Featured
Soneva unveils next phase of wellness development Soneva Soul
Award-winning luxury resorts brand Soneva has launched its next phase of wellness development at Soneva Soul, adding a team of expert international doctors and healers and the latest cutting-edge treatments and equipment to offer an even higher level of wellbeing and healing. Leading the way in world-class treatments, the new outcome-based menu welcomes science and innovation to address every aspect of guests’ wellbeing through personalised programmes and transformative treatments.
As part of its next phase and following the addition of new technology and equipment, traditional wellness philosophies such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and medicinal mushrooms now sit alongside cutting-edge integrative medicine such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, nutritional IV therapy, regenerative joint injections, platelet-rich plasma therapy, micro-needling and cryotherapy, amongst others.
Each treatment is administered by experienced doctors and wellness specialists, who also oversee the development of guests’ personalised programmes. Soneva Soul’s robust on-site team includes a Naturopathic doctor and an Ayurvedic doctor at each resort, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, Ayurvedic therapists, an experienced resort physician and nurse, as well as a broad range of spa therapists and visiting wellness specialists. Bringing their vast experience to Soneva Soul across a spectrum of healing therapies and wellness practices, the team’s level of expertise is unparalleled in the region and serves to provide care that is luxurious and deeply rejuvenating while being effective and targeted.
Leading the team at Soneva Fushi is medical and naturopathic doctor, Dr Arsallan Ahmad, whose expertise lies in regenerative injections, intravenous nutrient therapy and sports medicine. Dr Arsallan also treats various health concerns including digestive issues, food sensitivities, Lyme disease, mould exposure, heavy metal toxicity, osteoarthritis and auto-immune diseases through comprehensive nutritional programmes and treatments.
Also in residence at Soneva Fushi is Dr Fabio Pacciuci who has a rich toolkit offering comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapies including acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, qi gong, aesthetic acupuncture and micro-needling, breathwork and more. Dr Fabio works with all health concerns through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine to diagnose, rebalance and heal on every level.
“Our new comprehensive wellness and medical offerings at Soneva Soul come from the clear awareness that to feel truly well, all systems must be in balance. The body must receive the nutrients it needs, and we must remove all obstacles to regeneration,” says Medical Director for Soneva Soul, Dr Lilly-Marie Blecher. “For this reason, we focus on detoxifying, supporting cellular metabolism, nourishing on every level and regenerating compromised cells and tissues. Ancient medicines such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have known and practiced these principles for millennia. Modern medicine offers new therapies and expert acute care. Together, we can understand, heal and rejuvenate more deeply and completely. We recognise that health is our greatest asset and deserves the highest and most refined level of care.”
Launched in late 2021, Soneva Soul is a transformative wellness brand from Soneva that combines ancient healing with modern science to reconnect mind, body and soul. It is guided by the principle of ‘lifestyle evolution’, tailoring personalised care plans to help guests realise their utmost potential and achieve their long-term wellness goals. Surrounded by the majesty of nature, it is the result of Soneva’s experience at the forefront of the luxury hospitality and wellbeing industry over the last 27 years. It harnesses the knowledge and expertise gathered on 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.
Adding to its already extensive list of wellness offerings, Soneva also recently announced a new limited-edition Wellness Package across its award-winning hideaways in the Maldives and Thailand. Valid for a three-, five- or seven-night stay at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, the indulgent package is ideal for guests who wish to explore a health transformation at Soneva Soul. Each package includes a complimentary consultation with integrative medicine doctors to design an individualised, optimised programme. Combining conscious movement and meditation, luxurious spa treatments, regenerative therapies and nourishing menus across selected dining destinations, guests will find their every health need addressed.
The package starts from USD 3,000 and is based on one guest in a one-bedroom villa. A second adult may join the Wellness Package for an additional USD 500 per night at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
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.
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