Featured
Soneva’s romantic island resorts: Dream setting for destination weddings
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.
Featured
‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season
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.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards
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.
Action
Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme
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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