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Water slides, retractable roofs, Soneva Jani brings excitement to intelligent luxury

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In typical Maldivian fashion, it was a gloomy day in late July. But I was excited and determined to beat the South-West Monsoon rain as I boarded the seaplane to Soneva Jani, one of the most exciting new resorts in the Maldives. Since its launch in November, the resort has constantly created so much fanfare both locally and internationally. And I was eager to see it up-close-and-personal!

I am going to skip the personalised care given by the staff at the brand’s lounge at the seaplane terminal and the hassle-free check-in process —  the level of service that you generally expect from Soneva — and fast forward to the end of my 45-minute seaplane flight. As the seaplane descended, I could see the lagoon of Medhufaru from a distance. It was huge by Maldives standard, with a collection of five islands providing it with protection and a majestic view to the visitors that have never seen anything of the sorts before.

As I stepped out of the seaplane and onto the floating platform, located a few kilometres away from the resort, I was greeted by Logie Rañosa-Afsan who introduced herself as my Ms. Friday — Soneva’s own brand of butler service. The waters were choppy, making it almost impossible to stand on the platform. So we hurried to the speedboat, which would take us to the resort in a minute or two.

The concept of barefoot luxury pioneered by Soneva began on the speedboat itself where I took off my shoes and put it in a bag marked with the brand’s “no news, no shoes” slogan. I would not be seeing it, let alone needing it until I take the very last step onto the seaplane after my trip!

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To understand the story of Soneva Jani, it is important to go back in time to 1995 when Eva and Sonu Shivdasani built their first resort, Soneva Fushi on the deserted island of Kunfunadhoo in the Maldives. Inspired by the couple’s intensely personal vision of a locally-crafted villa and environmentally responsible lifestyle, Soneva Fushi opened its doors as the first ‘castaway’ resort in the Maldives, pioneering a trend for back-to-nature luxury holidays.

With the resort located in the central Baa atoll, Soneva established a blueprint for barefoot luxury holidays in the Maldives and around the world, with several firsts to its name: the Maldives’ first integrated waste management centre, first to introduce a two percent carbon levy to offset carbon emissions, and the first Art and Glass studio in the Maldives.

Fast forward 20 years, Soneva Jani is the continuation of Sonu and Eva’s own brand of luxury tourism and their environmentally responsible lifestyle, SLOW LIFE. Inspired by the Sanskrit word Jani, which means wisdom, Soneva Jani is located on the 150-acre Medhufaru island, the largest of the five islands in the 5.6-kilometre private lagoon. The resort encompasses a collection of 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with more island villas set to be built later on.

I would be making one of those overwater villas, officially called Water Retreats or Reserves, home during my stay. But before taking me there, Loglie gave me a comprehensive tour of The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas and the central hub of operations. This three-storey overwater building — dubbed the largest overwater structure in the Maldives — houses various dining outlets as well as the spa, library, kids club, retail area and wine cellar.

The Gathering at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

Built from the same untreated wood and given the same ash-coloured finishing, The Gathering lets you enjoy drinks, snacks or global favourites from a carefully crafted food menu while sitting at sunken tables with glass bottoms or lying on daybeds and overwater catamaran nets overlooking the fish-filled waters of the lagoon. After your meal, you can skip dessert and head over to the So Cool to indulge in homemade ice-cream (over 50 flavours to choose from) and handmade chocolates from in-house chocolatiers — a complimentary offering that Soneva is famous for. You can follow it up with some light reading at the reading corners where shelves stacked with an inspiring and informative selection of literature on the Maldives and its magnificent underwater world are lined with. Or just extend the calmness the jelly fish art hanging from the ceiling, which itself has been decorated with dried leaves (I was later told that over 14,000 dried leaves have been used to decorate the ceilings of different buildings in the resort), gives you by heading to the spa for a rejuvenating treatment set against the stunning views of the shimmering lagoon.

