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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 Standard, Maldives brings Lunar New Year energy to Raa Atoll

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The Standard, Maldives will mark the Lunar New Year this February with a week-long celebration that invites guests to swap urban festivities for the turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll. Taking place from 17 to 22 February, the programme will transform the island resort into a festive setting that blends time-honoured traditions with the brand’s playful and contemporary character.

Designed to move beyond a conventional island escape, the celebrations will open with lively visual touches, including jumping stilts and fortune cookies, setting the tone for a week where Maldivian tranquillity meets the spirit of East Asian culture. Throughout the programme, guests will be immersed in a series of experiences that combine culinary creativity, entertainment and cultural expression.

Food takes centre stage in the Lunar New Year offering, with a diverse line-up of dining events curated to engage all the senses. Highlights include an Asian Street Food buffet inspired by classic Chinese motifs, alongside more refined beachfront experiences such as five-course Crab Night and Lobster Night dinners at Kula Beach. Interactive elements are also woven into the programme, with Tangyuan Time at Joos Café inviting families to prepare traditional sweet glutinous rice balls together, while younger guests can participate in a dedicated mocktail-making masterclass.

Evenings at the resort will be defined by high-energy entertainment and cultural performances. Todis Beach will host LED and fire shows, complemented by special Chinese dance performances that illuminate the shoreline after dark. Adding a local dimension to the celebrations, Maldivian Boduberu drumming will feature prominently, creating a rhythmic fusion of regional and international traditions. For guests seeking a more relaxed pace, the programme also includes a Lunar New Year Movie Night at the main pool and a Bingo Night at Todis Bar.

Commenting on the celebrations, Sonika Adlakha, Commercial Director of The Standard, Maldives, said the aim was to create a Lunar New Year experience that feels both authentic and adventurous. She noted that by combining the dynamic energy of street food markets and fire shows with the calm luxury of a Maldivian retreat, the resort is offering guests a distinctive way to welcome the Year of the Horse.

To complement the festivities, the resort is offering a Premium All-Inclusive Package, designed to provide seamless access to the week’s dining and entertainment programme. The package includes the full range of culinary experiences, from Asian Street Food stalls to themed buffets at Kula, as well as a selection of premium spirits, cocktails and refreshments. This offering allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations while enjoying the freedom to experience the Lunar New Year at The Standard, Maldives without limits.

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Four Seasons Maldives brings Fire Horse energy to Lunar New Year celebrations

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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives will welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with a week of Lunar New Year celebrations across Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa. Taking place from 16 to 24 February 2026, the programme will see both islands animated by the vibrant energy associated with this rare zodiac year.

Bold and spirited, the Fire Horse symbolises momentum, confidence and fresh beginnings. The celebrations are designed to reflect these qualities through a blend of cultural tradition, island elegance and family-focused experiences, positioning the Maldives as a fitting setting for the festive season.

Marking a first for the Maldives, the resorts will host an exclusive pop-up by Beijing’s Michelin-recognised Baiweiyuan Dumpling Restaurant, operating concurrently at both islands. Long celebrated in Beijing for its handmade dumplings and comforting soups, Baiweiyuan will present a menu featuring signature pork and chive dumplings, beef and onion fillings, and vegetarian options such as egg and tomato. Cold starters, including soy-braised pork trotter, will complement the experience.

Prepared fresh to order, the dumplings introduce an authentic taste of Beijing to the Indian Ocean, offering a culinary highlight that reflects the warmth and generosity associated with the Fire Horse.

Lunar New Year at Kuda Huraa

16–24 February 2026

At Kuda Huraa, Lunar New Year celebrations will unfold throughout the week in a lively, festival-style programme. Events begin with a Reunion Dinner at Café Huraa, followed by themed dining evenings, outdoor cinema screenings, a Pool Party and a Pop-Up Asian Market.

Evenings will include experiences such as a Secret Beach BBQ under the stars, a Mediterranean Market at Reef Club and an Asian Buffet at Café Huraa. Baiweiyuan’s dumpling pop-up will be available daily, allowing guests to enjoy the flavours of Beijing throughout the celebrations.

