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Soneva Fushi to host exclusive Aequi Mental Resilience Retreat

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Soneva, the world-leading luxury resorts group, has partnered with Aequi to host an exclusive Mental Resilience Retreat. This inaugural retreat takes place during September 23-30, 2022, as an eight-day residential retreat and will be held at Soneva Fushi, the award-winning resort in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Led by Aequi’s team of expert practitioners, the retreat is open to just six guests and will integrate psychological and holistic approaches to wellbeing through a fully personalised, one-to-one service.

Aequi’s founder, Dr Shaazneen Ali, a Maldivian British consultant psychiatrist and mental well-being coach, based and practicing in London, wished to combine her worlds; several years of experience working in mental health and a personal knowledge of the Maldivian hospitality industry to create a unique, bespoke mental well-being retreat in the Maldives.

Along with co-founders; Dr Soumitra Burman-Roy, another well-established British consultant psychiatrist practicing in London, who enjoys working with people to help them identify their psychological and social assets promoting personal resilience and supporting them to live with the sense of purpose they aspire to, and Ms Nazeeha Ahmed, a Maldivian from a hospitality background, with experience in several establishments, local and international, and a strong advocate for healthy living, together have created Aequi.

Aequi’s team of independent practitioners have been hand-picked for their positive, inspiring personalities and expertise across a variety of disciplines, including medicine, psychology, nutrition and yoga. Their clinically informed approach focuses on developing mental resilience for future challenges and to embrace opportunities to one’s best, reducing the impact of past stressors and helping participants prepare themselves for future challenges and opportunities.

Retreat participants will stay at a choice of private villas at Soneva Fushi, which range from one to nine-bedroom island villas, with private gardens, pools and direct beach access, or the resort’s new one and two-bedroom Water Retreats, the largest of their kind in the world, with spectacular views over the ocean. The wide selection of one-of-a-kind dining destinations cater to every appetite, including the plant-based menu at Shades of Green, exquisite Japanese cuisine at the So Hands On Sushi counter, and a bountiful buffet at Mihiree Mithaa. During their downtime, they can also indulge in Soneva Fushi’s unforgettable experiences, from a sunset dolphin cruise or a guided snorkelling tour at the house reef to a private picnic on a deserted sandbank.

Before the retreat, participants undergo a pre-assessment including mental, physical and nutritional assessment, with Aequi’s London team, to ensure their suitability for the retreat and to enable Aequi to create a fully personalised retreat plan, including nutritional recommendations for their stay.

During the event, participants will be guided by the on-site team to explore their individual strengths and weaknesses and learn personalised wellbeing techniques. Aequi’s process encourages participants to develop an understanding of the psychological concepts that are relevant to their own particular situation and integrate this with other aspects of self-care. The on-site experts include a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist and a yoga teacher, while the rest of the team will be available for additional virtual support, if required. Taking place over eight days, the retreat includes three days of retreat work, one day of rest, and a further four days of retreat work. Additional days and other dates are also available on advance request.

Retreat participants must be 18 or over, although they are most welcome to bring other guests to the resort during their stay. Following the retreat, all participants have the option to follow-up with Aequi’s London team to continue their wellness journey.

The Aequi Soneva Fushi Mental Resilience Retreat is priced at GBP 8,500. Flights and accommodation are charged separately, according to Aequi’s special rates.

The retreat will be hosted by Aequi’s accomplished team. For more information on Aequi’s qualified practitioners visit www.aequi.co.uk.

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Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration

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Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.

Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.

During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.

The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.

Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.

Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.

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SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration

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SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.

Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.

The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.

Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.

On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.

The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.

The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.

The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.

Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.

Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.

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Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences

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Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.

The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.

The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.

Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.

The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.

Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.

Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.

Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.

Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.

For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.

The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.

The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.

Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.

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