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SOUL festival programme for Maldives debut

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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.

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives marks June with sustainability and marine conservation initiatives

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship this June through a series of sustainability-focused initiatives and conservation experiences.

In celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June and World Ocean Day on 8 June, the management and team at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives took part in activities designed to promote awareness, education, and action in support of protecting the natural world, both above and below the waterline.

The programme began on World Environment Day, when team members came together for a tree planting activity on the island. Inspired by this year’s global theme, “Our Land, Our Future”, the initiative highlighted the vital connection between healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and human wellbeing, while contributing to the resort’s ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance its natural environment.

Building on this momentum, the resort is continuing its sustainability journey throughout June with a series of marine conservation activities developed in collaboration with Euro-Divers Maldives. The programme began with Reef Awareness Day on 1 June, featuring a coral planting programme with the marine biologist. Participants contributed directly to reef restoration efforts while learning about the importance of coral ecosystems in maintaining ocean health.

On 8 June, guests and colleagues came together to mark World Ocean Day through a house reef clean-up dive and beach clean-up, helping to remove marine debris and protect the delicate reef ecosystem surrounding the island. The day concluded with Ocean Discovery Night – All About Sea Turtles, an educational session designed to deepen understanding of one of the Maldives’ most iconic marine species.

The sustainability programme continues with June Sea Turtle Week, held from 8 to 16 June, featuring immersive experiences that connect guests with marine conservation efforts. Highlights include a Turtle Reef Snorkelling Excursion with the marine biologist on 10 June, offering participants the opportunity to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat while learning about ongoing research and protection initiatives.

The programme will culminate on 16 June, coinciding with World Sea Turtle Day, with an interactive presentation dedicated to sea turtle conservation and the challenges these marine species face in today’s oceans.

“Education and engagement are powerful tools for conservation. Through our partnership with Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, we aim to inspire greater appreciation for the underwater world while encouraging responsible interactions with marine life. Whether planting corals, participating in reef clean-ups, or learning about sea turtles, guests have the opportunity to make a positive impact while experiencing the extraordinary biodiversity of the Maldives,” said Igor Semenov, Dive Centre and Watersports Manager of Euro-Divers at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.

“Sustainability lies at the heart of the Alila experience. From preserving our island’s natural landscape to protecting the vibrant marine ecosystems that surround us, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for our guests to connect with nature and become active participants in conservation. Our World Environment Day and World Ocean Day initiatives reflect our belief that every small action can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.

Through these initiatives, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to champion responsible tourism and environmental conservation. The resort’s sustainability programme fosters meaningful connections between guests and the natural environment while supporting the protection of the Maldives’ unique ecosystems for generations to come.

The resort continues to share updates on its sustainability initiatives, marine conservation programmes, and immersive guest experiences through its Instagram account as part of its ongoing journey to protect the natural beauty of the Maldives.

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NH Maldives Kuda Rah celebrates World Ocean Day through hands-on marine conservation

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In celebration of World Ocean Day on June 8th, NH Maldives Kuda Rah hosted a series of impactful environmental activities to protect and restore the surrounding marine ecosystems. The initiatives brought together guests, team members, and expert partners to actively preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings.

The day began with a collaborative Lagoon Cleaning Activity. Guests and resort teamed up with the resort’s dive centre, Dive & Sail Maldives to carefully clear the surrounding waters of debris. This joint effort ensures that the local house reef and lagoon remain a pristine and thriving habitat for marine life.

Following the clean-up, participants gathered at the Watersports beach for an interactive Coral Planting event. Earlier that morning, the marine team safely collected viable coral fragments from a nearby reef. During the event, guests had the unique opportunity to attach these rescued corals to metal pyramid frames. Once completed, the coral frames were submerged and placed into the resort’s expanding coral regeneration garden, creating a living legacy that will help to sustain a vibrant local ecosystem and enhance the liveliness of our house reef.

