News
Discover magic of festive season with Soneva’s 2023 winter collection
Pioneering resort brand Soneva has announced its latest collection of exclusive, seasonal experiences for guests at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Setting the scene for unforgettable memories, the Winter Collection features curated feasts from Michelin-starred chefs, bespoke treatments by world-renowned wellness specialists and an exciting children’s holiday programme that includes training sessions with sporting legend Fernando Torres, amongst others.
In true Soneva tradition, guests can expect dazzling Christmas celebrations complemented by rare experiences, designed to enthral all season long at Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Kiri. The iconic New Year’s Eve Journey around each resort will see out the year with sumptuous dining, live music and unforgettable entertainment.
To help guests reconnect mind, body and soul, Soneva is championing health and wellness this season. From December 21 to 29, 2023, football icon Fernando Torres will be hosting coaching sessions with Young Sonevians at Soneva Jani. Throughout winter in the Maldives, guests can also experience training workshops with visiting tennis legends Daniil Medvedev, Kiki Bertens, and Paul Haarhuis; transformative treatments with renowned osteopath Hortensia Corredoira; and fast-paced workshops with international freestyling sensations Marcel Gurk and Igor Oleyink.
Celebrated British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston – the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world – is also setting course for Soneva Fushi to host exclusive sailing lessons aboard the 23-metre Soneva in Aqua from November 23 to December 1, 2023. In addition, sailing enthusiasts and ocean lovers alike can set sail to the Maldives’ most picturesque islands with the multi-day Island Hopper charter and visit the manta rays of Hanifaru Bay, kayak amid bioluminescent bloom or explore pristine lagoons at leisure.
An array of fine, festive dining highlights will see creative culinary journeys hosted by some of the world’s best chefs throughout winter, including Tim Raue who is bringing Berlin’s two Michelin-starred Restaurant Tim Raue to Soneva Fushi for an exclusive residency at Flying Sauces. There will also be special menus from celebrated chefs Ricky Saward, Timothy Bilton and Maria José San Román, alongside winter cocktails and ice cream creations inspired by seasonal flavours and local ingredients.
Young Sonevians can explore fun-packed daily programmes full of seasonal cheer at The Den, in addition to journeying through the galaxy with planetary scientist Dr Ryuki Hyodo and astrophysicist Sarafina Nance, exciting watersports, learn-to-swim sessions with Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar, and inspiring activities with British academic mentoring firm Oppidan Education.
Awards
Crown & Champa Resorts earns multiple Tripadvisor awards
Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has announced that numerous properties within its portfolio have been recognised in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, reinforcing the resort collection’s reputation for delivering exceptional holiday experiences in the Maldives.
Based on genuine guest reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period, Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise hospitality businesses that consistently receive outstanding feedback from travellers worldwide. The awards recognise the resorts among the highest-rated accommodations.
Jawakara Islands Maldives Earns ‘Best of the Best’ Recognition
Among CCR’s award-winning resorts, Jawakara Islands Maldives received Tripadvisor’s prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ distinction for 2026, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide. The resort was also ranked #21 among Asia’s top hotels.
Featuring two islands connected by a bridge across a turquoise lagoon, Jawakara Islands Maldives combines contemporary luxury with authentic Maldivian charm, offering guests a unique island experience.
The ‘Best of the Best’ accolade is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition, awarded to a select group of properties that consistently receive exceptional guest feedback and maintain outstanding traveller satisfaction throughout the year.
Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026 – Top 10% Worldwide
The following CCR resorts were recognised among the top 10% of hotels globally in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026:
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – An exclusive fully solar-powered private island featuring 15 overwater residences and its signature fully inclusive “Anything. Anywhere. Anytime.” luxury concept.
- Hurawalhi Island Resort – Home to the iconic all-glass 5.8 Undersea Restaurant and offering an adults-only retreat with exceptional dining and ocean experiences.
- Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa – A wellness-focused resort featuring all-pool villas, holistic spa experiences, and a vibrant house reef.
- Veligandu Maldives Resort Island – Renowned for its iconic sandbank, natural beauty, diverse culinary offerings, and memorable marine adventures.
- Komandoo Island Resort & Spa – Truly adults-only (aged +18) island retreat known for its romantic atmosphere, vibrant house reef, and exceptional diving experiences.
