Connect with us

Featured

Unforgettable escapes this Eid al-Adha with Soneva

Published

on

This Eid al-Adha, Soneva’s award-winning resorts have planned an unforgettable programme to delight guests of all ages. Sun-drenched summer days at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives are filled with Eid-inspired dining journeys and celebrations, rare experiences that bring you closer to nature and engaging programmes full of wonder for young Sonevians.

From secluded beachside and jungle sanctuaries to over-water retreats with unmatched ocean views, Soneva’s expansive private villas provide the ultimate hideaway to reconnect with loved ones during Eid. For an indulgent family stay or romantic getaway, Soneva’s latest offers feature exclusive villa rates and complimentary half-board dining, indulgent Soneva Soul wellness treatments, domestic transfers, 24/7 Barefoot Butler service and more at each of its resorts in the Maldives.

Soneva Fushi

From July 7 – 16, guests at Soneva Fushi can enjoy a range of culinary experiences specially tailored for the Eid celebrations. Start the day at Mihiree Mithaa, with live music and a delectable array of speciality dishes prepared by our master chefs. Dine on a Maldivian themed buffet featuring local delicacies prepared by the women of Maalhos for lunch. Savour local flavours with a Malaafai eating experience. Or feast on an Eid-inspired dinner buffet accompanied by live drumming from traditional Boduberu performers, before uncovering tales from the Maldives’ rich history while sitting around the campfire.

From July 4 – 12, two-Michelin-starred Italian chef Alberto Faccani will also be hosting a series of exclusive dining events as part of the Soneva Stars roster, while former professional footballer Rafael Márquez will be hosting a series of summer football camps from July 25 – August 8. While there’s no better time to visit Soneva Fushi, following the Eid holidays acclaimed chefs Mark Lundgaard, Nina Metayer, Mickael Viljanen and Bart De Pooter, and astrophysicist Sarafina Nance will be also visiting the Baa Atoll throughout the summer months.

Under the Maldives’ endless blue skies, throughout the Eid holidays guests can try their hand at cooking local dishes during a Maldivian cooking class, set sail on a traditional dhoni for an afternoon of fishing and cooking what they catch, or pay a visit to a neighbouring island to experience local celebrations and dine with a Maldivian family at their home. Guests can also take part in an array of traditional Maldivian celebrations that reveal the essence of Eid. Make a splash during the fen kulhi water fights, compete against other guests during the goani sack race or can toss at the Sandbank, or put their best foot forward during the annual Hosts vs guests football tournament.

Those who want to reconnect with the natural world can accompany Soneva Fushi’s resident marine biologist on a guided snorkelling trip to one of the spectacular reefs found in the Baa Atoll, or swim with majestic manta rays in the nearby Hanifaru Bay – home to one of the world’s largest manta populations that form huge feeding chains and barrel-roll through the water. Guests can also join a Conscious Experience and tour the island’s Eco Centro Waste to Wealth Centre and the organic gardens at Fresh in the Garden – both of which offer an insight into Soneva’s sustainable philosophy.

Young Sonevians will be entertained for every moment of the holidays, with fun, enriching daily programmes for children and teens at The Den, as well as mentoring and complimentary activities from Oppidan Education. Teens, meanwhile, are invited to join football freestyler Marcel Gurk during his series of freestyle camps workshops, or learn about conservation and the environment with the Soneva Academy which takes young learners outside of the classroom with immersive modular courses. Taking children and teens aged 12 and up from ‘junior’ to ‘expert’, the courses cover a range of fascinating topics, including the Night Sky in the Maldives, Become a Birdwatcher, Zero Waste and Plastic Pollution in the Maldives, Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne Diseases, Marine Life of the Maldives and the Adventure of the Corbin, a quest across the seas in the wake of an ancient galleon.

View the Soneva Fushi Eid Programme

Soneva Jani

As part of the ever-changing Soneva Stars calendar, Soneva Jani will be hosting a culinary residency by one of the greatest Dutch culinary talents, Jonathan Zandbergen, from July 1 – 12. Executive Chef at Restaurant Merlet in Schoorl, Netherlands, and with cooking methods that combine both tradition and innovation, he has won numerous prestigious awards, including the ‘Prix Culinary Le Taittinger’ in 2014, as well as being crowned Gault & Millau’s ‘Most Talented Chef’ in 2017.

Chef and director at two Michelin-starred Kong Hans Kælder restaurant in Copenhagen, Mark Lundgaard, will also be at Soneva Jani from July 14 – 23, showcasing his distinctive mix of classic French and new Nordic cuisine. Football freestyling sensation Marcel Gurk will be offering his freestyle workshops to Soneva Jani’s youngest guests from July 1 – 13, followed shortly by sporting legend David Villa from July 20 – 31. And for guests wishing to extend their stay after Eid, the Soneva Stars line up continues with world renowned chefs Nina Metayer, Mickael Viljanen and Bart De Pooter set to visit Soneva Jani during the summer months too.

Guests can also continue their culinary explorations during an Arabian spice voyage as part of the Eid celebrations. At Soneva Jani’s South Beach, live cooking stations serve up a sumptuous spread of fragrant dishes from across the Middle East, each dish inspired by ancient tales of adventure. After dinner, guests can take a seat on the sands and enjoy fragrant shisha and mocktails late into the evening. Throughout the holidays, the Shisha Beach Bar offers an ideal spot for sundowners too, with unmatched views as the sun sets over the horizon.

Each day at Soneva Jani begins with complimentary yoga, group mobility or meditation sessions at Soneva Soul. There is also a range of healing spa therapies, including bespoke vitamin therapy sessions and complimentary Ayurvedic consultations. Those looking for an ocean adventure can join a windsurfing lesson, try an e-surfboard or learn to soar over the waves on a flyboard. Or they can cruise to the deeper waters of the Indian Ocean at sunset in search of playful dolphins.

Families with children can enjoy a fun-packed programme of activities at The Den children’s zone – from beachside picnics and ocean bingo to making a splash with an array of watersports. Older children and teens aged 12 and up can also join the expert-led, modular courses by the Soneva Academy. As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring that younger guests stay inspired and intrigued outside of term-time, Soneva has also partnered with Oppidan Education, a British-based mentoring firm created to help children continue their learning outside of the classroom and reach their full potential. As well as complimentary drop-in workshops with fun, educational activities at The Den, Oppidan will also offer private, one-on-one appointments, which can be scheduled each afternoon.

View the Soneva Jani Eid Programme

Featured

Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Published

on

Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.

Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.

Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.

South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.

Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Published

on

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.

The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.

Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.

Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.

Continue Reading

Excursions

From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Published

on

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.