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.
Cooking
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO unveils chef-led 9-Hands Dinner experience
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO has announced a 9-Hands Dinner event scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 May, offering a curated dining experience as part of its guest programme.
The event will feature a multi-course menu developed by three chefs representing Egypt, Madeira and the Maldives. Each chef will present dishes reflecting their respective culinary backgrounds, combining different techniques and flavour profiles within a single dining concept.
The dinner is positioned as an interactive culinary experience, bringing together elements of storytelling and presentation alongside the menu. According to the resort, the concept is designed to highlight both innovation and traditional influences in cuisine.
The experience will be included within the resort’s plan for in-house guests, forming part of the overall stay offering.

Commenting on the event, General Manager Alain Trefois stated that the initiative reflects the resort’s focus on expanding guest experiences beyond standard dining formats. He noted that the event provides an opportunity for guests to engage with culinary presentation in a structured setting.
Anupam Banerjee, Vice President Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, said the collaboration brings together different culinary influences, combining regional ingredients and techniques into a single dining programme.
Located in North Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is known for its house reef and marine environment, offering a range of activities alongside its accommodation and dining options.
The resort has indicated that availability for the 9-Hands Dinner event will be limited, with advance booking recommended for guests wishing to attend.
Featured
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef rolls out Wellness Week from 15–22 June
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, has announced plans to host a Wellness Week from 15 to 22 June 2026, in conjunction with Global Wellness Week. The programme will be led by international creative and fitness practitioner Ilariia Auvitu.
Ilariia Auvitu, whose background spans multiple countries and disciplines including acting, modelling and fitness, will guide a series of sessions focused on structured wellbeing practices. Her approach combines physical activity with routines aimed at supporting mental balance.
A key component of the programme is the Tech-Free Sunrise Yoga and Breathwork Ritual. The session is designed to provide a period of structured activity without digital devices, with a focus on breath control and guided movement aimed at supporting mental regulation.
The schedule will also include Morning Yoga with Flow sessions, intended to establish physical rhythm and energy for the day. In addition, Pool Fitness sessions will be conducted in the resort’s pool area, offering water-based exercise.
Selected evenings will feature Sunset Pilates and Stretching sessions. These will include low-impact exercises focused on strength and flexibility, followed by guided stretching.
Through the Wellness Week programme, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is offering a series of activities aligned with the observance of Global Wellness Week, combining structured fitness sessions with a setting designed to support rest and recovery.
Excursions
Baros Maldives unveils reef-focused ‘Fully Ocean’ programme
Baros Maldives has announced “Fully Ocean”, a week-long programme of marine conservation, education and guided activities scheduled from 1 to 8 June 2026.
The programme coincides with World Reef Awareness Day on 1 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June. It is positioned as an initiative to involve guests directly in conservation efforts, allowing them to participate alongside the resort’s marine team in activities focused on reef protection.
According to General Manager Ibrahim Shijah, the programme builds on the resort’s long-standing focus on reef conservation and aims to position guests as participants in that effort. Baros Maldives, which first opened in 1973, is among the early resorts in the country to implement a structured reef restoration programme. The property, which is Maldivian-owned, has maintained ongoing work through resident marine biologists and operational practices aimed at reducing environmental impact.
The “Fully Ocean” programme will run as a structured schedule of activities throughout the week.
On 1 June, the programme will begin with a guided house reef tour, followed by an information session for guests to register for activities. The day will conclude with night snorkelling.
On 2 June, activities will focus on coral restoration. Led by marine biologist Carissa Cabrera, the programme will include a snorkelling safari and workshops on coral restoration methods. Guests will have the option to participate in coral planting or sponsor coral frames.
On 3 June, a fish-focused programme will include identification workshops and in-water sessions for divers and snorkellers. The afternoon will feature activities in the Palm Garden, including educational games and painting sessions, followed by night snorkelling.
On 4 June, activities will focus on reef ecosystems. The programme will include guided dives under the Microlife Finders initiative, snorkelling safaris and low tide exploration of marine species such as shells and sea cucumbers. The day will conclude with a “Glow in the Dark” session, combining a presentation with a UV-assisted night snorkelling experience.
On 5 June, marking World Environment Day, the programme will include a guided nature walk around the island and a photography competition titled “Maldivian Treasures”. A second “Glow in the Dark” session will be held in the evening.
On 6 June, the schedule will include guided reef tours and night snorkelling.
On 7 June, designated as Turtle Day, the programme will feature activities led by the Olive Ridley Project, including awareness sessions and workshops on turtle conservation and responsible interaction.
On 8 June, the programme will conclude with a guided reef tour, a reef clean-up activity and a final night snorkelling session.
Some activities during the programme will be complimentary, while others will be offered at an additional charge. Booking and programme details are available through the resort.
The “Fully Ocean” initiative will coincide with Baros Maldives’ “Endless Summer” offer, running from May to October 2026. During this period, the resort is promoting travel during the off-peak season, when marine conditions attract species such as manta rays and whale sharks to nearby atolls.
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