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Soneva makes strides with solar energy

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Soneva, the award-winning sustainable luxury resort operator, is making significant strides in its commitment to renewable energy, with a focus on solar energy in the Maldives. For 2024, both Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll have targeted close to 50 percent of their energy needs to be generated from photovoltaic (PV) sources, thanks to the addition of new PV installations. Previously, the PV system at Soneva Fushi had supplied around 12 percent of the resort’s energy load.

Soneva has been able to expand its development of solar power based on the USD 10 million funding provided by German-headquartered Aareal Bank in December 2022. This has seen Soneva Fushi’s solar installations total 2.55MWp (megawatt peak) of power and 2.7 MWh (megawatt hours) of battery capacity, while at Soneva Jani, the installations total 2.75 MWp of power and 2.0MWh of battery capacity.

Pioneering sustainability in the luxury hospitality industry since 1995, Soneva is leading the hospitality sector’s transition towards a zero-carbon future, with aims to achieve fully carbon-free operations across its Maldives resorts.

“Our investment in solar energy demonstrates our commitment to sustainability at the same time as contributing positively to our bottom line,” says Bruce Bromley, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO at Soneva. “Embracing solar power on such a significant scale has substantially reduced our carbon footprint and demonstrates what is possible in the hospitality industry. The invaluable support from Aareal Bank has paved the way for integrating our energy systems with other renewable technologies, propelling us closer to our goal of achieving fossil fuel-free operations.”

To better harness the full potential of solar energy, Soneva is already exploring the potential of installing floating solar panels in the ocean surrounding its island resorts, in addition to new land-based locations. For example, the new Soneva Secret 2024 resort, located in the Maldives’ remote Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is implementing floating solar panels, which are projected to cover nearly 90 percent of the resort’s energy load. The resort also features an integrated ice storage system for air conditioning, setting a new standard for a higher penetration of renewable energy.

Soneva is also further expanding its existing sustainability strategies, such as rainwater harvesting and load shifting, to maximise the utilisation of renewables, while assessing alternative storage technologies to further enhance energy usage. These include flow batteries that offer longer lifespans and the capacity to store substantial amounts of energy, and thermal storage to sustain and regulate renewable heat.

“The financial sector plays a decisive role in the transition of the property sector toward a carbon-free future. At Aareal Bank, we are embracing this responsibility. It gives us great satisfaction to witness our joint efforts bearing fruits and contributing to sustainable development on multiple fronts,” states Thomas Adaemmer, Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific at Aareal Bank.

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JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in island luxury

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This Eid Al-Fitr, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, a luxury multigenerational resort nestled on the serene shores of Vagaru Island in the Shaviyani Atoll, invites guests to celebrate Eid Mubarak through a crafted collection of experiences that honour tradition, connection, and the joy of togetherness.

To elevate the festive celebration, the resort presents its limited-time Eid Escape to Paradise offer, featuring USD 300 resort credit per stay, along with daily breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a three-course dinner for two at select restaurants. A one-time floating breakfast, served in the privacy of the villa, adds an indulgent highlight to the experience. Families travelling with children under 12 enjoy complimentary accommodation and meals, creating the perfect setting for meaningful celebrations amid refined island luxury and warm hospitality.

With 60 spacious villas, each featuring a private pool and panoramic views of the turquoise waters. Guests can choose between beachfront serenity or the tranquillity of overwater living. Attentive service by a personal Thakuru (butler), ensuring every detail is tailored to their needs. Additionally Guests are also invited to explore the natural beauty of the island by bicycle, encouraging unhurried discovery across the island’s lush pathways.

Relax, Recharge, and Reconnect

To mark the festive occasion, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites families to gather and celebrate through moments of connection and shared experience. Festivities begin with a curated “Around the World” buffet at Aailaa, our beachfront restaurant, bringing global flavors together in a warm, intended for loved ones to come together.

Dining remains at the heart of the guest experience across the resort’s five distinctive venues, each offering a refined expression of global cuisine. From the precision of Japanese artistry at Hashi and classic Western favourites at Fiamma, to the elevated treetop Thai dining experience at Kaashi, creating meaningful moments around the table throughout the Eid celebration.

Families are welcomed at Family by JW™ Little Griffins Kids’ Club, offering more than 100 immersive weekly activities, that encourage creativity and discovery, while teens enjoy their own dedicated space at the Teen Lounge. Parents may retreat to Spa by JW, an overwater sanctuary designed to soothe both body and mind, featuring six couple’s treatment rooms and a private deluxe suite

Guided by the JW philosophy of mindfulness, the resort presents experiences that bring families together, including hands-on cooking classes using fresh produce from the JW Garden, guided snorkelling through vibrant coral gardens, beachside cinema evenings, family yoga, sandcastle activities, and Maldivian cultural dinner.

This Eid, guests are invited to celebrate togetherness, presence, and meaningful moments, set against the tranquil rhythm of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s signature understated luxury.

The Endless Summer package elevates the stay with a USD 300 resort credit per stay, complemented by daily breakfast, a three-course lunch, and a three-course dinner for two at select restaurants. A one-time floating breakfast served in the privacy of the villa adds an indulgent highlight, while a 60% reduction on food at Hashi and Shio invites guests to explore the resort’s culinary offerings. Complimentary non-motorised watersports provide effortless enjoyment on the lagoon, alongside the attentive service of a dedicated Thakuru (personal butler), complimentary bicycles, and a one-time 30-minute photography session with one printed keepsake to preserve moments in paradise.

