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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.

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Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

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Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.

Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.

Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.

Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.

“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”

Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.

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Oaga Art Resort’s Samaasaa takes centre stage in Dubai’s art scene

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Under the desert sky of Dubai, Oaga Art Resort made its international debut with a striking performance by Raai Badeeu at the closing night of renowned light calligrapher Karim Jabbari’s exhibition, Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees, held at Inloco Gallery. The performance introduced audiences to Samaasaa, the resort’s original theatrical dining concept where storytelling intertwines with seasonal cuisine, and folklore comes alive through immersive performance.

Samaasaa represents a distinctive fusion of art and gastronomy, with each course unfolding as an edible chapter of a story. The concept invites guests into a world where tradition meets innovation, rooted deeply in Maldivian heritage.

The venue for the performance, Inloco Gallery, is an emerging boutique art space in Dubai known for pushing creative boundaries. Its third season was dedicated to ‘vanishing urban landscapes’—a reflection on the echoes of fading cityscapes. Central to this season was the work of Karim Jabbari, whose intricate light calligraphy transforms traditional Arabic script into contemporary expressions of cultural memory. His Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees exhibition explored the theme of ‘Lost Tradition,’ featuring a collaborative project with artist Khalil Abdulwahid that documented Al Satwa’s disappearing historic fabric and reclaimed calligraphy’s original role as a vehicle for communication and preservation.

In collaboration with Inloco Gallery and Karim Jabbari, Oaga Art Resort presented Raai Badeeu as part of the finissage—a moving farewell performance that seamlessly blended calligraphy, choreography, and storytelling. The immersive show transformed the gallery into a space of ancestral memory, myth, and poetic expression, embodying the artistic ethos of Oaga.

The performance also offered audiences an exclusive preview of Samaasaa Presents: The First Coconuts, Oaga’s upcoming theatrical dining experience. A specially curated segment from the show was performed, offering a glimpse into the mythical origins of island life through expressive movement and narrative.

As Oaga Art Resort expands its creative reach beyond the Maldives, this performance in Dubai marks the beginning of a broader journey. Guided by a spirit that is playful, poetic, and deeply rooted in island culture, Oaga is poised to share its unique stories with the world.

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JOALI Maldives welcomes FIX’s iconic chocolate in first-ever global expansion

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Dubai-based artisanal brand FIX Dessert Chocolatier, renowned for its viral chocolate creations, has partnered with JOALI Maldives – the Indian Ocean’s first art-immersive luxury island resort. Starting 2 July 2025, guests at JOALI Maldives will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in FIX’s signature creation, The Original Dubai Chocolate, marking the first time the coveted dessert will be available outside the UAE.

Famed for its bold creativity, intricate layering, and unforgettable textures, FIX has redefined the modern dessert experience. This collaboration brings together two worlds of sensory delight – the imaginative world of FIX and the refined, story-driven luxury of JOALI Maldives.

As part of this partnership, FIX introduces Time To Mango, a brand-new chocolate bar inspired by tropical fruits, warm breezes, and the playful spirit of summer. Blending mango-forward flavours with nostalgic childhood treats and a whimsical touch of popping candy, the creation delivers a multi-sensory experience wrapped in rich chocolate.

FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s signature artistry and innovative flavour combinations align seamlessly with the philosophy of JOALI Maldives, a resort celebrated for its immersive art, sublime design, and curated experiences. According to FIX co-founder Sarah Hamouda, “This collaboration is about more than flavour – it’s about sparking wonder and delivering delight in unexpected ways. Seeing our creation featured at JOALI Maldives feels like the perfect match of storytelling and indulgence.”

Guests at JOALI Maldives will encounter FIX’s chocolates across various curated settings – from the private airport lounge and the resort’s artisanal ice cream shop to bespoke in-villa amenities and select evening turndown rituals. Every piece is hand-crafted in Dubai, carefully transported, and presented under the Maldivian sun as a true edible work of art.

Commenting on the partnership, Semiha Askin, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at JOALI, stated, “At JOALI, we embrace art in all its forms – from visual and spatial to culinary. Partnering with FIX Dessert Chocolatier allows us to extend that ethos into the realm of artisanal sweets. Their chocolate is more than a dessert – it’s an immersive experience our guests will remember, one bite at a time.”

This marks FIX’s first international placement, making JOALI Maldives the only destination outside of the UAE to offer the brand’s signature chocolate. The collaboration exemplifies a shared dedication to luxury, creativity, and culinary innovation.

Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, JOALI Maldives offers 73 elegantly appointed beach and over-water villas, each accompanied by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi). The resort is a sanctuary of sustainability, immersive programming, and next-level wellbeing offerings, including the JOALI BEING Cure – the first outpost of sister retreat JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ pioneering wellness island.

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