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Discover unmatched luxury: Soneva’s Winter Collection brings culinary stars, astronomical wonders, and elite sports coaching
Soneva, a trailblazer in luxury hospitality, has introduced its Winter Collection of exclusive experiences in the Maldives and Thailand. Focused on a spirit of discovery, the collection allows guests to enjoy gourmet dining from Michelin-starred chefs, explore the cosmos with acclaimed astronomers, gain insights from renowned sports figures, and delve into profound wellness experiences with leading practitioners.
In the Maldives and Thailand, the dynamic Soneva Stars programme ensures that each stay is unique. This winter, a roster of award-winning chefs will offer a range of culinary experiences and special menus. Among the featured chefs are Carolina Bazán, one of Latin America’s top female chefs and owner of Ambrosia and Bistro Ambrosia in Santiago; Tim Raue, a prominent German chef who leads his eponymous two Michelin-starred restaurant in Berlin; Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman, the chef duo behind Stockholm’s Michelin-starred Adam/Albin; Sascha Stemberg, head chef at Michelin-starred Haus Stemberg; Paolo Casanova, chef at Michelin-starred Colani; Korean-American chefs and entrepreneurs Judy Joo and Esther Choi; Marcel Skibba, head chef of the three Michelin-starred Schloss Schauenstein and No.26 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list; British food writer and chef Ravinder Bhogal; Indian chef and consultant Ajay Chopra; Indian chef and television host Vicky Ratnani; award-winning food writer and author Chetna Makan; Chantelle Nicholson, chef and founder of the Michelin Green Star restaurant Apricity; Søren Ørbek Ledet, wine director, general manager, and co-owner of the Michelin-starred Geranium; Kevin Diedrich, owner and bartender at San Francisco’s Pacific Cocktail Haven; and Charles Duval-Leroy, champagne producer at the family-owned Maison Duval-Leroy.
Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in sessions with astronomers Petr Horálek and Armin Kleinböhl, as well as wellness experts Eduardo Sierra and Numthip Puntha. Sports enthusiasts can benefit from coaching by Olympic swimmers Therese Alshammar and Johan Wallberg, tennis players Agnieszka Radwańska, Garbiñe Muguruza, Jacco Eltingh, and Daria Sergeyevna, and football stars Peter Crouch, Graeme Le Saux, Michael Ballack, and freestyler Marcel Gurk.
Beyond interacting with these stars, guests can continue their exploration. At Soneva Fushi, highlights include customised in-villa wellness treatments, themed dining experiences at the Maldives’ first glass studio, and an exclusive residency by Korean chef Jun Lee from the two-Michelin-starred restaurant SOIGNÉ at Flying Sauces. In the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani introduces new Floating Kitchen journeys, truffle menus, and mobile cocktail tuk-tuks. Soneva Secret 2024 in the Makunudhoo Atoll offers a fully personalised winter stay with cosmic feasts under the stars, local craft excursions, and rare caviar and cheese experiences. Soneva Kiri in Thailand provides spectacular natural moments with visits to nearby rainforests, national parks, and secluded beaches. Each of Soneva’s island resorts will also feature festive celebrations and visits from Santa, culminating in a signature New Year’s Eve Journey with sumptuous dining, live music, and unforgettable entertainment.
This December, friends and family can celebrate the holidays at Soneva with The Residences. This elevated concept, featuring villas ranging from three to nine bedrooms, includes the services of a dedicated Villa Manager and Villa Attendant available around the clock, a private chef on call, and dedicated buggy service. Soneva’s Residences also offer complimentary services such as personalised dining, Soneva Soul wellness treatments, fitness and movement classes, and tennis coaching. Children and teenagers can enjoy daily programs at The Den, along with exciting watersports, wellness sessions at Soneva Soul, and island activities with British academic mentoring firm Oppidan Education.
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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.
Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.