The tour had me wanting to explore The Gathering more, but it was time for me to finally enter the two-bedroom Water Reserve that had been booked for me. And so, I got on an electric buggy along with Loglie and made our way through the zigzag-like wooden pathways over the lagoon. I was “so carried away”, as a piece of wood attached to one side of the buggy proclaimed, by the lingering ocean breeze and the azure waters of the lagoon that I did not even realise when the buggy came to a stop at the entrance to my villa.

Entrance to the two-bedroom Water Reserve. PHOTO/ MALDIVES INSIDER

Even from the first glance, it appeared fairytale-esque, with sandblasted pine decking and Shingle Red River Gum tiles adorning the outside. The roof, with a little secret to be discovered once inside, was shaped in such a way that it gave the villa an overall impression of a castle from a Disney movie. The sheer size — 555 square metres to be exact — added to its grandeur, making me wanting to just stay in for the rest of my stay here.

Once the wooden door opened, I was greeted by a large living room with a sunken table like those at The Gathering set in the middle. The villas are made from subtly weathered woods and natural materials in a colour palette of white, pastel greens and mauves. The overall effect is ethereal, light and airy — all in all, encouraging the ultimate state of relaxation.

Living room of a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

On one side, a door opened to the master bedroom, where a king-sized bed sat in the middle facing the sundeck, which was accessible through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Through the room, a sliding wooden door opened to a private kitchen and walk-in mini-bar, while separate doors led to a walk-in closet and dressing room, a dedicated toilet, and an open-air bathroom with tub, shower and lagoon access. There was a light-filled study too, but what caught my attention the most was the large outdoor deck and seating area where sun loungers and an overwater swing seat were set. The highlight of this large, spacious deck that offered unfettered access to the lagoon was the 13m salt water swimming pool with catamaran nets and the adjoining water slide, a hit amongst kids and adults alike as it allowed them to be ‘thrown’ into the lagoon in a similar fashion as with a fun slide at a carnival.

The kitchen and walk-in minibar at a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

The master bedroom of a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

The outdoor deck of a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

The outdoor shower at a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

One the other side of the living room, a staircase took me to the second floor of the villa, where a smaller bedroom and outdoor terrace area with cushioned seats formed a separate living area totally detached from your regular space. Although the night was cloudy, I could imagine myself standing at the balcony, staring at the starlit night sky and listening to the rhythm of the waves.

But I had to try out the ultimate showstopper of the villa; the retractable roof. A remote with only three buttons — two arrows (one for opening and the other for closing) and a circle in the middle — lay in the top drawer of one of the bedside tables. I pushed the button and the roof slowly glided open, revealing the night sky. Although I was told that sensors detect rain and automatically close the roof even when I was asleep, I was advised to keep the roof shut when going out or sleeping.

Retractable roof of a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

This was next-level stargazing, right from the comfort of your bedroom! But Soneva Jani takes that experience even a bit further with its overwater observatory, located right next to The Gathering. Priding on being the first overwater observatory in the Maldives, it houses the “Rolls Royce” of telescopes; a 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain mounted on a 20-foot mast. This telescope — the largest in the Maldives — rises from the ground of the James Bond-inspired observatory, allowing you to zoom in on Jupiter, Saturn’s rings, and the Sombrero Galaxy some 31 million light years away.

The So Startruck observatory deck also transforms into a dining venue, where four dining tables equipped with screens linked to the view from the telescope are set in a circular fashion. Weather permitting, guests sit back on cushioned seats and enjoy great food and drinks from an Eclipse set menu prepared by the chef, as the in-house astronomer takes them through a journey of the night sky and the cosmos. I was booked for this out-of-the-world dining experience, but unfortunately bad weather got in the way.

So Starstruck at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

The Gathering and the observatory lead the way to the Medhufaru island, which remains largely untouched for the time being except for the extensive gardens — from its time as a farm island 10 years ago — that still supply the fruits, vegetables, herbs and mushrooms to the resort’s kitchens. As Loglie and I approached the island on the buggy, I was again “so carried away” by the powder soft white sandbanks that were forming along with the low tide. Through the thick foliage and fully-formed vegetation that lined the sides of the narrow pathways, we stopped by at the areas marked for the second phase of the resort’s development, including the space for a new restaurant, spa and island villas, until we reached an isolated corner of the island.

