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Soneva launches new ‘Conscious Experiences’ at Maldives resorts

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Soneva is rolling out new experiences at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives.

These experiences centre around learning and delving deeper into Soneva’s philosophy and sustainable practices.

Guests can take part in marine conservation under the guidance of the resort Marine Biologist at Soneva Jani and learn how to track wildlife on the island at Soneva Fushi.

Similar experiences are available at Soneva Kiri in Thailand.

Soneva Fushi

Embark on an ocean adventure with Soneva Fushi’s Maldivian fisherman, Rocket, and his family to learn how to fish sustainably with the Fishing is a Family Matter experience. Rocket has been supplying fish to Soneva Fushi since it was in construction, he knows what the chefs need and knows where to find the fish.

After fishing, guests can have their catch of the day prepared for them back at the resort using Rocket’s wife’s marinade recipe.

Young Sonevians and their families can learn about the flora and fauna native to the island of Kunfunadhoo with the Wildlife Explorer experience.

A guide will lead the expedition along the island trails, offering tricks to spot wildlife, how to read animal tracks, the names of each plant and animal spotted in Dhivehi. At the end of the experience younger guests will earn a Wildlife Explorer badge at The Den.

For guests who want to learn more about Soneva’s Namoona Baa programme, the Namoona Island Visit takes them to the neighbouring island Maalhos with a member of the Soneva Namoona team.

The experience covers the history of Maalhos, as well as the recent Soneva Namoona activities on the island.

The visit begins with a tour of the sustainability initiatives and the island’s efforts to Reduce, Recycle and Inspire local communities, Maalhos’ Eco Centro, the former waste burning area and water bottling plant (Soneva Water). Finally, guests can enjoy refreshments at the home of a Soneva Host’s family, where they will also learn to weave with screw pine leaves, a tradition unique to Maalhos.

The Slow Life Journey gives guests a deep look into Soneva’s philosophy that places sustainability at its core with a tour of the Eco Centro and organic gardens.

See how Soneva Fushi makes the most out of the island’s coconuts, from composting to the making of coconut oil. Next, head to the gardens around Fresh in the Garden to learn about permaculture methods before picking ingredients to be used in a three-course lunch.

Soneva Jani

Guests who have a passion for turtles can add their names on the Turtle On Call register to receive notifications about sea turtle activity happening at Soneva Jani during their stay.

They can watch as mother turtles lay their eggs, experience the natural wonder of tiny hatchlings making their way to the ocean, or help usher turtles who have gotten stuck in the trees in the middle of the island back to the open waves.

The marine biologists at Soneva play an active role in marine conservation efforts, part of this work involves conducting surveys on the reef. With the Marine Conservation Expedition guests can join the resort’s marine biologist on a beach cleanup and help gather vital data by taking part in micro-plastic and coral bleaching surveys.

Ocean stewards can help rehabilitate coral reefs and coral nurseries at Soneva Jani with the Coral Planting experience.

After a short presentation guests will be taken out to a floating platform in the lagoon where they will tie the readily prepared coral fragments to the frames which are then lowered to the sandy bottom.

Every six months photos will be sent back to the guest to update them on the progress of their coral pieces that will be used as donor colonies for reef rehabilitation.

The Local Fishing with Jawa introduces guests to the two techniques used by Maldivian fishermen to catch their livelihoods.

Set sail for the spot of the day in a traditional wooden dhoni and choose to learn either bottom line fishing or trawling. At the end of the experience, the chefs at Soneva Jani will prepare the catch of the day for dinner.

On the Garden to Table experience guests will be taken through the organic gardens, picking, tasting and learning along the way under the guidance of the gardener or Horticulturist. Learn the secrets of having a green thumb and how to harvest different ingredients, as well as the option to plant a tree sapling or vegetable in the garden.

The chef will then prepare a three-course lunch using the freshly picked ingredients.

Soneva currently runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, and luxury yacht, Soneva in Aqua. The world-leading luxury resort operator also operates Soneva Kiri resort in Thailand.

In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.

Sixty-two private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden amongst dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Eight new one- and two-bedroom Water Retreats, perched above the turquoise depths of the Indian Ocean, are scheduled to open to guests by May. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.

Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options.

In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing.

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.

Awards

Constance Halaveli and Constance Moofushi earn top scores in 2026 Booking.com awards

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Constance Hospitality has been recognised in the 2026 Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com, with its Maldivian resorts achieving some of the highest scores within the group’s portfolio.

In the Maldives, Constance Halaveli Maldives received an outstanding score of 9.8 out of 10, while Constance Moofushi Maldives achieved 9.7. The ratings, based on verified guest reviews, reflect consistently high levels of guest satisfaction and service delivery.

Constance Halaveli Maldives, known for its spacious overwater and beachfront villas, personalised service and refined dining concepts, continues to perform strongly among travellers. Constance Moofushi Maldives, positioned as a barefoot chic resort with an all-inclusive concept, also maintains a high guest approval rating, supported by its diving experiences and relaxed island atmosphere.

While the wider Constance portfolio across the Indian Ocean was recognised, the Maldives properties stand out as the group’s highest-rated resorts in the 2026 awards cycle.

