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Celebrate joy of festive season with Soneva’s inspiring calendar of rare experiences, visiting experts

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Pioneering luxury resorts brand Soneva has announced a spectacular festive calendar across its award-winning destinations in the Maldives and Thailand for December 2022.

For guests at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, this holiday season will be a time to reconnect with loved ones and revel in the magic of the festivities. Rare, one-of-a-kind experiences will create a lifetime of precious memories: exquisite dining from Michelin-starred chefs, festive feasts, world-renowned wellness specialists, sporting legends and an exciting holiday programme for children of all ages, as well as a special visit from Santa himself and one of the world’s best mentalists, Lior Suchard.

In true Soneva tradition, the iconic New Year’s Eve Journey around each resort will see out the year in awe-inspiring style – with sumptuous dining, live music and unforgettable entertainment.

Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Exceptional seasonal dining sets the scene for a magical Christmas and New Year at Soneva Fushi. British chef Timothy Bilton will be bringing a taste of Yorkshire to the Baa Atoll, while Danish chef Anika Madsen will be demonstrating her personal approach to gastronomy. Also visiting the Maldives this December is Swedish chef and restaurateur Paul Svensson, who recently launched Studio 2000 in Stockholm – an edible experiment that strives to disrupt the food system and change the way we think about land use, soil health and flavour.

On Christmas Eve, guests can celebrate the night before Christmas with an intimate but mind-blowing performance by world-renowned mentalist Lior Suchard, who will be taking guests on an incredible journey through the wonders of the human brain. A Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on the Soneva Fushi Sandbank at sunset, with carols, eggnog and mulled wine. Later that evening, there will be an extravagant Christmas gala dinner at Mihiree Mithaa, with cooking stations and festive entertainment from a live band.

Christmas Day starts with festive tunes and family games at breakfast time, followed by a visit from Santa to deliver presents and start the celebrations in the Baa Atoll. A light Christmas lunch will later be served at Out of the Sea and Out of the Blue.

Helping guests stay active throughout the festive season, former England international footballer and television pundit Graeme Le Saux will be hosting a series of football camps at Soneva Fushi. Former world number one tennis doubles and number four singles player Jonas Bjorkman will also be making a welcome return to the Baa Atoll to offer one-on-one coaching on the beautiful jungle court. For guests wanting to relax, unwind and re-centre over the winter holidays, Soneva Fushi’s resident yoga guru Pawan Kumar and expert team of international wellness specialists will be at the resort throughout the winter season at Soneva Soul.

Younger guests can embrace the festive fun with an exciting programme of Christmas-themed activities and experiences at The Den, one of the largest dedicated children’s zones in the Maldives. In the lead-up to Christmas Day, there’ll be Christmas tree decorating, carol rehearsals, festive baking, letter writing to Santa and crafts galore. On Christmas Day, Soneva Fushi’s youngest guests can take part in carnival games, make a splash at the Christmas pool party, try their hand at making mocktails, or explore the wonders of the stars above during a night-time Christmas camp. Throughout the holidays there will also be family treasure hunts, classic movie nights, sunset dolphin cruises, stargazing DJing workshops for teens, and a chance to compete in Junior MasterChef.

As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring that younger guests stay inspired and intrigued outside of term-time, Soneva has also partnered with Oppidan Education, a British-based mentoring firm created to help children continue their learning outside of the classroom and reach their full potential. As well as complimentary drop-in workshops with fun, educational activities at The Den, Oppidan will also offer private, one-on-one appointments, which can be scheduled each afternoon.

As 2022 draws to a close, Soneva Fushi’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations take guests on a So Global So Local gastronomic journey. A tantalising feast for the senses, the journey winds its way along torch-lit paths to mouth-watering live cooking stations and magical live entertainment. The evening culminates with a countdown to 2023 and a dazzling light show to welcome in the new year – followed by a live band and DJ spinning tunes into the early hours.

View the Soneva Fushi Festive Programme

Soneva Jani, Maldives

An array of fine, festive dining experiences awaits guests at Soneva Jani, alongside an exceptional line-up of visiting chefs through the Soneva Stars calendar. Timothy Bilton, Anika Madsen and Paul Svensson will all be hosting exclusive dining events at So Engaging, the intimate chef’s table that seats just five guests.

The seasonal celebrations start early on Christmas Eve, with a delectable mushroom steak and truffled egg breakfast served at sunrise or in-villa for guests. Later in the afternoon, Santa will be making an appearance at The Den to spread the Christmas cheer. Sunset cocktails will be served at the So Sandy beach, followed by an indulgent Christmas Eve dinner on North Beach, with live entertainment and a DJ.

