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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
‘A Season by the Sea’: Jumeirah Olhahali Island reveals holiday calendar

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced its festive programme, ‘A Season by the Sea’, which will take place from Thursday 18 December 2025 to Wednesday 7 January 2026. The programme combines seasonal traditions with experiences designed for guests of all ages.
The celebrations begin on 18 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where guests can enjoy festive treats and live music. The following day, children will have the chance to take part in a gingerbread house decorating workshop.
A range of wellness and leisure activities will be available throughout the festive season, including sunrise power yoga, Pilates by the water’s edge, and tennis sessions in the evenings. Holiday tournaments will add a competitive edge for sports enthusiasts. Marine activities will also feature prominently, with options such as the Ocean Wonders Christmas morning snorkelling excursion, Dolphin Quest cruises, and private nurse shark encounters.
Dining experiences form a central part of the programme. Guests can take part in themed events including an Oyster and Caviar Dinner, a Maldivian Sharing Beach Dinner, and a private Festive High Tea. Christmas Eve will be marked with a Gala Gathering followed by the Olhahali Oceanside Gala Dinner, with live music, performances, and a festive menu. On Christmas Day, the resort will host a Poolside Brunch featuring seasonal dishes.
New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with a soirée at the heart of the island, followed by the resort’s signature Gala Dinner at Glow, which will feature a specially curated menu and entertainment. The celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with a Beachside Brunch, and the week that follows will include events such as the Chef’s Table at Kayto, highlighting Nikkei cuisine, and Taste of India at Glow, showcasing Indian culinary traditions.
To complement the programme, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers a range of villas suitable for couples, families, and larger groups. Options include one-bedroom overwater and beach villas with private pools, rooftop terraces, and direct ocean access, as well as two- and three-bedroom residences such as the signature MIRI Villa. These larger accommodations feature spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, and infinity pools set over the lagoon or beach, designed to create a setting for shared celebrations during the festive season.
Celebration
Early bird festive packages unveiled at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is set to transform the festive season into a wellness-inspired escape, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to combine celebration with rejuvenation. Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort has introduced its Festive Early Bird offer, available for booking until 31 October 2025 for stays between 20 December 2025 and 15 January 2026.
The package includes a complimentary dining upgrade from breakfast to half board, with children under 12 staying and dining free of charge. Guests are also offered 20% savings on spa treatments, alongside experiences such as kayaking, a 30-minute professional photo session, and a programme of recharging activities. The Westin Family Kids Club provides younger guests with engaging activities, ensuring families can enjoy the holiday in full.
The highlight of the festive programme will be a Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. The evening will capture the spirit of the 1920s with vintage cocktails, champagne, live entertainment, and a midnight fireworks display set against the Maldivian night sky.
The resort’s well-being philosophy, built on the pillars of Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, and Play Well, underpins the holiday experience. From restorative rest on the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed to fresh, seasonal cuisine at three dining venues and bars, every detail is designed to support balance and renewal.
In addition, Marriott Bonvoy members will earn an extra 20,000 bonus points when booking the ‘Celebrate Festive – Early Bird Offer’.
Celebration
Boduberu, craft and cuisine highlight National Day at Grand Park Kodhipparu

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, marked Maldives National Day with a cultural programme designed to highlight the traditions and heritage of the islands. Guests were offered opportunities to experience aspects of Maldivian culture in the natural surroundings of North Malé Atoll.
The resort organised a Boduberu workshop where visitors were introduced to the rhythms of the traditional Maldivian drum. Local artisans guided participants in traditional jewellery making, sharing techniques that have been passed down through generations. Guests also took part in palm weaving, once an essential island skill, and were able to dress in traditional attire to connect with Maldivian customs.
Culinary traditions were featured through tastings of Maldivian dishes prepared by the resort’s chefs, showcasing local flavours and long-established recipes. Visitors explored a display of Maldivian arts and crafts, with works produced by local artisans representing the country’s creative and artisanal heritage.
The day concluded with a Boduberu performance at sunset, combining music, dance and rhythm in a communal expression of cultural identity.
Citra Suriah, Director of Marketing at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, said: “At Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, we believe in the quiet power of culture to connect, ground, and inspire. This celebration is both a tribute to the beauty of the Maldivian way of life and an invitation for our guests to witness and take part in something deeply authentic and enduring.”
The resort continues to focus on cultural preservation and community support, curating experiences that reflect and honour the spirit of the Maldives while offering guests a meaningful connection to local heritage.
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