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Avani+ Fares Maldives to host Michael Owen’s football camp for second year

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Michael Owen’s Football Camp is returning to Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort for a second year, running from 31 March to 3 April 2026 as part of the resort’s Easter holiday programme. Following a strong debut in 2025, the camp will once again see children and teens join the former England striker for hands-on coaching sessions on Fares Island in Baa Atoll.

Designed for kids and teens aged 5 to 13, the four-day camp combines daily training sessions, skills development and team challenges, led by Michael Owen. The programme ends on a high with a celebratory finale, with certificates, medals and jersey signings for every participant. The camp is complimentary for all guests staying at Avani+ Fares Maldives during the event, and each registered participant will receive an official Football Kit, including two sets of customised jerseys, shorts and socks.

Building on the strong response from families last year, the 2026 Football Camp sits within Avani+ Fares Maldives’ broader Easter line-up, pairing structured sports sessions with relaxed island time. Beyond the pitch, younger guests can dip in and out of island adventures at AvaniKids and the Teens Club, with creative arts and crafts and dedicated spaces designed around their age group. Mealtimes are part of the fun too, with Petit Bistro, the resort’s kids-only restaurant, created just for younger guests.

For families keen to get out on the water together, Avani+ Fares Maldives is set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, with snorkelling along the house reef right off the island and a full menu of water sports and dive experiences at this award-winning dive resort.

Commenting on the upcoming camp, Michael Owen said: “Coming back to Avani+ Fares Maldives feels like a natural next step after the energy and enthusiasm we saw at the first camp. It is a special environment for families and the camp is all about helping kids build confidence, develop their skills and most importantly enjoy the game together. I am really looking forward to being back on the island in 2026.”

Avani+ Fares Maldives is designed with families in mind, with a wide mix of accommodation styles to suit different group sizes and travel plans. Options range from interconnecting Pavilion rooms for easy togetherness, to Beach Pool Villas with outdoor space for daytime downtime, alongside over water villas set above the lagoon. For families travelling as a bigger group, the resort also offers spacious two and three bedroom Over Water Pool Residences, with generous living areas and room to spread out between activities.

Package rates start from USD 3,500 for a family of four, including accommodation, seaplane transfers and football camp registration. Based on two adults and two children sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, includes taxes and fees. To book, visit www.avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives, email fares@avanihotels.com or call  +960 660 1660.

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Centara Hotels & Resorts marks Valentine’s Day with island-wide celebrations in Maldives

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Centara Hotels & Resorts is marking Valentine’s Day across its four Maldivian resorts with a collection of curated experiences designed to reflect different expressions of romance, from wellness and gastronomy to shared adventure and quiet celebration. Set within the Maldives’ natural environment of open horizons, white-sand beaches and private island settings, each property presents a tailored programme for couples seeking time together in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives will mark Valentine’s Day on 14 February with a programme of romance-themed experiences set within its island surroundings at The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts. The day is designed around shared activities and curated moments intended to encourage connection and creativity.

Evening celebrations begin at Coco Drift with the Salaan Galaan Valentine’s Soirée, followed by a four-course beachfront dinner accompanied by selected beverages, personalised cocktails, live entertainment and musical serenades. The celebrations conclude with an intimate sip-and-paint session under the night sky.

Couples may also unwind with the Grand Valentine’s Ritual at Spa Cenvaree, a 105-minute treatment comprising a massage and body wrap designed for shared relaxation. Guests can further personalise the occasion by arranging fresh floral bouquets through the front office.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Valentine’s Day is presented through a full-day programme of shared experiences set in North Malé Atoll. Activities include sunrise yoga, a tree-planting ceremony and henna art, offering couples a blend of relaxation and meaningful engagement.

The evening programme centres on a mixology masterclass, followed by a candlelit dinner at Sailhouse Beach featuring seafood, Asian-inspired dishes, desserts and free-flowing beverages. The night concludes with an outdoor movie screening beneath the stars.

Spa Cenvaree complements the celebrations with a Valentine’s Indulgence ritual, a 120-minute couples’ treatment that includes a body scrub, massage and bath ritual paired with sparkling beverages. Floral arrangements may also be arranged through the front office.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives

From 10 to 14 February, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives will host a series of Valentine’s experiences designed to reflect personal moments and shared celebration. Highlights include vow renewal ceremonies at Reef Beach and private canapé and champagne experiences at Aqua Bar.

On Valentine’s Day, couples may begin with a floating breakfast served in-villa, followed by a choice of dining experiences ranging from international buffet dining to a four-course gourmet dinner at the Love Hut, complete with sparkling beverages and floral arrangements. Additional options include a three-course beachfront dinner at Reef Beach, a relaxed BBQ and movie night at North Beach, and an evening DJ programme at Coral Lounge.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only resort in North Malé Atoll, will host a refined Valentine’s celebration on the evening of 14 February. The highlight is a seven-course beachfront dinner at Waves Beach, paired with sparkling beverages and accompanied by live music.

The evening continues with an after-dinner beach gathering, extending the celebrations in a relaxed setting. Guests may also opt for a package that includes an in-villa breakfast with sparkling beverages the following morning.

Across its Maldivian portfolio, Centara Hotels & Resorts presents Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for couples to celebrate through shared experiences, thoughtful dining and time spent together in distinctive island settings.

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