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

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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OZEN LIFE MAADHOO debuts Wind Villa with Jacuzzi & Slide

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has announced the introduction of its newest villa category, the Wind Villa with Jacuzzi & Slide, offering guests a playful yet luxurious twist to their Maldivian getaway. Designed for travellers seeking both relaxation and excitement, the new villa combines captivating ocean views with dynamic features for an unforgettable island experience.
Located at the edge of the island, the Wind Villa enjoys a prime sunrise position and includes a spacious bedroom with high ceilings, an elegant outdoor lounge, and direct access to the lagoon’s clear waters. The addition of a private Jacuzzi and waterslide adds an element of adventure and intimacy, ideal for couples or small families in search of both tranquillity and fun.
Guests can unwind on the sun-drenched deck, enjoy a soothing soak under the Maldivian skies, or take a refreshing slide into the turquoise lagoon, surrounded by the serene beauty of Maadhoo’s shimmering waters.
Stéphane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer of Atmosphere Core, commented: “Imagining the children’s faces when they see for the first time the striking blue lagoon off the terrace and the bonus of sliding directly into the warm, calm waters below is a joy in itself. What’s even more delightful is the thought of adults embracing the same experience – sliding by day, then later cuddling beneath the starlit Maldivian sky in a hot Jacuzzi, bubbles all around – including in their flute glass! We are thrilled to introduce the Wind Villa with Jacuzzi & Slide, a fresh take on luxury that fuses private leisure with a sense of adventure. This new category reflects our commitment to creating memorable experiences for families and couples seeking a vibrant or romantic island retreat.”
The launch of the Wind Villa coincides with the upcoming holiday season and follows recent enhancements across the resort, including new pool additions to the Earth Villas. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO continues to evolve its offerings to elevate the guest experience.
With its contemporary design, luxurious comforts, and imaginative features, the Wind Villa with Jacuzzi & Slide offers a refreshing balance of indulgence and exhilaration—an experience that perfectly captures the resort’s philosophy of joyful island living.
Stay More & Pay Less with 20% savings when booking directly. These one-of-a-kind exclusive rates ensure a perfectly tailored Maldivian escape. Discover more at theozencollection.com.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’
Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.
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