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Unforgettable escapes this Eid al-Adha with Soneva

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.
Featured
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives named Best Surf Resort for second year running

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been recognised as the Best Surf Resort in the Maldives at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025, achieving the accolade for the second consecutive year. The award underscores the resort’s reputation as a leading destination for surf enthusiasts in search of world-class waves and welcoming hospitality.
Located just 40 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort offers direct access to Kandooma Right, a renowned right-hand reef break celebrated for its long rides and playful barrels. Surf operations are exclusively managed by Perfect Wave Travel, ensuring uncrowded line-ups and an emphasis on sustainable surf tourism. The island has cultivated a dedicated surf community, with many guests returning annually, and some multiple times a year, drawn by the consistency of the waves, the warmth of the resort’s service, and expert surf guidance.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, commented on the achievement: “Our continued partnership with Perfect Wave and the team’s dedication to creating memorable surf experiences is what makes Kandooma stand out. We welcome surfers of all levels, and our aim is to ensure that every ride is unforgettable. The sense of belonging to the surf community here is what makes the island truly unique.”
In addition to Kandooma Right, surfers have access to nearby breaks such as Tucky Joe’s, Riptides, and Quarters, catering to intermediate surfers, progressive shortboarders, and longboarders alike.
Away from the surf, the resort offers a wide range of leisure experiences including the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, snorkelling and diving excursions showcasing the Maldives’ rich marine life, and diverse dining options serving global cuisine. The combination of surf culture, tropical adventure, and authentic hospitality contributes to a distinct island lifestyle.
This back-to-back success at the TTM Awards follows the resort’s 2023 title as Best Dive Resort, further reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ leading destinations for marine-based experiences.
Featured
Jumeirah Olhahali Island marks Chinese Golden Week with ‘A Golden Journey Together’

Jumeirah Olhahali Island will celebrate Chinese Golden Week this October with a curated programme titled ‘A Golden Journey Together’. From 1 to 8 October 2025, the island will host experiences designed to bring families and friends closer, combining creativity, wellbeing and discovery with the natural rhythm of Maldivian island life.
Dining will be central to the celebrations, blending Asian traditions with the tropical setting of the island. Guests will be able to enjoy an Asian-Inspired Gala Dinner at Glow, Ocean’s Embrace Hot Pot, and Flavours of Asia at Shimmers, accompanied by live music and culinary offerings from across the continent. Other highlights will include an Asian-Inspired Floating Breakfast, an Afternoon of Bliss tea ritual, and a Maldivian Sharing Beach Dinner under the stars with the rhythmic beat of Boduberu.
Cultural encounters will add depth to the week’s programme. At the MURACA Art Studio, guests will be invited to shape and paint bespoke tea cups, create auspicious pottery designs, or hand-decorate a Tuanshan fan with traditional motifs. Shared culinary experiences will include Kayto’s Family Dim Sum Masterclass, offering parents and children the chance to fold and enjoy dim sum together. Evenings will feature celebrations such as the Lantern Ceremony at Shimmers Beach, a radiant tribute to hope and renewal.
The week will also bring opportunities for renewal and recreation. Gentle face yoga, Pilates by the sea and natural self-care workshops will provide calm, while social and competitive spirit will be encouraged through sunset tennis gatherings and a holiday tournament. Guests seeking adventure at sea will have options ranging from semi-submarine excursions and snorkelling to dolphin quests, parasailing and traditional sunset fishing.
On 6 October, the island will mark the Mid-Autumn Festival with a Sunset Soirée Gathering of canapés and cocktails, a Lunar Wellness Ritual by moonlight, and the International Market Night at Glow, which will take guests on a culinary journey across continents.
Accommodation will be in the resort’s collection of 67 all-villa retreats, each offering sweeping ocean views. One-bedroom villas, with private infinity pools, rooftop terraces and light-filled interiors, will be ideal for families of four, while larger two- and three-bedroom residences will provide ample space for extended families or groups of friends to create shared memories.
Entertainment
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort unveils ocean-themed festive programme

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced its festive programme for the upcoming season, themed around ‘A Celebration for the Oceans’. Drawing inspiration from the Indian Ocean, the programme will transport guests into the mythical world of Atlantis: The Lost Kingdom, offering a range of cultural, culinary, artistic and wellness experiences. Highlights include a culinary residency by Tom Aikens, art classes and exhibitions led by UK artist Florence Super, physiotherapy sessions with Emma Diani, and entertainment for younger guests provided by Sharky & George. A series of gala dinners, live musical performances, and festive traditions will also form part of the celebrations.
The resort’s calendar of activities is designed to appeal to a wide audience, including families, food enthusiasts, creatives and those seeking wellness. Guests will be able to enjoy themed gala dinners, musical entertainment, Santa appearances, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, alongside time for relaxation at AVI Spa, which will feature holistic treatments and visiting practitioner sessions. The resort’s Resident Astronomer, Aleks, will also offer stargazing sessions.
Situated on the southern tip of Raa Atoll, at the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and near a juvenile manta ray aggregation site, the resort supports manta ray research and has introduced sustainable waste and recycling initiatives. Ocean-focused activities such as diving, seabobbing and coral adoption will also be incorporated into the programme.
Michelin-starred Chef Tom Aikens will take up a 12-day residency at the resort, curating exclusive tasting menus at The Lighthouse restaurant across several gala evenings. His residency will also feature a cooking class, a private yacht dinner for two, and a finale beachside buffet. The programme offers guests the opportunity to combine fine dining with the resort’s island setting.
Florence Super will debut her ocean-inspired art at the resort, delivering five creative sessions for guests. Her work, which often utilises recycled materials, will culminate in an exhibition with select pieces available for purchase. This collaboration complements the resort’s sustainability initiatives and partnership with The Manta Trust.
Wellness practitioner Emma Diani, an experienced physiotherapist, will be in residence from mid-December 2025 to mid-February 2026, offering treatments designed to improve posture, ease chronic pain and restore mobility. The resort’s AVI Spa will also provide a range of therapies, including Maldivian-inspired treatments and specialised body sculpting.
Family entertainment will be provided by Sharky & George, who will return to host activities at the Planet Trekkers Kids Club. Their programme includes treasure hunts, games, cooking classes, gingerbread house making, pirate cruises and mini expeditions, encouraging children to explore the island and its marine life.
Music and live entertainment will play a central role, with Jazzubeat The Band and DJ Levi set to perform. Traditional Christmas elements such as a tree lighting ceremony and Santa visits will accompany the festivities. On Christmas Eve, guests will gather for cocktails and a gala dinner, while New Year’s Eve will be marked with a gala celebration, ballet performances, fireworks and dancing on the oceanfront.
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