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JLF Soneva Fushi reveals star-studded author line-up

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JLF Soneva Fushi in the Maldives has announced its full festival programme, bringing a global line-up of critically acclaimed authors, thinkers, and cultural leaders to the Maldives from May 13 to 22, 2022.

A partnership between award-winning luxury hospitality company Soneva and Teamwork Arts, organisers of the iconic Jaipur Literary Festival, the 10-day festival is set to be a vibrant celebration of the arts, culture and performance, all taking place at Soneva Fushi, the original barefoot hideaway in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll.

With 30 speakers and authors now confirmed, the full JLF Soneva Fushi line-up celebrates the theme of Slow Life, covering a fascinating spectrum of topics: from nation-building to the natural world, politics to poetry, fiction and filmmaking to hard-hitting journalism, and spirituality to scientific discovery.

Speakers include award-winning British-Turkish novelist, Elif Shafak; Academy Award-nominated director, Mira Nair; best-selling author and politician, Shashi Tharoor; André Aciman, The New York Times bestselling author of Call Me By Your Name and Find Me; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Mahmood Mamdani, named amongst TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World; art critic and historian, B.N. Goswamy; acclaimed investigative journalist, Patrick Radden Keefe; Huma Abedin, former Deputy Chief of Staff at the US Department of State; Former Governor of West Bengal, Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and a former diplomat, Gopalkrishna Gandhi; Pavan K. Varma, the writer and diplomat; Sahitya Akademi Award-winning author and Festival Co-Director Namita Gokhale; best-selling historian, and Festival Co-Director William Dalrymple; and diplomat and author, Vikas Swarup, whose novel Q&A became the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire on the big screen. To view the speakers’ bios visit HERE.

Held across 10 days and two weekends, JLF Soneva Fushi’s festival programme invites guests to engage with literature, along with stimulating debates, dialogue and free speech. The event will span exhilarating discourse across themes that include Film and Adaptations; Politics and the World Order; Science, Innovation and the Environment; Travel Writing; History; Fiction; Poetry; Music; Miniatures; and Food and Memory.

Each weekend, the programme is dedicated to flagship events, including keynote addresses, gala dinners on the sand, sunset poetry cruises, live musical performances and film screenings at Cinema Paradiso. Stand-out sessions include an inaugural address by Soneva Co-Founders Eva and Sonu Shivdasani, alongside Festival Co-Directors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple and Festival Producer Sanjoy K. Roy, following welcome cocktails on Turtle Beach; director Mira Nair in conversation at Cinema Paradiso followed by a star-lit screening of Monsoon Wedding; a sunset poetry cruise, hosted by Arundhathi Subramaniam; and a keynote session with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. To see the full programme visit HERE.

Weekdays at JLF Soneva Fushi will focus on more close-knit sessions and author discussions, as well as a range of engaging workshops where guests can unleash their own creativity, including creative arts and writing, Bollywood dancing and glassblowing. In true JLF tradition, each day will start and ends with music. Every morning, the festival will begin with a choice of enriching and enlightening sessions that focus on expanding guests’ horizons before breakfast, including yoga and meditation, dance sessions with acclaimed choreographers Gilles Chuyen and Puneeta Roy, guided snorkelling with Soneva Fushi’s resident Marine Biologist, glassblowing at the Soneva Art & Glass studio, and transforming waste aluminium into art at the Makers’ Place.

Throughout each day during their stay, guests can explore and indulge in everything that Soneva Fushi has to offer: miles of pristine sandy beaches edged by tranquil turquoise waters; exquisite private villa accommodation, with Barefoot Butlers on hand 24/7 to anticipate every request; healing rituals and innovative wellness treatments at Soneva Soul; exceptional dining destinations serving the finest cuisine from across the world; and rare, one-of-a-kind experiences that create memories to last a lifetime.

For those wanting to attend JLF Soneva Fushi, Soneva’s exclusive festival offer includes full access to the entire festival programme, daily full board at selected dining destinations, and complimentary return domestic transfers (wheeled plane), priced from USD 6,800 for two guests for a minimum four-night stay. Those who book before February 28, 2022, will also benefit from an additional 10 per cent JLF Early Bird reduction on their stay. To view the JLF Soneva Offer visit HERE.

“We are so proud to host the first edition of JLF Soneva Fushi, which is also the first-ever Maldives iteration of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival,” says Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Co-Founder of Soneva. “The festival’s remarkable programme is an opportunity to finally reconnect with the pure joy of literature and the arts, and I cannot wait to welcome the line-up of outstanding international authors to our shores.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, producer of the Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “It’s been a dream project to take JLF to Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. Our all-new edition will focus on climate crises, history, geology, fiction and film, alongside delectable cuisine and diverse music and poetry traditions, bringing together the best of world cultures in one place that includes the sun and the sea!”

Held each year in Rajasthan’s pink city of Jaipur, the Jaipur Literature Festival is known as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’. JLF’s international extensions, which has annual iterations across global cities that include London, Belfast, New York, Colorado, Houston, Adelaide, Toronto and Doha, are a celebration of the hope, strength and vitality that literature imparts, showcasing South Asia’s multilingual literary heritage infused with the unique flavour of their host regions.

