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Maldives’ first Book Tuk Tuk to debut at JLF Soneva Fushi literature festival this week

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Soneva Fushi has welcomed the Maldives’ first Book Tuk Tuk to the shores of the Baa Atoll to bring the expertise of the Barefoot Bookseller and the joy of reading straight to guests, wherever they are on the island. From any of the resort’s multiple dining destinations to the comfort of an in-villa sun lounger, guests can call their Barefoot Butlers and have the Book Tuk Tuk brought straight to their door.

The Book Tuk Tuk will make its official debut at the upcoming JLF Soneva Fushi, the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’. Held across 10 days and two weekends, from May 13 to 22, 2022, JLF Soneva Fushi will welcome 30 world-renowned speakers and authors for a vibrant celebration of the arts, culture and performance. Throughout the inspiring festival, many of the visiting authors’ award-winning books will be on display and available to purchase from the Book Tuk Tuk.

Following the festival, the Book Tuk Tuk will house a general collection featuring the very best and most apt titles in Soneva Fushi’s Barefoot Bookshop, with specially themed collections set to follow throughout the year. Carefully curated by the Ultimate Library, the creators of bespoke book collections for hospitality, the island’s bookshop is tailored to underline Soneva’s values and sustainable ethos, celebrate the local culture and reflect the diverse tastes of its sophisticated, cultured guests from across the world.

Taking the wheel of the Book Tuk Tuk is experienced bookseller Georgie Polhill, who recently took up the mantle of Barefoot Bookseller at Soneva Fushi. On sabbatical from Heywood Hill, booksellers to the British Royal Family, Georgie masterfully compiles a tailored book selection for guests staying at Soneva Fushi to browse during her shelf discovery sessions. Armed with a wealth of knowledge, Georgie also hosts creative writing classes, bibliotherapy, academic tutoring for children and teens aged 9 to 18, literary lectures, as well as other events at the island’s pop-up bookshop.

“At Soneva, we are always looking at ways to enhance our guests’ experiences, whether that has been by introducing sliding roofs that open up the sky to the master bedroom, adding slides to water villas for direct sea access or our complimentary ice cream and chocolate parlours,” says Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Co-founder of Soneva. “Now, we are bringing guests the Maldives’ first book Tuk Tuk to share in our love of literature and further embrace the Slow Life, too.”

“The Book Tuk Tuk is a fun and inventive way to get great books into the hands of travellers at the greatest point of need. And for them to re-engage with the joy of reading for pleasure; one of the key memorable holiday experiences. It brings a whole new dimension to beach reading,” says Philip Blackwell, founder of Ultimate Library.

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.

Ultimate Library provides bespoke book collections for hotels, resorts, private residences and retail/commercial spaces. Founded by book expert, Philip Blackwell, the company is committed to providing books that inspire, educate and entertain. For this reason, every library is carefully tailored to the needs of the particular property as well as its specific location – books are at the heart of everything we do.

Ultimate Library has a small but dedicated team of frequent travellers and passionate bibliophiles, who understand that reading is an integral part of enhancing our daily lives. Whether its fiction, biographies, or coffee table books that you’re looking for, our experts have all of your literary needs covered. We are the book experts, so you don’t have to be.

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Five-course Indian fine dining by Atrangi to feature at Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s June pop-up

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced an exclusive culinary pop-up in collaboration with Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the renowned Indian restaurant located at Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai. Scheduled from 7 to 12 June 2025, this special event will feature Atrangi’s Head Chef, Aniket Chatterjee, who will partner with the resort’s culinary team to present a refined five-course dining experience. This unique collaboration aims to reinterpret regional Indian dishes through a contemporary perspective.

Atrangi, inspired by the vision of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ritu Dalmia, is celebrated for its bold and eclectic approach to Indian cuisine. Ritu Dalmia, a self-taught chef, began her culinary journey by launching Delhi’s first standalone Italian restaurant at just twenty-two. Over the years, she has established a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants across India and Europe, earning her widespread recognition in the culinary world. Representing her creative vision in the Maldives, Chef Aniket Chatterjee brings a modern sensibility and a profound respect for Indian culinary traditions, promising a dining experience that is both sophisticated and soulful.

