Featured
Enjoy dazzling Diwali at Soneva’s Maldives resorts
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.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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