Featured
Host your next gathering in blissful surroundings with Soneva
Award-winning luxury resorts operator, Soneva, has announced its latest bespoke Meetings and Events offer at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives. From corporate happenings to team-building retreats, Soneva’s barefoot hideaways each offer inspiring settings in secluded sanctuaries for gatherings of all sizes that encourage blue sky thinking and creativity without limits.
Set on remote islands tucked away in the Maldives, Soneva’s luxury resorts are breath-taking in their natural beauty and unique in their exquisite design. Sustainable living and a barefoot philosophy are part of the natural order, and every day, sandy feet and inspired minds weave a new story. From the Maldivian charms of Soneva Fushi or the over-water paradise of Soneva Jani, each luxurious resorts offer a peaceful haven in which to disconnect, indulge in the luxury of time and find inspiration from within.
Valid for a minimum three-night stay on selected dates between now and December 17, 2022, Soneva’s exclusive offer starts from USD 1,800 at Soneva Fushi and USD 2,900 at Soneva Jani. Package rates are priced per night and are based on two guests in a one-bedroom villa, with a minimum booking of 20 rooms or more required.
Each package also includes daily meals at selected resort restaurants; roundtrip wheeled plane transfers from Malé Airport to Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani; and group experiences that are designed to harmoniously inspire, recharge, and invigorate teams, leaving them ready to take on the challenges of business. At Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, guests can take part in a mesmerising sunset dolphin cruise while watching dozens of playful dolphins in the light of the setting sun. For those who want to feel in tune with nature, an idyllic island castaway picnic is also on offer.
Soneva’s skilled culinary teams curate bespoke gastronomic experiences and menus that cater to every taste and group size, from cocktail receptions to extravagant feasts. At Soneva Fushi, 11 dining destinations and numerous culinary experiences include sumptuous spreads at the beach-side Mihiree Mitha and intimate fine-dining at Once Upon a Table. At Soneva Jani, the 11 venues include The Crab Shack, named one of the ‘world’s most romantic restaurants’ by CNN, the picturesque Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren or So Wild by Diana Von Cranach, which is located in the resort’s organic gardens.
Every Soneva resort has a wealth of breath-taking venues on land, at sea or even in the treetops. True to the Soneva mantra, ‘inspiring rare experiences’, each location offers an opportunity for groups to release the shackles of routine and delve deeper into their thoughts. Guests can find inspiration on a private sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean at Soneva Fushi. Project presentations or inspirational videos can be played on the large outdoor screen at Cinema Paradiso at Soneva Jani.
Across all of Soneva’s luxurious hideaways, expansive private villas offer exceptional flexibility for groups, whether guests wish to stay in individual properties, or together in a large private residence for an exclusive resort-within-a-resort feel. At Soneva Fushi, 64 one- to nine-bedroom island villas are hidden amongst dense rainforest, each just steps from the beach, while eight one- and two-bedroom Water Retreats are amongst the largest of their kind in the world. Soneva Jani’s iconic over-water villas range from one to four bedrooms and include 24 original Water Retreats and 27 new Chapter Two Water Reserves, alongside two vast two- and four-bedroom island hideaways.
Every Soneva event is utterly bespoke, tailored by Soneva’s experienced events team to ensure gatherings are perfectly personalised to each group. As well as offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences in inspiring locations, Soneva can also connect guests to some of the world’s leading mentors such as CEO of Stand & Deliver Peter Meyers, learn about creating balance and stability in overworked teams with renowned therapist Roger Moore, or hear about how to deepen team relationships from acclaimed teacher, author and advisor Duncan Coombe PhD.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
Drink
Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar
Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.
Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.
Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.
The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.
To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:
- Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
- The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.
Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.
Featured
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.
The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.
Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.
In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.
The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.
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