxury of time, purity and solitude.
Every day, guests are encouraged to discover sandy feet, inspired minds and full hearts.
Combining luxury with a conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, and proactively changing the nature of hospitality, it delivers intuitive service and meaningful experiences to the guests.
Ifuru Island Maldives has announced that the brand-new Water Park Facilities at the Coconut Kids Club are now officially open for guests. The much-anticipated launch on November 1, 2024, marks a new chapter in family-friendly entertainment at the resort.
Designed for children aged 4 to 12, the Coconut Kids Club now boasts a vibrant water park complete with interactive splash zones and playful water play areas. These exciting additions provide a safe and engaging space where children can enjoy endless aquatic adventures, while parents relax and unwind in the sun.
Alongside the new water park, the Coconut Kids Club continues to offer a daily schedule of fun and educational activities, including arts and crafts, games, and creative projects, offering children enriching experiences throughout their stay.
“We’re delighted with the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our guests,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “It’s wonderful to see families creating joyful memories together, and we’re thrilled to be part of that experience.”
The new water park is now open, inviting young guests to explore and enjoy, as Coconut Kids Club fosters a vibrant, family-oriented atmosphere where quality time and unforgettable moments are central.
Prepare for an unforgettable escape at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, where Halloween festivities blend seamlessly with luxurious experiences. This year, the resort elevates the excitement with a full week of thrilling adventures, immersive Halloween-themed activities, and fun for the whole family. With an exclusive “Kids Stay & Eat Free” offer, there’s no better time to plan a family getaway at one of the top family resorts in the Maldives.
Beginning on 28th October, the Halloween festivities kick off with the Creepy Food Challenge at Anchorage, where guests can sample creatively eerie dishes that will excite both kids and adults alike. For those with an artistic flair, there will be a Halloween Sip & Paint session at Kakuni, allowing guests to sip cocktails while crafting their very own Halloween masterpiece. As night falls, Anchorage Bar will transform into a magical wonderland for the Witches & Wizards Disco Night, where the whole family can dance under the stars in costume, fully embracing the festive spirit of Halloween in paradise.
On 29th October, guests can dive into the day with Aqua Aerobics at the main pool, where spooky costumes and devil horns are encouraged! After splashing around, the fun continues with the Wrap the Mummy Station at Anchorage Bar, where participants can channel their inner mummy in this playful challenge. As the evening draws near, attendees can prepare for the spectacular Avatar Performance at Anchorage Bar, a show that will captivate guests with its mysterious, otherworldly magic.
30th October welcomes the Day of Vampires and Devils, starting with a special themed breakfast, where guests can snap a photo with a vampire. The eerie vibes continue in the afternoon with the Vampire Face Paint Station at Anchorage Bar, allowing kids (and adults) to transform into their favourite Halloween characters, complete with candy vampire teeth. The night promises to be unforgettable with a Vampire Pop-Up Performance and Karaoke session at Anchorage Bar, inviting guests to unleash their inner creatures of the night.
Halloween itself, 31st October, marks the pinnacle of the celebration, with the entire resort embracing a spooky atmosphere. The day begins with a ghostly surprise as haunting characters roam the resort for the Halloween Ghost Cosplay during breakfast, creating perfect photo opportunities for families. Later, guests can join the Pumpkin Carving session at Anchorage, where both kids and adults can showcase their creative skills. As the sun sets, the festivities reach their peak with the Thriller Night Flash Mob and DJ party at Anchorage Bar, followed by a hair-raising visit to the Haunted House, open from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm—perfect for families who love a good scare!
The evening culminates with a lavish Hollow Beach Buffet, where families can enjoy a mouthwatering spread of Halloween-inspired dishes while soaking in live music under the Maldivian sky.
Throughout the week, the Kids Club will be buzzing with special Halloween-themed activities, including pirate sword-making, “Find Jack Sparrow” treasure hunts, Halloween mocktail potion making, creepy cupcake decoration, and fun-filled pool parties, ensuring the little ones are fully immersed in the spooky spirit.
Celebration
Festive journey of luxury and sustainability: holiday highlights at Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Vilu Reef
The festive season at Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef promises unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. Both resorts have curated distinct themes to celebrate the holidays, focusing on transformation and sustainability while providing luxurious experiences for their visitors.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli: Metamorphosis – A Festive Transformation
This year, Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s festive theme, “Metamorphosis,” symbolises growth and renewal. The resort has embraced a journey of transformation, offering elevated services and experiences while maintaining the core values that its guests cherish. From family-friendly Christmas fun to wellness journeys and a celebratory Christmas dinner, every aspect of this festive period is designed to showcase the beauty of change and renewal. Christmas Day activities include a Whale and manta shark snorkeling trip in the morning, followed by Santa’s arrival at Dolphin Beach, and a Christmas Cinema Paradise for Kids & Family at Chemistry in the evening. Adults can also start their Christmas morning with yoga and pilates classes as part of a wellness activity.
For New Year’s Eve, DJ Toni Mesas will set the stage for an energetic evening. An international DJ from Barcelona, Toni is known for his love of electronic music, particularly techno house. Following his performance, the Wildfire Arts Collective, premier cirque-style entertainers from Los Angeles, will deliver a breathtaking fire show during the cocktail party and New Year’s countdown.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef: Island Harmony – Eco-Friendly Festive Splendour
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, this year’s theme, “Island Harmony,” embraces an eco-friendly celebration with a focus on cultural sustainability. The island will be adorned with decorations made from coconut, bamboo, and palm leaves, reflecting the resort’s commitment to eco-conscious luxury. Christmas celebrations will include Santa’s arrival at Aqua Beach, live music, and beach games for families and children, such as sand sculpting for kids and a family movie night. Island excursions, sunset fishing, and a variety of watersports will also be available.
On New Year’s Eve, DJ Cosmicatx, Saudi Arabia’s first female superstar DJ and producer, will lead the festivities with her music. Additionally, the world-renowned LED artists, SuperLEDShow, will perform mesmerising acts to ring in the new year. Dennis Kiss and Szulita Szekrényes will deliver electrifying, tightly-choreographed sessions mixing mind-melting projections, lights, acrobatics, and pure artistry—ensuring a memorable night for all in attendance.
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