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Italian Chef Alberto Faccani to helm Flying Sauces at Soneva Fushi

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Italian chef and entrepreneur Alberto Faccani is collaborating with award-winning sustainable luxury resorts operator Soneva to bring Italy’s two Michelin-starred Magnolia Ristorante to Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. He will delight guests at the resort’s popular fine-dining zipline restaurant, Flying Sauces, during an exclusive residency from February 1 to April 30, 2023.

Chef Alberto has always been passionate about cooking and honed his skills at an early age at the Michelin-starred La Frasca and Enoteca Pinchiorri restaurants. Learning technical experimentation from Gualtiero Marchesi and Ferran Adrià, as well as the expert handling of raw materials from Massimiliano Alajmo, helped inspire his culinary style and forge his own path. In 2003, when he was just 27 years old, he opened Magnolia Ristorante in northern Italy’s gastronomic region of Emilia-Romagna. Serving creative seafood dishes with strong local roots, imaginative combinations and striking presentation, Magnolia received its first Michelin star in 2005 and another in 2017.

Named as one of the ‘100 chefs who have changed Italian cuisine in the last 10 years’ by prestigious food and wine guide, Identità Golose, today he remains just as committed to elevating culinary standards. In his role as chef and entrepreneur, he oversees Magnolia Ristorante and Relais Villa Margherita, as well as the Magnolia To Go concept – an itinerant van that interprets haute cuisine with street food. Chef Alberto’s initiative also gave rise to Magnolia Catering, which organises private and public events throughout Europe, and his new Ristorante Veranda, which takes pride of place along the Cesenatico seafront, is scheduled to open in February 2023.

Flying Sauces featuring Alberto Faccani at Soneva Fushi will showcase his signature style that’s entirely driven by food, crafted using noteworthy ingredients with no anchoring to tradition and a focus on the dining experience as a whole.

“Ristorante Magnolia is the realisation of a lifelong dream. It allowed me to express my passion for cooking and to work on other important projects, including a collaboration with Soneva Fushi”, explains chef Alberto. “The sea is part of me. Feeling it close gives me the energy and strength I need. Furthermore, its breeze accompanies me, every day, all the way to the kitchen. This allows me to unleash my creativity through different forms, giving traditional recipes a new and contemporary twist. With the help and support of my colleagues, I can bring my idea of cooking to life in several places around the world at the same time”.

Working alongside chef Alberto during the 12-week Flying Sauces residency will be Chef de Partie at Magnolia Ristorante, Sean Conti. Hailing from Longiano in the region of Emilia-Romagna, chef Sean studied Fine Art in Milan before donning his chef whites and forging a career in the culinary industry. With extensive experience working in Michelin-starred kitchens, chef Sean combines his knowledge of fine art with his passion for food to create visually striking dishes.

Launched in 2021, Flying Sauces is the first fine dining zipline experience in the world, complete with an open treetop kitchen 12 metres above the ground. After being securely strapped into safety harnesses, guests soar along a 200-metre zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform where stunning views of the island’s lush greens and sparkling turquoise ocean await. Once seated, savour chef Alberto’s memorable menu, paired with a selection of over 9,000 wines from Soneva Fushi’s extensive cellar. 

For more information about Soneva Fushi, visit www.soneva.com

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Green Globe Recertification underscores Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ environmental vision

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Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has once again achieved Green Globe Certification, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability as an integral part of its operations. Rather than serving as a mere statement, sustainability at the resort is woven into every aspect of the guest experience, internal decision-making, and long-term strategy. The certification follows a comprehensive, independent audit evaluating the resort’s performance against more than 380 stringent compliance indicators — a demanding benchmark that the resort successfully met.

Significant strides have been made in reducing the property’s carbon footprint without compromising comfort or quality. Energy consumption is managed through the implementation of smart room controls and occupancy sensors, while 99 percent of lighting throughout the property utilizes high-efficiency LED technology. Hot water is supplied by a generator-powered heat exchanger system, complemented by steam-powered laundry machines and energy-efficient appliances in kitchens, guest rooms, and staff facilities. Digital systems have replaced paper-intensive processes, and a Green IT policy ensures all computers are powered down when not in use — reflecting the brand’s dedication to mindful, sustainable operations.

