Featured
Soneva Fushi welcomes Chef Pascal Barbot to Flying Sauces

Award-winning luxury resorts brand Soneva has partnered with Chef Pascal Barbot to bring France’s acclaimed two Michelin-starred Astrance restaurant to Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. The exclusive 12-week residency will take place from October 23, 2022, until January 23, 2023, at the resort’s zipline fine-dining restaurant, Flying Sauces.
As a young culinary student and an avid traveller, Chef Pascal began his hands-on education at some of the top restaurants in Europe and Australia. His early training included stints at Maxim’s in Paris, Clavé in Clermont-Ferrand and Les Saveurs in London, as well as an internship at Troisgros in Roanne. He then worked with Chef Alain Passard at L’Arpège, who, over the course of a five-year working relationship, taught him to respect the most basic of products. It was during that time that he met Christophe Rohat, with whom he partnered to open Astrance in Paris in July, 2000.
A culinary force in the Parisian restaurant scene, Astrance was awarded its first Michelin star just one year after opening. In 2005, the restaurant received its second star and was awarded a score of 19/20 by Gault et Millau, with Chef Pascal selected as Best Chef. His virtuoso cooking skills then brought him his third Michelin star in 2007, which he held consecutively for 12 years, and earned his restaurant the 18th spot on the coveted World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2011.
Flying Sauces featuring Pascal Barbot will showcase a uniquely Maldivian twist on some of Astrance’s signature, quintessentially French dishes. The menu will incorporate local ingredients picked from the resort’s organic gardens and feature a strong emphasis on zero waste, in line with Soneva’s philosophy of sustainable luxury.
“I am very pleased to be cooking for guests at Soneva Fushi,” says Pascal Barbot, chef-owner of Astrance restaurant. “It is a wonderful creative challenge for me, in line with my own culinary identity that was forged during my travels across England, Asia, Australia and New Caledonia. Maldivian cuisine features many fruits, spices and raw fish, and reminds me of my previous travels. After visiting the gardens of Soneva Fushi, the ideas were flying! Every ingredient inspired me.”
Taking the helm for the 12-week residency is Astrance’s chef Florence Stevenson, who has extensive experience working across every area of a French restaurant. Bilingual in both English and French, her diverse skillset extends beyond the kitchen, enhancing guests’ gastronomic experience and befitting Flying Sauce’s intimate setting.
Flying Sauces was launched in late 2021 and is the only fine dining zipline experience in the world. The evolving multi-course menu is enjoyed from an open treetop kitchen 12 metres above the ground, which boasts exceptional views of the island’s lush jungle and sparkling turquoise ocean. After being securely strapped into safety harnesses, diners soar along a 200-metre zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform. Once they arrive, Chef Pascal will prepare a delectable seasonal menu in the open kitchen, high above the ground, paired with a selection of over 9,000 fine wines from Soneva Fushi’s extensive cellar.
Featured
Celebrate love and life in Maldives with Villa Resorts’ summer offer

