Featured
Soneva Jani introduces mobility-friendly overwater villa
Soneva Jani, the award-winning resort in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll, has introduced a mobility-friendly Water Reserve to its portfolio of luxurious private villas.
Specially designed for guests using wheelchairs and mobility aids, the two-bedroom overwater villa was launched as part of Chapter Two, a new era for the resort that includes 27 new Water Reserves, new dining destinations and a new Wellness Centre.
The vast, 772 sqm (8,309 sqft) Two Bedroom Water Reserve has a maximum occupancy of four adults and two children.
Found at the start of the winding Chapter Two jetty on the southern tip of the island, it is positioned towards the sunrise, making the most of the uninterrupted views towards the horizon.
The spacious, open-plan living space on the ground floor ensures ease of movement for wheelchair users, flowing seamlessly between the light-filled communal living areas.
On request, the large TV lounge can be converted into a wheelchair-friendly bedroom, featuring a specially designed en-suite bathroom, shower and toilet with rails and grab bars.
Also on the ground floor is the master bedroom suite, which features an adjacent children’s room, a retractable roof to see the stars, and an open-air bathroom with a tub overlooking the lagoon.
Upstairs, there is an additional bedroom suite, with its own dressing room, en-suite bathroom, dining sala and specious roof terrace.
The elegant, understated interiors celebrate the stunning natural setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows command panoramic ocean vistas, reclaimed driftwood is repurposed into sculptural centrepieces, and playful glass portholes dotted across the villa floor peer directly into the turquoise lagoon below.
A wheelchair-friendly ramp allows easy access to the villa’s spectacular outdoor living space.
The sweeping terrace features a large, freshwater swimming pool and steps down into the lagoon. Loungers, sunken seating, a swing seat and catamaran nets offer a selection of comfortable spots to while away the day, while the design of the villa roof overhang provides ample shade from the Maldivian sunshine.
All guests staying in a Chapter Two Water Reserve or Island Reserve at Soneva Jani are invited to experience Soneva Unlimited. This indulgent offering enables them to enjoy everything the resort has to offer, within the price of their Chapter Two villa.
This includes unlimited drinks and dining at all Soneva Jani restaurants and In-villa Dining (including with visiting Michelin-starred chefs), unlimited spa treatments, massages and wellness therapies (including with visiting practitioners), and limitless experiences, including diving.
Also included is a personal Barefoot Butler, daily laundry service, daily replenishment of the in-villa minibar and pantry, and complimentary shared transfers between Malé International Airport and Soneva Jani.
Soneva Jani presents a collection of island sanctuaries and overwater villas set within a lagoon of crystal-clear waters, fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed in lush tropical greenery.
Fifty-one overwater villas on the Retreat and Reserve Jetties are complete with a private pool and a retractable roof to stargaze from the master bedroom, while many have slides into the water below.
Stay in a Water or Island Reserve to discover all dining, experiences, spa and more with Soneva Unlimited.
Three island villas are nestled in the island foliage, steps from the sandy beach.
Dine on a variety of cuisines, ranging from plant-based fine dining and beach barbecues to elaborate romantic escapades. You can indulge in culinary adventures such as dining around the lagoon, castaway picnics, garden lunches and cooking classes.
Explore the glimmering galaxies from the observatory or enjoy water sports, scuba diving, spa and Ayurveda therapies at the Wellness Centre, or dolphin cruises.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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