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Soneva Jani witnesses rare green turtle hatching, 88 makes to ocean

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Soneva Jani has witnessed the hatching of 88 rare green turtles.

On April 11, 86 green turtle hatchlings made their way to ocean. The following day, Soneva Jani’s resident marine biologist Eleanor Butler excavated the nest to check for any hatchlings that might need help reaching the ocean. Two more were found and released, bringing the total to 88.

The story of the sea turtles began in February, when, on the evening of Valentine’s Day, a green sea turtle chose Soneva Jani’s beach as the location for her nest. The eggs were expected to hatch between April 11-21. The turtle’s arrival was unusually early, as sea turtles normally lay their eggs from May to June. Throughout the night, she dug over 25 different holes for over seven hours, trying to find the perfect spot to lay her eggs. Sea turtles usually favour secluded areas, but this green turtle chose a beach frequented by guests. Eleanor watched over the turtle throughout her time on the island until the next morning; the beach which she chose as the location of her nest was then named Serendipity Beach.

Before the eggs hatched, guests could join nightly viewings of the nest from a nearby purpose-built viewing platform. To commemorate the early arrival of the baby turtles, Soneva will be donating USD 1,000 per occupied villa to the Olive Ridley Project, which Soneva recently entered into a partnership with.

The aim of the official new partnership involves hiring a special ‘turtle biologist’ to oversee the Turtle ID Database in Noonu atoll, monitor turtle nesting activity at Soneva Jani, and eventually run the rehabilitation centre that will be built on the island to help sick and injured sea turtles regain their health. In honour of the turtle’s fortuitous timing, Soneva Jani’s jewellery boutique will also donate 10 per cent of the revenue from every turtle bracelet sold to the turtle sanctuary and rehabilitation centre.

Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.

Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.

Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.

Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.

Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO unveils chef-led 9-Hands Dinner experience

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OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO has announced a 9-Hands Dinner event scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 May, offering a curated dining experience as part of its guest programme.

The event will feature a multi-course menu developed by three chefs representing Egypt, Madeira and the Maldives. Each chef will present dishes reflecting their respective culinary backgrounds, combining different techniques and flavour profiles within a single dining concept.

The dinner is positioned as an interactive culinary experience, bringing together elements of storytelling and presentation alongside the menu. According to the resort, the concept is designed to highlight both innovation and traditional influences in cuisine.

The experience will be included within the resort’s plan for in-house guests, forming part of the overall stay offering.

Commenting on the event, General Manager Alain Trefois stated that the initiative reflects the resort’s focus on expanding guest experiences beyond standard dining formats. He noted that the event provides an opportunity for guests to engage with culinary presentation in a structured setting.

Anupam Banerjee, Vice President Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, said the collaboration brings together different culinary influences, combining regional ingredients and techniques into a single dining programme.

Located in North Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is known for its house reef and marine environment, offering a range of activities alongside its accommodation and dining options.

The resort has indicated that availability for the 9-Hands Dinner event will be limited, with advance booking recommended for guests wishing to attend.

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef rolls out Wellness Week from 15–22 June

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, has announced plans to host a Wellness Week from 15 to 22 June 2026, in conjunction with Global Wellness Week. The programme will be led by international creative and fitness practitioner Ilariia Auvitu.

Ilariia Auvitu, whose background spans multiple countries and disciplines including acting, modelling and fitness, will guide a series of sessions focused on structured wellbeing practices. Her approach combines physical activity with routines aimed at supporting mental balance.

A key component of the programme is the Tech-Free Sunrise Yoga and Breathwork Ritual. The session is designed to provide a period of structured activity without digital devices, with a focus on breath control and guided movement aimed at supporting mental regulation.

The schedule will also include Morning Yoga with Flow sessions, intended to establish physical rhythm and energy for the day. In addition, Pool Fitness sessions will be conducted in the resort’s pool area, offering water-based exercise.

Selected evenings will feature Sunset Pilates and Stretching sessions. These will include low-impact exercises focused on strength and flexibility, followed by guided stretching.

Through the Wellness Week programme, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is offering a series of activities aligned with the observance of Global Wellness Week, combining structured fitness sessions with a setting designed to support rest and recovery.

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Baros Maldives unveils reef-focused ‘Fully Ocean’ programme

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Baros Maldives has announced “Fully Ocean”, a week-long programme of marine conservation, education and guided activities scheduled from 1 to 8 June 2026.

The programme coincides with World Reef Awareness Day on 1 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June. It is positioned as an initiative to involve guests directly in conservation efforts, allowing them to participate alongside the resort’s marine team in activities focused on reef protection.

According to General Manager Ibrahim Shijah, the programme builds on the resort’s long-standing focus on reef conservation and aims to position guests as participants in that effort. Baros Maldives, which first opened in 1973, is among the early resorts in the country to implement a structured reef restoration programme. The property, which is Maldivian-owned, has maintained ongoing work through resident marine biologists and operational practices aimed at reducing environmental impact.

The “Fully Ocean” programme will run as a structured schedule of activities throughout the week.

On 1 June, the programme will begin with a guided house reef tour, followed by an information session for guests to register for activities. The day will conclude with night snorkelling.

On 2 June, activities will focus on coral restoration. Led by marine biologist Carissa Cabrera, the programme will include a snorkelling safari and workshops on coral restoration methods. Guests will have the option to participate in coral planting or sponsor coral frames.

On 3 June, a fish-focused programme will include identification workshops and in-water sessions for divers and snorkellers. The afternoon will feature activities in the Palm Garden, including educational games and painting sessions, followed by night snorkelling.

On 4 June, activities will focus on reef ecosystems. The programme will include guided dives under the Microlife Finders initiative, snorkelling safaris and low tide exploration of marine species such as shells and sea cucumbers. The day will conclude with a “Glow in the Dark” session, combining a presentation with a UV-assisted night snorkelling experience.

On 5 June, marking World Environment Day, the programme will include a guided nature walk around the island and a photography competition titled “Maldivian Treasures”. A second “Glow in the Dark” session will be held in the evening.

On 6 June, the schedule will include guided reef tours and night snorkelling.

On 7 June, designated as Turtle Day, the programme will feature activities led by the Olive Ridley Project, including awareness sessions and workshops on turtle conservation and responsible interaction.

On 8 June, the programme will conclude with a guided reef tour, a reef clean-up activity and a final night snorkelling session.

Some activities during the programme will be complimentary, while others will be offered at an additional charge. Booking and programme details are available through the resort.

The “Fully Ocean” initiative will coincide with Baros Maldives’ “Endless Summer” offer, running from May to October 2026. During this period, the resort is promoting travel during the off-peak season, when marine conditions attract species such as manta rays and whale sharks to nearby atolls.

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