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Soneva launches next phase of VR videos
Luxury hospitality pioneer Soneva has launched its next phase of Virtual Reality (VR) videos, sharing its inspiring experiences at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives with audiences around the world. A curated experience with discovery at its heart, Soneva’s latest series of VR videos champions its pioneering SLOW LIFE ethos and celebrates the beautiful Maldives Baa and Noonu atolls.
Using a VR headset or downloaded from YouTube, the immersive videos offer a journey of discovery around the sights and sounds of Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, with 360-degree navigation offering a unique, first-hand perspective of the rare experiences, expansive villas and stunning setting in the Maldives’ archipelago. The new videos focus on a number of key areas, which include:
Soneva Villa Ownership in the Maldives: The first and only scheme that offers real estate to foreign buyers in the Maldives, with all appropriate controls and compliance in place. Soneva’s portfolio of luxury property for sale includes expansive private villas at both Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll.
Ocean Adventures at Soneva Jani: The playful escapism of Soneva Jani’s luxurious lagoon makes the resort irresistible to experience seekers. Guests can enjoy a range of complimentary non-motorised water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling at the house reef. Or experience the ocean with complete freedom with the latest motorised tech, including eSurfboards and Flyboards. As the sun starts to set, guests can enjoy an out-of-this-world experience watching playful dolphins in Maldives’ deeper waters.
Dining Destinations at Soneva Fushi: Eleven dining destinations offer a tempting array of cuisines alongside Michelin-starred guest chefs through the Soneva Stars calendar. Each experience is in tune with nature’s rhythm and uses fresh vegetables and herbs from the resort’s organic gardens and sustainably caught fish from the waters surrounding the island. Guests can also visit the Bar and Wine Cellar, with more than 500 varieties curated from some of the world’s top wineries, or indulge at the complimentary chocolate, ice cream and cheese and charcuterie parlours.
Dining Destinations at Soneva Jani: The culinary experiences at Soneva Jani are as diverse as they are memorable. Eleven dining concepts, both at The Gathering and around the island, present gourmet menus across a variety of cultures and cuisines alongside Michelin-starred guest chefs through the Soneva Stars calendar. In addition to the delightful dining venues, guests can enjoy culinary adventures such as private dining around the lagoon, a deserted island castaway picnic, organic garden lunches and cooking classes. Guests can also indulge at the complimentary chocolate, ice cream and cheese and charcuterie parlours.
Soneva Unlimited at Soneva Jani: All guests staying in any Soneva Jani Chapter Two Reserve can truly indulge with Soneva Unlimited, which is included in the villa price. Guests can experience every facet of Soneva Jani to their hearts’ desire, including unlimited fine dining and wines, Soneva Soul wellness treatments, signature experiences and more.
Soneva Soul at Soneva Jani: Surrounded by the majesty of nature, Soneva Soul’s three-level Island Spa complex at Soneva Jani is linked by raised walkways that wind among the trees. Complementing the existing Over-water Spa at The Gathering, it includes open-air treatment rooms, consultation suites, integrative medicine rooms, a state-of-the-art gym and juice bar. A yoga pavilion and meditation platform also sit high above the tree line, offering 360-degree views across the turquoise private lagoon.
Renowned as a pioneer in the hospitality sector, Soneva has achieved a raft of industry firsts since the launch of Soneva Fushi in 1995: from opening some of the first spas in resorts in Asia, redefining the water villa and its commitment to existing in harmony with its natural environment, to its complimentary ice cream and chocolate parlours, open-air bathrooms, observatories, and private cinemas at each of its resorts.
JA Manafaru has announced that renowned DJ and radio presenter Tom Green will once again host an exciting after-party this year. Recognised for his high-energy performances and exceptional music selection, Green is a well-known voice in the UK, celebrated for his work on the KISS FM Breakfast Show, as well as his roles at Capital FM and The Hits Radio.
Beyond his radio career, Green has co-hosted ‘The Bauer BRITS Show’ and collaborated with global stars, including Katy Perry, whom he interviewed live during her tour. As a sought-after event host, he brings unmatched confidence and charisma, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Expressing his excitement about returning to the Maldives, Green stated, “It’s an absolute pleasure to be back in the Maldives playing at JA Manafaru. I had such a great time during the last festive season, and it’s exciting to know that we’re only going bigger and better this year. There’s only one place to be when the clock strikes midnight, and that’s on THIS island.”
Guests can anticipate an electrifying evening as Tom Green takes to the decks, delivering an incredible line-up of tracks to keep the celebration alive. The New Year’s After Party will commence at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, at JA Manafaru.
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced that all spas across its five properties in the Maldives have received accreditation from the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO), the global authority in beauty and spa therapy, as of December. This milestone underscores the resort group’s dedication to providing spa services that meet internationally recognised standards of professional care and expertise.
The accredited spas include:
- Veyo Spa by Thalgo at Siyam World
- The Spa by Thalgo at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
- The Spa, Ocean Spa, and Blue Spa at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
- Ocean Spa at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
- The Spa at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Established in 1946 in Brussels and currently headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, CIDESCO represents the pinnacle of excellence in aesthetics and spa therapy. Operating in over 40 countries across five continents, this non-profit organisation sets globally recognised benchmarks for beauty and spa qualifications.
The accreditation highlights Sun Siyam Resorts’ commitment to delivering outstanding wellness services in line with CIDESCO’s high standards. It reflects the spas’ dedication to maintaining professionalism, hygiene, and service quality while adhering to industry best practices.
Guests staying at Sun Siyam Resorts can now enjoy spa treatments that align with CIDESCO’s internationally endorsed standards for beauty and wellness.
For the first time in its history, Maldives has reached the milestone of welcoming two million tourists in a single year. This achievement marks a significant moment for the nation’s tourism industry, underscoring its global appeal as a premier travel destination.
The target of two million tourists, set for this year, was officially achieved today. To commemorate the occasion, a special ceremony was held at Velana International Airport, where the landmark visitor was welcomed with fanfare.
The two millionth tourist, Astrid Dirnegger from Austria, arrived in Maldives with her husband and two children. As part of the celebrations, she received a variety of souvenirs and a holiday package from SAii Lagoon Resort, offering her family the opportunity to experience the renowned hospitality and luxury of the Maldives.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives now hosts an average of more than 6,000 tourists daily, reflecting its sustained popularity among travellers worldwide.
China has emerged as the top source of visitors this year, followed by significant contributions from Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, India, the United States, France, Spain, and Switzerland.
This milestone underscores the Maldives’ position as a leading destination for international tourism, renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class resorts. As the nation celebrates this historic achievement, the tourism sector looks forward to continued growth and success in the coming years.
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