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Exceptional new experiences, unforgettable on-board luxury on Soneva in Aqua Yacht

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The Soneva in Aqua Maldives yacht has elevated the definition of an ocean charter, offering Soneva’s signature luxury and impeccable service at sea.

Rare guest experiences are an intrinsic part of Soneva’s Slow Life philosophy, and Soneva in Aqua is no exception, with a captivating selection of new, one-of-a-kind activities, both above and below the waves.

Guests can come face-to-face with curious dolphins on the new Dolphin Sled experience, which glides through the ocean depths, or encounter nocturnal sea creatures on a moonlit snorkelling expedition. They can swim with gentle manta rays, paddle to deserted sandbanks in a kayak, or stargaze on deck with an expert astronomer.

Those looking for an adrenaline rush can swing from the boom mast or try out a range of new and exciting water sports from the yacht’s tender, including wake skating, skurfing or fun tubing. Or, for something more relaxing, there’s picnics on deserted islands, sustainable fishing or dolphin-spotting from the bowsprit nets.

Sailing from both Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Soneva Jani in the tranquil and remote Noonu Atoll, Soneva in Aqua offers an unparalleled level of privacy and indulgence.

The 23-metre vessel was custom-built for the award-winning hospitality company, making its maiden voyage in 2017.

With two exceptionally spacious en-suite berths that accommodate four adults and two children, every detail of the yacht is designed to maximise a sense of luxury and space – from the expansive sun decks with plush daybeds and open-air Jacuzzi, to the glass-bottomed spa tub in the master suite.

Alongside the highly experienced captain and mechanic, the permanent crew also includes a dedicated Barefoot Butler, personal chef and wellness therapist to attend to guests’ every need.

From beach-side barbecues with the catch of the day, to deck-top dinners under the stars, the skilled chef prepares a personalised menu for every guest, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.

The wellness therapist is also a yoga and meditation expert, offering guests a choice of indulgent massages and wellbeing rituals, from sunrise yoga to meditation under the stars – whenever they choose.

Upon request, they can also be joined by an expert dive master, surf instructor, astronomer or a digital storyteller.

Every Soneva in Aqua itinerary is completely bespoke.

Voyages range from a half-day or full-day Soneva in Aqua cruise to five-day stay-aboard adventures, as well as multi-destination packages with combined stays at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, enabling guests to fully immerse themselves in Soneva’s luxurious Maldives experience.

Each voyage is fully tailored to guests’ desires, whether they prefer to explore remote islands and atolls, discover hidden surf breaks and secret dive sites, or simply relax with an on-deck massage under the stars.

The yacht’s itineraries take in some of the Maldives’ most spectacular locations, from the unique Rose Garden reef and Corbin wreck-site in the Goidhoo Atoll, to the unspoiled ecosystems of the Baa Atoll, rich in marine biodiversity.

Soneva is an award-winning sustainable luxury resorts operator that pioneered the concept of ‘barefoot luxury’ when it opened Soneva Fushi in the Maldives in 1995.

Today there are many imitators but no equals. Every Soneva resort is found in outstanding natural locations that are remote yet accessible.

Offering guests the luxury of space, privacy and seclusion, each resort is renowned for its exquisite private villa accommodation, one-of-a-kind experiences, memorable dining destinations and intuitive, personalised service.

For more information on Soneva in Aqua, please visit www.soneva.com/soneva-in-aqua.

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Is this the most scenic Padel Tennis court in the world?

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If you’ve ever dreamed of playing your favourite sport with the sound of the ocean in your ears and palm trees swaying overhead, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, may have just made that dream a reality. The resort has unveiled its latest lifestyle-driven feature – the first-ever GZ19 padel tennis courts in the Maldives – and it might just be the most breathtaking setting for a game of padel anywhere in the world.

Nestled on the white sands of SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the award-winning CROSSROADS Maldives integrated destination, the courts are set against a stunning backdrop of turquoise waters, lush coconut palms, and an endless blue sky. Whether you’re a seasoned padel enthusiast or a curious beginner, this idyllic setting adds an unforgettable layer to your sporting experience.

The courts are open to both in-house guests and the local community, aligning with the resort’s vision of promoting wellness and active lifestyles while connecting with the surroundings. It’s not just a facility; it’s an invitation to stay fit, have fun, and soak in the Maldives’ natural beauty in a completely new way.

Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, recently shared his excitement about this new addition, highlighting the group’s commitment to enriching the guest journey through innovative and health-conscious experiences.

“At S Hotels & Resorts, we’re always looking for fresh ways to elevate the guest experience and support wellness through lifestyle-driven offerings,” he noted.

Padel tennis – a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis and squash – has been making waves globally, and now guests at SAii Lagoon can be part of the trend while enjoying world-class views. The addition of the GZ19 courts not only adds a dynamic recreational option for guests but also strengthens the resort’s position as a hub for premium leisure and wellbeing in the Maldives.