Commenting on the recognition, Jean-Jacques Vallet, Chief Executive Officer of Constance Hospitality, stated that the awards reflect the professionalism and commitment of the teams on the ground. He added that guest feedback remains central to maintaining service standards and delivering consistent experiences across the group’s destinations.

The recognition reinforces the position of Constance Halaveli Maldives and Constance Moofushi Maldives as leading performers within the Maldives’ competitive luxury hospitality sector.

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Year of the Horse celebrations across Sun Siyam’s Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle resorts

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Sun Siyam Resorts is marking the Lunar New Year across its Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle collections with a coordinated programme of cultural experiences, festive dining, music and family-focused activities from 15 to 20 February 2026. Celebrating the Year of the Horse, each resort’s programme reflects its individual character while embracing the spirit of renewal and togetherness associated with the season.

Siyam World – Lifestyle Collection

At Siyam World, Lunar New Year celebrations combine cultural heritage with contemporary island energy. A highlight of the programme is a live showcase featuring Chinese-inspired DJ sets paired with the traditional guzheng, creating a fusion of electronic rhythms and classical melody. Performances by the Chaozhou Shantou lion dance troupe add further cultural depth, with guests invited to observe, participate and learn traditional movements.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli – Lifestyle Collection

Sun Siyam Olhuveli is presenting a relaxed Lunar New Year programme shaped by traditional symbolism and island living. Throughout the week, the resort will host family-friendly cultural activities, traditional performances and live music. Red-themed décor and festive elements will set the tone, while dragon displays and cultural showcases bring movement to the island’s central spaces. The celebrations peak on 16 and 17 February with performances by DJ Slim Belghith, whose international sound will accompany evening festivities.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli – Privé Collection

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, the Year of the Horse will be marked through a programme that combines cultural traditions with family-oriented experiences. The Kids Club will host themed activities including red envelope crafting, lantern making, zodiac-inspired art and traditional games. The Fire Horse Pool Party at Chemistry will bring families together with music and refreshments. Dining highlights include hot pot lunches and dinners, along with a dedicated Chinese section titled “Flavours of Fortune” at the Aqua Orange buffet. Guests may also enjoy seasonal spa treatments at Ocean Spa designed to promote balance and renewal.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef – Privé Collection

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef will conclude its celebrations with a Grand Spring Gala Dinner featuring international cuisine alongside Chinese specialities. The evening includes a traditional lion dance performance, filling the island with movement and symbolic gestures intended to welcome prosperity and good fortune.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – Luxury Collection

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Lunar New Year celebrations will blend Chinese traditions with Maldivian island experiences. Dining features include beachfront seafood platters, Blue Lobster barbecues and traditional hot pot dinners, complemented by chocolate, cheese and champagne tastings.

Younger guests may take part in dragon dance workshops and lantern painting sessions, while signature resort experiences such as Sunset Jet Car rides, Cinema by Moonlight on a private boat and floating breakfasts add further variety. Evening turndown moments incorporate local Maldivian touches, reflecting the resort’s approach to cultural exchange. With 15 dining venues, family-oriented villas and dedicated adults-only spaces, the resort’s programme is designed to accommodate a broad range of guests.

Commenting on the celebrations, Ahmed Naufal, Group Director of Business Development, noted that China remains an important market for Sun Siyam. He stated that the Lunar New Year celebrations provide an opportunity to honour Chinese traditions while delivering experiences consistent with the group’s standards of hospitality.

Across its Maldivian portfolio, Sun Siyam Resorts presents Lunar New Year as a season of cultural appreciation, shared celebration and renewal by the sea.

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LUX Tennis joins St. Regis Maldives Vommuli to expand active lifestyle programme

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St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced a partnership with LUX Tennis, strengthening the resort’s established tennis offering and introducing plans for a new padel court. The collaboration expands the resort’s active lifestyle programme, with a particular focus on families and multi-generational travel.

The St. Regis brand draws on the legacy of the Astor family, founders of the original St. Regis New York, whose Gilded Age lifestyle celebrated refined leisure and sporting pursuits. Tennis, in particular, became a symbol of elegance within the Astor social circle, reflecting a culture shaped by hospitality, recreation and sophistication. This heritage continues across the St. Regis portfolio today, where classic sports remain an integral part of the brand’s identity.

Set within the resort’s private island environment, the enhanced LUX Tennis programme is designed to elevate on-island tennis experiences for guests of all ages and skill levels. The programme features expert-led coaching, bespoke clinics and visiting residencies by internationally recognised professionals, offering guests opportunities to train, play and engage with elite talent in an accessible and inspiring setting.

Confirmed visiting professionals include Angelique Kerber, three-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, who will visit from 29 to 31 March 2026, and Feliciano López, former Spanish champion with a career-high singles ranking of world number 12, scheduled from 16 to 17 May 2026.

The expanded tennis programme is designed to integrate seamlessly with island life, offering everything from relaxed family matches and junior-friendly coaching to more focused sessions for experienced players. Activities are structured to complement time spent at the beach, spa experiences and family dining.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort features 77 beachfront and overwater villas, each with a private pool, alongside facilities such as the John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater three-bedroom villa in the Maldives. Guests also have access to the award-winning Iridium Spa, six dining venues and a private yacht available for charter, reinforcing the resort’s positioning as a destination for both leisure and active pursuits.

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