Family

Soneva’s ‘egg-cellent’ Easter for whole family in Maldives

Published

4 years ago

March 14, 2021

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.

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Family

Family Eid moments at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Published

3 weeks ago

May 10, 2025

m@ldives

In time for the Eid holidays, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa has introduced Family Moments. Designed for stays of four nights or more in overwater suites and two-bedroom pool villas, the offer features a selection of engaging experiences for families to bond over, along with an array of thoughtfully considered touches.

Shared Discoveries

A zero-proof mixology masterclass. Curious guests can try their hand at creating spirit-free beverages in the Maldives’ first ever Cocktail Lab. This interactive one-hour private workshop is conducted by skilled resident mixologists who share professional techniques and insights into their craft.

Outdoor padel tennis. Active holidaymakers can take advantage of complimentary access to the padel court for a friendly game of padel tennis, a fast-growing sport suitable for all fitness levels. The brand-new seaside court complements the resort’s outdoor amenities, which include a futsal field and multipurpose court for tennis, basketball, badminton and volleyball.

Night fishing excursion. Families can also embark on a group fishing trip, where ocal guides teach the art of line fishing aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni. This excursion is an enriching opportunity to learn a new skill and be immersed in local customs, all while being surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Thoughtful Extras for a Worry-free Stay

The Family Moments offer also includes the following added benefits:

A nightly resort credit of USD 100 nett per villa, which can be used towards any of the signature spa treatments, salon services and wellness sessions at Amingiri Spa & Hammam; any chargeable activities at the kids’ club, such as pizza making and evening sports camps; or in any of the resort’s distinctive restaurants, where young diners are welcomed with healthy, child-friendly menus.
Daily buffet breakfast at Habitat
Access to the purpose-built kids’ club, one of the largest in the Maldives, and scheduled complimentary activities for children and teens alike, including a weekly pirate cruise, arts and crafts activities, and beach games.
Use of non-motorized water sports and snorkeling equipment throughout the stay
A complimentary 30-minute photo shoot, inclusive of two professionally edited digital images

Families staying a minimum of seven nights will also enjoy complimentary roundtrip premium speedboat transfers. The Family Moments offer is available for booking until April 30, 2026. Hilton Honors members enjoy full points for their stay. Terms and conditions apply.

Joyful Festivities and Transformative Journeys

Eid celebrations come alive with Maldivian flair as a spirited Bodumas (“big fish” in Dhivehi) parade, accompanied by the beats of a Boduberu (traditional drum) performance, winds its way through the island. Families can then savor aromatic flavors of the oceanfront Beach Market buffet at Beach Shack, as the melodies of a live band fill the starlit evening.

Throughout the week, Middle Eastern flavors will be a highlight of the a la carte menu at Beach Shack. In addition, when guests book a shisha experience at Aura Pool Bar, Sip Tea Lounge and Eden, a complimentary pot of freshly brewed Arabic coffee will be served.

At Amingiri Spa & Hammam, spa enthusiasts can tailor their wellbeing journey by combining any of the 30-minute treatments in the Escape to Tranquility collection. These include foot reflexology, express manicures and pedicures, targeted massages, gua sha facials, body polishes and body wraps. Guests can also opt to join a variety of regularly scheduled group sessions such as aerial yoga, sound healing in the main pool, and the deeply soothing floating sound meditation in the yoga pavilion.

Family

The Nautilus Maldives redefines children’s spaces with ecoBirdy

Published

4 weeks ago

May 5, 2025

m@ldives

The Nautilus Maldives, an ultra-luxury bohemian private island retreat in the heart of the Indian Ocean, has announced a partnership with ecoBirdy, the award-winning Belgian family-owned design brand renowned for its innovative approach to design rooted in social and environmental responsibility.

As part of this collaboration, The Nautilus has redesigned the furnishings of its Young Wonderers children’s club and The Nautilus Lounge at Velana International Airport. These areas now showcase ecoBirdy’s thoughtfully curated and ergonomically designed pieces, created from repurposed plastic toys. The result is an immersive experience for young guests that seamlessly blends creativity, sustainability, and style.

ecoBirdy, founded in 2018 by designers Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel, originated as a research initiative co-funded by the European Commission. The project aimed to develop a sustainable method for recycling plastic toys. ecoBirdy’s patented recycling process starts with the collection of used toys, undergoes a conscientious recycling journey, and concludes with the crafting of contemporary, functional furniture and home accessories. Central to their designs is ecothylene®—a 100% recycled and recyclable material—used to create visually distinctive and ergonomically supportive products tailored to children’s comfort, autonomy, and development.

