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.
Featured
Westin Maldives Miriandhoo introduces Family Fun Summer package
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has introduced its Family Fun Summer offer, aimed at families seeking longer island stays built around shared activities and rest. The offer is available for booking from 15 April to 15 June 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights for travel through to 20 December 2026.
Located within Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is positioning the offer around family wellness, marine experiences and time spent together in a natural island setting. Seasonal snorkelling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay remains one of the area’s key attractions, while the resort’s collection of beach and overwater villas is designed to accommodate families looking for space and flexibility during their stay.
For larger families and groups, the resort also offers the two-bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence, which includes a living room, kitchen and dining area intended to support longer and more relaxed island stays.
The resort says the guest experience can be shaped around both activity and downtime, supported by Westin’s Sleep Well concept and Heavenly Bed. Children have access to the Westin Family Kids Club, which includes a children’s pool and pirate ship, while parents can make use of Heavenly Spa by Westin.
Away from the villa, the resort is also promoting shared family experiences through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy activities focused on the culture and environment of Baa Atoll. These include traditional lacquer craft workshops, visits to local islands and guided marine activities in surrounding waters.
The Family Fun Summer package includes three meals per day, with children under 12 dining free of charge. It also includes a one-time dolphin cruise for two adults and two children, a 30-minute photography session with one printed photo, and a USD 150 resort credit.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort recognised in four categories at 2026 Haute Grandeur Awards
Reethi Faru Resort has been recognised at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, receiving honours in four categories: Best Beach Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Pool Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Maldives, and Best Sustainable Hotel in Maldives.
The awards recognise performance across villa accommodation and environmentally focused hospitality, reflecting the resort’s emphasis on guest experience alongside sustainability and environmental stewardship.
According to the resort, the recognition supports its positioning within the Maldives market as a property that combines natural surroundings, accommodation standards and responsible hospitality practices.
Located on Filaidhoo in Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort features 145 villas, including beachfront and overwater accommodation designed in a style that combines Maldivian elements with contemporary comfort.
The resort’s food and beverage offering includes six restaurants and six bars, while its leisure facilities cover watersports, diving, yoga, spa treatments and fitness activities. Surrounded by coral reefs, the resort also offers guests access to marine-based experiences in the Indian Ocean.
Sustainability remains a central part of the resort’s operations, with initiatives that include coral reef restoration and guest experiences linked to environmental awareness.
Through its recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, Reethi Faru Resort has added to its profile as a Maldives resort with a focus on both accommodation standards and sustainability.
Featured
Sun Siyam Olhuveli launches Coral Frame Adoption programme on Earth Day
To mark Earth Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection within the House of Siyam, launched its new marine conservation initiative, the Adopt A Coral Frame experience, during a morning event held on 22 April at Milano Beach on Dream Island.
The initiative forms part of the resort’s wider marine conservation efforts and is designed to give guests a direct way to engage with coral restoration while supporting the protection of the surrounding reef ecosystem.
During the launch, guests were introduced to the coral restoration process through a hands-on experience that explained how new coral growth can be supported through frame-based planting. Under the programme, guests are invited to select and adopt a coral frame, attach healthy coral fragments to it, and take part in placing it within the lagoon to help form a new reef structure.
The process begins with the collection of healthy coral fragments under the guidance of the resort’s marine biologist. These fragments are then secured to specially designed coral frames and placed in selected areas within the resort’s coral garden, where conditions are intended to support growth and marine biodiversity. Guests who adopt a frame will also receive updates on its progress, including photographs shared every six months.
The resort said the programme is intended to make coral conservation more accessible to guests while also highlighting the role of reefs in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines and maintaining ocean ecosystems.
Chaminda Upul, Group Sustainability Manager for Sun Siyam, said the initiative was designed to give guests an opportunity to contribute in a direct way.
“Earth Day is a reminder that even the smallest actions can shape something far greater,” he said. “With Adopt-A-Coral Frame, we wanted to create an experience where our guests can leave a positive mark on the ocean. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it stays with you.”
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said the resort wanted to create an experience that combines guest participation with long-term environmental value.
“At Olhuveli, we believe the best experiences are the ones that stay with you long after you leave. Adopt-A-Coral is our way of inviting guests to be part of something lasting, while caring for the natural beauty that makes this place so special,” he said.
Part of the proceeds from each coral adoption will go towards Sun Siyam Care, the group’s sustainability platform, supporting marine conservation and reef restoration efforts.
Through the launch of Adopt A Coral Frame, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is combining guest experience with reef restoration, reflecting a wider focus on environmental engagement within its island operations.
-
News1 week agoCOMO Cocoa Island blends wellness and ocean experiences for guests
-
Action1 week agoCinnamon Velifushi Maldives introduces indoor mini golf experience
-
Featured1 week agoFour Seasons Resorts Maldives blend family travel with marine discovery
-
News1 week agoInterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort hosts Earth Day experiences
-
News7 days agoMandara Spa celebrates 30th anniversary with focus on Maldives growth
-
Featured6 days agoELE|NA expands sustainable wellness approach for World Earth Day
-
Featured6 days agoThe Nautilus Maldives brings back Ocean Discovery Week
-
Awards5 days agoGrand Park Kodhipparu retains Green Globe Certification for seventh year


