Featured
Soneva signs up with Women on Boards to promote gender equality, women entrepreneurship
Soneva has announced a partnership with local NGO Women on Boards (WOB) to work together on achieving gender equality and diversity in the workplace.
An agreement was signed early last month by Ranvir Bhandari, Managing Director of Operations at Soneva, and Fathimath Shafeega, Founder and President of WOB.
The partnership is aimed at promoting women entrepreneurship and providing support through a special programme, named ‘Women Tap into Tourism’. It will include vocational training, social and entertainment programmes, junior host programmes and special programmes for disadvantaged women.
“We express our sincere thanks to Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani for the excellent opportunity for partnership,” WOB said, in a statement.
“We also congratulate and praise Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani for being innovators in the field of responsible tourism, and for taking their social responsibilities and impact on environment very seriously.”
In a separate announcement, Soneva also hailed the partnership as the first of its kind in the tourism and hospitality industry of the Maldives.
Soneva, a world-leading luxury resort operator, runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
Established in 1995, Soneva Fushi is the original Soneva. The No News, No Shoes blueprint for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways is located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 65 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, hidden amongst dense foliage.
The iconic resort has bagged several international awards for eco-friendly tourism and green initiatives, including the 2017 Green Hotelier Award for the Asia Pacific region and the Sustainable Hotel Award by the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) as well as a spot in the Gold List compiled by Condé Nast Traveler China as the Best Hotel in the Maldives and amongst the best resorts in the world in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2017.
Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and its second resort in the Maldives.
Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of 24 overwater villas and one island villa set in a 5.6 kilometre private lagoon located in the northern Noonu atoll. The resort spans five islands surrounded by pure white beaches, covered in rich tropical vegetation, offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
Each of the resort’s multilevel water villas has its own private pool and a retractable roof that allows guests to sleep beneath the stars. Many villas also have slides that transport guests directly from the top level into the lagoon below. Other hotel highlights include a spa, an observatory — home to the largest telescope in the Indian Ocean — and an outdoor cinema.
Since its opening, Soneva Jani has created a lot of buzz amongst luxury travellers with its exciting features such as the retractable roofs and the water slides. It has been named the Best Over-the-Top Luxury hotel of the year by Jetsetter.com, the best new resort in the world by CNN, and the Leading Luxury Hotel/Resort in South Asia and Leading Luxury Hotel/Resort in Maldives.
Featured
Holistic healing awaits: Dr. Dinesh Singh at Ifuru Island Maldives
Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the arrival of Dr. Dinesh Singh, a renowned expert in holistic wellness and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies. From November 25, 2024, to January 4, 2025, guests will have the unique opportunity to engage in his transformative, personalised wellness programs amidst the tranquil and luxurious environment of Ifuru Island.
Dr. Dinesh operates under the philosophy that “the foundation of happiness in life is good health.” His dedication lies in assisting individuals to achieve harmony and well-being through tailored, result-oriented wellness programs. By combining compassion with his expertise, he addresses the underlying causes of health issues, offering therapies designed to promote inner balance, prevent disease recurrence, and support sustainable lifestyle changes.
The holistic retreat experience led by Dr. Dinesh includes Ayurvedic practices such as pulse diagnosis, personalised detox programs, and Panchakarma (Indian Herbal Detox). Guests will also benefit from yoga, pranayama breathing techniques, and meditation, creating a comprehensive healing journey. His treatments encompass energy and spiritual healing, providing participants with a deeply transformative experience. The wellness programs aim to restore vitality, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. Through detoxification and rejuvenation, guests will be supported by Dr. Dinesh’s expertise in herbal medicine and natural therapies. These retreats foster a nurturing environment, allowing individuals to reconnect with themselves and achieve long-lasting health benefits.
This exclusive residency offers a rare chance to benefit from Dr. Dinesh’s extensive knowledge and practices, with personalised care ensuring that each program is uniquely crafted to meet individual needs, promoting longevity and inner harmony.
Since its opening in September 2023, Ifuru Island Maldives has become a premier destination, featuring 147 sunset suites and villas. The resort offers six exceptional dining options, including two signature restaurants and four bars, complemented by a 24-hour premium All-Inclusive experience.
Celebration
Stars, space, and celebration: Sirru Fen Fushi’s Christmas with NASA astronauts
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, situated in the pristine Shaviyani Atoll, is preparing to host a remarkable celestial celebration this Christmas. In collaboration with SpaceCat Astrotourism, the resort will welcome retired NASA astronaut Dominic A. Antonelli and Analog Astronaut Anisa Qureshi for a series of exclusive events beneath some of the world’s clearest, light-pollution-free night skies.
