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Soneva welcomes dazzling guest line-up through Soneva Stars calendar

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Pioneering luxury resorts operator Soneva is ‘inspiring a lifetime of rare experiences’ through Soneva Stars, an ever-changing calendar of visiting experts and one-of-a-kind guest experiences at its resorts in the Maldives and Thailand.

Launched in early 2020, the annual programme promises that every Soneva stay is utterly unique, curating an eclectic and thought-provoking line-up that includes Michelin-starred chefs, legendary sports men and women, leading wellness specialists, acclaimed artists, best-selling authors and more.

No matter what time of year they visit, guests can enjoy an array of unforgettable experiences, from intimate dinners hosted by the world’s top chefs and engaging talks with luminary experts, to one-on-one coaching from sporting heroes or healing sessions with leading wellness therapists.

August and September promise to welcome some of the most exciting Soneva Stars to date.

From the world of gastronomy, Germany’s Heiko Nieder, Chef of Fine Dining at the renowned Dolder Grand’s The Restaurant, hosted exclusive dinners at Soneva Jani’s So Engaging Chef’s Table until August 4, following his July guest residency at Soneva Fushi.

Manu Buffara, Executive Chef and Owner of Brazil’s Manu, one of the world’s top 50 restaurants, was at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from July 30 to August 13.

The two-Michelin-starred Sylvestre Wahid showcases his exquisite take on French cuisine at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from August 5 to 20.

From August 12 and 23, the ground-breaking Andalusian chef, Paco Morales, brings the flavours of Cordoba to Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

Béatriz Gonzales of Paris’ celebrated Neva Cuisine and Coretta, is at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from August 15 to 30.

In the realm of sports and fitness, tennis legend Jonas Björkman has made a welcome return to Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani to offer one-on-one tennis coaching on the resorts’ rainforest courts between August 6 and 21.

Master fitness trainer Johnny Owen, a multi-faceted coach with more than two decades of experience, will be working with guests on bespoke wellness programmes that incorporate nature, natural movement, nutrition and mindset to help them reach their fullest potential. Johnny will be at Soneva Jani until October 15, followed by an extended residency at Soneva Fushi later in the year.

World-class wellness specialists will also be sharing their wisdom and many years of experience with Soneva guests.

Almudena ‘Alma’ Romera, an expert in multiple healing disciplines, including energy work, emotional balance, and soul transformation, is at Soneva Jani from August 1 to September 6.

With more than three decades’ experience in mindfulness and energy work, Bodhin Philip Woodward creates highly personalised healing pathways that include mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Yin Yoga and stress reduction approaches – he is at Soneva Jani from August 1 to September 6.

Roger J. Moore, named in Tatler’s Little Black Book as one of the ‘world’s top therapists worth travelling for’ due to his unique approach that combines Western science with Eastern esotericism, will be returning to Soneva Jani from September 5 to October 15.

Acclaimed neuromuscular and orthopaedic sports massage specialist, Stephen Kirwin, a 12-time Ironman who works with leading athletes and a celebrity clientele, will be at Soneva Jani between September 10 and October 24.

Soneva is a pioneering family of award-winning resorts in outstanding natural locations.

At Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand, true ‘luxury’ is defined by peace, time and space. Each day, guests are encouraged to discover the SLOW LIFE, reconnecting with themselves and the natural world through rare experiences that inspire and enthral.

Soneva has led the way for responsible tourism, combining a conscientious, proactive approach to sustainability with exquisite luxury and intuitive personalised service.

For full details of the Soneva Stars calendar, go to www.soneva.com/events.

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort introduces ‘The Tastemaker Series’ for 2025

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has unveiled The Tastemaker Series, a new collection of curated experiences scheduled to debut in the final quarter of 2025. The programme is designed to bring together internationally recognised chefs, acclaimed mixologists, renowned wellness practitioners and global tastemakers to create distinctive experiences for the resort’s guests.

The series will commence in November with a Chef Jolly pop-up that will run through December, offering refined interpretations of traditional Indian cuisine alongside special appearances by the celebrated chef. Also in November, Chef Alexander Herrmann, a two-Michelin-starred German television personality, will present a showcase of European culinary artistry, while December will feature Chef Gregory Doyen, the French pastry chef renowned for his sculptural desserts and meticulous craftsmanship.

The culinary calendar will be enhanced by a series of wine dinners. These include the Marco Felluga Wine Dinner, led by Ilaria Felluga, sixth-generation winemaker of the Marco Felluga and Russiz Superiore estates, who will guide guests through a curated tasting of Collio’s finest vintages. Another highlight will be the François Labet Wine Dinner, celebrating the legacy of Burgundy’s historic Château de la Tour, with Labet himself sharing the estate’s long-standing traditions in winemaking.

Beyond gastronomy, the programme will extend into wellness. Guests will be able to take part in personalised fitness sessions with Jono Castano, trainer to Hollywood celebrities, Pilates programmes with Tash and Andre, and holistic therapies delivered by Tricia Tee, Asia’s only certified Seifu practitioner and a leading sound therapist.

