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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.

Awards

Atmosphere Kanifushi named Best Family Resort in Indian Ocean for sixth consecutive year

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Atmosphere Kanifushi has once again been recognised as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort’ at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year the island has received this prestigious accolade. This continued recognition highlights the resort’s unique appeal to both romantic couples and adventure-seeking families.

Commenting on the achievement, Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, noted that the island’s charm lies in its ability to strike a harmonious balance between tranquillity and excitement. “While some Maldivian resorts cater to serenity and others to a more vibrant, active scene, Atmosphere Kanifushi is all about equilibrium—offering peace and relaxation alongside engaging, family-friendly experiences,” he shared.

Nestled on a long, naturally beautiful island with lush vegetation and surrounded by a stunning turquoise seascape, Atmosphere Kanifushi owes its success not only to its natural setting but also to the dedication of its team. According to Bhoyroo, the recognition is a result of the team’s relentless commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests of all ages. “By intuitively understanding the needs of each guest, we ensure a seamless blend of high-touch service, relaxation, and fun, all while offering the true feeling of a castaway escape in paradise,” he said.

With one of the highest guest repeater rates in the Maldives, the resort continues to innovate in order to surprise and delight returning visitors. From refreshed culinary offerings to vibrant live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.

Most recently, Atmosphere Kanifushi unveiled its new Essens Spa, a concept that redefines relaxation and wellbeing. The spa features immersive wellness journeys, yoga and detox sessions, traditional healing rituals, and a full suite of salon services. In keeping with the resort’s inclusive approach to family wellness, the spa also offers a Kids Spa Experience, complete with playful treatments for children and specialised teen wellness rituals that nurture growing bodies, youthful skin, and emotional balance.

This latest award reinforces Atmosphere Kanifushi’s reputation as a premier destination for families seeking both luxury and adventure in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

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Awards

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI wins ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at 2025 WTAs

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THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced that OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has been named ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, marking a third consecutive win and reaffirming its status as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished villa experiences.

At the heart of this achievement is the resort’s crown jewel – the Royal RESERVE. Spanning 3,000 square metres, this exceptional villa redefines ultra-luxury in the Maldives. It features a private beach, expansive pool, personal spa treatment room with dedicated therapists, and opulent living spaces adorned with intricate handcrafted detailing. Guests are offered an array of exclusive privileges, including 24-hour private butler service, a personal chef for bespoke dining at the in-villa restaurant, and a private bar serving tailored beverages. The villa also boasts direct lagoon access and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, all enhanced by the signature RESERVE Experience – a promise of seamless, discreetly curated service.

This latest accolade continues a tradition of excellence for the resort, following its debut year that saw it claim multiple titles including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’.

Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, expressed her gratitude, “It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity. To be honoured by both our esteemed industry colleagues and cherished guests fills us with immense joy, strengthening our commitment to pioneering bespoke moments that linger in the memory long after departure. Every day, our team finds inspiration in turning dreams into reality, and this recognition fuels our devotion to perfecting the art of meaningful luxury.”

The 2025 win builds on a long-standing legacy of recognition for the resort, which was also recently nominated at the World Spa Awards 2025 as Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreat, thanks to its transformative ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa – a sanctuary renowned for innovative wellness practices and holistic rejuvenation.

The RESERVE Plan™ at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI sets the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury. It includes catamaran transfers, unlimited treatments at the award-winning ELE|NA spa, and elevated dining across seven distinctive venues. Guests also enjoy premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and personalised experiences with Best Dives. This seamless integration of indulgence and service exemplifies ‘abundant luxury’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and thoughtfully crafted escapes.

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Awards

Baros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at 2025 World Travel Awards

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Baros Maldives has been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a recognition that underscores the resort’s enduring dedication to delivering heartfelt and intimate experiences that are quintessentially Baros.

Nestled in the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, the Baros Water Villas are a refined expression of effortless luxury and seclusion. Each villa has been thoughtfully crafted to offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon, spacious sun-drenched decks ideal for peaceful reflection, and, in select accommodations, private pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Every element is designed to foster connection—with nature, with oneself, and with the timeless essence of Baros.

Beyond the villas lies Baros’ legendary house reef—teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. Guests are invited to explore this underwater wonder through serene morning swims or sunset snorkelling sessions alongside turtles and schools of colourful reef fish.

Proudly Maldivian-owned and welcoming guests for over five decades, Baros Maldives has built a legacy of authentic hospitality and understated elegance. With just 75 villas, a team known for its warm, personalised service, and curated island experiences, the resort continues to offer stays that feel deeply personal and memorable.

Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives, expressed gratitude on behalf of the resort, “Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests, partners and the entire Baros team. This recognition is an honour and a wonderful reminder that the spirit of Baros continues to resonate with those who return to our shores time and again.”

As Baros celebrates this milestone, travellers are warmly invited to experience—or rediscover—the quiet magic that makes the island an enduring favourite in the Maldives.

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