For this special occasion, Chef Aniket has curated a bespoke menu that masterfully blends traditional Indian techniques with global influences. Guests will be treated to intimate oceanfront dinners and relaxed beach grills under the stars, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus available.

The dining journey will commence with a playful twist on the nostalgic chilli cheese toast, followed by pickled doodhi and smoked dahi. Main course offerings include Malvani chicken tikka with confit garlic, or for vegetarians, paneer peeli mirch tikka accompanied by spring onion curry. A whipped butter board will serve as a palate cleanser before guests savour dishes such as kappa meen curry or satu pulao with dalma, parwal, and burnt tomato chutney, celebrating the rich diversity of Indian flavours. The meal will conclude with an indulgent Indian sweet, followed by mignardise featuring pistachio soan papdi and a mini jalebi with rabri.

Chef Ritu Dalmia expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The Maldives has always been a special country for me, having visited several times. It is a thrill to bring Atrangi to Jumeirah Olhahali Island, where we can showcase community-inspired dishes while celebrating the best produce the Maldives has to offer.”

The beach grill dinner at Shimmers Beach on 10 June will be priced at USD 225 plus taxes per person. On other evenings, the five-course set menu will be served at a designated ocean-view location for USD 195 plus taxes per person.

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Summer of discovery awaits at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has launched ‘The Summer Collective: Masters, Explorers, & Extraordinary Moments,’ a carefully curated program of immersive experiences designed to inspire guests of all ages. Rooted in the resort’s core pillars—Nature, Exploration, Responsibility, and Culture—this summer-long celebration promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, discovery, and enrichment in one of the world’s most stunning destinations.

Running from June through August, the program offers guests the chance to engage with global experts and renowned personalities, each bringing unique knowledge and passion. Highlights include surfing sessions with professional big-wave surfer Nic Von Rupp, mindfulness and sound healing experiences with Susy Markoe Schieffelin, and hands-on science workshops with acclaimed educator Sergei Urban, widely known as TheDadLab. Each activity is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections.

For younger guests, the Ritz Kids program will feature a vibrant lineup of interactive activities that combine education with play. Children will embark on exciting journeys focused on science, sustainability, and creativity, while parents can enjoy world-class wellness treatments, bespoke experiences, and other luxury offerings at the resort.

Program Highlights:

  • June – Nic Von Rupp: From June 17th to June 20th, professional surfer Nic Von Rupp will host an exclusive ocean adventure. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to ride the waves alongside the surfing icon through expertly guided sessions. The program includes four surf lessons, two for beginners and two for intermediate and advanced surfers, providing an unforgettable experience in the Maldives’ pristine waters.
  • July – Susy Markoe Schieffelin: From July 10th to July 24th, renowned sound healer and mindfulness expert Susy Markoe Schieffelin will return to the resort for a transformative wellness journey. Guests will participate in daily yoga, sound healing, and energy healing classes designed to balance chakras, uplift energy, and promote inner radiance. Complementary food and beverage offerings will align with the seven chakras to enhance the experience. Special sessions for children will focus on self-expression and emotional well-being through sound, including ‘Throat Chakra & Kids’ Sound Healing’ and ‘Expression & Authenticity’ workshops.
  • August – Sergei Urban (TheDadLab): From August 14th to August 16th, Sergei Urban, the creator of TheDadLab, will conduct a series of interactive workshops aimed at inspiring young minds and families. These hands-on learning experiences will engage children with themes of nature, engineering, sustainability, and culture in a fun and immersive way. One of these workshops will be integrated into the resort’s on-site programming for six months, allowing future guests to continue enjoying interactive discovery.

