Featured
JLF Soneva Fushi returns to Maldives in 2023 with star-studded author line-up
World-renowned resorts operator Soneva and Teamwork Arts, producer of the annual Jaipur Literature Festival and its international JLF extensions, have joined forces once more to launch the second edition of JLF Soneva Fushi. Taking place on the sands of Kunfunadhoo in the Maldives’ breath-taking Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the arts and literary festival will be returning to the award – winning barefoot luxury resort from May 12 to 21, 2023. Over the course of ten days and two weekends, the festival will host an unforgettable programme, with live performances of art, music and literature.
Each weekend, there will be flagship events, including keynote addresses, gala dinners on the sand, live music performances, and film screenings at the outdoor Cinema Paradiso. The festival will offer delectable international food from a specially curated menu prepared by Soneva Fushi’s award-winning chefs. Weekdays at JLF Soneva Fushi will focus on close-knit sessions and author discussions, as well as a range of engaging workshops. Every morning, the festival will offer sessions focused on yoga and meditation, dance workshops, guided snorkelling with Soneva Fushi’s resident Ocean Guardians, and glassblowing at Soneva Art & Glass, the Maldives’ first hot glass studio.
“A truly bespoke experience, JLF Soneva Fushi’s remarkable programme is an opportunity to reconnect with the pure joy of literature and the arts”, said Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Co-Founder of Soneva. “The exceptional setting of our barefoot island in the Maldives, coupled with our contributors and guests staying with us for at least a weekend makes JLF Soneva Fushi unlike any other literature festival. It’s this greater, intimate access to authors, deeper understanding, new friendships and stronger bonds that make this barefoot festival so unique. I cannot wait to welcome a line-up of outstanding international authors to our shores once again.”
Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, producer of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “JLF Soneva Fushi is food for the mind, body and soul. An exceptional gathering of collective wisdom and expertise from across the world, set in the most idyllic setting of the Baa Atoll, with delectable fare, exhilarating conversations and spectacular vistas.”
The 2023 edition will also see a line-up of world-renowned authors, including British novelist, broadcaster and Man Booker Prize winner, Howard Jacobson; Booker Prize-winning novelist and playwright, Damon Galgut; Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival and author of 20 books, Namita Gokhale; British historian, television presenter and author of popular history books, Simon Sebag Montefiore; best-selling historian, and Festival Co-Director, William Dalrymple; and professor in the departments of astronomy and physics at Yale University, Priyamvada Natarajan, who is well-known for her work in mapping dark matter and dark energy.
Throughout each day during their stay, guests will be able to explore and indulge in everything that Soneva Fushi has to offer: miles of pristine sandy beaches edged by tranquil turquoise waters; exquisite private villa accommodation, with Barefoot Guardians on hand 24/7 to anticipate every request; healing rituals and innovative wellness treatments at Soneva Soul; exceptional dining destinations serving the finest cuisine from across the world; and rare, one-of-a-kind experiences that create memories to last a lifetime.
The inaugural JLF Soneva Fushi brought with it a global line-up of critically acclaimed authors, thinkers and cultural leaders to the Maldives from May 13 to 22, 2022, and the sessions covered a fascinating spectrum of topics. The stand-out sessions included keynote addresses by best-selling author Peter Frankopan and New York Magazine deputy editor David Wallace-Wells; musical performances by Grammy-nominated singer Shilpa Rao and The Sufi Gospel Project; a free-flowing discussion with director Mira Nair and Festival Producer Sanjoy K. Roy, followed by a screening of her award-winning film Monsoon Wedding; sunset dolphin cruises; and an intimate author session on the power of diverse thinking with best -selling author Matthew Syed and mathematician extraordinaire Marcus du Sautoy.
The 2022 edition of the festival also held a special one-day event in Malé, featuring live Q&As with guest speakers and book signings in the Maldives’ capital city. The event was held at Salt Cafe, with participation from the Speaker of Parliament, former President Mohamed Nasheed, and world-renowned authors Shobhaa De and Marcus du Sautoy. Prominent local architect and academic Mauroof Jameel, illustrator and author Zaahie Saeed, and comic writer and expert Ahmed Mauroof Jameel also took part in the pop-up event.
For those wanting to attend JLF Soneva Fushi 2023, Soneva’s exclusive festival offer includes full access to the entire festival programme, with luxurious private villa accommodation, alongside daily full board at selected dining destinations and complimentary round–trip wheeled plane domestic transfers, priced from USD 8,100 for two guests for a minimum four-night stay. Those who book before November 30, 2022, will also benefit from an additional 10 per cent JLF Early Bird reduction on their stay.
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
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.
-
Action1 week agoFrom zero experience to professional careers: Atmosphere Foundation celebrates Divemaster graduates
-
News1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives celebrates 10 years with global chefs, bartenders and artists
-
News1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives introduces complimentary upgrade to new Ocean Reef Pool Villas
-
News1 week ago‘Circle of Light’ to illuminate RAH GILI MALDIVES’ first festive season
-
News1 week agoWomen’s football stars Lucy Bronze, Ona Batlle join Kandima Maldives festive line-up
-
Awards1 week agoCondé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts
-
News1 week agoKaran Tacker shares Maldives family escape at Centara Grand Lagoon
-
Awards1 week agoJOALI Maldives named Indian Ocean’s best resort as Maldives claims 20 of top 25