Featured

Soneva celebrates another exceptional year of sustainability achievements, sets new goals for 2022

Published

5 years ago

February 13, 2022

Soneva has set its key sustainability goals for 2022 and is celebrating another year of milestone achievements. In the coming year, the brand aims to: establish one of the world’s largest coral nurseries that will produce 50,000 coral fragments a year; plant a million trees; remain carbon neutral; and continue to build on impactful projects managed by Soneva Namoona, The Soneva Foundation and SCI:ENCE at Soneva.

The award-winning luxury resorts operator, which has properties in the Maldives and Thailand, pioneers a raft of local and international projects that support environmental sustainability, the protection and conservation of biodiversity and habitats, and far-reaching social and community initiatives.

Key milestones in 2021

Soneva Namoona

Namoona means ‘exemplary’ in Dhivehi, the language of the Maldives, and this flagship project brings a radical reduction of single-use plastic, recycling, ocean stewardship and environmental education under one umbrella.

In partnership with local island communities in the Maldives, the initiative provides funding, expertise and coordination for a waste management system that cleans up local islands and demonstrates how single-use plastics can be eventually phased out.

At the heart of this project is Soneva Water, which has been rolled out to the neighbouring islands of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo and Kihaadhoo, swapping unreliable rainwater and plastic water bottles for pure, filtered water in reusable glass bottles. Looking towards the future, Soneva Namoona is also nurturing the next generation of ocean stewards through watersports, education and festivities.

Soneva Namoona expanded from its initial three island partnerships to eleven.
Over 101,680 single-use plastic bottles were avoided through Soneva Water operations and provision of alternative packaging.
The Fehi Madharusa (Green School) pilot programme was launched with the Ministry of Education in seven schools across the Maldives, training 158 students and educators.
100,191 kilograms of recyclables were diverted from landfill or toxic open burning and delivered to recycling partners.
250 young people improved their swimming skills through the Inspire Swimming Programme, and 14 new swimming instructors received training.
320 community members participated in Fresh Start waste management activities and took part in segregation training.
84,000 nappies were removed from five Namoona islands – Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, Kihaadhoo, Dhonfanu and Kamadhoo.

Soneva Foundation

The Soneva Foundation was founded to address the direct and indirect environmental impacts of Soneva’s resorts. A 2% environmental levy is added to every guests’ stay, which the Soneva Foundation invests in global projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact, and offset carbon emissions from resort activities and guest flights.

Launched in 2021, the Soneva Coral Propagation Project is the largest conservation initiative ever supported by the Soneva Foundation. In partnership with the Swiss environmental organisation Coralive and the global ecosystem restoration organisation Ark2030, it aims to create the world’s largest Mineral Accretion Technology (MAT) coral nursery in the world, propagating 50,000 coral fragments each year.
The first phase of the Coral Propagation Project was completed in December 2021, with 432 table structures ready for coral planting in 2022.
At the end of 2021, the Coral Restoration Project also launched a campaign to salvage as many as 400,000 coral fragments from dredging and construction works in the Gulhifalhu lagoon near Malé.
The Myanmar Stoves Campaign, in partnership with Mercy Corps Myanmar, distributes fuel-efficient cookstoves to households across the country. Each stove saves 2.5 tonnes of wood each year, reducing deforestation, lowering carbon emissions, and improving the health and safety of the community. In 2021, the Myanmar Stoves Campaign successfully completed eight years in operation and 37,000 stoves distributed in total, benefitting 170,000 people. USD 28 million in social value was generated, and more than 240,000 Gold Standard carbon credits issued.
The Restaurants Against Hunger project is a partnership between the Soneva Foundation and Action Against Hunger UK. The three-year programme aims to reduce child hunger and malnutrition in Bangladesh. During 2021, families received grants and were trained to set up resilient home gardens to produce fruit and vegetables to feed their families and to sell any surplus to generate additional income.
The Soneva Hornbill Project is working with the Hornbill Research Foundation, the Department of National Parks and the Zoological Parks Organisation to reintroduce the Oriental Pied Hornbill to Koh Kood. The species had been wiped out on the island due to over-hunting and loss of habitat. Permissions for the reintroduction project were acquired in 2021, and the first pair of hornbills arrived on the island in December.
Initiated in 2021, Soneva Forest Restoration Mozambique is a partnership between the Soneva Foundation and Eden Reforestation Project to plant 4 million trees in Mozambique over the next four years. With planting commencing in 2022, the project will restore 3,378 hectares of forest using native species in central Mozambique.