Water conservation remains a central focus of the resort’s environmental efforts. Operating independently from public water systems, the resort employs a sophisticated treatment plant that purifies seawater for use throughout the property. Efficiency is further enhanced by dual-flush toilets, low-flow fixtures, greywater recycling systems, and real-time monitoring technology. Preventative maintenance and regular checks help minimise waste before it occurs.

Situated in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, the resort embraces proactive environmental action as essential. Electric buggies reduce carbon emissions on the island, while local sourcing practices lower transportation-related impacts and support nearby communities. A green procurement policy and ongoing staff training ensure that all departments align with the resort’s long-term sustainability objectives.

Marine conservation plays a prominent role at the resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, where initiatives such as coral propagation, guided snorkelling tours, and educational reef programs encourage guest participation in ocean protection efforts. A collaboration with Parley for the Oceans ensures that plastic waste is recycled and that marine ecosystems remain safeguarded for future generations.

Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. From the visible to the behind-the-scenes, it shapes every detail of a stay. The Maldives Discovery Centre offers visitors insights into local culture through exhibits, artisan displays, and live performances that celebrate Maldivian heritage. Interactive workshops with local craftspeople and educational exhibitions on maritime trade routes provide guests with a rich, immersive understanding of the destination—highlighting the connection between community, culture, and conservation.

This Green Globe recertification is not viewed as a conclusion but as part of a continuous journey. It reflects an enduring commitment to protecting the environment while delivering the unique rhythm, flavour, and hospitality that define the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives experience. Here, sustainability takes center stage as part of the headline act.

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Island rhythms and Eid traditions at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

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This Eid al-Adha, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites discerning travellers to experience an enchanting celebration set against the spellbinding beauty of the Maldives—a private island paradise where refined luxury harmonises with vibrant tradition.

On Sunday, 8 June, the resort will host a thoughtfully curated programme of festivities that honour the spirit of Eid. Guests will be taken on an immersive cultural journey featuring the rhythmic beats of live Boduberu drumming and a captivating Badhiya dance performance, offering a celebration of Maldivian heritage and spirit. Younger visitors can look forward to a lively schedule of children’s activities designed to spark joy and creativity in an inspiring island setting.

As the sun sets, the celebration continues with a cocktail party on the beach, where the golden hues of dusk are paired with live local music and specially crafted cocktails. This relaxed gathering invites guests to savour the island’s warm ambiance as day gives way to night.

Later in the evening, the resort’s signature Seasalt restaurant will present an indulgent Eid Special Buffet. Curated by the resort’s expert culinary team, the buffet showcases a fusion of Maldivian and Arabic gastronomy, featuring aromatic Arabic grills, traditional mezze, and beloved Maldivian classics—all prepared with fresh local ingredients and a contemporary twist.

In celebration of the occasion, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is offering exclusive holiday savings through its Summer Getaway offer. This includes daily breakfast and dinner, 20% off spa treatments and dining experiences, as well as roundtrip seaplane transfers. Guests will also have access to a curated selection of complimentary scheduled weekly activities, providing a deeper connection to the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Maldives.

Whether in search of peaceful relaxation, quality family time, or meaningful cultural discovery, Eid at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives promises an unforgettable celebration in every sense.

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Sirru Fen Fushi secures coveted 2025 hospitality accolades

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a secluded sanctuary nestled in the pristine Shaviyani Atoll of the Maldives, has been recognised in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade places the resort among the top 10% of listings worldwide on Tripadvisor, honouring its consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences.

Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, bases this award on genuine feedback from travellers who share authentic, first-hand reviews over a 12-month period. The Travelllers’ Choice designation is widely regarded as a trustworthy indicator of quality and excellence in the global travel industry.

The year 2025 has proven to be a milestone for Sirru Fen Fushi, with numerous nominations and certifications reinforcing its standing in the global hospitality arena. These include:

  • Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Top 10% of hospitality businesses globally
  • LQA (Leading Quality Assurance) Certified – Recognising adherence to the highest standards of luxury service and operations
  • Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Nominated
  • Condé Nast Traveller India Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Nominated
  • Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025 – Nominated
  • Green Globe™ Certified – Commending sustainable and eco-conscious practices

These accolades underscore the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, curating immersive guest experiences, demonstrating sustainability leadership, and showcasing authentic Maldivian culture.

Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi, expressed gratitude for the global recognition, noting that each nomination and award is a testament to the team’s dedication, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. He acknowledged the continued trust and support of guests and the international community as key to the resort’s ongoing success.

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