On December 25, the festivities start with a Christmas morning breakfast and brunch at Down to Earth or, for late risers, an extended Christmas Brunch at The Gathering, while a Mini Brunch will be held at The Den for Soneva Jani’s youngest guests. The celebrations continue into the afternoon at South Beach where a DJ and saxophonist will be providing the soundtrack to the setting sun. In the evening, guests can awaken the senses with a set menu carefully curated to the classic movie Le Chef under the stars at Director’s Cut. For younger guests, Ratatouille will also be screened.

Families of all ages and sizes have plenty to look forward to at Soneva Jani’s all-new two-storey Den. Featuring a zipline through a cascading waterfall, areas for music, Lego, dressing up and creativity, a soothing sensory room for toddlers, and a hidden hangout for teens where mocktails and music set the scene – there’s something for everyone at The Den. Young Sonevians both large and small can join in the Christmas fun with ornament and cupcake-making, carol rehearsals, Christmas-themed movie nights and more, as well as ocean bingo, an island treasure hunt and mocktail masterclasses followed by a pool party for teens. The experts from Oppidan Education will also be making a welcome return to offer one-on-one mentoring sessions to Young Sonevians, as well as fun complementary activities.

Following his visit during the Easter holidays, Soneva Stars regulars Mikaël Silvestre will be returning to the Maldives in December during the festive break. The former French international football player will be hosting his ever-popular children’s football camps for Young Sonevians.

And at Soneva Soul, Soneva Jani’s resident yoga and meditation masters, Justin and Kamal, will also be hosting complimentary morning yoga, meditation and Pranayama sessions throughout the festive season.

To mark the end of 2022, Soneva Jani’s New Year’s Eve Journey takes guests on a gastronomic voyage of discovery. Starting with Champagne and canapés on the Arrival Jetty, it follows sparkling paths around the island to discover live cooking stations and magical entertainment along the way. The evening culminates at South Beach, with a countdown to 2023 and a breath-taking fire show to see in the new year, followed by a live band and DJ playing late into the night.

View the Soneva Jani Festive Programme

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OBLU SELECT Sangeli achieves Green Globe Gold Certification for fifth consecutive year

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In 2025, traveling more sustainably continues to be a priority for most travellers, with 84% indicating its importance according to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report. Reflecting this growing eco-conscious mindset, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, an award-winning resort in the North Malé Atoll, has achieved the prestigious Green Globe Gold Certification. This marks five consecutive years of independently accredited sustainability excellence.

Green Globe, a globally recognised certification for sustainable tourism, evaluates environmental, social, and economic practices. To attain Gold status, a property must be certified for five consecutive years, demonstrating consistent improvement and responsible management across all operational areas.

The milestone was celebrated during a special island ceremony, where the Green Globe certificate was officially presented by Babli Jahau, General Manager at NSURE Private Limited. Jahau praised the team’s dedication and collaboration, noting, “Green Globe Gold is a true mark of excellence. OBLU SELECT Sangeli has demonstrated long-term commitment to protecting the Maldives’ fragile ecosystem while engaging both the island team and guests in meaningful sustainability initiatives.”

Jenni Hartatik, General Manager of OBLU SELECT Sangeli, emphasised the resort’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, sustainability is an integral part of operations. From coral plantations and marine life sessions to reusable glass water bottles and gentle reminders for towel and linen reuse, every aspect reflects a commitment to sustainable hospitality. These thoughtful details not only create memorable stays but also promote eco-friendly practices.”

Central to the resort’s success is a holistic sustainability strategy underpinned by comprehensive policies. These include a broad environmental policy, an eco-conscious purchasing framework, landscaping practices favoring native plants and water conservation, and a biodiversity policy dedicated to preserving Sangeli’s unique island ecosystem. From energy reduction and waste diversion to flora and fauna protection, environmental stewardship is integrated into the resort’s daily operations.

The resort’s coral restoration project has successfully transplanted over 10,000 coral fragments through coral nursery and frame techniques. Despite bleaching events impacting the Maldives, Sangeli’s reefs displayed notable resilience, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing restoration efforts and marine protection measures. Adding creativity to conservation, the resort’s ghost net upcycling initiative transforms discarded fishing nets into handmade bracelets, sold to guests, with proceeds supporting coral restoration efforts. This initiative combines environmental action with community-driven craftsmanship.

As part of the Sangeli Muraka Project, a state-of-the-art underwater camera now live-streams footage from a coral garden directly to guest villas. This immersive experience enables travellers to observe the dynamic reef ecosystem in real time, perfect for those who do not snorkel or dive. The footage is also featured during marine biology sessions and at the Muraka Marine Centre, fostering greater appreciation and engagement with ocean conservation.

