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
Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
-
Drink1 week agoGerman winemaker Patrick Heitlinger to headline exclusive dinner at SO/ Maldives
-
News1 week agoNiva Dhigali Maldives to host wellness week with Gemma Merna this June
-
Cooking1 week agoChef Giorgio Servetto brings Michelin-starred dining to Atmosphere Core’s underwater restaurants
-
News1 week agoInterContinental Maldives celebrates Women’s Day through creative expression
-
Family1 week agoRoyal Island introduces Easter escape with up to 25% savings
-
Cooking1 week agoBa’theli by the Reef at Milaidhoo Maldives introduces family-style Maldivian fine dining
-
Family1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu transforms into an Easter island wonderland
-
Drink6 days agoGerman winemaker Patrick Jacklin to host exclusive tasting at Constance Moofushi


