Family
New Soneva Academy offers educational courses for children
Soneva, the award-winning luxury resort operator, recently launched Soneva Academy, offering a series of educational courses for older children and teenagers aged 12+ at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives.
The courses cover a range of fascinating topics relevant to the Maldives and, after completing a course, participants receive a certificate in an awards ceremony.
Soneva Academy currently offers five courses at Soneva Fushi and two at Soneva Jani.
Marine Life of Maldives
Marine Life of the Maldives (Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani) lets young Sonevians dive into the underwater world to learn about coral reefs and their importance as an ecosystem.
They will find out what goes on in and around reefs, how they are created, which marine animals call them home and the threats that currently face reefs the world over.
Part of the course includes learning the basics of conducting a scientific survey, focusing on the house reef, before getting in the water and carrying out a small survey themselves.
They will then analyse the survey findings, discuss the results and draw conclusions based on the data.
Night Sky in Maldives
The Night Sky in the Maldives (Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani) is an out-of-this-world course, where participants discover what lies beyond the earth’s atmosphere.
Young learners observe the night sky, guided by the resort’s resident astronomer, to see how it changes depending on their location.
The astronomer will explain the sorts of celestial bodies they observe, discussing what they’re made of, and where they’re located in relation to the rest of the cosmos.
On the final night, all the participants will have a chance to look through the telescope to see these celestial bodies up close, learning about the evolution of astronomy over the ages.
The course will also cover well-known constellations, their origins and the incredible stories behind them.
Mosquitoes, Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Diseases (Soneva Fushi) delves into one of the most dangerous animals on the planet: the mosquito.
The first day includes a screening of the Discovery Channel documentary ‘Mosquito’ in which Dr Bart Knols, Soneva’s Managing Director of Science and Conservation, features prominently alongside Bill Gates and other specialists in the field.
The documentary offers insights into mosquitoes and how they affect the world.
The course also takes a close look at how Soneva Fushi has been tackling the island’s mosquito population since early 2019 without a single drop of insecticide, as well as Soneva’s plans to roll-out this sustainable pest management practice across other Maldivian islands and resorts.
Zero Waste, Plastic Pollution in Maldives
Zero Waste and Plastic Pollution in the Maldives (Soneva Fushi) teaches young learners all about plastic and its use in our daily life – from what it is, to why we use it.
Participants will discover how to recognise various types of plastics and their negative impact, especially for small island nations like the Maldives.
They will learn about the collaborative action between government, businesses and the community to tackle plastic pollution and find out about the impact of waste in the Maldives and beyond.
They will also learn about practical actions towards a zero-waste lifestyle that they can implement at home, including how to make their own toothpaste and body scrub from waste materials.
Adventure of Corbin
The Adventure of the Corbin (Soneva Fushi) combines nautical history with reading the stars to navigate and survival tips for being deserted on a small Maldivian island.
Inspired by the Corbin, a French cargo vessel that sank in 1602, this fascinating course starts at Soneva Fushi, where young Sonevians will learn about the marine world and island life in the Maldives.
From there, they will be transferred to the uninhabited island of Innafushi, either by speedboat or Soneva in Aqua, where they will camp for two nights, snorkel the site of the wreck and re-live the real-life adventure of 17th century sailors.
Four of the courses (Marine Life of the Maldives; The Night Sky in the Maldives; Mosquitoes and Mosquito-Borne Diseases; Zero Waste, and Plastic Pollution in the Maldives) are split into three, two-hour modules across three days (priced at $150++ per day), with a complimentary, 20-minute exam at the end of the third day.
The Adventure of the Corbin is for three nights, three-and-a-half days, with a fully inclusive price of $1,500 ++ per child when travelling by speedboat, or $2,500 ++ per child when travelling on the Soneva in Aqua yacht.
More courses will be added to Soneva Academy’s offering in the future, based on sustainability initiatives, as well as covering the many areas of expertise found at Soneva’s resorts.
Dr Bart Knols, Managing Director of Science & Conservation, is proud of these new experiences that are being added to Soneva’s unique array of guest offerings.
“Soneva Academy merges the world of luxury travel with that of scholarship and academic learning,” he says.
“It adds meaning to a holiday in the splendid environs of the Maldives and will hopefully contribute to developing a future generation that will harness and protect the beauty of our planet.”
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 its guests.
On 31 October, Reethi Faru Resort invites guests to discover a different side of the Maldives, as the island transforms into a tropical Halloween escape filled with family fun, creative costumes, music, themed dining and unforgettable island moments.
Set against the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Halloween at Reethi Faru brings together the playful spirit of the season with the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of a Maldivian island. From afternoon activities for younger guests to an evening costume celebration, the programme offers something for everyone.
Halloween Fun for Little Ones
The celebrations begin with a dedicated afternoon of Halloween fun for younger guests. Children can get into the spirit of the occasion with face painting, themed games and specially curated activities designed to encourage creativity, imagination and plenty of laughter.
