Featured
Soneva Fushi to host exclusive Aequi Mental Resilience Retreat
Soneva, the world-leading luxury resorts group, has partnered with Aequi to host an exclusive Mental Resilience Retreat. This inaugural retreat takes place during September 23-30, 2022, as an eight-day residential retreat and will be held at Soneva Fushi, the award-winning resort in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Led by Aequi’s team of expert practitioners, the retreat is open to just six guests and will integrate psychological and holistic approaches to wellbeing through a fully personalised, one-to-one service.
Aequi’s founder, Dr Shaazneen Ali, a Maldivian British consultant psychiatrist and mental well-being coach, based and practicing in London, wished to combine her worlds; several years of experience working in mental health and a personal knowledge of the Maldivian hospitality industry to create a unique, bespoke mental well-being retreat in the Maldives.
Along with co-founders; Dr Soumitra Burman-Roy, another well-established British consultant psychiatrist practicing in London, who enjoys working with people to help them identify their psychological and social assets promoting personal resilience and supporting them to live with the sense of purpose they aspire to, and Ms Nazeeha Ahmed, a Maldivian from a hospitality background, with experience in several establishments, local and international, and a strong advocate for healthy living, together have created Aequi.
Aequi’s team of independent practitioners have been hand-picked for their positive, inspiring personalities and expertise across a variety of disciplines, including medicine, psychology, nutrition and yoga. Their clinically informed approach focuses on developing mental resilience for future challenges and to embrace opportunities to one’s best, reducing the impact of past stressors and helping participants prepare themselves for future challenges and opportunities.
Retreat participants will stay at a choice of private villas at Soneva Fushi, which range from one to nine-bedroom island villas, with private gardens, pools and direct beach access, or the resort’s new one and two-bedroom Water Retreats, the largest of their kind in the world, with spectacular views over the ocean. The wide selection of one-of-a-kind dining destinations cater to every appetite, including the plant-based menu at Shades of Green, exquisite Japanese cuisine at the So Hands On Sushi counter, and a bountiful buffet at Mihiree Mithaa. During their downtime, they can also indulge in Soneva Fushi’s unforgettable experiences, from a sunset dolphin cruise or a guided snorkelling tour at the house reef to a private picnic on a deserted sandbank.
Before the retreat, participants undergo a pre-assessment including mental, physical and nutritional assessment, with Aequi’s London team, to ensure their suitability for the retreat and to enable Aequi to create a fully personalised retreat plan, including nutritional recommendations for their stay.
During the event, participants will be guided by the on-site team to explore their individual strengths and weaknesses and learn personalised wellbeing techniques. Aequi’s process encourages participants to develop an understanding of the psychological concepts that are relevant to their own particular situation and integrate this with other aspects of self-care. The on-site experts include a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist and a yoga teacher, while the rest of the team will be available for additional virtual support, if required. Taking place over eight days, the retreat includes three days of retreat work, one day of rest, and a further four days of retreat work. Additional days and other dates are also available on advance request.
Retreat participants must be 18 or over, although they are most welcome to bring other guests to the resort during their stay. Following the retreat, all participants have the option to follow-up with Aequi’s London team to continue their wellness journey.
The Aequi Soneva Fushi Mental Resilience Retreat is priced at GBP 8,500. Flights and accommodation are charged separately, according to Aequi’s special rates.
The retreat will be hosted by Aequi’s accomplished team. For more information on Aequi’s qualified practitioners visit www.aequi.co.uk.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
-
Honeymoon1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
-
Awards1 week agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
-
Action1 week agoFour Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to stage 14th edition of Surfing Champions Trophy
-
Cooking1 week agoBaros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
-
Drink1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi showcases mixology collaboration during Easter programme
-
Featured1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
-
Awards1 week agoCinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
-
News6 days agoSt. Regis Maldives expands and upgrades Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa


