Fan Club
Retreat to Maldives with Soneva’s exclusive offer for GCC residents
Luxury resorts operator Soneva has announced an exclusive offer for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Valid for stays during selected periods throughout 2022, guests can enjoy reduced villa rates at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, with complimentary half-board dining, Soneva Soul wellness treatments, domestic transfers and 24/7 Barefoot Butler service.
The GCC Exclusive package 2022 includes indulgent four-night stays in vast private villas at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, starting at USD 7,500. Shared roundtrip transfers for two people from Malé International Airport to Soneva’s resorts are also included for stays in the Maldives, with upgrade supplement charges priced at USD 295 per flight per person at Soneva Fushi and USD 175 per flight per person at Soneva Jani.
With the Maldivian capital of Malé only four hours away from the UAE, the exclusive package is an easy escape for couples and families.
During their stay, guests will experience Soneva’s world-leading, intuitive service, a mouth-watering selection of culinary concepts and an array of rare experiences. The Soneva GCC Exclusive Package 2022 includes sumptuous daily breakfast and dinners at selected restaurants and unlimited access to Soneva’s famed chocolate, ice cream and deli parlours. Should guests wish to dine at any other outlets, they will receive USD 180 per adult and USD 90 per child resort credit towards their evening meals at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Guests can also enjoy one complimentary 60-minute Soneva Soul treatment at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani for two guests, per bedroom per stay.
Soneva also recently announced a spectacular programme for summer 2022 across its award-winning resorts. Sun-drenched days throughout July and August at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani are filled with exceptional dining journeys and events, rare experiences that bring you closer to nature and engaging programmes full of wonder for Young Sonevians at The Den. Helping guests stay cool throughout the summer and in honour of International Ice Cream Day on July 17, a mouth-watering array of limited-edition flavours can also be sampled 24/7 at the resorts’ complimentary ice cream rooms.
As part of the ever-changing Soneva Stars calendar, Soneva will be welcoming an eclectic array of world-renowned chefs, sporting heroes, wellness specialists, artists and so much more to its resorts in the Maldives throughout 2022. This year is shaping up to be exceptionally exciting for sports fanatics in particular, with a highly anticipated line-up of football, rugby and cricket legends from around the world, including FIFA World Cup champion David Villa, football freestyling sensation Marcel Gurk and Rugby World Cup champion Ben Cohen, landing on the shores of Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
Celebration
Celebrate prosperity and joy: Angsana Velavaru’s Lunar New Year extravaganza
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a curated two-day experience blending tradition, adventure, and festive spirit. On January 28-29, the resort will host a series of unique activities and exclusive culinary offerings to honour the season’s spirit while immersing visitors in its vibrant atmosphere.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, attendees can participate in a hands-on Dumpling Workshop at Kaani Restaurant. This activity is followed by the ‘Flavours of Asia and Chinese Feast Buffet’, featuring a variety of regional delicacies thoughtfully prepared for the occasion. The evening culminates with the Chunwan New Year’s Eve Gala, an event filled with captivating entertainment that ushers in the new year with unforgettable flair.
For those seeking excitement, the resort provides a range of diving and snorkelling activities suitable for both experts and beginners. Visitors can explore the vibrant house reef through the Citizen Science Snorkelling experience, an initiative that allows participants to contribute to ocean conservation, making their holiday both memorable and meaningful. As night falls, the resort hosts a Caribbean-themed DJ party, where the lively rhythms of the islands set the tone for an energetic evening. A variety of cocktail stations with eclectic drink options further enhances the celebratory atmosphere.
Families are also well catered for, with activities such as friendly Beach Volleyball matches, invigorating Water Aerobics sessions, and a heartwarming Love Bird Feeding experience, ensuring fun-filled moments for guests of all ages.
The first day of the New Year features a Kite Flying Festival—a joyous celebration of the winds, skies, and the endless possibilities of the year ahead. Guests can also embark on a Dolphin Cruise, where serene Maldivian waters meet playful pods of dolphins. For those interested in mixology, the Mojito Mixology Bar at Kuredhi Pool Bar offers an interactive and refreshing take on the classic cocktail. The festivities conclude with a Lunar New Year Banquet at Funa, providing a grand setting for visitors to enjoy a delectable array of dishes, symbolizing prosperity and joy for the year to come.
