Featured
Soneva announces sun-drenched summer programmes in Maldives
Soneva has announced a spectacular programme for summer 2022 across its award-winning resorts in the Maldives.
Running throughout July and August, guests of all ages at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani can get into the summer spirit with one-of-a-kind experiences, dine on exceptional cuisine with Michelin-starred chefs, unwind with an array of visiting Soneva Soul wellness specialists, and meet acclaimed visiting experts through the ongoing Soneva Stars calendar including one of the best football strikers of all time and World Cup champion David Villa and football freestyling sensation Marcel Gurk.
Helping guests stay cool throughout the summer, each of Soneva’s award-winning resorts in the Maldives features a 24/7, complimentary ice cream room, where guests can sample a cool selection of 60 homemade ice creams, plant-based nice creams and refreshing sorbets. This year, in honour of International Ice Cream Day on July 17, a mouth-watering array of limited-edition flavours can also be sampled.
Soneva Fushi
Guests at Soneva Fushi this summer can dine with not one, but five exceptional visiting chefs from around the world as part of the Soneva Stars roster. Named one of the ‘100 chefs who have changed Italian cuisine in the last 10 years’, two-Michelin-starred Alberto Faccani’s dynamic style blends styles, forms and traditions. Mark Lundgaard of two-Michelin-starred Kong Hans Kælder restaurant in Copenhagen will be showcasing his distinctive mix of classic French cuisine and new Nordic kitchen. Mexican-born Nina Metayer is the darling of Parisian patisserie, while Mickael Viljanen is the chef behind Dublin’s two Michelin-starred Chapter One. And Bart De Pooter is a prominent Belgian chef, best known for his two-Michelin-starred restaurant Pastorale.
Helping guests stay active this summer, former Real Madrid defender Rafael Márquez recently joined the roster at Soneva Fushi to host a series of football camps. Football freestyling sensation Marcel Gurk will be offering his freestyle workshops to Soneva Fushi’s youngest guests this summer too.
Guests can take a fascinating voyage across the heavens with astrophysicist and analogue astronaut Sarafina Nance at Soneva Fushi’s island observatory. A frequent on-air science expert, she will be hosting after-dinner stargazing sessions along with fascinating talks about astronomy throughout the day.
Families and younger guests have so much to see and do at Soneva Fushi. The Den, the region’s largest children’s zone, has a fun-packed programme of experiences and activities that include arts and crafts, movie nights, treasure hunts and pool parties. The experts from Oppidan Education will be making a welcome return to offer one-on-one mentoring sessions to Young Sonevians, as well as fun complementary activities at The Den. Older children and teens can also join the Soneva Academy, which takes learning outside of the classroom with a selection of fascinating immersive courses, including the Marine Life of the Maldives, Mosquitoes and the Adventure of the Corbin, which follows the voyage of an ancient treasure galleon.
View the Soneva Fushi Summer Programme
Soneva Jani
Soneva’s exceptional line-up of visiting chefs will also be going to Soneva Jani in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll. Mark Lundgaard, Nina Metayer, Mickael Viljanen and Bart De Pooter will all be hosting exclusive dinners at the resort, including at So Engaging, the intimate chef’s table that seats just five guests. One of the greatest Dutch culinary talents, Jonathan Zandbergen, will also taking up a culinary residency at the resort. 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’.
Other unforgettable dining experiences during the summer calendar include a sunrise breakfast on the sands of North Beach and a mouth-watering selection of themed dinners showcasing the continent’s eclectic cuisine at Asian Kitchen. From the mind of acclaimed Swedish chef, Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren’s menu is an ode to organic produce and the sea, while the new menu at So Wild by Diana Von Cranach offers a health-conscious, plant-based menu designed by the innovative raw food chef herself. And at So Starstruck, the Maldives’ only overwater telescope, diners can explore the heavens with the resident astronomer, Maavin.
Hailed as one of the best football strikers of all time, David Villa is a FIFA World Cup champion, UEFA Champions League winner and the Spanish National Team’s all-time leading goal scorer. After his retirement, he founded his own company, DV7 Group, offering football camps, clinics and other curricula to boys and girls around the world. Joining him on the summer roster at Soneva Jani is football freestyling sensation Marcel Gurk who will be offering freestyling workshops for young Sonevians, too.
At Soneva Soul, visiting wellness specialist Roger Moore returns to Soneva Jani throughout the summer. Named in Tatler’s ‘Best of the Best’ guide as ‘one of the top eight therapists worth travelling around the globe for’, his unique approach combines cutting-edge science and medicine, Eastern wellness philosophies, psychotherapeutics and spirituality to create an integrative pathway to wellbeing. Guests can also join Soneva Jani’s own yoga and meditation masters Justin and Kamal for yoga and meditation sessions and guidance in yogic breathing (Pranayama).
Soneva Jani’s 5.6-kilometre private lagoon is just waiting to be explored – all non-motorised watersports are complimentary, including paddleboards and kayaks, and guests can also book swimming or snorkelling lessons with experienced instructors. There are also lots of exhilarating motorised watersports to try, including wakeboarding, e-surfing and the Seabob.
An array of family-focused activities will keep children and teens engaged from morning to night at Soneva Jani’s all-new The Den. From sensory spaces for toddlers to a mocktail bar for teens, plus areas for dressing up, Lego, crafts, reading and so much more. Older children are also invited to connect with the world around them with the Soneva Academy’s immersive modular courses, from exploring the stars to learning about sustainability and the Maldives’ marine realm.
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.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
-
News1 week ago
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives officially opens
-
News5 days ago
Ambani’s family vacations in Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
Uncover the ocean’s secrets at Cinnamon Dhonveli
-
News1 week ago
‘Tis the season to be jolly at JOALI Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens Marine Biology Unit
-
Celebration1 week ago
JOALI Maldives celebrates six years of art and luxury with Maison Ruinart
-
Celebration1 week ago
VARU by Atmosphere marks five years of unmatched hospitality
-
News1 week ago
Experience ultimate Maldivian dream with Sirru Fen Fushi’s ‘Millionaire for a Month’ giveaway