Evenings at The Whale Bar will feature mixology takeovers by two of the world’s most acclaimed bars. London’s Satan’s Whiskers, ranked 29th in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, will bring its inventive cocktail craft to the Maldives, while Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour, ranked 32nd globally, will introduce signature creations inspired by tropical ingredients.

Vincent Pauchon, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, said: “The Tastemaker Series embodies our vision of curating unforgettable journeys for our guests. By bringing together globally renowned chefs, mixologists, and wellness experts, we are offering a series of immersive events that blend culture, artistry, and craftsmanship with the signature St. Regis experience.”

Set on a private island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort combines contemporary tropical design with local inspiration, seamlessly integrated into the natural beauty of the atoll. The resort comprises 77 villas with ocean or jungle views, each complemented by the personalised St. Regis Butler Service. Facilities include the award-winning Iridium Spa and the resort’s private Azimut Flybridge yacht, offering restorative treatments and bespoke yachting experiences.

With its blend of gastronomy, wellness, and artistry, The Tastemaker Series is positioned to offer discerning travellers a journey of flavour, creativity and cultural exploration, set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

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Finolhu replants 1,200 coral colonies to strengthen house reef

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Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has completed a four-day coral transplantation programme, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to marine conservation. Led by the resort’s marine biologist, Ivanna Tobar, the initiative involved the replanting of approximately 1,200 coral colonies from Finolhu’s nurseries to its house reef, strengthening one of the Maldives’ most critical marine ecosystems.

The programme was notable for its collaborative approach, bringing together four marine biologists from neighbouring resorts—JOALI BEING, Westin, Coco Palm, and Dusit Thani. Visiting experts Philippa Darby-shire Jenkins (JOALI BEING), Rosalie Bailie (Coco Palm), Harry Longin (Westin), and Louna Marchand (Dusit Thani) took part in hands-on transplantation dives, equipment preparation, and reef health management activities, including the removal of invasive pincushion sea stars.

Steven Phillips, General Manager of Finolhu, said the initiative extended beyond coral restoration: “This represents a unique opportunity to unite resorts, share expertise, and promote marine conservation at the highest level. Healthy reefs are essential not only for the Maldives’ biodiversity but also for the wellbeing of local communities and the sustainable future of tourism. Through this collaborative effort, we have created a lasting impact in safeguarding these underwater landscapes for our guests and for generations to come.”

Coral conservation remains crucial in the Maldives, where reefs provide natural protection against coastal erosion, support fisheries relied upon by local communities, and sustain the nation’s tourism industry. Pressures such as rising sea temperatures, pollution, and human activity have intensified threats to these ecosystems, making restoration work increasingly vital to preserve the country’s natural heritage and marine resilience.

The four-day initiative combined restoration activities with knowledge exchange. Morning briefings prepared participants for the day’s dives, while afternoon sessions focused on reef assessments and equipment readiness for subsequent activities. This integrated approach not only accelerated restoration but also enhanced regional expertise in reef management.

The event forms part of Finolhu’s wider environmental stewardship strategy. Alongside coral restoration, the resort manages a coral nursery, monitors reef health, and develops sustainable marine practices to ensure the vitality of its house reef. Guests are also encouraged to engage with conservation initiatives through experiences such as the Coral Conservation Package, which combines education with hands-on involvement in reef restoration projects.

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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers added value for Saudi National Day getaways

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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, situated a short flight from the Kingdom, is offering an exclusive package to mark Saudi National Day. The resort, known for its island setting and Maldivian character, is extending a special promotion for families, couples and wellness travellers. Guests can take advantage of a Stay 3 Pay 2 offer, or extend their holiday with Stay 6 Pay 4 and Stay 9 Pay 6, with every third night free until November, alongside additional privileges.

The promotion is available on bookings made before 30 September for stays until 30 November, and is designed for Saudi residents seeking to relax and celebrate the occasion. Accommodation options include beachfront villas, overwater villas, or larger residences, each with a private pool.

Surrounded by white sandy beaches and clear lagoons, the resort combines privacy and tranquillity with opportunities for exploration. Visitors may unwind by the pool, discover coral reefs, or enjoy treatments at the award-winning Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

As part of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, guests also have access to the adjacent Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, featuring a family-friendly waterpark with pools, a lazy river, splash zones and a dedicated spa for children.

Dining options range from international breakfasts at The Gallery to Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Bluefin. Guests can also enjoy light snacks at Coco Drift’s swim-up bar and evening refreshments at the Sunset Social. Club access offers further indulgence with afternoon teas, gourmet canapés and evening sundowners.

CentaraThe1 members benefit from an additional 15% discount and triple reward points on bookings.

The offer details are as follows:

  • Booking dates: Until 30 September 2025
  • Stay dates: Until 30 November 2025
  • Offer: Stay 3 nights and pay for 2, stay 6 nights and pay for 4, or stay 9 nights and pay for 6, with every third night free

Terms and Conditions:

  • Complimentary room night(s) apply to the final night(s) of the stay with a minimum booking of 4 or 7 consecutive nights, subject to hotel conditions.
  • The promotion cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.
  • All reservations must be guaranteed with a valid credit card for the duration of the stay.
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