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

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.
Featured
Kuda Villingili’s iconic pool honoured in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been ranked among the Best Resort Pools in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. This prestigious accolade, determined by votes from discerning travellers across the region, comes at a time of dual celebration for the resort as it marks its fourth anniversary.
Located in the picturesque North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili has garnered a reputation for its seamless blend of design, immersive experiences, and strong sense of community. Central to the resort’s appeal is its iconic 150-metre swimming pool—the largest in the Maldives. This architectural masterpiece redefines leisure and stands as a social and visual centrepiece of the island.
Encircled by swaying palms, luxurious daybeds, and jacuzzis, the pool connects effortlessly to the resort’s trio of lively bars and eight globally inspired restaurants. It is more than a swimming area; it is a meticulously designed space offering distinct zones to cater to diverse guest preferences. These include a 50-metre Olympic-sized lap pool for fitness enthusiasts, dedicated areas for daily aqua fitness and yoga sessions, jacuzzis tucked beneath tropical greenery, and shallow zones tailored for children. The pool also transforms into a romantic setting for candlelit dinners beneath the stars, offering couples a unique dining experience under the Milky Way.
Deepa Manuel, General Manager of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, commented on the recognition, “This award is a testament to our commitment to creating unforgettable, design-led experiences with heartfelt Maldivian hospitality. The pool was designed to bring people together—from families and fitness lovers to couples and solo travellers. It’s where our guests laugh, connect, and relax. To be ranked among the top three Best Resort Pools by Travel + Leisure readers just as we celebrate our fourth anniversary is a beautiful affirmation of what we have created here.”
Further affirming its status, Kuda Villingili also recently received the Reader’s Favourite Overseas Hotel award at the Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards 2024, underscoring its growing popularity across key Asian markets.
Kuda Villingili continues to push the boundaries of luxury island living, rooted in wellness, connection, and authenticity. The resort boasts eight exceptional dining venues offering 11 global cuisines, including the signature beachfront Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Mar-Umi and Earth, which celebrates Maldivian and vegetarian dishes. Guests also enjoy access to a wellness-focused private island spa, an active surf culture with proximity to the famed Chickens Break, and 75 luxurious villas and residences—many featuring private infinity pools and offering spaces for both solitude and meaningful connection.
Whether guests are swimming laps at sunrise, soaking in a jacuzzi beneath the stars, or toasting during a floating dinner at dusk, the pool at Kuda Villingili offers more than just a recreational space—it embodies an experience. This recognition from the Travel + Leisure Awards reflects the heartfelt appreciation of guests who consistently celebrate not only the beauty of the resort but the soulful experiences it provides.
Awards
Sirru Fen Fushi secures top spots in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has been honoured in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, securing top rankings in two highly sought-after categories:
- #2 Best Resort Pools in the Maldives
- #4 Best Resort for Families in the Maldives
These accolades underscore the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing immersive, meaningful, and luxurious experiences for guests of all ages.
Celebrated for its expansive villas tailored with families in mind, Sirru Fen Fushi offers serene sanctuaries in beach, jungle, and overwater settings. Accommodations include the unique Safari Tented Villas, Sirru Residences, and spacious two- and three-bedroom villas, along with deluxe family lodgings—each offering privacy, ample space, and direct access to either the lagoon or beach.
Beyond its thoughtfully designed accommodations, the resort presents a range of family-friendly experiences. Guests can enjoy an interactive Kids’ Club, curated cultural and nature-based activities, hands-on art and sustainability workshops, and unforgettable marine adventures such as turtle discovery, snorkelling safaris, guided dolphin cruises, and stargazing. Each offering is crafted to inspire connection, learning, and joy across generations.
Ranked as the #2 Best Resort Pools in the Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi features an awe-inspiring 200-meter infinity pool that spans from the island’s eastern to western shores, symbolically linking sunrise to sunset. Framed by soft white sands and boundless ocean views, the pool has become an iconic centerpiece of the resort—captivating photographers, influencers, and leisure seekers from around the world.
Nestled on a pristine, untouched island, Sirru Fen Fushi seamlessly blends the quintessential Maldivian experience with sustainability, artistic expression, and cultural immersion. With this latest recognition, the resort continues to set new standards for modern luxury through meaningful travel and exceptional hospitality.
Awards
Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific awards Villa Nautica Best Resort Pool in Maldives

Villa Nautica’s signature infinity pool has been awarded the title of Best Resort Pool in the Maldives by readers of the Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Luxury Awards 2025. More than just an architectural feature, the pool serves as the heart of the resort—a tranquil expanse of water that seamlessly mirrors the sea beyond and transforms swimming into a meditative experience. Here, thoughtful design blends effortlessly with the natural environment, creating a space where the boundaries between land, water, and sky dissolve into serenity.
Located in the North Malé Atoll, only a short speedboat ride from the capital, Villa Nautica’s 1,350-square-meter pool is both a focal point and a design statement. It does not clamor for attention but draws it gently, extending confidently toward the horizon and creating the illusion of merging with the open ocean—while still offering the comfort and stability of land.
What distinguishes this pool is not merely its size or the flawless infinity illusion, but the way it quietly becomes part of the guest’s daily rhythm. Sun loungers are thoughtfully spaced and positioned, offering just the right amount of shade and always seeming to face the light at its most flattering angle. From morning sunbathing to lazy midday naps and sunset refreshments, the space is designed for lingering.
Adjacent to the pool is Press & Pot, a favoured spot among guests who enjoy pairing their swim with an artisanal coffee. The scent of freshly brewed espresso mingles with the sea breeze and the subtle aroma of sunscreen. Here, pastries come warm from the oven, tropical fruits are sliced to order, and coffee is served to a standard that rivals any urban café—with the added luxury of an uninterrupted ocean view.
Villa Nautica’s approach is not one of ostentation but of elegance. Its luxury lies in the details: the coolness of the stone underfoot, the soft rustle of palm leaves, and the way the water reflects the sky like glass as dusk approaches. It is an environment where nature and design exist in perfect, understated harmony.
This is what set Villa Nautica apart and earned it top honors. Among a competitive field of exceptional Maldivian resorts, the Travel + Leisure panel identified a timeless quality here. This is not simply a pool to swim in—it is one to experience. A space that encourages guests to pause, disconnect, and simply be.
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