Featured
Soneva Founder and CEO Sonu Shivdasani awarded OBE in King’s New Year Honours 2023 List
Sonu Shivdasani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Soneva resorts, and Founder of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, has been honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to tourism, sustainability and charity in the King’s New Year Honours 2023 Overseas and International List.
Born in England, Sonu is an alumnus of Eton College and a graduate of Oxford University. It was during his time at Oxford that he met his Swedish-born wife Eva and together they fell in love with the Maldives. Their first resort, Soneva Fushi, opened in 1995 in the Baa Atoll with a novel concept that blended luxury hospitality with environmental responsibility. The original ‘castaway’ resort went on to redefine tourism in the island nation.
In the same year, Sonu and Eva launched Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, followed by the Evason hotel group in 1997, with several landmark properties across Southeast Asia and Europe. In 2012, management contracts for both companies were sold as part of Sonu and Eva’s ‘One Owner, One Operator, One Philosophy’ strategy.
“Receiving an OBE is an incredible honour and I share it with all of Soneva’s friends and family. This recognition reinforces our founding vision, which is placing purpose over profit,” explained Sonu Shivdasani, Founder and CEO of Soneva.
“We believe that true luxury is about time well spent, so we strive to make every moment memorable for our guests without losing sight of our intention to contribute to communities near and far and protect our precious planet.”
Soneva has long championed greater environmental accountability in the hospitality sector and beyond. Its resorts – Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand – are all carbon neutral with a 2% environmental levy added to every stay. These proceeds go towards the Soneva Foundation, a not-for-profit UK-registered trust that helps offset carbon emissions and funds purposeful projects around the world.
Soneva Namoona, an independent Maldivian non-governmental organisation (NGO), also receives funding from Soneva and the Soneva Foundation for key initiatives that help phase out single-use plastics, improve recycling efforts and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards in the Maldives.
Featured
AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost
Maldives recently welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists. Operated primarily for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, the ship arrived on December 8, 2024, from Muscat, Oman. This visit marks the first cruise ship arrival since regulatory changes were implemented at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).
The AIDA’s stopover is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists is likely to benefit various businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guesthouses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé. This surge in activity is anticipated to further solidify the Maldives’ position as a leading cruise destination in the region.
This milestone underscores the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. Beyond its economic impact, the AIDA’s visit is expected to enhance foreign reserves and contribute to broader national economic growth. The vessel is scheduled to depart the Maldives on December 9, 2024, at 6 PM, after a brief yet impactful visit.
The Maldivian tourism industry continues to thrive despite global challenges. This achievement follows recent accolades, including being named the World Travel Awards’ (WTA) World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and earning the title of World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time. The successful introduction of cruise tourism marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, with future visits poised to further invigorate the industry and local economy.
Celebration
A Soaring Festive: celebrate the season in style at Ifuru Island Maldives
This festive season, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to a tropical paradise celebration under the theme ‘A Soaring Festive.’ Taking place from December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the event promises a vibrant, entertainment-filled program designed to create joy, excitement, and lasting memories.
Catering to diverse preferences, A Soaring Festive offers an array of experiences, from dynamic nightlife and unique performances to relaxed island vibes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Renowned DJ Rawlo will headline the nightly entertainment, captivating audiences with high-energy performances and dynamic beats. Breaking away from conventional DJ stereotypes, Rawlo’s electrifying sets promise to keep guests dancing under the stars until late into the night.
Adding to the festive lineup, the talented duo Synthetic Seduction—comprising Evgeniya and Olcay—will deliver versatile performances, including soulful saxophone melodies, lively DJ sets, and engaging duo band shows. Whether guests are enjoying cocktails by the pool or dancing on the sand, this duo creates the perfect ambiance for both relaxation and high-energy fun.
For those seeking visual artistry, Jonas and Aygul will dazzle with awe-inspiring fire shows, mesmerising LED displays, skillful juggling acts, and elegant belly dancing. Their multi-faceted performances promise to light up the island with unforgettable entertainment.
Complementing the headline acts, ‘A Soaring Festive’ features a variety of activities designed to enhance the holiday experience. Guests can participate in beach games, competitions, and themed culinary events that celebrate the flavors of the season, ensuring a celebration filled with joy and excitement.
Featured
New deep-sea fish species discovered in Maldives: Chromis Abadhah
In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which funded the research.
The fish was first spotted near Maafilaafushi in the Kaafu Atoll. Subsequent studies revealed that the species inhabits multiple regions of the Maldives, ranging from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. Researchers documented the fish in eight distinct locations, indicating that it may be distributed across various parts of the country.
Chromis Abadhah resides at depths between 95 and 110 metres, in the mesophotic zone, where sunlight begins to fade. This habitat sets it apart from other species in its family, which are typically found in shallower waters of around 30 meters.
The new species belongs to the ‘Dan’ba’ family, a group of damselfish commonly found in Maldivian seas. However, Chromis Abadhah is distinct from its relatives in several ways:
- Unlike other Chromis species, it lacks the characteristic black cross line near the neck.
- Its upper shell comprises 14 bones, compared to the typical 13 seen in related species.
While other Chromis species, such as Chromis axillaris, Chromis pelora, and Chromis woodsi, are found in various parts of the world, Chromis Abadhah appears to be endemic to the Maldives, making it a unique addition to the region’s biodiversity.
The study was a collaborative effort involving Maldivian experts and international scientists. To better understand the species, researchers captured four specimens using a specialised net. Their findings, published in a scientific paper, highlight the importance of deep-sea exploration in uncovering hidden marine treasures.
The identification of Chromis Abadhah underscores the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity and the critical role of research in its preservation. This discovery also emphasises the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats, which often harbour unique and endemic species.
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