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
Spooks, smiles, island magic: Halloween comes to Brennia Kottefaru
This Halloween, Brennia Kottefaru invites guests to celebrate a spellbinding night of family fun as the island transforms into a world of playful mystery and tropical imagination. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Maldives’ turquoise waters, the resort team promises a day of costumes, creativity, and unforgettable memories for ghosts and goblins of all ages. Little witches, tiny pirates, and brave superheroes can join a variety of enchanting activities crafted especially for young adventurers.
From DIY costume fun to spooky arts and crafts, children are invited to explore a world where every corner holds a surprise and every moment sparks imagination. It’s a day where families laugh together, play together, and create stories they’ll love to retell for years.
Adding to the festive spirit, the resort team will showcase special performances, bringing music, dance, and entertainment to the Halloween celebration. Guests of all ages can enjoy the lively atmosphere with upbeat music and a live DJ, creating an unforgettable evening filled with festive vibes throughout the resort.
This season is all about Halloween enchantment — a blend of adventure, delightful thrills, gourmet treats, and immersive activities, all set against the serene beauty of nature.
The Brennia Kottefaru team is excitedly preparing to create an unforgettable celebration filled with moonlit moments, laughter, and surprises for both young and old.
Nestled in the heart of Raa Atoll, Brennia Kottefaru is home to 187 spacious villas, surrounded by lush nature, panoramic beaches, and a turquoise lagoon. The resort’s passionate hosts ensure that every stay is personal, authentic, and unforgettable.
Meditation
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, Soulful Feasts by Stephanie Zubiri announce Thanksgiving wellness retreat
JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort announces a transformative new collaboration with Soulful Feasts by Stephanie Zubiri, presenting Soulful Journeys: The Inner Odyssey — a five-day Thanksgiving wellness retreat designed to guide guests through renewal, gratitude, and alignment of body, mind, and spirit.
Running from November 25–29, 2025, the residency will feature a curated series of Soulful Embodiment group practices and one-on-one private sessions, offering a rare integration of psychology, energy work, and embodied storytelling. Rooted in Zubiri’s signature method that blends Jungian depth psychology, archetypal mapping, imaginal practices, and intuitive energy alignment, the program invites guests to journey inward, shed old narratives, and rediscover the fullness of their being.
Throughout the week, guests are invited to embark on a deeply restorative journey that celebrates gratitude and mindful living amid the gentle rhythm of the Indian Ocean. They will experience sessions such as Renew: Shedding & Clearing, Calm: Centering & Grounding, Gratitude & Abundance, Invigorate: Awakening Vitality, and Integrate & Close: A Gratitude Circle & Intention Setting—each one a step in the alchemical process of transformation.
“At Soulful Feasts, my mission has always been to help people reclaim the authorship of their own stories,” shares Stephanie Zubiri, founder of Soulful Feasts. “The work goes far beyond yoga or meditation—it’s about alignment, energy, and sovereignty. By weaving together body, mind, and spirit, we awaken a deeper sense of presence and purpose. The Inner Odyssey is an invitation to realign with gratitude and remember that we are already whole.”
A celebrated author, journalist, and wellness facilitator, Zubiri has led transformative retreats and workshops across Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, and Guam, and collaborated with luxury partners including La Mer, L’Occitane, and Namia River Retreat. Her approach—where psychology, wellness, and energy work converge—has resonated deeply with modern seekers and corporate leaders alike through her Soft Power and Embodied Leadership programs.
At JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, guests will have the opportunity to book exclusive one-on-one sessions such as Oracle Card Readings, Soul Conversations, Energy Alchemy, and Archetypal Mapping, alongside the group Soulful Embodiment practices that bring reflection into embodied experience.
“Our vision is to create experiences that nurture both the inner and outer journey,” said Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. “Through this collaboration with Stephanie Zubiri, we’re offering our guests a meaningful space to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters, blending the natural serenity of the Maldives with the mindful spirit of the JW Marriott brand.”
Soulful Journeys: The Inner Odyssey continues JW Marriott’s commitment to holistic wellbeing experiences that nurture connection, mindfulness, and transformation. Every experience at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is thoughtfully crafted to help guests slow down, reconnect with themselves and others, and rediscover a deeper sense of balance.
For guests looking to book their stay and experience this transformative retreat, please contact jw.mlejm.reservations@marriott.com or visit jwmarriottkaafuatoll.com.
Awards
The St. Regis Maldives recognised in Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been named among the world’s leading luxury destinations in Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026 Travel, Experiences & Hospitality Edition. This prestigious accolade celebrates the finest in travel, experiences, and hospitality, highlighting properties that exemplify excellence, innovation, and transformative luxury experiences.
The awards were unveiled at a landmark gala at The Murray, Hong Kong, on 23 October 2025, alongside the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2025, which gathered the world’s foremost voices in luxury travel and hospitality. Selected from over 380 global nominations, winners were recognised for their commitment to exceptional service, authentic experiences, and environmental and cultural stewardship.
“Being recognised in Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of the Best 2026 is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort,” said Vincent Pauchon, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “This honour celebrates not only our luxurious accommodations and bespoke offerings but also our unwavering commitment to delivering transformative journeys in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.”
Nestled in the pristine Maldivian archipelago, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort offers a seamless blend of sophisticated design, overwater and beach villas, private island sanctuaries, and curated experiences. From immersive wellness rituals to culinary journeys and personalised excursions, the resort embodies the essence of modern luxury travel: indulgence, authenticity, and connection with nature.
Robb Report Hong Kong recognised over 180 winners across 11 award categories, representing the pinnacle of global hospitality. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s inclusion in this elite group underscores its position as one of the most distinguished resorts for discerning travellers seeking unparalleled experiences.
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