Renowned for its remote location and unspoiled natural surroundings, Sirru Fen Fushi is among the few destinations in the Maldives that offers visitors a truly dark night sky, where stars shine with unparalleled brilliance. This unique feature makes the resort an ideal destination for astronomy enthusiasts and those seeking a profound connection with the cosmos. This holiday season, not only will champagne glasses sparkle, but the resort’s night skies will also dazzle with the brilliance of stars—and the wisdom of astronauts who have ventured beyond Earth.
The festivities are set to commence on December 24th with a special Meet & Greet during the resort’s Christmas Cocktail Party. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with Dominic “Tony” Antonelli, a veteran NASA Space Shuttle pilot, and Anisa Qureshi, who will share insights from her inspiring experiences as an Analog Astronaut.
On December 25th, Antonelli will present a lecture titled ‘Seeing Home from Space’, offering a rare glimpse into how viewing Earth from space transforms perceptions of home and humanity.
The celebrations will continue on December 26th with Qureshi’s lecture, ‘My Analog Astronaut Mission Experience’, which will explore the rigorous training and exploration involved in preparing for the challenges of space. That evening, Qureshi will lead a stargazing event, ‘Beyond Exploration’, guiding participants through constellations and cosmic wonders while reflecting on humanity’s enduring quest to explore the unknown.
The event will conclude on December 27th with Antonelli’s talk, ‘Journey of a Space Shuttle Pilot’, providing an insider’s perspective on piloting the Space Shuttle and the technical marvels of human space exploration.
This partnership with SpaceCat Astrotourism represents another milestone for Sirru Fen Fushi, whose commitment to sustainability and connection with nature includes offering guests transformative experiences under the stars. The resort’s pristine night skies have become a defining feature of its charm, and this Christmas promises to strengthen that bond with the cosmos through the insights and expertise of two extraordinary astronauts.
Guests visiting Sirru Fen Fushi during this festive season will be invited to look beyond the horizon and into the universe, making this Christmas a memorable fusion of luxury, discovery, and awe-inspiring stargazing.
Featured
Veligandu Maldives unveils its five-star rebirth
Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has announced the reopening of Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, unveiling its transformation into a five-star luxury destination. Situated in the scenic North Ari Atoll, the resort is accessible by a 25-minute seaplane journey or a 60-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. Following extensive renovations, the resort now offers elevated experiences while preserving its rich heritage.
First established in 1984 as one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Veligandu has been renowned for its natural beauty and exceptional hospitality. The recent upgrades have enhanced its offerings, seamlessly blending Maldivian authenticity with modern luxury.
Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader of CCR, described the reopening as a significant milestone for the group. He noted that the transformation reflects a commitment to delivering world-class experiences, combining natural beauty with contemporary sophistication. Guests are invited to rediscover Veligandu and create lasting memories in this enhanced paradise.
The resort now features 100 villas, including 47 Ocean Pool Villas with glass floors showcasing the crystalline waters below, 28 Ocean Villas, 16 Jacuzzi Beach Villas, and 9 Beach Villas. These accommodations are designed with tropical-inspired interiors, king-size beds, private porches, and modern amenities, including 55- or 65-inch flat-screen TVs.
General Manager Fathuhulla Ibrahim expressed excitement about welcoming guests back to the resort, emphasising its ability to provide unforgettable experiences for both loyal patrons and first-time visitors.
Veligandu offers a rich culinary journey, catering to diverse tastes through its thoughtfully curated dining options. Highlights include the artistry of teppanyaki at Madivaru Teppanyaki Grill, fresh seafood at Raalhu, and a fusion of Asian and international cuisines at Dhonveli’s buffet-style restaurant. Additional offerings include tapas and salads at Thundi and bespoke destination dining experiences, such as meals on the beach or under the moonlit sky. The resort’s dine-around all-inclusive package provides unrestricted access to all dining venues, while flexible beverage plans enhance half-board and full-board stays.
Guests can engage in an array of activities, from snorkelling and diving with manta rays and sea turtles to land-based pursuits like pickleball, padel tennis, and biking trails. Thrill-seekers can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking at the Ocean Water Sports Centre. For those seeking relaxation, the overwater Himeyn Spa offers holistic treatments and a yoga pavilion, while the resort’s marine biologist leads conservation efforts and educates guests on marine ecosystems.
As part of its reopening, Veligandu joins CCR’s prestigious ultra-luxury collection, which includes Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Maldives Island Resort, Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa, and Jawakara Islands Maldives. Known for its lush vegetation and timeless charm, Veligandu remains a standout property that showcases the Maldives’ natural beauty without artificial enhancements.
Veligandu Maldives Resort Island now invites guests to experience a harmonious blend of breathtaking natural surroundings and refined luxury, offering unforgettable moments for all who visit.
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