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Emerald Faarufushi Resort celebrates one-year anniversary

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The world-renowned 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced its one-year anniversary since its re-opening and celebrate the resort’s incredible success.

Over the past 12 months, the Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa has soared to new heights, boasting an astonishing average occupancy rate of 85%. Italy, the UK and Germany account for 45% of total bookings (with 15% each), while the remaining 55% of guests come from the rest of the world. This remarkable achievement in international markets has solidified its status as a true gem in the world of luxury travel. The resort already ranked on the top 10 resorts for guests’ satisfaction on TripAdvisor and a score of 9.8 on Booking.com.

To commemorate this momentous occasion and usher in another year of success, the resort is throwing a dazzling celebration open to all its guests on Sunday, October 1.

The festivities will kick off with a splash in the morning, featuring an exhilarating Water Sports Show and Free Trial Diving session. Guests can dive into the world of aquatic adventure, paddling on a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) or explore the vibrant coral reefs beneath the crystal-clear waters.

In the early afternoon, the celebrations will continue with a delightful Choco Swiss Roll Class at the Aqua Restaurant, where culinary creativity will go beyond bounds. Later, guests can test their mixology skills during an enchanting Cocktail Masterclass at the Eclipse Bar, offering mesmerising ocean views.

For those with a competitive spirit, a thrilling rendezvous awaits at 5 pm on the padel court, where guests can challenge the resort’s General Manager, Patrick De Staercke, to an epic showdown. As twilight descends upon the island, the true revelry begins at 7 pm with a lively Cocktail Party at the Sunset Pool Bar. Everyone will be invited to raise a glass and toast to the resort’s incredible journey over the past year! The celebration will then transition into a sumptuous Gala Dinner, followed by a vibrant Pink DJ Party that will keep guests dancing under the stars until the early hours.

“We are delighted with the results achieved in these first 12 months of operation,” says Simone Scarapicchia, Chief Commercial Officer of The Emerald Collection.

“Since our opening on 1 October 2022 and up to April, we have recorded a constant occupancy of around 85% and the forecast for Q4 2023 consolidates on this average. Our Deluxe All-Inclusive formula, in addition to attentive but non-invasive refined service and the sophistication of the villas and common areas, have immediately won over the relevant European markets. Among the new additions coming in 2024, we have made improvements to make the beach surrounding the island even wider and created a new category of over-the-water villas: the Sunset Water Villa with pool, which provides priceless views of the sunsets that each day lights up the waters surrounding Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa in pink and orange.”

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COMO Maalifushi launches freediving with Maldivian pioneer Fahd Faiz

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COMO Maalifushi has announced the launch of its new freediving programme, developed in collaboration with Fahd Faiz, the first Maldivian freediving instructor and a prominent advocate for marine conservation in the country. This initiative reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformative guest experiences while promoting sustainability, education, and professional development within its team.

Running from 27 July to 10 August 2025, Fahd Faiz’s residency marks the official introduction of freediving training at COMO Maalifushi. The programme centres on equipping the resort’s marine team with advanced skills in breath-hold diving, safety protocols, and heightened underwater awareness. These freediving techniques are set to be incorporated into the resort’s PADI offerings, providing guests with an opportunity to engage with the ocean in a more mindful and unrestricted manner.

Fahd Faiz is the founder of Freedive Maldives, the country’s first locally owned freediving centre, established in 2015. A world record holder in static apnea, he has trained more than 1,000 students and currently serves as President of the Maldives Freediving Association. As the country’s sole PADI Instructor Trainer, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the freediving landscape both in the Maldives and internationally.

Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Maldives, remarked, “Having Fahd with us at COMO Maalifushi has been an inspiring experience for the team. His passion for the ocean, combined with his exceptional expertise and dedication to education, aligns perfectly with our brand’s ethos of holistic wellness, sustainability, and authentic connection to place. This new freediving initiative not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also enriches the experience we offer our guests, allowing them to encounter the marine world in a deeper and more tranquil way. We are proud to support Fahd’s mission and delighted to introduce freediving at COMO Maalifushi.”

During his residency, Fahd is leading immersive training sessions with the resort’s marine team, focusing on breath control, rescue techniques, equalisation, and mental conditioning—skills essential to freediving and valuable in ensuring guest safety and engagement.

This new freediving experience at COMO Maalifushi is poised to become a signature offering, inviting guests to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean on a single breath, amidst vibrant coral gardens, tropical reef fish, and the meditative silence of the sea.

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Tailored tranquillity and adventure at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

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Long celebrated as a quintessential romantic escape, the Maldives is now enchanting travellers of every age — from families with children and teenagers to couples and solo adventurers. The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents a setting where guests can share extraordinary experiences and create lasting memories, whether they are seeking exhilarating marine encounters, exceptional dining, or a tranquil wellness retreat.