Kuda Huraa highlights include:

  • Reunion Dinner on 16 February
  • Family Feast Lunch, Seafood Night and Asian Buffet
  • Secret Beach BBQ and Mediterranean Market
  • Pool Party with DJ on 18 February
  • Pop-Up Asian Market and outdoor movie nights
  • Daily Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up


The Kuda Mas Kids Club will also host a two-week Fire Horse–inspired festival for younger guests, featuring activities such as lantern painting, snorkelling adventures, arts and crafts, dumpling making, tie-dye workshops, karaoke evenings and beach games. The programme is designed to encourage creativity, confidence and fun.

Lunar New Year at Landaa Giraavaru

16 February 2026

Landaa Giraavaru will welcome the New Year with a poolside celebration from 7.00pm to 10.30pm, featuring a Dragon Dance, live DJ and lantern-lit setting around the main pool. A Yu Sheng prosperity toss will symbolise abundance and good fortune, while live cooking stations will showcase celebratory flavours prepared by the resort’s culinary team.

Landaa Giraavaru highlights include:

  • Poolside Lunar New Year celebration
  • Dragon Dance performance
  • Live DJ and festive ambience
  • Yu Sheng prosperity toss
  • Culture-inspired welcome drinks
  • Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up available throughout the week

Across both islands, Lunar New Year at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is designed to bring families and friends together in the spirit of prosperity, connection and shared celebration. Guests are invited to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse through traditions that honour luck, abundance and meaningful togetherness.

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Love loud and laid-back: Valentine’s Day across CROSSROADS Maldives

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At CROSSROADS Maldives, Valentine’s Day is designed as a full-day celebration that extends beyond a single romantic dinner, unfolding instead as a journey of connection, creativity and shared discovery. Set across two interconnected islands linked by a tranquil lagoon, the destination invites couples to shape their own rhythm of romance, moving fluidly between moments of energy, playfulness and quiet reflection.

Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé, CROSSROADS Maldives offers a multi-island Valentine’s escape that combines barefoot island living with a contemporary sense of togetherness. From sunrise through to starlight, couples are encouraged to explore experiences that engage both body and mind.

At SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, the day begins with a sunrise couple’s fitness run along the shoreline, followed by guided snorkelling experiences and pool-based wellness sessions. As the pace builds, playful activities take centre stage, including aqua zumba, beach and pool volleyball, water polo and a light-hearted couple’s “Amazing Race” around the island.

Creative expression forms an integral part of the programme, with hands-on workshops such as coconut painting, tie-dye art, cocktail and mocktail masterclasses, and relaxed karaoke sessions at the swim-up bar. For couples seeking slower, more intimate moments, SAii Spa offers extended Valentine’s journeys for two, featuring shared rituals, massages, facials and private bathing ceremonies, concluding with champagne and chocolate indulgences.

One of the most personal experiences takes place at the clay studio at The Marina @ CROSSROADS, where couples spend time shaping a single ceramic piece together. The finished item is kiln-fired and, if guests depart before completion, shipped to their home as a lasting keepsake of their time together.

Across the lagoon, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives presents a contrasting atmosphere with its Love Loud, Live Proud Valentine’s programme. Dance-led fitness sessions, couple-focused pool games and sunset partner yoga transition into beachfront dining, live music and Latin-inspired performances beneath the night sky.

As part of the celebrations, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has introduced the LOVE ROCKS Valentine’s offer, providing couples with the opportunity to extend their stay beyond the day itself. The offer includes savings of up to 35 per cent, with bookings available from 12 January to 10 February 2026 for stays between 10 February and 31 March 2026.

As evening falls, Valentine’s dining experiences unfold across the destination’s beach and open-air venues, ranging from intimate multi-course dinners and relaxed barbecues to DJ-led beach parties at Hard Rock Cafe. Rather than centring on a single moment, Valentine’s Day at CROSSROADS Maldives is defined by a series of experiences chosen by each couple, allowing the celebration to feel personal, flexible and unhurried.

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