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Soneva’s romantic island resorts: Dream setting for destination weddings

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Whether an intimate gathering on the sand or a spectacular ceremony in front of extended family and friends, Soneva’s award-winning island resorts in the Maldives are an idyllic setting for a dream destination wedding.

Each Soneva resort brings its own, inimitable charm to the celebrations: toes-in-the-sand luxury, surrounded by unspoiled nature at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll; iconic over-water elegance amid a sparkling turquoise lagoon at Soneva Jani in the Maldives’ remote Noonu Atoll; and the freedom of sailing the Indian Ocean on the exquisite Soneva in Aqua luxury yacht.

Every Soneva wedding is utterly bespoke, tailored to ensure both the happy couple and their guests cherish every precious moment.

Soneva’s experienced wedding coordinators take care of every last detail, from personalised packages for brides, grooms and their guests, to delectable dining, one-of-a-kind experiences and luxurious stays in vast private villas.

Any size or scale of ceremony can be accommodated, from micro-weddings with just the happy couple, to a full resort buy-out offering complete privacy for the entire wedding party.

True to the Soneva mantra, ‘inspiring rare experiences’, each wedding is an unforgettable way to celebrate the start of newly-married bliss.

Every Soneva resort has a wealth of breath-taking locations to set the scene, on land, at sea, in the treetops or even under the waves. Barefoot vows on a private sandbank at Soneva Fushi. ‘I do,’ on the Soneva Jani jetty, with unending views over the lagoon. A declaration of love on the deck of Soneva in Aqua, bathed in the rays of the setting sun.

For even the most out-of-the-ordinary celebrations, Soneva can make dreams come true – whether scuba or freediving ceremonies in the clear blue ocean, celebrations under star-strewn skies at Soneva’s observatories, or home-movies and happy memories at Cinema Paradiso.

Soneva’s skilled culinary teams curate bespoke gastronomic experiences and wedding menus that cater to every taste and party size, from Champagne receptions to extravagant feasts. Each Soneva resort has a choice of stunning venues and pop-ups.

At Soneva Fushi, nine dining destinations and numerous culinary experiences include sumptuous spreads at the beach-side Mihiree Mitha or Sobah’s, with traditional Maldivian cuisine on a private island.

At Soneva Jani, the 11 venues include The Crabshack, named one of the ‘world’s most romantic restaurants’ by CNN, and the new Chapter Two dining destinations such as the picturesque Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren and So Wild by Diana Von Cranach, found in the resort’s organic gardens.

On Soneva in Aqua, the on-board sous chef will create a bespoke menu and magical set-ups on deck or on hidden beaches and deserted islands.

Across each Soneva resort, expansive private villas offer exceptional flexibility for wedding parties, whether guests wish to stay in individual properties, or together in a large private residence for an exclusive resort-within-a-resort feel.

At Soneva Fushi, 63 private island villas range from one to nine bedrooms, with direct beach access and verdant gardens, while eight Water Retreats offer uninterrupted horizon views.

Soneva Jani’s iconic overwater villas range from one to four bedrooms, and include 24 original Water Retreats and 27 new Chapter Two Water Reserves, alongside three vast two- to four-bedroom island hideaways.

On Soneva in Aqua, the exceptionally spacious two-bedroom yacht comfortably accommodates four adults and two children.

Because happy memories tell a story that last a lifetime, every wedding celebration is captured for eternity by the talented team of Digital Storytellers at each Soneva resort – from traditional wedding shoots to drone videography and remarkable underwater footage.

Surrounded by soft white sands, swaying palms and sapphire ocean, Soneva’s Maldives escapes are also the perfect honeymoon destination, filled with romance, indulgence and rare experiences.

Every honeymoon is personalised to newly-weds’ desires, whether enjoying a post-wedding floating breakfast served in their private pool, unwinding with a couples’ treatment at the spa, sipping on Champagne on a private sunset cruise, or glamping in a Bedouin tent on a private sandbank.

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.

To view Soneva wedding brochure, visit Soneva Weddings.

Celebration

Gourmet journeys and island traditions define festive season at Kandolhu Maldives

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Kandolhu Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for the 2025 holiday season, running from 19 December through to the New Year, promising guests a celebration filled with style, warmth, and Maldivian charm. The island’s festive calendar blends gourmet dining, ocean adventures, and cultural experiences, creating an atmosphere that captures the essence of Kandolhu — Shaped by the Sea.