“We want to extend a huge thank you to Dive and Sail Maldives, our passionate staff , and the wonderful guests who participated in these events,” says the resort management. “Together, we are making a meaningful difference in preserving the underwater paradise of the Maldives for future generations.”

Through the “Live Local” initiative with Minor DISCOVERY, NH Hotels & Resorts brings authentic local experiences to every stay.

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Four Seasons Maldives brings sporting legends and explorers together for summer programme

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This summer, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives introduces an extraordinary new chapter in family travel: Learn with Legends. Running from July 20 to August 31, 2026, this next-generation summer camp brings together families and world-class mentors in a complimentary program of workshops, coaching sessions and guided adventures.

At the heart of the experience is a growing line-up of celebrated figures from sport, adventure and environmental science, each bringing their expertise, stories and energy to the islands.

The program unfolds across the distinct yet complementary islands of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Here, expert coaching across football, surfing, mixed martial arts and conservation blends with immersive island living, offering a balance of activity, discovery and relaxed evening gatherings.

Designed to nurture confidence, curiosity and a sense of global connection, the summer camp creates an environment where learning feels natural and joyfully unforced; passions are sparked, perspectives broadened, and memories created to last far beyond the summer.

Where Legends Lead

The first wave of confirmed mentors includes former German captain Arne Friedrich, former England captain Casey Stoney, England centurion Jill Scott and championship-winning English midfielder Steve Sidwell, who will lead football sessions at Landaa Giraavaru. At Kuda Huraa, former elite professional surfer and world-class coach Ross Williams will be joined by South African former Championship Tour surfer Travis Logie, bringing technical insight and ocean energy to the waves.

Across martial arts and movement, Angela Lee Pucci, former six-time world champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, joins at Landaa Giraavaru alongside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and coach Bruno Pucci. Leo Vieira, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer and multiple-time world champion, leads sessions at Kuda Huraa, while Indian Shaolin monk and Kung Fu master Hurssh Verma and national Kungfu champion Guo Jing bring discipline, philosophy and movement to both islands.

Award-winning filmmaker and ocean storyteller Craig Foster, best known for My Octopus Teacher, and world-record explorer Ash Dykes will join both resorts, sharing rare perspectives on the natural world through storytelling and field-based exploration. At Landaa Giraavaru, oceanographer Dr Phil Hosegood will bring added scientific depth through marine research and ocean-focused discovery.

With just a few more legends due to be announced, stay tuned for further updates or visit the website for more information.

Two Islands, Infinite Possibilities

The program comprises a complimentary schedule of workshops, coaching sessions and guided adventures, with select experiences offered in limited numbers and subject to availability. Young guests can gain pro-level insights from an ex-England football captain, ride waves with an elite former Championship Tour surfer, master techniques with a multiple-time Jiu-Jitsu Champion, and join field trips with an award-winning ocean storyteller.

For those seeking a more tailored experience, private one-to-one coaching sessions are also available, subject to availability and additional charge.

Inspiration at the Highest Level

“Learn with Legends offers a fresh perspective in luxury family travel, where world-class talent, meaningful experiences and exceptional surroundings come together to create something truly transformative,” says Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. “What makes this program so powerful is the human connection: guests aren’t simply learning skills and participating in activities. They are engaging with some of the world’s leading figures in their fields and accessing high-level inspiration that will resonate well beyond their stay.”

Stay Longer Offer

Families can make the most of the summer with the Stay Longer offer at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru. Guests receive a complimentary fifth night with every four consecutive paid nights, daily breakfast for two, one dinner for two at a choice of restaurants, and a shared island adventure, choosing between a Dolphin Cruise or Sunset Fishing. For stays during the Maldives Summer Camp, the offer adds even more reason to linger, with access to a complimentary daily program of coaching sessions, workshops and guided activities led by global figures across sport, movement and conservation, subject to availability.

For more information, please visit the official website.

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