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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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‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.

The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.

The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.

During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.

“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.

“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”

The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.

The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards

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Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.

Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.

The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.

This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.

The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.

“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.

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Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme

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Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.

Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.

On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.

The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.

The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.

At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.

Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.

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