Featured
Soneva welcomes Maldives surf season with new documentary release
Soneva, the award-winning resorts operator, is welcoming the start of the new surf season in the Maldives with the launch of a short 15-minute documentary titled SALT: The Story of Maldivian Wave Riders.
Filmed over several months at different atolls, the film delves into the culture and history of surfing in the Maldives archipelago.
For this island nation, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, surfing has always been a way of life, long before modern surf boards landed on its shores.
SALT traces the captivating story of Maldivian surf, from the makeshift planks and boards once used to ride the waves, to the arrival of Tony Hinde Hussein in the 1980s, considered the ‘father of Maldivian surfing’, to the next generation of Maldivian surfers today.
Along the way, it meets surfing communities across a number of Maldivian islands and the pioneering individuals who are driving the local surf scene.
The surf season in the Maldives’ northern atolls peaks between May and September each year.
Soneva runs the world’s first 100 per cent sustainable surf programme from Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll.
With the nearest surf breaks just a short speedboat ride from each of the resorts, the programme caters to surfers of all levels and abilities, from absolute beginners learning the basics in the shallow waters of the lagoon, to seasoned surfers looking for the best secret breaks.
Guests are encouraged to leave their equipment at home: the programme provides full use of Soneva’s eco-friendly equipment, including surfboards made from recycled materials, rash vests made from discarded ocean plastics, and ocean-friendly sunscreens.
Many of the items in the surf shop are also available for retail.
Surfers who want to explore the Indian Ocean’s best surf spots can also charter a liveaboard Soneva Surfari on Soneva in Aqua, Soneva’s luxurious 23 metre, two-bedroom yacht.
Departing from both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, all voyages on Soneva in Aqua are completely bespoke, with itineraries tailored to guests’ exact needs, from a one-night cruise to an adventure around the best surf breaks in the Baa, Noonu and Goidhoo Atolls.
All three of the nearest atolls have an abundance of surf spots, with nearly all directions of swell.
Led by experienced surf guides, the Soneva in Aqua crew can cruise to the hidden breaks and secret beaches of the Baa and Noonu Atolls, or explore Goidhoo, one of the Maldives’ best known surf destinations.
At Goidhoo, the left and right breaks wrap around the reef at the entrance to the lagoon, lasting as long as 70 metres with the right swell direction. During their voyage, guests can also snorkel in sheltered spots, or explore the seas using the on-board paddleboards or kayaks.
As a base for an unforgettable surf holiday, Soneva in Aqua features the same level of luxurious comfort and hospitality as Soneva’s resorts on land.
After a session in the surf, guests can relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi, soak in the glass-bottomed spa tub or enjoy a massage from the resident spa and yoga therapist.
A personal sous chef will prepare delicious meals on board, while a Barefoot Butler is on hand to attend to every need.
SALT was directed by Alicia Warner. It can be viewed on Soneva’s Youtube channel here.
Soneva is a pioneering family of hospitality properties and products, offering holistic encounters in luxurious and inspiring environments – from world class hotels to outstanding natural locations.
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.
Soneva currently owns and operates Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand.
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.
Featured
Spring reawakens: Sirru Fen Fushi showcases Maldives at its calmest
Sirru Fen Fushi, a soulful island retreat in the Shaviyani Atoll and a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced the launch of its Spring Reawakens 2026 campaign. Centred on the season’s exceptional natural conditions, the initiative invites guests to experience the Maldives at its calmest, clearest, and most inspiring time of year.
Each spring, the lagoon surrounding Sirru Fen Fushi becomes remarkably still, bathed in soft seasonal light, while the resort’s nine-kilometre house reef grows particularly vibrant with young coral and flourishing marine life. These conditions create some of the best opportunities of the year for snorkelling, diving, and stargazing.
The Spring Reawakens campaign is tailored to guests who feel most connected to the resort’s nature-centred and purpose-driven identity. It appeals to Nature-Led Explorers seeking immersion and clarity, Experience Seekers looking for meaningful encounters, and Quiet Luxury Travellers who value privacy, tranquillity, and refined simplicity. Boutique family groups—gently addressed within this campaign—will particularly appreciate the calm lagoon and the learning experiences offered through the Sustainability Lab. Spring provides the ideal emotional setting for all guest types: a moment to pause, breathe, and rediscover the beauty of the natural world.
Guests booking the Spring Reawakens offer will receive breakfast and dinner, one curated seasonal experience per stay, a Sustainability Lab workshop, and early check-in and late check-out subject to availability. Signature experiences include sunrise paddling on still waters, guided Coralarium discovery sessions, sunset sailing, art and nature walks, and nature-inspired wellness rituals.
The resort’s pioneering Sustainability Lab—dedicated to plastic upcycling and coral propagation—anchors the campaign’s emphasis on purpose, circularity, and renewal.
Leaders Club members of The Leading Hotels of the World will enjoy added privileges during the campaign, including a private introduction with the resort’s marine biologist and a 30-minute Spring Wellness Ritual when booking any spa treatment.
“Spring at Sirru Fen Fushi is when the island reveals its true soul. The lagoon settles into calm clarity, the reef comes alive with renewed energy, and each sunrise feels like a gentle fresh start. It is one of the most beautiful times for our guests to reconnect—whether with nature, loved ones, or themselves. Spring Reawakens is an invitation to slow down and experience the island in a deeper, more meaningful way,” said Gerhard Stutz, General Manager at Sirru Fen Fushi.
Booking & Stay Details:
- Booking window: 8 December 2025 – 31 January 2026
- Stay window: 1 March – 31 May 2026
- Rates: From USD 750
- Eligible villa categories: Beach Sunrise, Beach Sunset, Deluxe Beach Sunrise, Deluxe Beach Sunset, Water Sunrise, Grand Water Sunset Villas
With its immersive privacy, nature-focused design, and thoughtful service, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a soulful Maldivian experience rooted in clarity, connection, and natural beauty. Spring Reawakens 2026 presents travellers and media with a powerful seasonal perspective on the Maldives—celebrating renewal and the restorative force of the natural world.
Entertainment
New Year’s Eve Gala at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La to feature live performance by Nasooh
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is preparing to host a vibrant New Year’s Eve Gala Night on 31 December 2025, inviting guests to welcome 2026 with an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and festive celebration.
The event will be headlined by Mohamed Nasooh, one of the Maldives’ emerging musical talents whose voice has earned national recognition. Nasooh first rose to prominence as a former vocalist of the popular band 2ofus, which represented the Maldives internationally and achieved notable success as the 2nd Runner-Up at the Battle of the Bands International. His growing popularity on TikTok, combined with his expressive vocal performances, has made him a well-loved figure among audiences of all ages.
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve Gala Night can look forward to a memorable live performance from Nasooh, who will bring his distinctive vocal style and stage presence to the celebration as the country ushers in a new year.
Adding to the excitement, the evening will also include a special grand prize, with details set to be announced soon. The announcement has already generated anticipation and is expected to be a highlight of the event.
The Gala Night will offer an elegant dining experience and a festive atmosphere, providing an inviting setting for families, couples, and friends wishing to celebrate the start of 2026 in style. The full programme and menu will be shared in the coming days.
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La welcomes guests to join this exceptional evening—an occasion filled with music, flavour, and celebration marking the arrival of the new year.
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