- Meeru Maldives Resort Island – One of the Maldives’ most popular resorts, offering a blend of family-friendly and adults-focused experiences, extensive dining options, and expansive beaches.
- Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa – A top diving and snorkelling destination located within a whale shark hotspot and offering both adults-only and family-friendly accommodation options.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication and passion of our champions across the resorts. Every day, they work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for our guests, and these awards are a testament to their commitment to genuine Maldivian hospitality. We are grateful to our guests for their trust and valuable feedback, which continues to inspire us to deliver exceptional holiday experiences,” said Mohamed Solah, CEO, Crown & Champa Resorts.
Awards
Fashion Travel Awards name Madifushi Maldives’ best elegant private island
Madifushi Private Island has been internationally recognised as the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives at the prestigious Fashion Travel Awards 2026, organised by Fashion TV Russia, one of the world’s leading media platforms dedicated to fashion, luxury, and lifestyle.
The second edition of the Fashion Travel Awards took place on May 2026 in Moscow, aboard the luxurious Radisson Royal Flotilla. The exclusive gala welcomed over 150 distinguished guests, including tourism leaders, celebrities, influencers, media representatives, and renowned international travellers. The event celebrated excellence across the global travel and hospitality industry, recognising outstanding hotels, resorts, destinations, and tourism professionals.
As an official partner of the event, Madifushi Private Island was proudly presented on stage to an international audience before being announced as the recipient of the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives award. The recognition reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering refined luxury, personalised service, and unforgettable guest experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
Speaking on the achievement, Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, said: “Receiving this recognition from the Fashion Travel Awards is particularly meaningful as it celebrates not only hospitality, but also elegance, sophistication, and the overall guest experience. Being named the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives is a wonderful reflection of the refined character we have carefully built at Madifushi Private Island. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, creating distinctive experiences, and introducing even more unique concepts that surprise and delight our guests.”
During the event, representatives of Madifushi Private Island also participated in an exclusive interview with Fashion TV, providing an opportunity to showcase the resort and the Maldives to a global audience. The interview will be broadcast throughout the year across the Fashion TV network and displayed at its partner venues, including luxury restaurants, fitness clubs, yacht clubs, and concert halls. The event will also receive continued coverage through international magazines and online media platforms.
This latest accolade further strengthens Madifushi Private Island’s growing international reputation as a destination that seamlessly combines elegance, privacy, authentic Maldivian hospitality, and bespoke luxury experiences.
Action
InterContinental Maldives elevates active luxury with new padel court
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its new padel court, adding a fresh dimension to island wellness and offering guests a dynamic new way to stay active in paradise.
Now with over 30 million players worldwide, padel is one of the fastest growing sports, offering a fun and inclusive activity for beginners and experts alike. The brand new court is framed by Maldivian palm trees and white sand, creating a striking backdrop for both leisurely matches and spirited competition.
Complimentary for all guests, the court includes the use of premium rackets and balls, allowing guests to discover a new skill in a tropical island setting. Families are invited to enjoy dedicated on-court sessions designed for all ages to create memorable, shared experiences. Benches line the court, creating a comfortable space for spectators to watch and support friends and family.
Located beside InterContinental Maldives’ fitness centre with its state-of-the-art gym, personal training programmes, and aerobic workout sessions, the new padel court aims to enhance the resort’s distinctive approach to luxury, wellbeing and curated guest experiences.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions. The padel court is complimentary
for guests.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
-
Drink1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort and Spa secures three Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence
-
Entertainment1 week agoSecond Hard Rock Cafe Maldives music festival strengthens cultural exchange
-
Awards1 week agoFive Marriott Maldives resorts recognised across all seven Travel + Leisure Award categories
-
Action1 week agoHideaway Beach Resort to host Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026
-
Awards1 week agoInterContinental Maldives earns second consecutive Travel + Leisure family resort honour
-
Family6 days agoTravel + Leisure honours Sun Siyam Iru Fushi as no. 2 family resort
-
Awards1 week agoTripadvisor places The Standard, Maldives among global top 10% hotels
-
Action6 days agoNova Maldives celebrates Women’s Dive Day with Zoona Naseem