The resort’s on-site biogas plant significantly contributes to sustainability by processing up to 1,000 kilograms of kitchen waste daily. This generates methane gas that supplies approximately 40% of the kitchen’s gas needs, while the compost byproduct is used to fertilise landscaped areas, creating a full-circle sustainability loop.

Located on the serene north-western tip of North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers a tropical retreat for couples and families alike. This five-star resort combines natural beauty, contemporary villa design, and world-class dining through the all-inclusive Serenity Plan™, while being in proximity to some of the Maldives’ most vibrant diving and snorkelling spots. The resort stands as a testament to how travel and environmental responsibility can coexist, delivering unforgettable experiences with a lighter ecological footprint.

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Global Wellness Day 2025 at Milaidhoo: journey of transformation and reconnection

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On Global Wellness Day, celebrated on 14th June 2025, Milaidhoo invites guests to embrace a deeper sense of presence and harmony through its unique wellbeing philosophy rooted in ‘slow living.’ Reflecting the global theme of #ReconnectMagenta, which emphasises the importance of meaningful connections, Milaidhoo’s curated programme encourages guests to reconnect with themselves, the community, and the natural world in one of the most serene settings on Earth.

Situated in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo is more than a boutique island retreat; it is a sanctuary for mindful rejuvenation. At Milaidhoo, wellness extends beyond the spa, permeating every detail of the guest experience — from barefoot living and soulful seclusion to fresh, nourishing cuisine and personalised wellness menus designed to support individual journeys of transformation.

Global Wellness Day 2025 at Milaidhoo will begin with a soul-awakening dynamic cleansing and yoga nidra session at 8:00 on an exclusive sandbank. This session offers guests a chance to silence external noise, realign with their inner rhythm, and reconnect with themselves amidst the Indian Ocean horizon.

At 11:00, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a coral plantation activity led by the resort’s marine biologist at the Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre. This interactive conservation initiative allows guests to give back to the local ecosystem and fosters an emotional connection to the broader community of life beneath the waves.

In the afternoon, from 16:00 to 17:00, guests can embark on a guided mindful walking experience around the island. This activity invites participants to reconnect with nature through observation and intention, with each barefoot step across soft sand and lush jungle paths revealing the healing power of nature.

At Milaidhoo, food is an integral part of wellness, with every dish curated with wellbeing in mind. Whether it is plant-based vitality bowls from the Chef’s Garden, fresh-caught seafood, or custom-designed menus tailored to individual health goals, guests are encouraged to nourish not only their bodies but also their senses.

Paul van Frank, Milaidhoo’s general manager, shared, “Our wellness ethos embraces the art of slowing down and living in the moment. Global Wellness Day is an opportunity to remind guests of the power of reconnecting with themselves, with each other, and with the beautiful world around them.”

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New era of luxury Wellness: Pilates Reformer arrives at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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Setting a new standard in luxury wellness, the iconic St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is expanding its holistic offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer—a dynamic full-body workout renowned for its ability to lengthen, strengthen, and restore. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush island serenity, guests will soon be invited to experience this transformative practice as part of a thoughtfully curated wellness journey.

With a growing global demand for integrative fitness experiences, Pilates Reformer has become a favourite for those seeking mindful movement and functional strength. Utilising a specially designed apparatus, the method elevates traditional Pilates through resistance-based training that enhances flexibility, balance, and core stability, while remaining gentle on the joints. At St. Regis Maldives, certified instructors will guide guests through personalised sessions tailored to a variety of goals, from rehabilitation and toning to posture improvement and stress relief.

The addition of Pilates Reformer complements the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to wellness, extending far beyond conventional spa treatments. Central to this philosophy is the overwater Iridium Spa—a serene sanctuary that offers more than indulgence. Guests can engage in Ayurvedic consultations, guided meditation, and holistic health screenings conducted by in-house wellness doctors. These screenings integrate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) technology with the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Nadi Pareeksha, a traditional pulse diagnosis, to identify imbalances and customise each guest’s path to optimal well-being.

Whether seeking deep relaxation, detoxification, or enhanced physical performance, the resort’s integrative approach ensures that every element of a guest’s stay contributes to overall wellness. Daily yoga, breathwork sessions, oceanfront meditation, and nutrition guidance are seamlessly woven into the island’s natural rhythm to create a truly transformative retreat.

Private Pilates Reformer classes will be offered to suit all experience levels, providing an inspiring way for guests to reconnect with both body and mind. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and impeccable service, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine luxury through the lens of well-being.

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