This tranquil bay on the southern end of the island leads to the overwater, open air Cinema Paradiso — another first in the Maldives. Crossing a pathway made from cylindrical blocks of wood, which in high tide gives an impression of a floating jetty, guests are treated to screenings of movies old and new, with sound piped in via wireless headsets, so the noise does not disturb the underwater life and nesting wildlife of the island. As guests lie on catamaran nets hanging on the water, chefs create a special menu at the adjoining restaurant, which would be officially unveiled later this year as a full-fledged dining venue, to accompany the evening’s movie.

Cinema Paradiso at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

From a distance, I could see a deserted island on the north, one of the four islands in the lagoon that will remain untouched. Named after a local chef, Zuhair’s Beach is accessible by a boat, and is the perfect spot for sunning, swimming and snorkelling. But that is not all you can do here; the island is home to a dining venue specialising in local cuisine. Refreshments are served throughout the day along with delightful lunches cooked only with what the chef can catch and pick. Here, guests can taste the freshest fish, grilled, barbecued or baked in the sand.

Back in the main island of Medhufaru, I was shown the waste-to-wealth Eco Centro. This is where Soneva Jani’s aim of becoming a zero-waste resort — everything composted, reused or used in construction — actively happens. With a strong emphasis on education and training, the practical but very guest friendly Eco Centro will be fully operational soon.

From there, we headed back to The Gathering. But there was one last attraction on the way; the Labyrinth, a meditative maze created out of ficus hedge that follows an ancient circular pattern. A walk or bicycle ride through this maze is so calming and refreshing that it not only helps you rediscover yourself, but also takes you back to the concept of intelligent luxury interwoven in every aspect of Soneva Jani. With buildings made from ethically-sourced highest quality sustainable materials, homegrown produce used in the kitchens and a comprehensive waste management and recycling programme, this is the culmination of Sonu and Eva’s two-decade long knowledge and experience in coining the concepts of SLOW LIFE and intelligent luxury, which recognises the ability for luxury holiday making and care for the environment to co-exist with perfect ease.

The Labyrinth at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA

But it is not just a guilt-free, ethical holiday that Soneva Jani treats you to, but authentic experiences that disconnect yourself from the noisy world out there and reconnect you with the nature that you truly belong to. The “no news, no shoes” slogan is very real here, with TVs tucked away in heavy boxes and mobile phone use in public places discouraged (who needs it anyway at a place like this?). As I put on my shoes on the speedboat ride to the seaplane platform, I took one last look at the lagoon — the most vibrant shades of blue I have ever seen — and the developments around that are in perfect harmony with nature, making Soneva Jani a one-of-a-kind holistic holiday experience inspired by nothing but nature and made exciting by simple yet awe-inspiring additions.

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Barceló Nasandhura Malé named Best City Hotel at TTM Awards 2025

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Barceló Nasandhura Malé has been awarded Best City Hotel at the TTM Awards 2025, held on 28 August at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi.

The recognition reflects the passion, hard work, and dedication of the team at Barceló Nasandhura, whose commitment to excellence has been evident since the property opened earlier this year. The hotel has focused on creating memorable guest experiences and setting new standards for city hospitality, which contributed to this achievement.

The TTM Awards, part of the Maldives’ largest travel trade show, celebrates the country’s hospitality sector across 28 categories, bringing together leading travel and tourism professionals from the region.

As it marks this milestone, Barceló Hotel Group reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the future of city hospitality in Malé.

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Sun Siyam unveils new identity and signature experiences

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Sun Siyam has unveiled a milestone transformation as it celebrates 35 years of Maldivian hospitality. More than a visual refresh, the brand’s evolution introduces a new statement anchored in The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ most culturally authentic resort operators. The transformation enhances guest journeys through the introduction of Signature Experiences across all six resorts and strengthens customer relationships via Siyam Rewards.

