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World of inspiration awaits at JLF Soneva Fushi 2023

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JLF Soneva Fushi has revealed the list of speakers for the 2023 edition, bringing with it an inspirational line-up of critically acclaimed authors, celebrated thinkers and cultural leaders to the Maldives, from May 12 to 21, 2023. A partnership between award-winning hospitality brand Soneva and Teamwork Arts, producer of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival, JLF Soneva Fushi will once again host a one-of-a-kind celebration of the arts, culture and performance on the sands of Soneva Fushi in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll.

With 20 world-renowned authors now confirmed, the JLF Soneva Fushi 2023 programme is set to cover a fascinating spectrum of topics: from nation-building to the natural world, fiction and filmmaking to hard-hitting journalism, astronomy to geopolitics, mental health to poetry and scientific discovery to memoir. The star-studded 2023 line-up includes Booker Prize winning author Howard Jacobson; Booker Prize recipient, novelist and playwright Damon Galgut; professor of astronomy and physics at Yale University, Priyamvada Natarajan; filmmaker and actor Shekhar Kapur; chief foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times, Christina Lamb; award-winning historian and staff writer at The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum; poet and philanthropist William Sieghart; classicist Mary Beard; Booker and Whitbread Prize winner DBC Pierre; CEO and Co-Founder of Soneva, Sonu Shivdasani OBE; Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival and author of 21 books, Namita Gokhale; Polish member of the European Parliament, Radosław (Radek) Sikorski; author-columnist and former Indian Ambassador to the United States, Navtej Sarna; British historian and best-selling author Peter Frankopan; poet and filmmaker Muzaffar Ali; novelist and travel writer Pico Iyer; author and skincare expert Sharad P. Paul; Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, Sanjoy K. Roy; historian and Festival Co-Director William Dalrymple; and member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Indian Prime Minister, Sanjeev Sanyal.

Held across ten days and two weekends, JLF Soneva Fushi’s festival programme illuminates South Asia’s vibrant literary legacy and invites guests to take part in stimulating panels and workshops, book and poetry readings, and so much more. Each weekend is dedicated to keynote addresses, gala dinners on the sand, live music performances and film screenings at the outdoor Cinema Paradiso, with specially curated menus prepared by Soneva Fushi’s award-winning chefs. Weekdays at JLF Soneva Fushi will focus on close-knit sessions, author discussions and a range of engaging workshops to spark creativity and curiosity. Further fuelling inspiration through the mind, body and soul, every morning will start with yoga and meditation, dance workshops, guided snorkelling with Soneva Fushi’s resident Ocean Guardians, and glassblowing at Soneva Art & Glass, the Maldives’ first hot glass studio.

Guests can join the joyful barefoot celebration and explore endless possibilities at every turn with Soneva’s exclusive Festival offer. Starting from USD 6,500 for a three-night stay at Soneva Fushi, the offer includes full access to the entire festival programme, luxurious private villa accommodation, daily full board dining and round–trip domestic transfers for two guests. Bookings made before February 28, 2023, will also receive an additional 10 per cent reduction on the package rate. 

“A truly bespoke experience, JLF Soneva Fushi’s remarkable programme is an opportunity to reconnect with the pure joy of literature and the arts”, said Sonu Shivdasani OBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Soneva. “The exceptional setting of our barefoot island in the Maldives, coupled with our contributors and guests staying with us for at least a weekend makes JLF Soneva Fushi unlike any other literature festival. It’s this greater, intimate access to authors, deeper understanding, new friendships and stronger bonds that make this barefoot festival so unique. I cannot wait to welcome a line-up of outstanding international authors to our shores once again.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, producer of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “JLF Soneva Fushi is food for the mind, body and soul. An exceptional gathering of collective wisdom and expertise from across the world, set in the most idyllic setting of the Baa Atoll, with delectable fare, exhilarating conversations and spectacular vistas.”