Additionally, Line, a contemporary cocktail bar from Athens, Greece, ranked No. 6 on The World’s Best Bars 2025 list, will bring its innovative cocktail creations to the resort’s EAU Bar. Bartender Vasilis Kyritsis will showcase Line’s sophisticated yet playful drinks, while Chef Panagiotis Polychronis will elevate the culinary experience with a zero-waste concept menu.

To round off a summer of family fun, Marriott Bonvoy invites families to enjoy an unforgettable stay across eight private island resorts in the Maldives, including The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Offers include complimentary full-board upgrades, free stays and dining for children, and curated experiences for all ages.

‘The Summer Collective at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands’ promises a season filled with adventure, learning, and connection, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a truly extraordinary journey.

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Wellness, wonder, and Eid festivities await at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives with Facette Spa collaboration

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This Eid Al-Adha, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands extends an invitation to discerning travellers to embark on a journey of renewal and radiance, marking the beginning of an exclusive year-long collaboration with Dubai’s premium skincare atelier, Facette Facial Bar.

In a fusion of craftsmanship and innovation, The Ritz-Carlton Spa introduces a curated selection of transformative treatments, meticulously designed by Facette’s master therapists to celebrate the art of self-care. Guests are welcomed into a realm where pioneering skincare technology harmonises with the timeless elegance of the Maldives, offering five bespoke experiences—four tailored specifically for women and one designed for men.

Among the standout offerings is The Supernova Facial, a luminous three-in-one ritual that exfoliates, oxygenates, and infuses the skin to reveal a celestial glow. For men, The Supernova X delivers a dynamic treatment utilising Geneo X technology, specifically addressing the unique needs of the male complexion. Other highlights include Face Yoga, a holistic sculpting session that blends guided exercises, Gua Sha massage, and LED light therapy, alongside The Harmony Facial, a rejuvenating treatment featuring potent botanical formulations from iS Clinical. The collection is completed by Cellular Restoration Therapy, an advanced regenerative treatment combining exosome therapy with state-of-the-art cooling technology.

Launching over the Eid holidays and continuing throughout June, this exclusive offering symbolises renewal—not only of the skin but also of the spirit. As a lasting legacy of this partnership, one signature Facette treatment will be added to The Ritz-Carlton Spa’s permanent menu, allowing guests to indulge in this elevated level of luxury year-round.

Dan Drebing, Resort Manager, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Wellbeing is a cornerstone of our resort philosophy and we are proud to partner with Facette Facial Bar to offer our guests an extraordinary wellness experience, launched in harmony with the spirit of Eid.”

With limited availability, advance reservations are highly recommended to secure this indulgent experience during the Eid celebrations.

In addition to the collaboration with Facette, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is unveiling a vibrant program of activities to celebrate the Eid festivities. Spanning five days, guests are invited to partake in a variety of curated experiences designed for families, couples, and young adventurers. Activities include turtle snorkelling, organic lip balm making, sunrise yoga, big game fishing, pottery, and sea salt painting, ensuring every moment is a celebration of joy, discovery, and connection. Culinary experiences such as picnic mezze on the beach and family dinners during Eid celebrations will further enhance the sense of togetherness.

The resort also introduces the Family Fun Summer offer, inviting families to create lasting memories in a serene and beautiful setting. Guests who reserve their stay can enjoy a complimentary upgrade from half board to full board, while children under 12 stay and dine free of charge. Additionally, bookings include a complimentary coral garden snorkelling adventure for the entire family.

This summer, the resort’s dynamic programme, The Summer Collective, adds an inspiring dimension to the season. In June, guests will have the opportunity to connect with the ocean through exclusive sessions with big wave surfer Nic Von Rupp. July will focus on inner peace and mindfulness with sound healer Susy Markoe Schieffelin, while August welcomes Sergei Urban, renowned for his creative family science experiments. Thoughtfully curated for families, couples, and young adventurers, the summer programme celebrates connection, discovery, and personal transformation.

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