Featured
Soneva unveils next phase of wellness development Soneva Soul
Award-winning luxury resorts brand Soneva has launched its next phase of wellness development at Soneva Soul, adding a team of expert international doctors and healers and the latest cutting-edge treatments and equipment to offer an even higher level of wellbeing and healing. Leading the way in world-class treatments, the new outcome-based menu welcomes science and innovation to address every aspect of guests’ wellbeing through personalised programmes and transformative treatments.
As part of its next phase and following the addition of new technology and equipment, traditional wellness philosophies such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and medicinal mushrooms now sit alongside cutting-edge integrative medicine such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, nutritional IV therapy, regenerative joint injections, platelet-rich plasma therapy, micro-needling and cryotherapy, amongst others.
Each treatment is administered by experienced doctors and wellness specialists, who also oversee the development of guests’ personalised programmes. Soneva Soul’s robust on-site team includes a Naturopathic doctor and an Ayurvedic doctor at each resort, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, Ayurvedic therapists, an experienced resort physician and nurse, as well as a broad range of spa therapists and visiting wellness specialists. Bringing their vast experience to Soneva Soul across a spectrum of healing therapies and wellness practices, the team’s level of expertise is unparalleled in the region and serves to provide care that is luxurious and deeply rejuvenating while being effective and targeted.
Leading the team at Soneva Fushi is medical and naturopathic doctor, Dr Arsallan Ahmad, whose expertise lies in regenerative injections, intravenous nutrient therapy and sports medicine. Dr Arsallan also treats various health concerns including digestive issues, food sensitivities, Lyme disease, mould exposure, heavy metal toxicity, osteoarthritis and auto-immune diseases through comprehensive nutritional programmes and treatments.
Also in residence at Soneva Fushi is Dr Fabio Pacciuci who has a rich toolkit offering comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapies including acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, qi gong, aesthetic acupuncture and micro-needling, breathwork and more. Dr Fabio works with all health concerns through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine to diagnose, rebalance and heal on every level.
“Our new comprehensive wellness and medical offerings at Soneva Soul come from the clear awareness that to feel truly well, all systems must be in balance. The body must receive the nutrients it needs, and we must remove all obstacles to regeneration,” says Medical Director for Soneva Soul, Dr Lilly-Marie Blecher. “For this reason, we focus on detoxifying, supporting cellular metabolism, nourishing on every level and regenerating compromised cells and tissues. Ancient medicines such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have known and practiced these principles for millennia. Modern medicine offers new therapies and expert acute care. Together, we can understand, heal and rejuvenate more deeply and completely. We recognise that health is our greatest asset and deserves the highest and most refined level of care.”
Launched in late 2021, Soneva Soul is a transformative wellness brand from Soneva that combines ancient healing with modern science to reconnect mind, body and soul. It is guided by the principle of ‘lifestyle evolution’, tailoring personalised care plans to help guests realise their utmost potential and achieve their long-term wellness goals. Surrounded by the majesty of nature, it is the result of Soneva’s experience at the forefront of the luxury hospitality and wellbeing industry over the last 27 years. It harnesses the knowledge and expertise gathered on 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.
Adding to its already extensive list of wellness offerings, Soneva also recently announced a new limited-edition Wellness Package across its award-winning hideaways in the Maldives and Thailand. Valid for a three-, five- or seven-night stay at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, the indulgent package is ideal for guests who wish to explore a health transformation at Soneva Soul. Each package includes a complimentary consultation with integrative medicine doctors to design an individualised, optimised programme. Combining conscious movement and meditation, luxurious spa treatments, regenerative therapies and nourishing menus across selected dining destinations, guests will find their every health need addressed.
The package starts from USD 3,000 and is based on one guest in a one-bedroom villa. A second adult may join the Wellness Package for an additional USD 500 per night at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
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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