News
SOUL festival programme for Maldives debut
SOUL has published its captivating festival programme of insightful talks, guided wellness sessions and hands-on treatments, featuring a global line-up of visionaries, thought leaders and wellness pioneers to the Maldives from September 29 to October 8, 2023. A partnership by pioneering hospitality brand Soneva and international wellness enterprise ORGANIC INDIA, the intimate festival will be an immersive exploration of health and wellness in all its forms, from personal to planetary, at the award-winning Soneva Fushi, located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The list of international speakers includes: award-winning screenwriter, activist and documentary maker of That Sugar Film and 2024, Damon Gameau; Goi Peace Award recipient Bruce Lipton; New York Times bestselling author Jo Marchant; Ayurvedic aromatherapy pioneer Farida Irani; bestselling author and founder of Bio Blends Dr Libby Weaver; lifestyle ambassador and champion for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India Movement’ Luke Coutinho; award-winning cinematographer, director and producer Louie Schwartzberg; psychologist, scientist and social entrepreneur Shamini Jain; gastroenterologist and author of The Mind Gut Connection Dr Emeran Mayer; clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert Shauna Shapiro; renowned spiritual leaders Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati; actress and biohacking expert Davinia Taylor; the first Western Ayurvedic practitioner in India Dr Robert Svoboda; award-winning science journalist Gaia Vince; naturopathic doctor and doctor of Oriental medicine Dr Lilly-Marie Blecher; anxiety and mindfulness coach Amanda Huggins; Medical Director & Senior Vice President of Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre Dr Paul Salins; orthotropics, orthodontics and Homeoblock specialised dentist Dr Timothy Doolin; author, inventor and founder of Conscious Breathing Anders Olsson; oncology specialist and author Dr Nasha Winters and family medicine specialist and co-medical director at Taos Whole Health Integrative Care Dr Joanna Hooper.
SOUL Festival will span ten days and two weekends, offering guests the opportunity to explore the ancient healing traditions and modern science and medicine that serve individuals, communities and the planet. Sunset cocktails on the sandbank and a plant-based gala dinner on the beach will mark the official opening of the inaugural edition, followed by a live music performance and stargazing at Soneva Fushi’s island Observatory.
Each morning guests can rise with the Maldivian sun during group yoga and meditation on the sandbank, reach new fitness goals with bootcamps at the island jungle gym, explore the Indian Ocean’s hidden gems during guided paddleboarding, be introduced to the art of hot glassblowing, or gain insight into gut health during expert-led nutrition masterclasses. Throughout the day, guests can reconnect and feel renewed with daily healing rituals, expand their horizons during stimulating panel discussions, enjoy complimentary, one-on-one conversations with speakers or uncover the meaning of true health with a specially curated menu of treatments to try during SOUL.
Standout sessions not to be missed include The Neuroscience of Wellness with Bruce Lipton, Emeran Mayor, Shamini Jain, Paul Salins and Farida Irani; The Eye of the Storm – Finding Balance in Times of Chaos with Shauna Shapiro, Dr Lilly-Marie Blecher, Luke Coutinho and Robert Svoboda; Building a Regenerative Future with Damon Gameau, Sonu Shivdasani, William Bissel, Gaia Vince, Louie Swartzberg and Bruce Lipton; and Health Crisis to Health Awakening with Amanda Huggins, Louie Swartzberg and Jo Marchant. Alongside the live, in-person and interactive sessions for Soneva Fushi guests, SOUL’s sessions will also be streamed online.
Adding the perfect soundtrack to the event will be live musical performances by renowned Indian classical composer Ustad Kamal Sabri, sound healing practitioner and acclaimed singer and songwriter Kristin Hoffman and contemporary Indian poet and storyteller Bawari Basanti.
Guests can enjoy Soneva’s exclusive SOUL Festival offers, with specially curated three, five or ten-night packages. Starting from USD 6,900 for a three-night stay for two at Soneva Fushi, the offer includes full access to the festival programme, luxurious private villa accommodation, daily full board dining and round–trip domestic transfers. Bookings made before August 31, 2023, will also receive an additional 10 per cent reduction on the package rate.