Whether you’re smashing volleys at sunset or rallying with friends under the tropical sun, this may just be the most scenic padel match you’ll ever play.

Game, set, Maldives.

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Underwater adventure awaits at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s Aqua Week 2025

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is inviting travellers to experience the extraordinary with the unveiling of its vibrant Maamutaa House Reef — a thriving underwater ecosystem situated just 100 meters from the resort’s shoreline. Boasting rich marine biodiversity and easy access, this reef presents a rare opportunity to explore the aquatic wonders of the Maldives without venturing far from shore.

The reef is home to an impressive array of marine life, including graceful green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, schools of colourful parrotfish and angelfish, as well as occasional sightings of eagle rays and octopuses. According to the resort’s in-house marine biologist, the reef is not only highly accessible but also remarkably active, offering guests the chance to engage directly with a thriving marine ecosystem.

Visitors begin their journey with a swim through a flourishing seagrass bed — a crucial habitat in its own right — before reaching the reef drop-off, where the underwater spectacle unfolds. The reef’s hard and soft coral formations remain in excellent condition, protected by the atoll’s geography and sustained by strong ocean currents.

From July 13 to 20, 2025, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa will host Aqua Week 2025, an immersive celebration of underwater discovery, innovation, and environmental responsibility. This event marks the official launch of Phase 1 of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, offering guests the opportunity to participate in guided snorkeling tours, collect visual data, and learn about the importance of seagrass meadows in supporting marine biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

Aqua Week will also feature several high-profile collaborations. Insta360 will lead underwater content creation workshops, enabling guests to capture their marine adventures in 360-degree detail. Edge K5 will provide smart drive underwater scooters for a more dynamic exploration of the reef. Additionally, certified mermaid Gloria Xue will offer mermaid classes, host underwater photoshoots, and perform captivating mermaid shows in the resort’s Aqua Villa.

Bringing together sustainability, technology, and immersive storytelling, Aqua Week 2025 promises to be a memorable celebration beneath the waves.

As part of its broader commitment to environmental sustainability and in line with Green Globe’s certification standards, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has launched a comprehensive three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project. The initiative aims to highlight the ecological significance of seagrass meadows, which serve as nurseries for marine life and play a key role in carbon sequestration.

The project includes:

  • Phase 1 (July): Seagrass identification and mapping in collaboration with resort staff and guests.
  • Phase 2 (August–September): Guided snorkeling tours to collect visual data and raise awareness, continuing during Aqua Week.
  • Phase 3 (October): The premiere of a short documentary film that captures the project’s progress and outcomes.
  • This initiative not only contributes to the protection of a vital marine habitat but also encourages guest participation in meaningful conservation efforts.

The reef at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa serves as the foundation for a range of signature guest experiences designed to educate, inspire, and engage:

  • Expert-led guided snorkeling tours
  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions directly from the beach
  • Night snorkeling under UV light to reveal biofluorescence
  • Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
  • Kids’ Ocean Explorers — a playful educational program tailored for young marine enthusiasts

Whether seasoned divers, casual snorkellers, or curious beginners, guests at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa can enjoy direct access to the wonders of the Indian Ocean with ease and unforgettable reward.

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New era of luxury Wellness: Pilates Reformer arrives at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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Setting a new standard in luxury wellness, the iconic St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is expanding its holistic offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer—a dynamic full-body workout renowned for its ability to lengthen, strengthen, and restore. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush island serenity, guests will soon be invited to experience this transformative practice as part of a thoughtfully curated wellness journey.

With a growing global demand for integrative fitness experiences, Pilates Reformer has become a favourite for those seeking mindful movement and functional strength. Utilising a specially designed apparatus, the method elevates traditional Pilates through resistance-based training that enhances flexibility, balance, and core stability, while remaining gentle on the joints. At St. Regis Maldives, certified instructors will guide guests through personalised sessions tailored to a variety of goals, from rehabilitation and toning to posture improvement and stress relief.

The addition of Pilates Reformer complements the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to wellness, extending far beyond conventional spa treatments. Central to this philosophy is the overwater Iridium Spa—a serene sanctuary that offers more than indulgence. Guests can engage in Ayurvedic consultations, guided meditation, and holistic health screenings conducted by in-house wellness doctors. These screenings integrate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) technology with the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Nadi Pareeksha, a traditional pulse diagnosis, to identify imbalances and customise each guest’s path to optimal well-being.

Whether seeking deep relaxation, detoxification, or enhanced physical performance, the resort’s integrative approach ensures that every element of a guest’s stay contributes to overall wellness. Daily yoga, breathwork sessions, oceanfront meditation, and nutrition guidance are seamlessly woven into the island’s natural rhythm to create a truly transformative retreat.

Private Pilates Reformer classes will be offered to suit all experience levels, providing an inspiring way for guests to reconnect with both body and mind. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and impeccable service, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine luxury through the lens of well-being.

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