The group has unified its five Maldivian resorts and Sri Lankan retreat under a single identity, The House of Siyam. To provide greater clarity for guests and partners, properties are now grouped under three distinct collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle.

  • Luxury Collection: Representing the highest calibre of island indulgence, led by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, this collection offers premium exclusivity.
  • Lifestyle Collection: Designed for energetic adventure and diverse experiences, Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World form part of this portfolio.
  • Privé Collection: Centred on privacy and bespoke comfort, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka comprise this category.

A central feature of the transformation is the introduction of Signature Experiences, designed to extend beyond villa stays and integrate Maldivian heritage and imagination into every visit. Guests may participate in Maldivian Roots, a weekly culinary and cultural series, book the Maldives’ first overwater photo studio, the Insta Villa, or enjoy the atmosphere at the Sun Siyam Beach Club. Other offerings include the Wow Welcome, Hidden Treasure Chests, Plant Based Bliss dining, and Moonlit Cinemas.

The brand has also launched Siyam Rewards, a digital membership programme offering personalised itineraries, room upgrades, and optional carbon offsets. Members benefit from rewards starting with their first booking. Each stay contributes to marine conservation and community projects through the group’s sustainability initiative, Sun Siyam Care.

Reflecting on this milestone, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder, Owner & Managing Director, said, “When we founded Sun Siyam in 1990 and later opened our first resort in 1998, our goal was simple: to share the warmth of our islands and our people with the world. This transformation keeps that soul alive while giving us the space to innovate for the next generation of free-spirited travellers.”

Chief Executive Officer Deepak Booneady added, “This rebrand is not just about design, it is about experience. It is about cultural authenticity, purpose-driven hospitality and creating moments that spark joy. With the Maldives’ widest choice of villas, the region’s most generous premium all-inclusive plan and now our Signature Experiences, we are setting the stage for the future of island travel.”

The redesigned website, sunsiyam.com, brings the new brand identity across all touchpoints with a look and feel that is both distinctly Maldivian and modern.

The rebrand was developed with leading industry experts: JHAGGER&CO as brand advisors; StudioSixty7, led by Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for interior restyling; and Dominik Ruhl, a Maldives hospitality pioneer, for operational standards and experiences. Implementation was carried out by Sun Siyam’s operations team, General Managers, Resort Managers, and brand, sales, marketing, and public relations teams, coordinated by Abdulla Thamheed, VP of Operations.

The outcome is a design system that retains Maldivian heritage while embracing a contemporary edge.

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort wins ‘Best Design Resort’ at TTM Awards

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been named ‘Best Design Resort’ at the TTM Awards 2025, an accolade that recognises architectural excellence combining innovation with distinctive aesthetics. The award highlights the resort’s position as one of the Maldives’ most striking luxury properties, known for its design vision and refined guest experiences.

Located on a private island in Dhaalu Atoll, the resort is distinguished by its architectural concept created by Singapore-based WOW Architects. Its design draws inspiration from the natural environment of the Maldives, incorporating organic forms and local motifs with a modern interpretation. Among the resort’s most notable structures are the Whale Bar, shaped in the likeness of a whale shark, and the overwater Iridium Spa, designed to resemble a seashell, both exemplifying the seamless integration of luxury and nature.

The property’s design approach extends across its 77 private villas, positioned to offer either ocean or jungle views. Each villa is designed to blend with the island landscape, integrating sustainable elements while maintaining comfort, privacy, and style. The resort’s spaces reflect a balance between contemporary lines and Maldivian influences, creating a distinct sense of place.

The TTM Awards, presented annually during Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), recognise outstanding contributions to the region’s hospitality sector. This year’s award reinforces The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s reputation as a leader in design and attention to detail.

Since its opening, the resort has become known for uncompromising luxury, featuring celebrated dining options, an extensive wine cellar, and curated experiences supported by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. The recognition at the TTM Awards 2025 further strengthens its status as a global benchmark in design-led hospitality.

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