This summer, Villa Resorts presents an irresistible invitation to the Maldives with its exclusive Summer Indulgence Offer, featuring savings of up to 20% on a luxurious island getaway. From the sleek, nautical charm of Villa Nautica to the adventurous vibe of Villa Park, and the secluded serenity of Royal Island, each resort encapsulates the essence of a perfect tropical escape.
Villa Nautica, just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, captures the elegance of yacht-inspired living with a modern touch. Beachfront and overwater villas—some featuring private plunge pools—open onto expansive ocean vistas, seamlessly blending luxury and nature. Adventure seekers can engage in thrilling water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, or guided coral reef explorations with PADI-certified divers. At sunset, the Araamu Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary with treatments rooted in ancient wellness traditions designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Further south in the South Ari Atoll, Villa Park celebrates eco-conscious living alongside a spirit of discovery. The resort encourages immersive marine adventures, including the rare opportunity to swim with whale sharks. Sustainability is at the heart of the experience, with unique features such as treetop dining at the ZERO restaurant and coconut crafting workshops. Fresh ingredients sourced from the resort’s own gardens enhance a dining experience deeply connected to the island’s natural bounty. Whether it’s time spent on the water or quiet moments under the stars, every experience at Villa Park is vibrant and intentional.
Nestled in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Royal Island offers a more intimate escape. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and crystal-clear lagoons, the resort provides a tranquil haven for those looking to reconnect with nature. The Araamu Spa specializes in Ayurvedic therapies, offering a peaceful space for deep relaxation. For adventure enthusiasts, the on-site dive center provides access to the rich marine life of the atoll. Guests can also enjoy leisurely afternoons by the pool and serene strolls along the beach, all while basking in the resort’s refined, barefoot luxury.
Villa Resorts complements each stay with thoughtful touches aimed at enhancing the guest experience. Beach Pool and Overwater Villa guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, while those staying in Residences and Suites receive a half bottle of Champagne to mark the beginning of their getaway. Celebratory occasions are made extra special with personalised cakes and sparkling wine for anniversaries, and birthday cakes accompanied by wine for birthdays. Honeymooners, families, and long-stay guests are treated to additional perks, further enhancing the spirit of celebration and care.
Valid for stays until October 31, 2025, the Summer Indulgence Offer invites travellers to bask in the sun and savor life’s most beautiful moments in the Maldives. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a perfect blend of both, Villa Nautica, Villa Park, and Royal Island deliver unforgettable experiences marked by comfort, style, and indulgence that lingers long after the journey ends.
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort at Golden Travel Awards 2025

Ifuru Island Maldives has been officially named Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort Maldives 2025 by the prestigious Golden Travel Award, recognising the resort’s exceptional guest experience and innovative all-inclusive offering. The resort distinguished itself through its commitment to redefining the premium all-inclusive concept with a bold combination of curated adventures, gourmet dining, and a true sense of luxury.
Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it celebrates the dedication and passion the team invests in creating unforgettable moments for every guest. He emphasised that the resort’s experience is designed to offer guests the freedom to relax, explore, and feel truly at home, all within the comforts of a premium all-inclusive package.
Ifuru Island Maldives has quickly established a strong reputation with its thoughtfully crafted ‘Exclusively Yours’ Premium All-Inclusive package. With a fresh approach to luxury and authenticity, the resort continues to resonate with modern travellers who seek both comfort and meaningful connections.
This acknowledgment from the Golden Travel Award further solidifies Ifuru Island’s growing reputation as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive and experience-driven destinations.
Featured
Float & Flow Yoga debuts at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives now offers guests a unique wellness activity: Float & Flow Yoga. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of crystal-clear waters, this innovative session blends balance, movement, and mindfulness on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), fostering a joyful connection with nature.
Designed to accommodate both experienced yogis and beginners, Float & Flow Yoga provides a 60-minute session on the resort’s SUP Yoga Dock. This specially designed floating platform, shaped like a flower, features eight “petals,” each securing a SUP board around a central space designated for the instructor. Participants are guided through gentle yoga sequences that emphasise balance, breath, and flow.
Courtney Chambers, the resident Yoga Instructor at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, describes the activity as a joyful and liberating experience. She notes that SUP yoga encourages participants to embrace the playful side of the practice while reconnecting with nature.
Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:00 am, with a maximum of eight participants per session to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere. A minimum of three guests is required for each session. The class fee is priced at US$45 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charges.
Additionally, a professional drone photo and video package is available for US$25 per person, providing guests with a memorable keepsake of their experience.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable swimwear or yoga attire and to arrive 10 minutes early at the Perfect Wave Surf Shop for a pre-session briefing.
Whether the goal is mindfulness, gentle movement, or simply a splash of fun, Float & Flow Yoga at Kandooma offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with both self and sea.
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