Featured
Reaching zero: Soneva, Biogents lead way in sustainable pest management in Maldives
As regular guests to the Maldives might know, the islands can often be prone to large populations of mosquitoes, particularly during the monsoon season.
Mosquito-borne illness is a concern in the Maldives, although it varies by island and by time of year. The island nation has been malaria free since 1984; however, cases of dengue and chikungunya are still found on some local islands.
While many resorts use chemical fogging to manage the mosquito population, Soneva recently revealed that for more than a year they have been working with Biogents, a company on the forefront of international mosquito control research, in order to introduce a sustainable, insecticide-free mosquito management system.
The aim of this partnership between Soneva and Biogents is to bring the mosquito population on the island of Kunfunadhoo, the home of Soneva Fushi, down to zero, to show the international community that it is possible to use sustainable insecticide-free alternatives in mosquito control, and to be the first mosquito-free island in the Maldives.
“Improving the efficacy of mosquito traps has always been the core expertise of Biogents. So, we had the right tools to offer, but the approach also needs a solid understanding of mosquito ecology,” said Dr Andreas Rose, Co-Founder and Management Board Member at Biogents.
“Soneva really understands this, and thanks to the vision and expertise of all the involved partners, the project is indeed setting new standards.”
Starting July 2019, a month into the operation, a sharp decline in the number of mosquitoes trapped on the island was already observed, and today the mosquito population has been reduced by around 95-98 per cent.
Soneva’s target is to eliminate all mosquitoes on Kunfunadhoo island by the end of 2020.
Biogents has assured Soneva that eliminating mosquitoes from the island will have no impact on the local food chain and ecosystems, as Kunfunadhoo has low biodiversity and no freshwater aquatic ecosystems where mosquito larvae are a necessary part of the food chain.
“The adoption of this project by Soneva is exemplary and sets an example for the rest of the world on how sustainable and environmentally-friendly mosquito management can replace the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides,” said medical entomologist Bart GJ Knols, who together with Soneva’s Integrated Pest Control Manager Akib Jahir leads the implementation of the project on Soneva Fushi alongside Biogents and Soneva.
The halting of chemical fogging has also resulted in the appearance of a greater diversity of flora and fauna on the island.
Before the partnership with Biogents, the mosquito population at Soneva Fushi was managed by a conventional pest control company with hot fogging and mist blowing.
However, the mosquito population built strong resistance to this treatment over time, rendering it ineffective. Fogging is also directed against adult mosquitoes only.
While mosquitoes turned resistant, the fogging reduced the number of other insects usually found on Kunfunadhoo Island, including species of butterflies, dragon flies, bumble bees, beetles and more.
Now, with the new mosquito management system, guests and hosts alike have seen an increase in the Maldives’ native insects. These natural pollinators are now back in abundance, which means there are more flowers, more fruits and Soneva Fushi’s organic gardens are thriving as a result with more produce to serve its restaurants.
With the increase in fruits and insects, there are also more birds visiting the shores of Kunfunadhoo and fire flies are once again spotted at night.
“At Soneva, we have always used nature as an inspiration for our innovation. In fact, our organisational structure is inspired by the relationship of the planets to each other. In the middle of last year at Soneva Fushi, we set a target to become the first island to be completely mosquito free,” said Sonu Shivdasani, Soneva’s CEO and Co-Founder.
“We installed more than 500 Biogents traps throughout the island. While some mimic mosquito breeding sites, others hold a sachet that mimics human sweat with the smell of lactic acid. We also add a mix of sugar water and yeast as a means to produce carbon dioxide, mimicking exhaled human breath. So, these traps smell and breathe like a human being. The mosquitoes are lured into a catch-bag where they dry out and die.”
Two types of mosquito traps, with a total of more than 500, have been deployed across the island: the BG-GAT, which is a passive trap for egg-laying tiger mosquitoes that have bitten someone and are searching for a place to lay eggs; and the BG-Mosquitaire CO2, which attracts mosquitoes in search of blood.
Carbon dioxide, produced through yeast and sugar fermentation helps attract the mosquitoes in combination with lactic acid that humans emanate from the skin.
In tandem to placing the traps, Knols and Jahir also educated Soneva Fushi’s hosts about mosquito breeding sites and how to reduce the amount of stagnant water found on the island. This included reducing the use of tarpaulins, island clean-up days to remove coconut shells and any other objects that could contain water, and daily inspections of island sectors for the presence of mosquito larvae.