Families are invited to embrace the occasion together, with little ones transforming into their favourite Halloween characters before enjoying an afternoon of playful island adventures.
A Night of Costumes, Music and Celebration
As the sun sets and the island takes on a different atmosphere, the celebrations continue with the Halloween Costume Party.
Guests are invited to dress up and join an evening of DJ music, dancing and Halloween entertainment, with the island providing a unique tropical setting for creative costumes and festive fun.
From mysterious characters to imaginative creations, the costume party brings guests together for an evening where the unexpected feels right at home in paradise.
A Halloween Feast with a Tropical Twist
Food is at the heart of every celebration, and Halloween at Reethi Faru is no exception.
The resort’s culinary team will create a specially themed Halloween buffet, featuring a selection of international and local flavours presented with a creative seasonal twist. From the buffet to the bar, the Halloween spirit continues with specially prepared Halloween cocktails, adding a playful finishing touch to the evening.
Halloween Under the Maldivian Sky
Celebrating Halloween in the Maldives offers a setting unlike any other.
As darkness falls, the sounds of the ocean replace the bustle of everyday life, while the moonlight reflects across the lagoon and the island’s tropical surroundings create an atmospheric backdrop for the evening’s celebrations.
This combination of Halloween tradition and Maldivian island life makes the experience at Reethi Faru distinctive. The result is a celebration that feels festive and familiar, yet entirely at home in paradise.
Whether travelling with family, enjoying a romantic escape or simply looking to experience the Maldives in a different way, guests can join the festivities and create their own Halloween memories on the island.
A Different Kind of Halloween
On 31 October, Reethi Faru Resort invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and experience Halloween where tropical island life meets the spirit of the season.
With creative activities, costumes, music, cuisine and the beauty of the Maldivian night providing the backdrop, Halloween at Reethi Faru offers a celebration that is playful, atmospheric and uniquely island-inspired.
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa is set to welcome guests to a season of dining, family celebrations and island experiences, with a programme of events taking place from September through October.
The season begins with the Japanese Cocktail & Dining Experience on 26 September, featuring a six-course dinner inspired by the flavours of Japan and Peru. Guests can look forward to dishes including yellowfin tuna tartare, robata-grilled octopus, butter-poached lobster and slow-braised beef short rib, finished with a refreshing citrus dessert.
The dinner will be accompanied by cocktails created by award-winning Japanese bartender Norihiko Furuse, known for his creative and sustainable approach to mixology, bringing together Japanese spirits, seasonal fruits, local herbs and botanical ingredients.
On 3 October, Kuredhivaru will bring a taste of Germany to the Maldives with its annual Oktoberfest Celebration. Guests can enjoy Bavarian favourites including roast pork knuckle, beef goulash, German sausages, BBQ pork ribs and freshly baked pretzels, followed by classic desserts such as apple strudel, Black Forest cake and Bavarian cream. Live music and games will add to the festive atmosphere.
The celebrations continue with Halloween at Kuredhivaru from 30 to31 October, bringing two days of family-friendly activities, including Kids Club experiences, costume creations, the Rising Star Halloween Fashion Show, pumpkin carving, themed games, creative workshops and deliciously Halloween-inspired dining, and a few surprises lurking around every corner.
From the tiniest trick-or-treaters to grown-ups ready to join the fun, it’s Halloween island- style, full of imagination, laughter, sparkle and just the right amount of spooky!
With a mix of culinary experiences and seasonal celebrations, Kuredhivaru’s upcoming programme offers guests different ways to enjoy the island throughout the season.
For reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.
ROBINSON NOONU has been named Best Fun & Friendly Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026 for the second time. This marks the fourth consecutive TTM award for ROBINSON Clubs in the Maldives.
“Receiving the award for the second time is particularly gratifying. It shows that our concept resonates with both our guests and our industry partners, whilst we continue to follow our own path. ROBINSON NOONU has its very own character,” says General Manager Jan Karliczek.
ROBINSON NOONU is located on Orivaru Island in the Noonu Atoll. Guests stay in beach and water villas, many with direct ocean access or private pools. The club’s house reef invites snorkelling and diving. Sports offerings include fitness classes from yoga to HOT IRON as well as padel. The resort also features special event weeks, diverse entertainment, and programmes for children and teenagers.
With this latest recognition, ROBINSON continues its TTM Awards success in the Maldives: ROBINSON MALDIVES won awards in 2023 and 2025, whilst ROBINSON NOONU impressed in the Best Fun & Friendly Resort category in 2024 and now 2026.
The TTM Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the Maldivian tourism industry and are presented annually at the international TTM Maldives trade fair. Winners are determined through online voting accessible via the TTM website. In 2026, awards were presented across 32 categories.
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