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Ifuru Island Maldives introduces refreshed day escapes for non-staying guests
Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a refreshed collection of Day Visit and Day Use experiences, inviting guests to enjoy the island’s signature energy, flavour, and freedom without an overnight stay.
Designed for locals, travellers, and island-hoppers seeking an effortless escape, the new range of Ifuru Day Escapes blends beachside relaxation, poolside indulgence, and curated dining moments, all set against the island’s vibrant and social atmosphere.
From relaxed mornings by the sea to golden-hour cocktails and sunset dining, each experience has been crafted to capture the spirit of Ifuru: playful, generous, and unapologetically fun.
Guests can choose from five distinct experiences, each offering a different rhythm of island life.
The Barefoot Beach Escape invites guests to slow down at the Beach Club with unlimited soft drinks, snacks, and sea views, perfect for a laid-back coastal day.
For those drawn to the pool, the Poolside Pleasure Pass combines unlimited pizza, soft drinks, and a hearty buffet lunch at Social House, ideal for sunseekers who like their days delicious.
Turning up the indulgence, Sip, Swim & Surrender offers unlimited cocktails alongside pool access and all-day dining, encouraging guests to fully let go of the clock.
Adventure lovers can opt for the Island Explorer Experience, blending pool time with Beach Club access, non-motorised water sports, snorkelling, and unlimited dining and drinks, delivering a full taste of Ifuru’s playful energy.
For couples or friends, The Ultimate Ifuru Escape offers the complete experience for two, combining all inclusions into one seamless, shared day of island indulgence. Sunset Worth Staying For
To complete the experience, Ifuru Island also introduces Sunset Indulgence at Waterfront, an evening dining journey featuring a five-course à la carte menu with unlimited cocktails and wines, served as the sun melts into the horizon.
“With these new day experiences, we wanted to open the doors wider to Ifuru,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager. “Whether you’re joining us for a few hours or staying from morning to sunset, this is about feeling the island’s rhythm, enjoying great food, and leaving with memories that linger.”
All Day Visit packages are available daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with the Waterfront dinner experience available from 18:00 to 22:00.
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Bollywood stars Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal celebrate festive season at SO/ Maldives
This festive season, SO/ Maldives set the stage for a truly cinematic celebration as Bollywood actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal arrived in style, making a dazzling red‑carpet entry that set the tone for an unforgettable island experience.
Welcomed amidst flashing lights, island beats, and an electric festive atmosphere, the couple’s red carpet arrival marked the beginning of a glamorous seasonal escape. Framed by turquoise lagoons and pristine white-sand beaches, the moment perfectly blended Bollywood star power with the playful, high-fashion spirit that defines SO/ Maldives’ festive celebrations.
A perennial favourite on the Indian seasonal travel map, the Maldives once again lived up to its reputation as the ultimate festive getaway. During their stay, Sonakshi and Zaheer embraced the full spectrum of island indulgence from immersive Maldivian festive traditions and glamorous gala evenings to exhilarating diving adventures, exploring the vibrant underwater world of the Indian Ocean.
The festive programme at SO/ Maldives unfolded through a series of standout moments, with the duo joining guests for signature island rituals, exclusive celebrations, and high-energy events that flowed effortlessly from day to night. Whether beneath the stars at the festive gala or beneath the waves while diving, every experience reflected a celebration without limits.
“Maldives has always been on my festive travel list, and celebrating the season at SO/ Maldives made it truly exceptional,” shared Sonakshi. “From the Red Carpet welcome to the warmth of the traditions, the diving experiences, and the vibrant events, every moment felt special and memorable.”
Known for its vibrant design, creative energy, and statement celebrations, SO/ Maldives continues to attract global tastemakers and Bollywood icons seeking a destination that seamlessly blends luxury with personality. This festive season, the resort once again redefined island glamour proving that the red carpet doesn’t belong only to cities, but also to paradise.
For more information or to book your perfect festive getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.
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