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Soneva announces summer programme with exciting line-up of rare experiences

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Soneva has announced a spectacular programme for Summer 2021 across its award-winning resorts in the Maldives.

Running throughout July and August, guests of all ages at Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Kiri can get into the holiday spirit with one-of-a-kind experiences, dine on exceptional cuisine with Michelin-starred chefs, and meet acclaimed visiting experts through the ongoing Soneva Stars calendar.

Soneva Fushi

Diners can enjoy exquisite Michelin-starred cuisine from a line-up of acclaimed guest chefs at Soneva Fushi over the summer months.

French chef Stéphanie Le Quellec, known for her meticulous yet accessible cuisine at Paris’ two-Michelin-starred La Scene, will be hosting an exclusive series of dinners at Once Upon a Table from July 1-15.

Award-winning Heiko Nieder, from the Dolder Grand’s two-Michelin-starred The Restaurant, will be at Soneva Fushi from July 21-30.

Mark Lundgaard, Head Chef and Director at Copenhagen’s famed Kong Hans Kælder Restaurant, is at the resort from July 17 to August 10.

And Paco Morales, the two-Michelin-starred chef at the forefront of Andalusian cuisine, will be at Soneva Fushi from August 12-23.

Other mouth-watering culinary experiences include a Thali Dinner at Down to Earth, showmanship at the sizzling So Bespoke teppanyaki table, and a gastronomic journey of discovery through the resort’s organic gardens at Shades of Green.

Glass artists Cheyenne Malcolm and Ben Sharp will be in residence at Soneva Art and Glass, the Maldives’ only hot glass studio, until August 26.

As well as witnessing the artists’ incredible creations, which will be showcased in the gallery, guests will also be able to try glassblowing for themselves.

In the realm of wellness, Tathata Kobayashi, a renowned Tai Chi Chuan teacher, will be sharing his extensive knowledge from August 20 to September 10. Son of Tai Chi pioneers, Petra and Toyo Kobayashi, he has practiced across Europe for more than two decades.

Those who want to reconnect with the natural world can join a Conscious Experience – which offers an insight into Soneva’s sustainable philosophy.

They include a Slow Life Journey around the resort’s organic gardens and Eco Centro waste-to-wealth centre, and sustainable hook-and-line fishing with a family of local fishermen.

Guests can also swim with majestic Manta Rays in the nearby Hanifaru Bay – home to one of the world’s largest manta populations that form huge feeding chains and barrel-roll through the water, it is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Young Sonevians will be entertained for every moment of the holidays, with fun, enriching summer camps for children and teens, and mentoring and complimentary activities from Oppidan Education.

Younger guests can take part in treasure hunts, get active in a mini-Olympics, learn how to identify turtles, sail to the sandbank and so much more.

Teens, meanwhile, are invited to learn about conservation and the environment, take a trip to a local island, discover how to cook tasty Maldivian snacks, and end their stay with a disco at The Den.

The new Soneva Academy enables older children to learn during their summer stay.

The modular courses take children and teens aged 12+ from ‘junior’ to ‘expert’, and cover a range of fascinating topics, including the Night Skies, Zero Waste and Plastic Pollution, Marine Life of the Maldives, Mosquitoes and Disease, and the Adventure of the Corbin, a quest across the seas in the wake of an ancient galleon.

View the Soneva Fushi Summer Programme here.

Soneva Jani

Michelin-starred chef Stéphanie Le Quellec will also be hosting dinners at Soneva Jani’s So Engaging chef’s table between July 1 and 15. With places for just five guests, this intimate venue offers a front-row seat to the action in the open kitchen.

Later in the month, Heiko Nieder will be at Soneva Jani from July 21-30. Considered one of Switzerland’s finest chefs, he is known for his precision and intricate flavour combinations.

Paco Morales, who honed his skills at the legendary El Bulli and Mugaritz before opening the two-Michelin-starred Noor in Cordoba, will be at Soneva Jani from August 12 to 23.

Guests can also experience the personalised Guess Who’s Cooking dining concept – prepared by a mystery chef and served in a secret location, the menu is tailored to their exact tastes.

The Director’s Cut by Chef Nikki serves Japanese contemporary cuisine while guests watch a classic film at the open-air Cinema Paradiso.

And at So Starstruck, the Maldives’ only overwater telescope, diners can explore the heavens with the resident astronomer.

Throughout August, each day at Soneva Jani begins with complimentary yoga or meditation on the beach or a revitalising session at the island jungle gym.

There are also massage workshops and a range of summer spa therapies, including a pampering Mother and Daughter Spa Package, which includes a 50-minute massage.

Those looking for an ocean adventure can join a knee-boarding lesson, try an e-surfboard or learn to soar over the waves on a flyboard. Or they can take a sunset cruise with a glass of Champagne to watch dolphins frolicking in the water.

The renowned UK mentoring firm, Oppidan Education, will be helping young guests at Soneva Jani continue their education outside of the classroom. Its experienced mentors inspire children to take ownership of their learning, helping them succeed both in academia and in life.

Oppidan will be hosting one-to-one tutoring and mentoring sessions, as well as running a fun programme of complimentary activities at The Den.

Older children and teens aged 12+ can also join the new Soneva Academy to learn during their stay.

The expert-led, modular courses invite children to dive into an underwater world with Marine Life of the Maldives, explore the constellations with the resident astronomer through The Night Sky in the Maldives, and embark on a three-night ocean quest that follows in the footsteps of ancient sailors on The Adventure of the Corbin.

With its pristine island location, many of the unique, family-friendly experiences at Soneva Jani focus on ocean conservation.

Guests are invited to help the marine team as they nurture new corals on North Beach, and can also attend a thought-provoking lecture at the Marine Biology Centre.

They can also join the resident marine biologist for a guided snorkelling tour of the thriving house reef or the underwater ecosystems around the Noonu Atoll.

View the Soneva Jani Summer Programme here.

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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Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration

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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.

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SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration

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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.

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Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences

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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.

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