The resort’s JW Little Griffins Kids Club, among the largest in the Maldives, offers a captivating world for younger guests. Designed around the theme of a beachside pirate shipwreck, the outdoor space features a 13-metre-long pirate ship, a dedicated children’s pool, and miniature amenities such as sun loungers. Over 100 engaging activities are on offer, including pizza-making classes, island discovery walks, kite flying, sandcastle building, and the JW Beach Olympics. Children under the age of 12 dine free of charge. Teenagers aged 12 and above have access to a private pool and lounge, as well as indoor entertainment such as PlayStation gaming and karaoke — ensuring a tailored experience for every age group.

For those drawn to the ocean, the resort’s Dive & Water Sports Centre offers a comprehensive array of aquatic experiences. From snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and scuba diving to dolphin spotting and deep-sea fishing, activities are designed to suit all interests and skill levels. Adventure-seekers can indulge in jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, and kite surfing, while guests preferring a gentler pace can opt for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a traditional banana boat ride. The resort’s experienced team ensures each encounter with the ocean is both safe and unforgettable.

Those in pursuit of serenity can unwind at the overwater SPA by JW, where contemporary design harmonises with the soothing rhythm of the sea. Guests may select from a variety of rejuvenating treatments, including restorative massages, crystal facial therapies, and invigorating body rituals — all designed to promote inner and outer balance. A tranquil swim in the outdoor pool, framed by sweeping ocean views and gentle breezes, completes the experience.

Culinary exploration at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is nothing short of exceptional, with five distinctive restaurants offering flavours from across the globe. Fiamma serves beloved Italian classics, while Kaashi offers Thai cuisine high in the treetops with panoramic sea views. Hashi presents refined Japanese teppanyaki over water, and Shio provides premium meats and seafood in a fine dining atmosphere. Aailaa offers a global dining experience throughout the day, with live cooking stations adding an interactive flair. Guests may also enjoy cocktails at Wabi Sabi, rare aged rums at Rum Baan, and a selection of curated wines from the resort’s expansive cellar. For more intimate occasions, private Destination Dining options include an eight-course Indian tasting menu at RIHA or bespoke meals under the stars or in-villa.

Solo travellers are equally well catered for, with the resort offering a unique combination of seclusion and luxury. Without the need to accommodate group plans or shared schedules, guests travelling alone are free to tailor their stay as they wish — from early morning yoga overlooking the Indian Ocean to private snorkelling sessions guided by marine biologists. The resort’s spacious overwater villas provide a peaceful refuge for reading, journaling, or quiet contemplation. Private dining options allow solo guests to enjoy gourmet cuisine in complete privacy, and the dedicated Thakuru (butler) service ensures every detail is attended to with care.

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Wellness visionaries unite for SOUL Festival 2025 at Soneva Fushi

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If the terms ‘peak performance’ and ‘breathwork’ are not yet part of one’s vocabulary, they are likely to be after five days at SOUL Festival 2025. Set to take place from 9th to 13th October at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, this year’s edition marks the highly anticipated return of Jamie Wheal and Julie Webster, co-founders of the Flow Genome Project and two of the most prominent figures in the world of transformational wellness.

Following their captivating sessions at last year’s festival, the pair return with a newly curated programme of immersive experiences designed to enhance movement, mindset and emotional wellbeing. Mornings begin barefoot, awakening the body; days are enriched with science-based insights into the brain’s most powerful states; and evenings are grounded in restorative practices that leave participants centred, clear, and recharged. The Flow Genome Project’s methods, which are followed by elite athletes, creatives, CEOs and even special forces operatives, will once again be brought to life amidst the serene meeting point of jungle, ocean and refined luxury.

Throughout the festival, guests can expect movement practices that reconnect them with their bodies, workshops aimed at fostering greater ease in relationships, and breathwork sessions that promote nervous system recovery and a deep sense of calm. The experience is a journey in learning how to attune, release, and rediscover one’s natural rhythm.

Joining Jamie and Julie this year are Sanctum founders Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski, Nathalie Schyllert of Bodyism, Peigín Crowley of Ground Wellbeing, and a host of leading names in holistic health and performance, including Tim Gray, Dr Timm Golueke, Roses Gabor, Frida Redknapp, Kirsten King, Adrienne Adhami, Dong Juan, Anika Lefebvre, and Nils Behrens.

SOUL Festival is Soneva’s annual celebration of visionaries, seekers, and innovators from across the globe. This year’s programme is ambitious, the setting is extraordinary, and places are limited. Guests booking before 31st August 2025 will enjoy a 10% saving with the SOUL Festival early bird offer.

Returning home unchanged may not be an option.

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