Soneva Fushi can be easily reached through Velana International Airport in the capital Malé, or Maafaru International Airport in the Noonu Atoll. Every stay at Soneva Fushi also lets guests indulge in Soneva’s signature experiences and award-winning services – from Barefoot Guardians on hand 24/7 to anticipate every request and transformative wellness treatments at Soneva Soul, to access to the renowned chocolate, ice cream and cheese parlours, and an exciting programme of children’s activities at The Den, one of the largest children’s zones in the region.

For more information about JLF Soneva Fushi, click here. For more information on the JLF Soneva Fushi 2023 offer, click here

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives unveils ‘Mystival’ — spellbinding festive extravaganza

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This festive season, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives is set to redefine year-end celebrations with the launch of Mystival—a bold and imaginative experience running from 21 December 2025 to 8 January 2026. The event will transform the resort into a vivid tapestry of artistic expression, mystical wonder, and tropical fantasy.

Headlining the celebrations will be internationally acclaimed French duo DJ TRINIX and award-winning singer-songwriter Matilde Girasole. Their high-octane performance on New Year’s Eve promises to be a standout moment in the resort’s vibrant festive calendar. Joining them will be a curated lineup of international acts and local artists, delivering an exhilarating musical landscape across the resort’s three islands: Main Island, Dream Island, and the adults-only Romance Island. Further exciting performer announcements are expected in the lead-up to the event.

DJ TRINIX, the renowned electronic music duo from Lyon, France, bring a genre-blending sound that combines cinematic flair with modern energy. Their musical repertoire has earned over 500 million streams and a place on Top 50 radio charts across Europe. Known for their collaborations with global names such as Akon, Steve Aoki, and Armin van Buuren, and for appearances at iconic venues including Tomorrowland and Zénith Paris, the duo is poised to deliver a truly unforgettable show.

Sharing the spotlight is international pop artist Matilde G, a Singapore-based Italian singer-songwriter celebrated for her dynamic stage presence. With performances spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States—including the 2023 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix—she was named Best Singer Residing Outside the Middle East at the 2023 MUSIV Awards.

More than a seasonal theme, Mystival invites guests on a fully immersive journey into the surreal and extraordinary. Inspired by celestial mythology, tropical folklore, and avant-garde design, the resort will come alive with dreamlike visuals, artistic installations, and experiential dining, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

Throughout the festive period, guests will enjoy a diverse range of experiences—from serene spa rituals and vibrant underwater adventures to exhilarating watersports and themed gala dinners. Activities include whale shark expeditions, sunset beach barbecues, cultural performances, children’s programmes at the Maakanaa Kidz Club, and exceptional culinary offerings such as teppanyaki dinners and floating breakfasts.

Highlights of the season include the Christmas Eve Gala, Santa’s spectacular arrival, and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve countdown under the Maldivian stars, complete with live performances, fire shows, and dancing on the beach. Mystival promises joy for guests of all ages, celebrating island life with flair, imagination, and warmth.

To mark the launch of Mystival, Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced an exclusive Festive Offer available for bookings made before 31 August 2025. Benefits include:

  • Complimentary one-way airport transfer for two guests with a minimum five-night stay in any Pool category
  • A 45-minute spa treatment for two guests with a minimum four-night stay in Grand Beach Suites with Pool or Grand Water Villas
  • 25% discount on spa treatments with advance booking
  • 20% discount on water sports activities
  • 20% off à la carte dining for guests on Bed & Breakfast or Half Board meal plans

This is not simply a holiday—it is an invitation to immerse oneself in a world of colour, creativity, and celebration. With soulful rituals and unforgettable entertainment, Mystival at Sun Siyam Olhuveli is set to be the Maldives’ most enchanting festive experience yet.

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Tempo brings high-energy Wellbeing Week to Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

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Tempo has successfully concluded a vibrant Wellbeing Week at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, celebrating a dynamic blend of movement, energy, and community. The week-long initiative showcased an array of group fitness experiences curated by Radical Fitness – a globally acclaimed fitness brand founded in Argentina, renowned for its innovative programmes that integrate music, choreography, and athletic training to deliver impactful workouts across the globe.