From the moment children arrive at The Nautilus Airport Lounge to their playful experiences at Young Wonderers, they are welcomed into environments that emphasise imagination, beauty, and respect for nature. Each ecoBirdy piece is designed to foster children’s independence, featuring ergonomic shapes and easy-to-grip elements that reflect a deep understanding of young behaviour.

Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives, expressed that the partnership reflects the resort’s values: “This collaboration embodies The Nautilus’s ethos. Like ecoBirdy, we are family-founded and built on authenticity, creativity, and responsibility. Together, we’ve created inspiring spaces that not only delight our youngest guests but also reflect our commitment to timeless hospitality and respect for our planet.”

Joris Vanbriel, co-founder of ecoBirdy, noted, “True luxury carries a responsibility to future generations. Partnering with The Nautilus allows us to bring sustainable design to a new generation of conscious explorers.” Fellow co-founder Vanessa Yuan added, “We believe design has the power to inspire change. Through this collaboration, we hope to nurture creativity, care, and environmental stewardship among young guests of The Nautilus.”

At The Nautilus, where time stands still and freedom reigns, each young guest is invited to discover that the most meaningful form of luxury lies in living thoughtfully.

Family

Le Méridien Maldives Resort launches ‘Family Fun Summer’ escape

Published

1 month ago

April 28, 2025

m@ldives

Summer is calling, and with it, the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to embrace the ultimate tropical escape with its exclusive Family Fun Summer package. Set amidst the pristine beauty of Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort offers a unique blend of contemporary eco-conscious design and the stunning natural wonders of the Maldives, making it the ideal destination for families seeking a harmonious balance of adventure and relaxation.

The Family Fun Summer package has been thoughtfully crafted to provide families with an enriching and unforgettable experience, with inclusions for two adults and two children aged 12 and under. Designed for those wishing to reconnect, unwind, and celebrate precious time together, this offer includes a rich array of activities and experiences that cater to all ages. Whether seeking relaxation on the beach or exciting adventures on the water, there is something for every member of the family.

The Family Fun Summer package includes:

Complimentary upgrade to Full Board: savour daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at selected dining venues for the whole family to indulge in a variety of exquisite culinary offerings throughout the stay.
Sunset dolphin cruise: witness the Maldives at its most magical and embark on a sunset cruise for the chance to spot playful dolphins as the sky transitions into vibrant hues.
Daily complimentary watersports: discover the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters with activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling, providing fun and exploration for all ages.
Daily activities: from Zumba and yoga to salsa, beach volleyball, and cinema under the stars, the resort offers exciting activities to keep families entertained throughout the day and night.
Live entertainment: nightly events such as karaoke, bingo, and trivia create a vibrant, social atmosphere.
Access to Waves Fitness Centre: guests can maintain their fitness routine with group classes such as Pilates and dance workouts.
Le Méridien Family Kids Hub: a haven for young explorers offering hands-on workshops, marine conservation activities, and much more, sparking creativity and curiosity.
Marine Conservation Hub: learn about the rich marine life as the resort’s resident marine biologist takes guests on a guided tour, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the ecosystem.
The Greenhouse Tour: explore one of Maldives’ largest hydroponic gardens and learn about sustainable farming practices.
Daily minibar replenishment: enjoy the convenience of daily replenishment of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Marriott Bonvoy members bonus: Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 25,000 bonus points when booking a multi-bedroom villa.

The magic of summer comes to life at the resort’s weekly Au Soleil pool parties. Guests can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, with vibrant beats, refreshing Whispering Angel rosé, and tantalising barbecue aromas. Children are treated to homemade Le Scoop sorbet, making this a true celebration of family, fun, and the joys of summer.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is the ultimate destination for families who wish to make the most of their time together. With 134 stylish villas, including spacious two-bedroom pool and beach villas, the resort offers ample space for families to gather and enjoy each other’s company. From beachside cinema nights and farm-to-table dining to friendly padel matches and explorations of the vibrant house reefs, every moment is an opportunity for adventure and togetherness. Dedicated family programmes invite both parents and children to immerse themselves in marine conservation, creative arts, and culture, all while enjoying the serenity of their private island retreat.

The Family Fun Summer package is available to book from now until 15th June 2025, for stays through to 20th December 2025.

For more information or to book your stay, please visit lemeridien-maldives.com or contact us at reservations.maldives@lemeridien.com.