Throughout the festive period, the resort’s culinary team will host an exceptional series of themed dining events. Guests can enjoy “Taste of the Sea” seafood nights and “Lobster & Sparkling Wine” evenings at Sea Grill, an authentic Indian Thali experience and a pan-Asian night at The Market, and “Chapoutier Uncorked” at Olive — a curated wine journey through the Rhône Valley and other European vineyards of M. Chapoutier. Ata Roa will also host a hands-on Ceviche Masterclass, where participants can learn to prepare this classic dish and craft the perfect Pisco Sour.

On Christmas Eve, the celebrations will begin with a cocktail party followed by a Gala Dinner on the beach, featuring an array of international festive dishes and grilled favourites. The merriment continues on Christmas Day with a beachside buffet at Vilu Bar, allowing guests to dine under the stars in true island style.

As the year draws to a close, Kandolhu will host an elegant New Year’s Eve celebration, beginning with cocktails and a six-course degustation dinner, followed by live music and a DJ set to welcome 2026 in spectacular fashion. Guests can ease into the new year with a leisurely late breakfast on 1 January.

Those seeking wellness and adventure will find plenty of experiences through the Noovilu sports centre, offering guided snorkelling with manta rays, sunset kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. At Varu Spa, relaxation takes centre stage with treatments such as the “Rose Indulgent Scrub,” “Muscle Boost” deep tissue massage, and the “Varu Haven” couples’ experience.

Adding a cultural touch, the festive schedule includes a palm-leaf Christmas decoration workshop and a traditional Maldivian Boduberu drum and dance performance.

Combining fine dining, meaningful experiences, and island-inspired festivities, Kandolhu Maldives promises a magical holiday season filled with memorable moments and refined celebration.

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Action

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO debuts Wind Villa with Jacuzzi & Slide

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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.

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Awards

Sun Siyam Group shines at Global Peace Hospitality Summit with multiple international awards

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In a distinguished evening celebrating global unity and purpose, Sun Siyam Group and its Founder and Chairman, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, received top honours at the Global Peace Hospitality Summit & Awards 2025, held in Dubai. Organised by the Global Peace Institute (UK) in partnership with Impact Hub UAE, the summit welcomed over 200 leaders and delegates from 46 nations under the theme “Peace Through Hospitality.”

Siyam was awarded three of the night’s highest distinctions — the Golden Sail of Distinction and two Lifetime Achievement Awards for Hospitality & Service Excellence and Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation. He was the only recipient to receive all three accolades.

These awards recognised Siyam’s pioneering role in shaping the Maldives into a world-class tourism destination, as well as his longstanding contributions to national development, philanthropy, and youth empowerment. His leadership continues to exemplify how business success can align with sustainability and social progress to create lasting, positive impact.

In addition to these individual honours, Sun Siyam Group achieved six major awards across its resort portfolio, reaffirming its reputation as a leader in peace-driven hospitality and sustainable luxury.

The recognised resorts included:

  • Siyam World Maldives – World’s Leading Lifestyle Resort
  • Sun Siyam Pasikudah, Sri Lanka – Luxury Beachfront Retreat of the Year
  • Sun Siyam Vilu Reef – Peaceful Indulgence Award
  • Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – Luxury Peace Retreat
  • Sun Siyam Iru Veli – Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Luxury Resort
  • Sun Siyam Olhuveli – Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Lifestyle Resort

Siyam was joined at the event by his wife, Soukayna Hadfi, Vice President of Operations Abdulla Thamheed, Assistant Group General Manager and Sun Siyam Olhuveli General Manager Hassan Adil, and members of the brand’s Middle East sales and PR representation team, proudly representing Maldivian hospitality on the global stage.

The evening also witnessed the launch of the Golden Wing of Peace Movement, a new international initiative designed to unite leaders, creators, and institutions around conscious leadership and community-centred business. The gala featured two Wings of Harmony fashion showcases by Egyptian designer Nadine Ellithy, symbolising compassion, culture, and creativity as universal expressions of peace. The keynote address was delivered by General Dr Mohammed Al Shamsi, who highlighted the UAE’s growing role as a global exemplar of coexistence.

The Global Peace Institute (UK), an independent non-profit organisation promoting peace, diplomacy, and education, has previously hosted successful summits in London, Scotland, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Its Dubai edition reflected the deepening connection between hospitality and mindful leadership in a global context.

For Sun Siyam Group, the honours mark yet another milestone in a journey defined by Maldivian authenticity, mindful luxury, and purposeful hospitality — continuing a legacy of welcome, integrity, and global connection.

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