Art and Regeneration Programme

Every Soneva resort features a comprehensive regeneration programme, which focuses on the three Rs: Re-use, Reduce, Recycle.

Around 90 percent of resort waste is recycled or reused through Soneva’s Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth facilities. Organic gardens at the heart of each resort operate through permaculture principles, irrigated by greywater, and nourished by compost from Soneva’s kitchens, they supply fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs to the resorts’ dining destinations.

One-of-a-kind experiences invite guests to immerse themselves in Soneva’s regeneration initiatives – from glassblowing at Soneva Art & Glass, the Maldives’ only hot glass studio, which transforms discarded bottles into works of art, to the new Makers’ Place recycling studio.

The Art and Regeneration Programme generated USD 427,000 in value in 2021, underpinning Soneva’s waste-to-wealth concept. This brings the total value generated over the last decade to USD 2.6 million
The Makers’ Place opened at Soneva Fushi in August 2021. Built in partnership with British artist Alexander James Hamilton, founder of Distil Ennui Studio™, this carbon-neutral island studio recycles waste plastic and aluminium from the soft drinks industry into practical pieces and works of art
50-60 kg of aluminium (approximately 130,000 cans) upcycled into art pieces within four months of operation
Ongoing procurement initiatives in partnership with Soneva Namoona communities for processing and upcycling at the studio
52 tonnes of cardboard were collected from Soneva Namoona islands and Waste to Wealth Centres at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, working directly with a recycling facility in India.
45 tonnes of vegetables, worth over USD 178,000, were grown at Soneva’s resorts
More than 40 different varieties of plants were added to the organic gardens at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani
A new Mushroom Hut was installed at Soneva Fushi, growing eight varieties of organic mushrooms for the resort’s restaurants
Stingless bees arrived at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from Southern India. The bee colonies will play an essential role in pollinating the resorts’ organic gardens.
Two individual hives were installed at each resort, with four in total

SCIE:NCE at Soneva

SCIE:NCE stands for Sustainability and Conservation of Island Ecosystems through Nurturing Collaborative Endeavours. It covers areas including marine biology, integrated pest control, astronomy, and the Soneva Academy, with a focus on life below water, life on land, the stars in the sky, plastic pollution and life-long learning programmes.

Initiated in 2019, the Mosquito Project pioneered a pesticide-free solution to combat mosquitos at Soneva Fushi, developing a sustainable system of traps that mimic mosquito breeding sites and the scent of human sweat. The project has since been fully rolled out at Soneva Jani and has been expanded to other island resorts in the Maldives
The mosquito population has dropped by 98% in 2021
The project reached a milestone 2.5 years without pesticide fogging at Soneva Fushi, and 1.5 years at Soneva Jani
The project team also developed a hand sanitizer from a waste stream of the mosquito traps, which was validated by three independent labs in 2021
A bird-spotting compendium was launched for the Soneva Fushi digital app, inviting guests to discover more about the bird life on the island
Construction of the SCIE:NCE centre at Soneva Fushi is set to commence in Spring 2022. The new centre will be the focus for guest experiences and learning opportunities around terrestrial and marine biology and astronomy and will also become a knowledge hub for visiting scientists and researchers

Founded in 1995, Soneva is an award-winning sustainable luxury resorts operator. 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, unforgettable experiences that inspire and enthral.

