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Unforgettable escapes this Eid al-Adha with Soneva

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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

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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.

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Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

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Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.

For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.

Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets

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Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

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Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.

A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.

During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.

At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.

While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.

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