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Soneva announces total impact assessment for 2021, celebrates another year of exceptional results

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Barefoot luxury pioneer Soneva has announced the publication of its Total Impact Assessment (TIA) for 2021 in its latest Sustainability Report. The award-winning resort brand, which has properties in the Maldives and Thailand, is built on the foundation that a business must exist for a greater purpose than shareholder returns. Soneva recognises that luxury travel and the pursuit of rare experiences can coexist with a deep care for the earth, the environment and its people and continually strives to set the benchmark for responsible tourism.

Soneva first launched its Total Impact Assessment (TIA) back in 2016, to measure its Environmental Profit and Loss (EP&L) and Total Impact Measurement and Management (TIMM). While there is currently no industry standard for environmental and social reporting, Soneva has developed its methodology internally with the intention to improve year-on-year. Taking a ‘planetary boundaries’ view of its social and environmental impact, the TIA assesses impacts from sources over which Soneva has both direct and indirect control, including natural capital, human capital, social capital, economic capital and tax.

Carbon neutral since 2012, a mandatory 2% environmental levy is added to every Soneva stay, with proceeds going towards the not-for-profit Soneva Foundation to offset both direct and indirect carbon emissions from resort activities and guest flights. The Foundation funds a range of global projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact, and result in a net absorption of CO2.

Key Highlights from 2021

  • In December, the first phase of the Soneva Coral Propagation Project was completed in partnership with the Swiss environmental organisation Coralive, with 432 table structures ready for coral planting at Soneva Fushi. The project aims to create the world’s largest Mineral Accretion Technology (MAT) coral nursery, propagating 50,000 coral fragments each year.
  • In 2021, the Myanmar Stoves Campaign successfully completed eight years in operation. Since its inception, 37,000 stoves have been distributed, benefitting 170,000 people and generating USD 28 million in social value and 240,000 Gold Standard carbon credits.
  • The Restaurants Against Hunger project reached its second successful year in 2021. The three-year programme aims to reduce child hunger and malnutrition in Bangladesh.
  • The first pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills arrived on Koh Kood in December last year as part of the Soneva Hornbill Project, aiming to reintroduce the species to the Thai island.
  • Initiated in 2021, Soneva Forest Restoration Mozambique is a partnership between the Soneva Foundation and Eden Reforestation Projects to plant 3.7 million trees over the next four years in Matica Sede, Mozambique, which will mitigate 2.4 million tons of CO2. Planting commenced in early 2022 and aims to restore 3,378 hectares of forest using native species in central Mozambique.
  • In 2021, the Mosquito Project reached a milestone of 2.5 years without pesticide fogging at Soneva Fushi and 1.5 years at Soneva Jani. During this time, the mosquito population has dropped by 98%. The project team also developed a hand sanitiser from a waste stream of the mosquito traps, which was validated by three independent labs in 2021.
  • Soneva Namoona expanded from its initial three island partnerships to 11 across the Maldives’ Baa Atoll and Noonu Atoll.
  • In December 2021, Soneva Namoona achieved a Maldives’ first: the seven Namoona islands in the Baa Atoll commissioned a recyclable waste collection boat to collect 50 tonnes of segregated, compacted and baled recyclable waste and transport it overseas for recycling.
  • Over 101,680 single-use plastic bottles were avoided in 2021 through Soneva Water operations and the provision of alternative packaging.
  • 100,191 kilograms of recyclables were diverted from landfill or toxic open burning and delivered to recycling partners in 2021.
  • 390 young people improved their swimming skills through the Inspire Swimming Programme, and 14 new swimming instructors received training.
  • 84,000 nappies were removed from five Namoona islands – Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, Kihaadhoo, Dhonfanu and Kamadhoo.
  • Soneva’s Waste-to-Wealth concept generated USD 427,000 in value in 2021. This brings the total value generated over the last decade to USD 2.6 million.
  • The Makers’ Place opened at Soneva Fushi in August 2021. Built in partnership with British artist Alexander James Hamilton, founder of Distil Ennui Studio™, this carbon-neutral island studio upcycled 50-60 kg of aluminium into art pieces within four months of operation.

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Reethi Faru Resort reveals festive line-up of dining, entertainment and island experiences

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Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.

The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.

The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.

For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.

Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.

According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.

Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.

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Awards

Condé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts

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.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.

Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.

Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.

The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.

The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.

Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”

The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.

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Awards

Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM

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Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.

At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.

Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.

At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.

The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.

According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.

The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.

Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.

The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.

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