Recently, Soneva gifted a number of mosquito traps to the parliament in Male, the capital of the Maldives, and is currently deploying traps at Soneva Jani in the Noonu atoll. There, in a time-frame of 48 hours, a single BG-Mosquitaire CO2 trap caught a record number of 2,972 mosquitoes.
“In the first weeks of implementing this, the traps caught up to 9,000 mosquitoes a day, on average 20 mosquitoes per trap. Since then, this number has reduced to single digits. We have two mosquito species on the island, the Aedes and the Culex. The Culex is nearly extinct and we hope that the Aedes will soon follow,” said Sonu.
“It is my hope that this will be a perfect example of how closely following and understanding the laws of nature, and innovating around it, one can find solutions that end up being more effective than solutions that are the result of bioengineering.”
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 the castaway fantasy with intelligent luxury.
Stay in one of the 63 island villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, and eight one- and two-bedroom Water Retreats.
Each island villa comes with its own stretch of beach, most have their own pools, and are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. The Water Retreats all have water slides into the sea below, private pools, and Soneva’s iconic retractable roof above the master bed.
Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.
Highlights include the outdoor Cinema Paradiso, exploring the cosmos at the high-tech Observatory, indulging in the complimentary chocolate, ice cream and cheese rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, and 11 restaurants and bars.
Soneva’s floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, is a luxury two-cabin yacht that sets sail from Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
Explore the treasure trove that is the children’s Den, that comes with a Lego room, dress up room, two pools, a water slide and more.
There is a multi-purpose facility that encompasses the Maldives’ only hot glass studio, the glass gallery, and boutique where guests can learn the art of glassblowing.
If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.
Under the desert sky of Dubai, Oaga Art Resort made its international debut with a striking performance by Raai Badeeu at the closing night of renowned light calligrapher Karim Jabbari’s exhibition, Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees, held at Inloco Gallery. The performance introduced audiences to Samaasaa, the resort’s original theatrical dining concept where storytelling intertwines with seasonal cuisine, and folklore comes alive through immersive performance.
Samaasaa represents a distinctive fusion of art and gastronomy, with each course unfolding as an edible chapter of a story. The concept invites guests into a world where tradition meets innovation, rooted deeply in Maldivian heritage.
The venue for the performance, Inloco Gallery, is an emerging boutique art space in Dubai known for pushing creative boundaries. Its third season was dedicated to ‘vanishing urban landscapes’—a reflection on the echoes of fading cityscapes. Central to this season was the work of Karim Jabbari, whose intricate light calligraphy transforms traditional Arabic script into contemporary expressions of cultural memory. His Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees exhibition explored the theme of ‘Lost Tradition,’ featuring a collaborative project with artist Khalil Abdulwahid that documented Al Satwa’s disappearing historic fabric and reclaimed calligraphy’s original role as a vehicle for communication and preservation.
In collaboration with Inloco Gallery and Karim Jabbari, Oaga Art Resort presented Raai Badeeu as part of the finissage—a moving farewell performance that seamlessly blended calligraphy, choreography, and storytelling. The immersive show transformed the gallery into a space of ancestral memory, myth, and poetic expression, embodying the artistic ethos of Oaga.
The performance also offered audiences an exclusive preview of Samaasaa Presents: The First Coconuts, Oaga’s upcoming theatrical dining experience. A specially curated segment from the show was performed, offering a glimpse into the mythical origins of island life through expressive movement and narrative.
As Oaga Art Resort expands its creative reach beyond the Maldives, this performance in Dubai marks the beginning of a broader journey. Guided by a spirit that is playful, poetic, and deeply rooted in island culture, Oaga is poised to share its unique stories with the world.
Dubai-based artisanal brand FIX Dessert Chocolatier, renowned for its viral chocolate creations, has partnered with JOALI Maldives – the Indian Ocean’s first art-immersive luxury island resort. Starting 2 July 2025, guests at JOALI Maldives will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in FIX’s signature creation, The Original Dubai Chocolate, marking the first time the coveted dessert will be available outside the UAE.
Famed for its bold creativity, intricate layering, and unforgettable textures, FIX has redefined the modern dessert experience. This collaboration brings together two worlds of sensory delight – the imaginative world of FIX and the refined, story-driven luxury of JOALI Maldives.
As part of this partnership, FIX introduces Time To Mango, a brand-new chocolate bar inspired by tropical fruits, warm breezes, and the playful spirit of summer. Blending mango-forward flavours with nostalgic childhood treats and a whimsical touch of popping candy, the creation delivers a multi-sensory experience wrapped in rich chocolate.
FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s signature artistry and innovative flavour combinations align seamlessly with the philosophy of JOALI Maldives, a resort celebrated for its immersive art, sublime design, and curated experiences. According to FIX co-founder Sarah Hamouda, “This collaboration is about more than flavour – it’s about sparking wonder and delivering delight in unexpected ways. Seeing our creation featured at JOALI Maldives feels like the perfect match of storytelling and indulgence.”
Guests at JOALI Maldives will encounter FIX’s chocolates across various curated settings – from the private airport lounge and the resort’s artisanal ice cream shop to bespoke in-villa amenities and select evening turndown rituals. Every piece is hand-crafted in Dubai, carefully transported, and presented under the Maldivian sun as a true edible work of art.
Commenting on the partnership, Semiha Askin, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at JOALI, stated, “At JOALI, we embrace art in all its forms – from visual and spatial to culinary. Partnering with FIX Dessert Chocolatier allows us to extend that ethos into the realm of artisanal sweets. Their chocolate is more than a dessert – it’s an immersive experience our guests will remember, one bite at a time.”
This marks FIX’s first international placement, making JOALI Maldives the only destination outside of the UAE to offer the brand’s signature chocolate. The collaboration exemplifies a shared dedication to luxury, creativity, and culinary innovation.
Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, JOALI Maldives offers 73 elegantly appointed beach and over-water villas, each accompanied by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi). The resort is a sanctuary of sustainability, immersive programming, and next-level wellbeing offerings, including the JOALI BEING Cure – the first outpost of sister retreat JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ pioneering wellness island.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hospitality division of Dusit International — one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies — is set to reach a significant milestone with the launch of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. This property will be the group’s first all-inclusive lifestyle resort and the second Dusit-branded hotel in the Maldives, joining the acclaimed Dusit Thani Maldives.
Scheduled for a soft opening on 27 July 2025, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is located on an untouched island just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in Malé. The resort promises a private escape characterised by bold design, vibrant energy, and curated experiences tailored for modern travellers seeking freedom, connection, and discovery in a breathtaking natural setting.
Surrounded by a spacious lagoon and thriving coral reefs, the resort provides outstanding access to marine biodiversity and world-class dive sites, making it an ideal destination for underwater enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
The upscale resort features 127 generously sized villas spread across seven unique categories, ranging from 77 to 306 square metres. Designed to harmonise beachfront charm with overwater serenity, each villa offers a contemporary indoor-outdoor living experience, complete with private decks and plunge pools in most categories.
Introducing a fresh perspective on the all-inclusive concept, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers à la carte dining at five distinct venues, unlimited premium beverages, daily entertainment, and generous resort credits for personalised indulgence.
Guests can enjoy a variety of wellness and leisure activities, including treatments at Namm Spa, beachfront yoga sessions, and rooftop cocktails with panoramic views. Experiences such as floating breakfasts, live DJ performances, snorkelling excursions, and beachside cinema nights are all curated to foster joy and unforgettable memories.
For business travellers, corporate retreats, and incentive groups, the resort includes a full-service conference facility accommodating up to 240 guests — all within close proximity to the capital.
Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International, remarked, “dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives brings a bold new energy to the Maldives while staying true to Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality. Thoughtfully designed for the young and the young at heart, this vibrant, all-inclusive resort is more than just a place to stay; it’s a lifestyle destination offering exceptional marine experiences, curated adventures, and effortless escapes in a stunning setting.”
To mark its soft opening, the resort is launching an exclusive package that includes complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers for two, a complimentary villa upgrade, one floating breakfast per stay, 24-hour check-in and check-out, and additional privileges. Members of Dusit’s Dusit Gold loyalty and lifestyle programme — available for free sign-up at dusit.com/enrollment — will also receive 15% off member rates and exclusive benefits during their stay.
The resort will be led by General Manager Yogeswaran Veerasamy, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in luxury resort operations throughout the Maldives and Southeast Asia. The official grand opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.
-
Featured1 week agoKuda Villingili’s iconic pool honoured in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards
-
Action1 week agoHideaway Beach Resort unveils new indoor pickleball court for wellness enthusiasts
-
Featured1 week agoSO/ Maldives unveils restorative wellness journey with Holistic Healer Karan Kumar
-
Featured1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli debuts Wellness in Motion Week with beach runs and expert-led yoga
-
Action7 days agoConsistently awarded, beyond compare: Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef
-
Cooking1 week agoJumeirah Olhahali Island welcomes Shimmers’ Chef Emanuele for exclusive culinary residency this July
-
Featured1 week agoYoga Day marked with soulful island practice at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
-
Drink1 week agoCellar of quiet distinction: Vakkaru Reserve wins fifth Wine Spectator Award