Featured
Soneva Soul launches London Wellness Specialist Network
Luxury resorts pioneer Soneva has announced the launch of the London Wellness Specialist Network as part of its new, transformative wellness concept, Soneva Soul.
This curated directory of trusted, international wellness experts invites guests in the UK to start or continue their wellness journey beyond Soneva’s award-winning resorts in the Maldives and Thailand. Supporting every area of guests’ health and wellbeing all year round, this London-focused network is the first phase of Soneva Soul’s expanding global reach across major cities around the world, combining ancient healing wisdom with the latest in science and medical innovation.
Ranging from rehabilitation, fertility and anxiety experts to leaders in Pilates, osteopathy, astrology and crystal healing, the London Wellness Specialist Network spans the full spectrum of healing modalities. Selected for their extensive experience and eminence in their field by Soneva Soul’s wellness experts, the specialists include: lymphatic drainage expert and modelling massage therapist Ana Trida; renowned psychotherapist Andrew Wallas, who uses a hybrid approach to achieve a profound alchemical transformation; hypnotherapist, author and host of The Calmer You podcast Chloe Brotheridge; shamanic practitioner Eddy Elsey, whose work has been featured in GQ, Men’s Health and The Telegraph, among others; preventative health expert and founder of the multi-award-winning 360 lifestyle brand Hayo’u Katie Brindle; and Vedic meditation teacher and co-founder of the London Meditation Centre Jillian Lavender.
Soneva has also partnered with London-based wellness group 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 in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll. 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.
Launched in late 2021 and guided by the principle of ‘lifestyle evolution’, Soneva Soul reconnects mind, body and soul through personalised care plans that help guests realise their utmost potential and achieve their long-term wellness goals. This unique wellness concept builds upon Soneva’s experience at the forefront of the luxury hospitality and wellbeing industry over the last 27 years, harnessing the knowledge and expertise gathered during Soneva’s journey since launching its first spa at Soneva Fushi in 1995 – from traditional therapies, naturopathy and healing rituals, to the latest in diagnostics and scientific advances in medicine.
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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