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Green Globe Recertification underscores Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ environmental vision

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Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has once again achieved Green Globe Certification, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability as an integral part of its operations. Rather than serving as a mere statement, sustainability at the resort is woven into every aspect of the guest experience, internal decision-making, and long-term strategy. The certification follows a comprehensive, independent audit evaluating the resort’s performance against more than 380 stringent compliance indicators — a demanding benchmark that the resort successfully met.

Significant strides have been made in reducing the property’s carbon footprint without compromising comfort or quality. Energy consumption is managed through the implementation of smart room controls and occupancy sensors, while 99 percent of lighting throughout the property utilizes high-efficiency LED technology. Hot water is supplied by a generator-powered heat exchanger system, complemented by steam-powered laundry machines and energy-efficient appliances in kitchens, guest rooms, and staff facilities. Digital systems have replaced paper-intensive processes, and a Green IT policy ensures all computers are powered down when not in use — reflecting the brand’s dedication to mindful, sustainable operations.

Water conservation remains a central focus of the resort’s environmental efforts. Operating independently from public water systems, the resort employs a sophisticated treatment plant that purifies seawater for use throughout the property. Efficiency is further enhanced by dual-flush toilets, low-flow fixtures, greywater recycling systems, and real-time monitoring technology. Preventative maintenance and regular checks help minimise waste before it occurs.

Situated in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, the resort embraces proactive environmental action as essential. Electric buggies reduce carbon emissions on the island, while local sourcing practices lower transportation-related impacts and support nearby communities. A green procurement policy and ongoing staff training ensure that all departments align with the resort’s long-term sustainability objectives.

Marine conservation plays a prominent role at the resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, where initiatives such as coral propagation, guided snorkelling tours, and educational reef programs encourage guest participation in ocean protection efforts. A collaboration with Parley for the Oceans ensures that plastic waste is recycled and that marine ecosystems remain safeguarded for future generations.

Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. From the visible to the behind-the-scenes, it shapes every detail of a stay. The Maldives Discovery Centre offers visitors insights into local culture through exhibits, artisan displays, and live performances that celebrate Maldivian heritage. Interactive workshops with local craftspeople and educational exhibitions on maritime trade routes provide guests with a rich, immersive understanding of the destination—highlighting the connection between community, culture, and conservation.

This Green Globe recertification is not viewed as a conclusion but as part of a continuous journey. It reflects an enduring commitment to protecting the environment while delivering the unique rhythm, flavour, and hospitality that define the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives experience. Here, sustainability takes center stage as part of the headline act.

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Celebration

Island rhythms and Eid traditions at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

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This Eid al-Adha, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites discerning travellers to experience an enchanting celebration set against the spellbinding beauty of the Maldives—a private island paradise where refined luxury harmonises with vibrant tradition.

On Sunday, 8 June, the resort will host a thoughtfully curated programme of festivities that honour the spirit of Eid. Guests will be taken on an immersive cultural journey featuring the rhythmic beats of live Boduberu drumming and a captivating Badhiya dance performance, offering a celebration of Maldivian heritage and spirit. Younger visitors can look forward to a lively schedule of children’s activities designed to spark joy and creativity in an inspiring island setting.

As the sun sets, the celebration continues with a cocktail party on the beach, where the golden hues of dusk are paired with live local music and specially crafted cocktails. This relaxed gathering invites guests to savour the island’s warm ambiance as day gives way to night.

Later in the evening, the resort’s signature Seasalt restaurant will present an indulgent Eid Special Buffet. Curated by the resort’s expert culinary team, the buffet showcases a fusion of Maldivian and Arabic gastronomy, featuring aromatic Arabic grills, traditional mezze, and beloved Maldivian classics—all prepared with fresh local ingredients and a contemporary twist.

In celebration of the occasion, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is offering exclusive holiday savings through its Summer Getaway offer. This includes daily breakfast and dinner, 20% off spa treatments and dining experiences, as well as roundtrip seaplane transfers. Guests will also have access to a curated selection of complimentary scheduled weekly activities, providing a deeper connection to the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Maldives.

Whether in search of peaceful relaxation, quality family time, or meaningful cultural discovery, Eid at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives promises an unforgettable celebration in every sense.

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Sirru Fen Fushi secures coveted 2025 hospitality accolades

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a secluded sanctuary nestled in the pristine Shaviyani Atoll of the Maldives, has been recognised in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade places the resort among the top 10% of listings worldwide on Tripadvisor, honouring its consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences.

Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, bases this award on genuine feedback from travellers who share authentic, first-hand reviews over a 12-month period. The Travelllers’ Choice designation is widely regarded as a trustworthy indicator of quality and excellence in the global travel industry.

The year 2025 has proven to be a milestone for Sirru Fen Fushi, with numerous nominations and certifications reinforcing its standing in the global hospitality arena. These include:

  • Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Top 10% of hospitality businesses globally
  • LQA (Leading Quality Assurance) Certified – Recognising adherence to the highest standards of luxury service and operations
  • Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Nominated
  • Condé Nast Traveller India Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Nominated
  • Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025 – Nominated
  • Green Globe™ Certified – Commending sustainable and eco-conscious practices

These accolades underscore the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, curating immersive guest experiences, demonstrating sustainability leadership, and showcasing authentic Maldivian culture.

Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi, expressed gratitude for the global recognition, noting that each nomination and award is a testament to the team’s dedication, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. He acknowledged the continued trust and support of guests and the international community as key to the resort’s ongoing success.

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