Soneva is a pioneer for responsible tourism, combining a conscientious, proactive approach to sustainability with exquisite luxury and intuitive personalised service. Carbon neutral since 2012, Soneva launched its Total Impact Assessment in 2016, a first for the hospitality industry, measuring its social and environmental impacts. A mandatory 2% environmental levy is added to every Soneva stay, with proceeds going towards the not-for-profit Soneva Foundation to offset both direct and indirect carbon emissions from resort activities and guest flights. The Foundation funds a range of global projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact.

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Cooking

International Chefs’ Day: Kabita Singh to cook live at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2026

m@ldives

Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.

Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.

The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.

As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.

Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.

Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.

Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”

Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.

Awards

TTM Awards 2026 names You & Me Maldives Best Adults-Only Resort

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2026

m@ldives

You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.

The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.

Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.

The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.

The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.

“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.

“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”

The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.

Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.

Featured

From art to island adventures: Marriott International luxury resorts unveil festive programmes

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2026

m@ldives

The festive season often brings some of the simplest moments into focus: long lunches that extend into the afternoon, children discovering somewhere new, and conversations without the pressure of being elsewhere. In the Maldives, that time together unfolds naturally between ocean and shore, with each island establishing its own rhythm for multigenerational families, couples and groups of friends.

This year, the Luxury Group by Marriott International portfolio of resorts in the Maldives is inviting travellers to experience the festive season through art and design, marine discovery, local culture, gastronomy, wellness and time spent outdoors. From the creative shores of the Fari Islands and the house reefs of North Ari Atoll to the secluded northern reaches of Shaviyani Atoll, each destination offers a different setting in which guests can reconnect, celebrate traditions and create new ones, with the Maldives itself at the heart of the experience.

Available to book from 15 September to 15 November 2026 for stays between 20 December 2026 and 10 January 2027, the Festive Early Bird Offer adds tailored inclusions to each island stay. These range from resort credits of up to USD 400 per stay and complimentary non-motorised water sports to complimentary stays and dining for children under 12 and festive activities at selected participating resorts.

For guests looking to make the most of their time in the Maldives, two island experiences are within easy reach of Malé. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort are both accessible by speedboat, while scenic seaplane journeys lead farther into the atolls to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, W Maldives and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.

A Canvas of Festive Wonder at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

A 50-minute luxury speedboat journey from Malé leads to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where the 2026 festive season brings contemporary art into conversation with the light, colour and landscape of the Maldives.

From 20 December, the island will become a festive canvas through bespoke installations by French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet in collaboration with the House of Ruinart. His expressive use of shape and colour will appear throughout the resort, from a specially conceived Christmas tree and ornaments inspired by the destination to playful installations culminating at Beach Shack.

The experience brings a new creative dimension to the resort’s Circle of Island Life, while leaving room for guests to shape their days at their own pace. Couples can move between the spa, lagoon and intimate dining experiences, while families and groups can gather in 100 ocean- and lagoon-facing villas designed by Kerry Hill Architects.

Larger parties can stay in expansive two-bedroom villas or the four-bedroom The Ritz-Carlton Estate, with an Aris Meeha island butler available to personalise their time together.

The Festive Early Bird package includes daily breakfast at La Locanda, New Year’s Eve celebrations and festive experiences.

A Season of Endless Wonder at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

Close to Malé yet removed from the pace of the capital, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is preparing a festive season centred on joy, discovery and wellbeing.

A 15-minute speedboat journey from Malé, the island will host ‘Enchanted Soirée: A Season of Endless Wonder’, with a programme featuring culinary experiences, restorative moments at Spa by JW, lagoon adventures and activities for younger travellers. In the evenings, multigenerational families, couples and groups of friends can come together over shared meals and festive celebrations.

