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Soneva celebrates joy of festive season with sparkling calendar of rare experiences

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Soneva has announced a spectacular festive calendar across its award-winning destinations in the Maldives for December 2021.

For guests at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, it will be a time to reconnect with loved ones and revel in the magic of the holiday season.

Rare, one-of-a-kind experiences will create a lifetime of precious memories: exquisite dining from Michelin-starred chefs, festive feasts, world-renowned wellness specialists, sporting heroes and a fun-packed holiday programme for children big and small, as well as a special visit from Santa himself.

In true Soneva tradition the iconic New Year’s Eve Journey around each destination will see out the year in awe-inspiring style – with sumptuous dining, live music, and unforgettable entertainment.

Soneva Fushi

Exceptional seasonal dining sets the scene for a magical Christmas and New Year at Soneva Fushi. Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, John Burton-Race will host exclusive dinners at Once Upon a Table on December 23 and 25.

On Christmas Eve, guests can celebrate the night before Christmas at So Social on the Sandbank, with carols, eggnog, mulled wine and a mini culinary journey from the Fish Shack.

Later that evening, there will be an extravagant gala dinner at Mihiree Mithaa, with cooking stations and festive entertainment from a live band.

Christmas Day starts with seasonal tunes and games at breakfast time, and Santa will be stopping by the Baa Atoll to deliver presents and start the carnival celebrations.

Christmas lunch will be at Mihiree Mithaa, where the sumptuous spread will be accompanied by live music. Or, for something lighter in the early evening, tapas at Out of the Blue will be served with a glass of Christmas Champagne.

Football legend Mikael Silvestre will be making a welcome return to Soneva Fushi to host his popular football camp between December 18 and 26, teaching young players essential skills to improve both their game and their sportsmanship.

For guests wanting to relax, unwind and re-centre over the winter holidays, Tibetan Reiki Grandmaster Yash Shekhar will be at Soneva Fushi until December 25, while Yoga guru Pawan Kumar and master fitness trainer Johnny Owen will be at the resort throughout the winter season.

Wellness Specialists Claude Simard and Jill Banwell will also be offering their signature healing therapies until January 8, 2022.

Younger guests can embrace the fun of the festivities with an exciting programme of Christmas-themed activities and experiences at The Den, South Asia’s largest dedicated zone for children and teens.

In the lead up to Christmas Day, there’ll be candy cane chases, Christmas card making and festive crafts galore.

There’s also treasure hunts, Christmas sleepovers, classic seasonal movies, pool parties and a chance to compete in Junior MasterChef.

As 2021 draws to a close, Soneva Fushi’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations take guests on a Journey Around the World.

A tantalising feast for the senses, the exquisite gastronomy is inspired by the seven continents and paired with the finest wines, cocktails, mocktails and Champagnes. Starting at the Fish Shack, the journey winds its way along torch-lit paths to mouth-watering live cooking stations and magical live entertainment – from dancers to opera singers.

The evening culminates with a countdown to 2022 and a dazzling light show to welcome in the new year – followed by a live band and DJ spinning tunes into the early hours.

View the full Soneva Fushi Festive programme

Soneva Jani

An array of fine, festive dining experiences awaits guests at Soneva Jani.

Visiting chef Kamilla Seidler will be showcasing her remarkable culinary talents at the So Engaging Chef’s table from December 19 to 21. Having worked alongside restaurateur Claus Meyer in Bolivia on his pioneering social initiative GUSTU, she has been recognised as one of Latin America’s finest chefs.

The seasonal celebrations start early on Christmas Eve, with a Very Merry Christmas Eve Breakfast at Down To Earth. Later that day, there will be sunset cocktails and eggnog at the So Sandy Beach, and a delectable Christmas Eve dinner on North Beach, with live cooking stations and entertainment from a band and DJ.

On December 25, the festivities start with a Christmas Morning Breakfast and Brunch at Down To Earth or, for late risers, an extended Christmas Brunch at The Gathering.

Santa will be making an appearance during the day to spread Christmas cheer across the resort.

In the evening, there will be a lavish, seven-course Christmas Set Menu with Wine Pairings at So Imaginative, or a chance to sit back and enjoy the classic A Christmas Carol with Dinner and a Movie at Director’s Cut and Cinema Paradiso.

For a holiday souvenir quite like no other, the free diver and BAFTA-winning Italian film director and artist Martina ‘Ama’ Amati will be at Soneva Jani from December 18 to January 6, offering guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn the wonders of free diving, with the experience captured by Ama for eternity as a short film.

For those looking to re-energise their mind, body, and soul over the festive break, leading therapist Roger Moore will be at the resort until December 20, while osteopathy expert Hortensia Corredoira will be in residence as a visiting Wellness Specialist until January 9, 2022.

Soneva Jani’s resident Yoga expert Kamal will also be hosting complimentary morning Yoga, meditation and pranayama sessions throughout the festive season.

Families at Soneva Jani have plenty to look forward to as well – with each day at The Den designed to inspire and delight.

Children can join in with Christmas craft activities for candle making, gifts and more, as well as family treasure hunts, elves bingo and a search for Olaf the snowman.

To mark the end of 2021, Soneva Jani’s Around the World New Year’s Eve Journey takes guests on a gastronomic voyage across the globe. Starting with Champagne and canapés on the Arrival Jetty, it follows sparkling paths around the island to live cooking stations inspired by the seven continents, and magical entertainment along the way, from opera singers to traditional dancing.

The evening culminates on the beach at Crab Shack, with a countdown to 2022 and a breath-taking fire show to see in the brand new year, followed by a live band and DJ playing late into the night.

View the full Soneva Jani Festive programme

Soneva is an award-winning sustainable luxury resorts operator that pioneered the concept of ‘barefoot luxury’ when it opened Soneva Fushi in the Maldives in 1995. Today there are many imitators but no equals.

Every Soneva resort is found in outstanding natural locations that are remote yet accessible.

Offering guests the luxury of space, privacy and seclusion, each resort is renowned for its exquisite private villa accommodation, one-of-a-kind experiences, memorable dining destinations and intuitive, personalised service.

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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