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Enjoy dazzling Diwali at Soneva’s Maldives resorts

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Soneva is lighting up this year’s Diwali celebrations with an unforgettable programme at its award-winning Maldives resorts.

At Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll, the exceptional holiday line-up is designed to delight guests of all ages – with one-of-a-kind dining experiences, acclaimed guest chefs, Diwali activities and so much more.

With remote locations, surrounded by the beauty of nature, both idyllic island resorts are easily accessed from Velani International Airport and Maafaru International Airport, just a short flight from India’s main travel hubs, followed by a scenic journey by seaplane or speedboat.

Considered one of the ‘coolest people in food and drink’, Chef Asma Khan is the culinary talent behind London’s celebrated Darjeeling Express – named by the Michelin Guide as one of the British Isles’ finest Indian restaurants.

Also, an award-winning cookbook author and star of Netflix’s Chef’s Table series, Chef Khan will be cooking at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from October 30 to November 7.

Chef Vicky Ratnani, known as the ‘Gastronaut’, will be showing off his culinary flair at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from October 30 to November 14.

Born and bred in Mumbai, he has conceptualised some of the world’s best-known restaurants, as well as teaching at the prestigious White Star Chefs training school on the QE2.

At Soneva Fushi, guests can indulge in an exquisite Thali Dinner at Down to Earth by Ravi, with the talented team of chefs preparing an exceptional menu of dishes that celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage, accompanied by the traditional sounds of a live tabla performance.

There’s also a Diwali Indian Market Buffet Dinner, with a mouth-watering array of live cooking stations showcasing the finest Indian cuisine.

At The Den, the largest dedicated children’s zone in South Asia, younger guests can take part in fun and creative Diwali activities, with special arts and crafts sessions for Rangoli art, hand-made diyas, mandala t-shirts and learning how to cook tasty milk sweets.

Guests can also unwind with morning sun salutation Yoga at Turtle Beach, try their hand at glassblowing alongside visiting artist Trine Drivsholm, or join a fascinating Table Talk with local fisherman Rocket to learn the secrets of life on the Indian Ocean.

At Soneva Jani, Chef Senthil will host a delectable Indian Thali Experience at So Imaginative – seating just 20 guests, this stunning private dining room has views over the resort’s sparkling private lagoon.

Guests can also explore the heavens with the resident astronomer during a Celestial Dinner at So Starstruck, the Maldives’ only over-water observatory, or enjoy live entertainment as they make their choice from the cooking stations at Down to Earth.

At The Den, children can learn the latest Bollywood dance moves, try their hand at Rangoli art or Diwali card making, or join the sail away, followed by a scrumptious picnic with Diwali colour fun.

For those looking to unwind, there’s morning Yoga with Kamal, as well as sessions with visiting Wellness Specialists, including renowned neuromuscular expert Stephen Kirwin, holistic therapist Roger J. Moore, and master fitness trainer Johnny Owen.

Guests can truly make the most of their stay with the Sunset and Slides offer, which is valid throughout the Diwali holiday period at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

The offer includes a 20 percent reduction on rates for selected villas, daily breakfast, and a daily USD 250 resort credit that can be redeemed against dining, resort experiences and spa therapies.

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.

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‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season

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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.

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards

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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.

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Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme

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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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