Residential-style two-bedroom beach and overwater villas provide space for guests to gather and retreat, while the three-bedroom Ocean Residence includes a private gym, spa treatment room and waterslide with direct lagoon access.

Dedicated Safeeru ambassadors personalise each stay, while the Family by JW Kids’ Club provides creativity and exploration for younger guests. Other experiences include dolphin cruises, nurse shark snorkelling and dining across seven venues inspired by Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, South American and Nikkei cuisines.

The Festive Escape package includes a full-board meal plan, complimentary dining for children under 12, and access to festive activities and celebrations throughout the stay.

Ten Years of Island Stories at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

In Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will mark its 10th anniversary with ‘Chapter X: Celebrating 10 Years Through the Island’s Story’, a festive programme inspired by the landscapes and communities that have shaped a decade on Vommuli Island.

The celebration follows the resort’s four ecological zones — Lagoon, Beach, Jungle and Coast — providing families, couples and friends with different ways to discover the island through marine life, nature, cuisine, wellness and Maldivian heritage.

Children and grandparents can explore the biodiversity surrounding Vommuli House, turning shared discoveries into new family traditions, while days by the lagoon showcase the resort’s house reef and nature-inspired design.

Along the coast and beach, shared meals, storytelling and seasonal gatherings draw on the Maldives’ fishing and seafaring heritage. Christmas celebrations will include a tree-lighting ceremony, Santa’s arrival and family programming, while curated dining and wellness experiences will lead into a New Year’s Eve celebration overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The Festive Getaway includes breakfast for two and resort credits ranging from USD 200 to USD 400 per stay, depending on the villa category. St. Regis Butler service will also be available throughout each stay.

Children aged 11 and below stay and dine with compliments.

Made the Revelry List at W Maldives

For travellers looking for a more energetic festive season, W Maldives brings together North Ari Atoll’s marine life, newly refreshed villas and the resort’s social island atmosphere.

A 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé takes guests to the resort’s house reef, where days can begin underwater, continue with a nurse shark excursion or sunset cruise, and end with dinner by the beach.

From 23 December to 1 January, ‘Made the Revelry List’ will move between relaxed daytime experiences and after-dark celebrations. Christmas Eve will bring guests together at FIRE Beach for flame-grilled dining and live entertainment, while New Year’s Eve will take its cue from ‘The Velvet Revelry’, a speakeasy-inspired soirée moving from golden-hour cocktails and dinner to performances, music and a midnight countdown on WAVE Beach.

Beyond the festive programme, 77 beach and overwater villas with private pools provide space for couples and friends to settle into island life, while the two-bedroom Oasis Beach Villa with Slide is designed for families and groups.

For a change of setting, Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ private island, offers an intimate location for private dining and time away from the main island.

The Festive Favors package includes a full-board meal plan for two adults and USD 200 in daily resort credit.

An Enchanted Island at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

The journey north forms part of the experience at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, which is reached by a scenic 50-minute seaplane flight from Malé.

In the quieter reaches of Shaviyani Atoll, spacious villas, tropical gardens and open stretches of ocean provide a setting for different generations to spend time together. Duplex Overwater Pool Villas and Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Pool Villas provide generous living spaces for families and groups of friends, while dedicated Thakuru private butler service takes care of arrangements throughout the stay.

This year, ‘Enchanted Island, Midnight in Paradise’ will bring aerialists, fire performances, live music and a DJ into a festive calendar that balances celebrations with opportunities for families to spend time together.

Younger travellers can choose from more than 100 activities at the Family by JW Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest children’s clubs in the Maldives. Cooking experiences using ingredients from the JW Garden and Boduberu evenings will also bring different generations together during the festive period.

The Festive Splendor package includes daily breakfast for two at Aailaa and a one-time 30-minute photography session with one printed photograph.

Guests booking a Duplex Overwater Pool Villa receive a complimentary upgrade to half board, while children aged 11 and below stay and dine with compliments.