A life-enriching festival with a purpose, proceeds from the sale of SOUL Festival tickets will go to the Soneva Foundation and ORGANIC INDIA Foundation to support the development of projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact.
“We are so proud to host the first edition of SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi,” says Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and co-founder of Soneva. “Wellness permeates all that we do at Soneva: our sustainable, barefoot philosophy that reconnects our guests to the earth, our stunning natural locations, our delicious yet health-focused cuisine and our life-changing guest experiences. The festival’s remarkable programme is an opportunity to explore every facet of health and wellbeing, and I cannot wait to welcome the line-up of outstanding wellness experts to our shores.”
“SOUL Festival is a rare opportunity to experience a deeply immersive journey with some of the world’s leaders in wellness, health and regeneration,” adds festival director Chris Deckker. “From keynote talks and interactive panels to immersive workshops, intimate dinners and remote Island adventures, this unprecedented festival retreat is unlike any other in the world, hosted on one of the most magical Islands in the Maldives.”
Soneva Fushi can be easily reached via Velana International Airport in the capital Malé, or Maafaru International Airport in the Noonu Atoll. Every stay at Soneva Fushi also invites guests to 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 rare, one-of-a-kind island experiences, and an exciting programme of activities at The Den, one of the largest children’s zones in the region.
News
SO/ Maldives earns full Green Globe recertification, strengthening position in sustainable luxury
SO/ Maldives has announced a significant sustainability milestone with its perfect 100% Green Globe recertification score, reaffirming the resort’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative green practices. This achievement continues a journey that began well before the resort welcomed its first guests. In November 2024, SO/ Maldives earned the prestigious Green Globe certification in its very first year of operation, demonstrating an exceptional dedication to integrating sustainable principles into the core of its fashion-forward and design-led identity. Guided by Ennismore’s ESG mission, the resort has consistently showcased how bold eco-conscious innovation can elevate the luxury hospitality experience.
From the outset, SO/ Maldives has implemented thoughtful and forward-thinking initiatives that minimise its carbon footprint, reduce waste, support the local ecosystem and empower both its team and surrounding communities. The flawless 2025 recertification score reflects excellence across all sustainability indicators, supported by impactful measures such as the installation of solar panels across villas, restaurants and operational areas, generating up to 45% of the resort’s total energy. Intelligent GRMS technology further optimizes energy consumption by regulating air-conditioning, lighting and occupancy-based usage.
As SO/ Maldives continues to redefine luxury through purpose and innovation, the resort is also proud to be recognised as part of the Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) a global framework dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity beyond traditional protected areas. This milestone underscores the resort’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship, championing long-term sustainability practices that preserve both the island’s natural beauty and its ecological integrity.

Through ongoing marine protection initiatives, habitat monitoring, and low-impact operational strategies, SO/ Maldives is actively contributing to the protection of local wildlife while fostering the natural regeneration of coral ecosystems. These efforts support thriving marine life, encourage healthy reef development, and reinforce the resort’s mission to protect the environment for future generations.
By aligning luxury hospitality with meaningful conservation, SO/ Maldives continues to lead with purpose where indulgence, innovation, and environmental responsibility coexist in perfect island harmony.
Waste management has been another cornerstone of the resort’s success. SO/ Maldives enforces comprehensive waste segregation and has partnered with Parley to upcycle plastic waste into high-performance materials used by Adidas in footwear and apparel. Additionally, collaborations with Secure Maldives ensure responsible recycling of metal waste. The resort also champions eco-conscious product choices: CODAGE bathroom amenities feature vegan, sustainably sourced formulas packaged in recyclable materials, while Palatino supplies 100% compostable bamboo and FSC-certified wooden in-villa amenities, including slippers and personal care items.
Food sustainability is deeply embedded into the resort’s culinary philosophy. SO/ Maldives utilises advanced digesters to liquefy food waste for responsible disposal, implements dedicated composting systems, and leverages Orbisk technology to monitor consumption and reduce waste. By sourcing ingredients locally from seafood to fresh produce the resort supports Maldivian communities and reduces carbon emissions. Its buffet-free approach promotes curated à la carte experiences that minimise food waste while enhancing guest satisfaction.
