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Soneva launches next phase of VR videos

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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.

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau unveils ‘Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks’

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has introduced “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks”, a new package combining marine adventure, wellness and education in Raa Atoll.

The package is designed for travellers seeking experiences that go beyond leisure, offering opportunities to engage with the natural environment through activities that are both educational and responsible. Located close to one of the most accessible nurse shark snorkelling sites in the Maldives, just a 10-minute boat ride from the resort, InterContinental Maldives is offering guests the chance to observe the species in its natural habitat.

At the centre of the package is a guided swim with nurse sharks, giving guests the opportunity to observe the animals at close range in the water. Ahead of the excursion, guests are invited to attend a complimentary presentation led by one of the resort’s resident marine biologists. Held two days before the swim, the session is designed to address common misconceptions about sharks while providing information on their behaviour and ecological role. The presentation also includes refreshments and an interactive question-and-answer session.

The package also incorporates wellness elements in line with the resort’s broader focus on wellbeing. On the morning of the excursion, guests may take part in a 60-minute Morning Meditation & Slow Stretch session at the resort’s Yoga Pavilion. The session includes guided breathwork and mindful movement intended to help participants feel prepared before entering the water. The group session is priced at USD 35++ per person.

Before the swim begins, the resort’s marine team assesses shark activity and water visibility in Maamunagau Lagoon to ensure suitable conditions. The experience does not involve feeding or pursuing the sharks. Instead, guests observe them from a respectful distance as they rest on the seabed or move along the reef. The activity is positioned as an accessible marine encounter for a wide range of guests, including families, while also serving as an introduction to marine ecosystems and conservation. The guided swim is priced at USD 120+.

After the excursion, guests may choose from a selection of spa treatments at AVI Spa. These include Floating Sound Healing, which places guests in water while sound vibrations are used to support relaxation, priced at USD 150+. Another option is the 120-minute Maldivian Essence ritual, a full-body treatment drawing on local healing traditions and designed to relax muscles, nourish the skin and restore balance. This treatment is priced at USD 280+.

Through the “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks” package, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is bringing together marine education, responsible wildlife interaction and wellness experiences in a single programme. The package presents ocean exploration as both a nature-based activity and a restorative experience, allowing guests to engage with the marine environment in a considered and structured way.

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SO/ Maldives to celebrate Eid Al Adha with dining, wellness and entertainment

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SO/ Maldives has announced its Eid Al Adha programme, “Eid, the Island Way”, set to take place from 26 to 28 May 2026, presenting a resort-led celebration that blends cultural elements with contemporary luxury.

Set in the Indian Ocean, the resort is positioning the three-day programme as an immersive experience aimed at travellers seeking leisure, wellness and curated island activities. The celebration will bring together a series of daytime and evening experiences built around relaxation, dining, entertainment and family-oriented programming.

During the mornings, guests will be able to begin the day with sunrise yoga overlooking the lagoon or take part in snorkelling and diving activities designed to showcase the surrounding marine environment. The programme is intended to reflect a style of luxury travel in the Maldives centred on personal experience and wellbeing.

Throughout the day, Lazuli Beach Club will serve as a social venue for guests, offering tropical milkshakes, live music, and Karak tea paired with shisha. The setting is designed to create a relaxed atmosphere for guests to gather and mark the occasion of Eid.
In the evenings, the resort will shift its focus to live entertainment. The programme will include Oud performances, DJ sessions by the shoreline, and fire dance performances. Pavilion Bar will also host its Sunset Hour, where guests can enjoy drinks alongside views of the sunset.

Dining will be a central part of the Eid offering. At Hadaba, SO/ Maldives’ signature restaurant, guests will be offered a four-course menu inspired by traditional flavours and presented through a contemporary approach. The menu will feature dishes influenced by shawarma, slow-cooked lamb and pistachio-based desserts.

The resort will also offer a range of wellness and activity-based experiences during the celebration. These will include spa treatments such as the Eid Aroma Deep Journey, as well as fitness sessions aimed at relaxation and rejuvenation. Marine excursions will give guests opportunities to explore coral areas and observe marine life.

Families travelling to the resort will also have access to activities for children, including workshops and cultural sessions, intended to reflect the spirit of Eid across different age groups.

Through the programme, SO/ Maldives continues to develop its identity as a luxury lifestyle resort in the Maldives, combining design, hospitality and curated guest experiences. With “Eid, the Island Way”, the resort is presenting Eid Al Adha as a multi-day celebration centred on connection, dining, entertainment and island living.

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Sirru Fen Fushi secures dual nomination in Condé Nast Traveler Awards

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has been nominated in both the Condé Nast Traveller (UK) and Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, reflecting recognition across two of the travel industry’s established global platforms.

The annual awards highlight hospitality brands based on guest feedback, with nominations reflecting performance across areas such as service, design, wellness and overall guest experience.

Located within one of the Maldives’ larger resort lagoons, Sirru Fen Fushi is known for features including the Coralarium, an underwater art installation, as well as its approach to sustainability and wellness. The resort said the dual nomination reflects its continued focus on delivering guest experiences aligned with international expectations.

According to the property, its offering combines accommodation, dining and wellness programmes within a natural island setting, supported by service and curated activities.

In a statement, resort management said the nomination acknowledged both the contribution of its team and the support of its guests.

“We are honoured to be nominated in both editions of the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards,” the resort said. “This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team and the heartfelt support of our guests. We remain committed to creating experiences that resonate long after our guests return home.”

Voting for the Condé Nast Traveler (US) Readers’ Choice Awards and Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Readers’ Choice Awards is open until 30 June 2026.

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