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Soneva illuminates rare guest experiences with sparkling Soneva Stars calendar

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Soneva, the world-leading luxury resorts operator, has announced a sparkling line-up of Soneva Stars for October and November.

This ever-changing calendar across Soneva’s award-winning resorts in the Maldives and Thailand inspires a ‘lifetime of rare experiences’ for guests, welcoming an eclectic array of world-renowned chefs, sporting heroes, wellness specialists, artists and so much more.

The year-round programme ensures that every stay at Soneva is not only unique, but also inspiring and transformative, too – whether its intimate meals prepared by the world’s most acclaimed restaurateurs; holistic wellness sessions with leading therapists and healers; sports coaching from world-class players; or insightful talks by eminent experts and thought-leaders.

This autumn, Soneva’s kitchens will host some of the world’s finest culinary talents.

Esben Holmboe Bang, head chef of the three Michelin-starred Maaemo in Norway, will grace Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani’s intimate chefs’ tables between October 2 and 9. Known for his bold cooking style, he uses entirely organic, biodynamic, or wild produce that distils the essence of Norway’s dramatic landscape.

Jarno Eggen, chef and owner of Holland’s two Michelin-starred De Groene Lantaarn, will be at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from October 7 to 22.

Teresa Gutiérrez, head chef of the all-women team at Azafrán in La Mancha, Spain, will be at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from October 15 to 25. Working with the finest regional ingredients such as Manchego cheese and locally grown mushrooms, her restaurant has been awarded one Sol by Spain’s prestigious Repsol Guide, as well as a Bib Gourmand from Michelin.

The UK’s Michael Wignall, known for his pursuit of perfection in flavour, texture and appearance, will be showcasing his complex culinary craftmanship at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from October 22 to 28.

During the Diwali holidays, Chef Asma Khan, who stars in the latest series of Netflix’s Chef’s Table and whose restaurant Darjeeling Express was named by the Michelin Guide as one of the UK’s finest Indian dining destinations, will be at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from October 30 to November 7.

Mumbai’s Vicky Ratnani, the chef, cookbook author and TV presenter also known as the ‘gastronaut’, will be at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from October 30 to November 14.

Martin Bruhn, the executive chef behind Grace restaurant, the A-list favourite in West Berlin, will be at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani between November 10 and 25.

Thomas Rode Andersen, the acclaimed chef and functional lifestyle coach, will be hosting exclusive dinners at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from November 23 to December 4.

From the world of sport and fitness, tennis legend Jonas Björkman will be making a welcome return to Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from October 20 to 30. The former world number one doubles, and number four singles champion will be offering one-to-one coaching for guests wanting to improve their game.

Also returning to Soneva Fushi is football star Mikael Silvestre, who will be running his popular children’s football camp from October 15 to 24.

Former Swedish international footballer, Jesper Blomqvist, who won more than 30 caps for his country, as well as playing for Manchester United and IFK Göteborg, will be at Soneva Jani from October 22 to 30.

Master fitness trainer Johnny Owen will be at Soneva Jani until October 15, before taking up a winter residency at Soneva Fushi until January 14, 2022. With an intuitive coaching style that is intentional, attentive and motivational, he helps guests expand their wellbeing practices and break through pre-conceived boundaries.

World-renowned healers, therapists and wellness specialists will also be sharing their knowledge and experience with Soneva’s guests this autumn.

Yoga specialist Hitesh Kumar will be at Soneva Jani until October 31.

Stephen Kirwin, the acclaimed neuromuscular and orthopaedic sports massage therapist who is also a 12-time Ironman, will be working with guests at Soneva Jani from October 1 to November 30.

Roger J. Moore, named in Tatler’s Best of the Best guide, will be sharing his unique practice that combines science, medicine, Eastern wellness philosophies, psychotherapeutics and spirituality with guests at Soneva Jani from October 22 to December 20.

Soneva Art and Glass, the Maldives’ only hot glass studio at Soneva Fushi, will welcome Danish artist Trine Drivsholm for a residency between October 20 and November 10. She is known for her exquisite glass sculptures with perfectly balanced form and wonderfully tactile properties.

Astronomer and astrophysicist Dr Becky Smethurst will be leading guests on a voyage of discovery across the night skies and hosting fascinating talks on space and the stars at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani – she will be at the resorts from October 21 to 31.

Swedish star Måns Zelmerlöw, the multi-hyphenate pop singer, songwriter, television presenter and former Eurovision winner, will be at Soneva Fushi from October 11 to 28.

Also hailing from Sweden, the renowned television host and yoga expert Kristin Kaspersen will be at Soneva Fushi from October 30 to November 6. During her stay, she will be hosting a series of morning yoga classes for guests as well as sharing an insight into her wellness philosophy.

Then during the half term holidays from October 18 to 25, Oppidan Education will be returning to Soneva Fushi. The UK-based mentoring firm works with children and teens to support their learning outside of the classroom and help them reach their fullest potential – Oppidan’s experts will be hosting one-on-one mentoring sessions, as well as complimentary daily activities that combine learning and fun at The Den.

Founded by Sonu and Eva Shivdasani in 1995, Soneva is a global collection of award-winning sustainable resorts.

The idyllic island settings combine exquisite hospitality with a SLOW LIFE philosophy that treads lightly on the earth.

Through rare, one-of-a-kind experiences, guests are invited to reconnect with the beauty of nature and embrace the luxury of time and space.

To see the full Soneva Stars calendar, visit www.soneva.com/events

Featured

Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories

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Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.

The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.

The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.

A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.

Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.

Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.

The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.

All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.

The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.

The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.

The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.

Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.

The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.

The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.

The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.

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Awards

.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026

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.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.

The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.

The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.

At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.

Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.

Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.

The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.

The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.

Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.

The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.

The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.

These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.

The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.

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Awards

Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027

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Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.

The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.

Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.

The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.

Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.

Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.

Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.

Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.

The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.

The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.

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