Featured
Soneva Soul launches London Wellness Specialist Network
Luxury resorts pioneer Soneva has announced the launch of the London Wellness Specialist Network as part of its new, transformative wellness concept, Soneva Soul.
This curated directory of trusted, international wellness experts invites guests in the UK to start or continue their wellness journey beyond Soneva’s award-winning resorts in the Maldives and Thailand. Supporting every area of guests’ health and wellbeing all year round, this London-focused network is the first phase of Soneva Soul’s expanding global reach across major cities around the world, combining ancient healing wisdom with the latest in science and medical innovation.
Ranging from rehabilitation, fertility and anxiety experts to leaders in Pilates, osteopathy, astrology and crystal healing, the London Wellness Specialist Network spans the full spectrum of healing modalities. Selected for their extensive experience and eminence in their field by Soneva Soul’s wellness experts, the specialists include: lymphatic drainage expert and modelling massage therapist Ana Trida; renowned psychotherapist Andrew Wallas, who uses a hybrid approach to achieve a profound alchemical transformation; hypnotherapist, author and host of The Calmer You podcast Chloe Brotheridge; shamanic practitioner Eddy Elsey, whose work has been featured in GQ, Men’s Health and The Telegraph, among others; preventative health expert and founder of the multi-award-winning 360 lifestyle brand Hayo’u Katie Brindle; and Vedic meditation teacher and co-founder of the London Meditation Centre Jillian Lavender.
Soneva has also partnered with London-based wellness group Aequi to host an exclusive Mental Resilience Retreat. This inaugural retreat takes place during September 23-30, 2022, as an eight-day residential retreat and will be held at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll. Led by Aequi’s team of expert practitioners, the retreat is open to just six guests and will integrate psychological and holistic approaches to wellbeing through a fully personalised, one-to-one service.
Launched in late 2021 and guided by the principle of ‘lifestyle evolution’, Soneva Soul reconnects mind, body and soul through personalised care plans that help guests realise their utmost potential and achieve their long-term wellness goals. This unique wellness concept builds upon Soneva’s experience at the forefront of the luxury hospitality and wellbeing industry over the last 27 years, harnessing the knowledge and expertise gathered during Soneva’s journey since launching its first spa at Soneva Fushi in 1995 – from traditional therapies, naturopathy and healing rituals, to the latest in diagnostics and scientific advances in medicine.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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