Angsana Velavaru presents an idyllic setting for an unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration—a serene island retreat where adventure, culture, and tradition converge to create exceptional memories.
Celebration
From Atlantis to new beginnings: Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s spectacular festive program
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has announced an enchanting Christmas season program themed ‘Atlantis and the Underwater World.’ Running from December 22, 2024, to January 7, 2025, the resort will transform into the mythical city of Atlantis, offering guests a magical underwater adventure.
The island resort will feature a variety of festive delights, including bountiful breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets designed to bring holiday cheer to visitors’ Maldivian getaway. Guests will experience stunning underwater-themed decor and a mesmerising ambiance that perfectly complements the island’s natural beauty.
The resort’s culinary team has curated a series of special dining experiences throughout the season, highlighting both local Maldivian flavours and international delicacies.
The festivities begin on December 22nd with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Pool Bar Deck, accompanied by a special dinner buffet and live holiday music. On December 25th, an opulent Christmas Eve Gala Dinner will be held at the Alita Deck, featuring live Christmas carols, a visit from Santa Claus, and an opportunity to dance the night away to live music while indulging in a sumptuous feast.
The New Year will be welcomed with an electrifying glow-in-the-dark party featuring a live DJ, delectable appetisers, and signature cocktails. On New Year’s Day, celebrations continue with a Bubbly Brunch at Alita, a vibrant pool party at the Main Pool with live DJ music, and a Mediterranean dinner buffet in the Alita restaurant. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, from savoury mezze platters to succulent grilled seafood, crafted with the freshest ingredients.
As the new year begins, the resort has planned a range of recreational activities, including Aqua fitness sessions, sunset gatherings, and Pilates classes. Relaxation seekers can participate in sound healing and meditation sessions or take advantage of significant discounts on rejuvenating treatments at the Suvadiva Spa.
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort aims to create magical moments and cherished memories for all its guests. This festive season offers a unique blend of the enchantment of Atlantis and the natural beauty of the Maldives, where every day is a celebration of joy, wonder, and togetherness.
Celebration
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes Santa on scooters for festive island Christmas
The festive spirit came alive at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, where all four resorts—Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, and Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon—lit up with joyous Christmas celebrations. Guests were immersed in the magic of the season, with each resort adding its own unique flair to the timeless tradition of tree lighting ceremonies against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
A highlight of the celebrations was Santa Claus’s unconventional arrival—not by sleigh, but on a scooter! Led by a cheerful parade of team members riding decorated scooters, Santa’s island-style entrance was met with applause and laughter. The vibrant procession, complete with festive ribbons, twinkling lights, and plenty of holiday cheer, brought smiles to guests of all ages as Santa waved his way into the celebrations.
At each resort, the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree brought families, couples, and friends together in a moment of enchantment. The joyful sounds of carollers filled the evening air, adding a harmonious touch to the festivities. Guests were treated to a selection of seasonal goodies, including freshly baked cookies and other festive delights. Children revelled in Santa’s arrival, receiving special treats while families captured precious memories against the twinkling backdrop of the decorated trees.
With more celebrations planned over Christmas and the New Year, guests can look forward to a holiday filled with memorable moments at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives.
-
Action1 week ago
Across Maldives: Shaff Naeem embarks on record-breaking dive expedition
-
Featured1 week ago
Six Senses Laamu honoured for groundbreaking marine conservation initiatives
-
Family1 week ago
JA Manafaru secures Worldwide Kids Accreditation for second year
-
Celebration1 week ago
Sheraton Maldives launches holiday festivities with Christmas Tree lighting
-
Excursions1 week ago
Fuvahmulah triumphs at 2024 DRT show as Best Shark Diving spot
-
Awards6 days ago
Forbes Travel Guide ranks Maldives among top destinations for 2025
-
Featured5 days ago
SAii Lagoon Maldives achieves Gold certification for sustainability excellence
-
Featured5 days ago
JW Marriott Maldives unveils luxury wellness escape