In true SO/ fashion, the resort merges sustainability with style. Each villa features bespoke artworks by Thai artist Ploenchan Vinyaratn, crafted from surplus yarn and recycled materials, blending elevated design with eco-friendly practices. The resort has also fully eliminated single-use plastics, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable hospitality.
The perfect Green Globe recertification is a tribute to the passionate SO/ Maldives team whose creativity, commitment and innovation ensure that environmental responsibility and guest happiness go hand in hand. SO/ Maldives extends its gratitude to its partners and guests for choosing to support its sustainability journey. As the resort continues to push boundaries and redefine island luxury, it remains steadfast in harmonizing bold design, exceptional service and meaningful environmental impact, celebrating the artistry of hospitality through green living.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit SO-Maldives.com or contact SO.Maldives.Reservations@so-hotels.com.
News
Milaidhoo Maldives introduces tranquil 3-day detox experience for New Year
Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to begin the year feeling grounded and attuned to what truly matters, blending barefoot informality with a mindful approach to living. As the festive season draws to a close, the island encourages visitors to slow down, reconnect with the essentials and embrace a sense of calm through its New Year Renewal – 3-Day Detox Journey.
Curated for those seeking balance and inner harmony after the holidays, the programme nurtures both body and mind through gentle, restorative treatments featuring the acclaimed Aromatherapy Associates range. At Milaidhoo, wellbeing unfolds with intention, inviting guests to adopt the island’s unhurried rhythm and rediscover serenity.
Day 1 – Grounding & Harmonising
The experience begins with a personalised 15-minute holistic wellbeing consultation, ensuring each ritual aligns with individual needs. This is followed by a welcome ritual combining aromatherapy inhalations and cocoon meditation to ease the body and mind into a peaceful state.
Day 2 – Detox & Revitalise
Guests continue their journey with a private eucalyptus-infused steam ritual designed to invigorate and support immunity. An Aromatherapy Associates Detox Body Mud Wrap follows, offering purification and toning benefits, while a Wellbeing Facial restores both skin and spirit, leaving guests refreshed.
Day 3 – Renewed Energy & Inner Calm
The final day includes a Detox & Drainage Massage to enhance circulation and lymphatic flow, releasing tension and heaviness. A 30-minute sound healing session further promotes deep relaxation and renewed lightness. Guests depart with personalised stretching and mindful breathing exercises to maintain balance long after their stay.
Priced at USD 550++ per guest (240 minutes), the New Year Renewal reflects Milaidhoo’s philosophy of slow, meaningful living—a tranquil pause from everyday life. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to reconnect guests with themselves, their surroundings and the natural rhythm of life in the Maldives.
Awards
Marriott Maldives resorts secure top rankings in Condé Nast Traveller Middle East 2025
Marriott International has announced that three Luxury Group resorts within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in the Maldives have been recognised in the inaugural Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, and W Maldives were honoured in key categories across this first regional edition.
Voted by discerning and adventure loving readers throughout the region, these accolades celebrate the commitment of hospitality professionals who deliver thoughtful service and memorable moments. In the Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotels category, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands secured the number two ranking, while JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa earned the number four ranking. Both resorts continue to welcome guests with refined design, private villa accommodations, inventive culinary journeys, and signature programming that reflects the rhythm and spirit of the Maldives. Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is shaped by the ocean forces, wind, and waves, with contemporary villas that blend intuitive luxury with the essence of island living. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is distinguished by its spacious overwater and beach pool villas, celebrated dining, and the warm, genuine service that defines the JW Marriott brand.
Ranked number five in the Favourite Destination Spas category, The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is recognized for its distinctive ring-shaped design set above a tranquil lagoon and for wellness experiences inspired by the elemental power of water and the natural harmony of its surroundings. AWAY Spa at W Maldives, ranked tenth in this category, is recognized for its vibrant approach to wellness, panoramic lagoon views, and personalised treatments that encourage guests to relax, recharge, and experience the playful spirit that defines the resort.
The awards also named the Maldives the number one Favourite Overseas Leisure Destination, reaffirming the islands as a preferred choice for travellers seeking natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, and immersive experiences across the Indian Ocean.
Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives comprises of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Each resort is located on its own private island and offering the ultimate dream getaway. For further information, visit the website here.
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