The activities unfolded across various locations throughout the resort, offering both land and water-based formats for a comprehensive approach to wellness. A standout session took place in the resort’s main pool, where Tempo’s founder, Zinan, led a distinctive aqua fitness class. This session fused the intensity of mixed martial arts with resistance gloves and the fluid resistance of water, creating a revitalising yet challenging workout suitable for all fitness levels.

On the pool bar deck, further energy-filled sessions were held, led by Yan Fayaz, Tempo’s Commercial Director of Hospitality. Guests and staff participated in back-to-back classes of FightDo and Factor F. FightDo – Radical Fitness’s signature cardio-combat programme – draws inspiration from kickboxing, Muay Thai, and other martial arts disciplines, combining punches and kicks to rhythmically energising music for a full-body workout. In contrast, Factor F focused on strength and conditioning through a circuit-style format that utilised both bodyweight and equipment-based exercises to build power, endurance, and functional fitness. Both classes fostered a spirited atmosphere of teamwork and motivation among participants.

Adding star power to the week, the resort welcomed a special guest appearance by fitness influencer Laura Giromini, known as @Viverennewyork on Instagram, who led a one-off ‘Endurance Elite’ workout session.

Tempo continues to redefine wellness within the hospitality sector through its innovative, multi-dimensional fitness offerings tailored for modern resorts. Its flagship garage gym concept, now available in Malé and Hulhumalé, features high-performance equipment and expert-led coaching, providing members with focused, high-intensity training in an encouraging and personalised environment.

Through strategic partnerships with leading fitness organisations such as Radical Fitness International, Fitness Academy Europe, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), XEBEX, GETRXD, and BH Fitness, Tempo delivers a comprehensive ecosystem of fitness classes, certifications, and high-quality equipment across its resort projects. Notable collaborations include the certification of resort recreation teams via Fitness Academy Europe, as well as the introduction of FightDo and Factor F programmes at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. Tempo has also recently completed two major certifications – the Basic Fitness Trainer certification and Radical Fitness’s Factor F programme – at the prominent Siyam World resort.

By designing purpose-built fitness spaces, integrating technology-driven programming, and aligning with global fitness brands, Tempo has positioned itself as a trailblazer in wellness solutions for hospitality. Its offerings go far beyond traditional gym access, enriching the guest experience with engaging, professional, and holistic fitness journeys.

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Villa Park named Top Hotel Partner 2025 by Schauinsland Reisen

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Villa Park, a vibrant island retreat nestled within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, has been honoured with the esteemed ‘Top Hotel Partner 2025’ award by renowned German tour operator Schauinsland Reisen. This accolade recognises the resort’s exceptional guest satisfaction, outstanding service, and consistent performance as one of the tour operator’s most valued international partners.

Boasting 462 villas – including the Maldives’ most extensive selection of beach pool villas – Villa Park offers a diverse range of accommodation suited to couples, families, and group travellers. Whether opting for beachfront sanctuaries or overwater escapes, guests are assured of privacy and comfort, making the resort a preferred choice for those in search of spacious, flexible, and memorable experiences.

Situated in a marine reserve celebrated for year-round whale shark sightings, the resort is a dream for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts. Families are warmly welcomed, with curated programmes at the Park Players Kids Club that encourage fun, creativity, and exploration for younger guests.

Wellness is also at the heart of the experience. The tranquil Araamu Spa, set amidst lush tropical gardens, offers holistic treatments and traditional Ayurvedic rituals designed to rejuvenate and restore. Meanwhile, Zero Restaurant exemplifies the resort’s commitment to sustainability, serving plant-based cuisine in an open-air garden setting. Ingredients are sourced from the island’s innovative hydroponic and permaculture systems.

Villa Park continues to redefine barefoot luxury through its unique blend of adventure, wellness, and eco-conscious living – all delivered with genuine Maldivian hospitality and a team devoted to exceeding guest expectations.

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