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Celebrate joy of festive season with Soneva’s inspiring calendar of rare experiences, visiting experts

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Pioneering luxury resorts brand Soneva has announced a spectacular festive calendar across its award-winning destinations in the Maldives and Thailand for December 2022.

For guests at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, this holiday season will be a time to reconnect with loved ones and revel in the magic of the festivities. Rare, one-of-a-kind experiences will create a lifetime of precious memories: exquisite dining from Michelin-starred chefs, festive feasts, world-renowned wellness specialists, sporting legends and an exciting holiday programme for children of all ages, as well as a special visit from Santa himself and one of the world’s best mentalists, Lior Suchard.

In true Soneva tradition, the iconic New Year’s Eve Journey around each resort will see out the year in awe-inspiring style – with sumptuous dining, live music and unforgettable entertainment.

Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Exceptional seasonal dining sets the scene for a magical Christmas and New Year at Soneva Fushi. British chef Timothy Bilton will be bringing a taste of Yorkshire to the Baa Atoll, while Danish chef Anika Madsen will be demonstrating her personal approach to gastronomy. Also visiting the Maldives this December is Swedish chef and restaurateur Paul Svensson, who recently launched Studio 2000 in Stockholm – an edible experiment that strives to disrupt the food system and change the way we think about land use, soil health and flavour.

On Christmas Eve, guests can celebrate the night before Christmas with an intimate but mind-blowing performance by world-renowned mentalist Lior Suchard, who will be taking guests on an incredible journey through the wonders of the human brain. A Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on the Soneva Fushi Sandbank at sunset, with carols, eggnog and mulled wine. Later that evening, there will be an extravagant Christmas gala dinner at Mihiree Mithaa, with cooking stations and festive entertainment from a live band.

Christmas Day starts with festive tunes and family games at breakfast time, followed by a visit from Santa to deliver presents and start the celebrations in the Baa Atoll. A light Christmas lunch will later be served at Out of the Sea and Out of the Blue.

Helping guests stay active throughout the festive season, former England international footballer and television pundit Graeme Le Saux will be hosting a series of football camps at Soneva Fushi. Former world number one tennis doubles and number four singles player Jonas Bjorkman will also be making a welcome return to the Baa Atoll to offer one-on-one coaching on the beautiful jungle court. For guests wanting to relax, unwind and re-centre over the winter holidays, Soneva Fushi’s resident yoga guru Pawan Kumar and expert team of international wellness specialists will be at the resort throughout the winter season at Soneva Soul.

Younger guests can embrace the festive fun with an exciting programme of Christmas-themed activities and experiences at The Den, one of the largest dedicated children’s zones in the Maldives. In the lead-up to Christmas Day, there’ll be Christmas tree decorating, carol rehearsals, festive baking, letter writing to Santa and crafts galore. On Christmas Day, Soneva Fushi’s youngest guests can take part in carnival games, make a splash at the Christmas pool party, try their hand at making mocktails, or explore the wonders of the stars above during a night-time Christmas camp. Throughout the holidays there will also be family treasure hunts, classic movie nights, sunset dolphin cruises, stargazing DJing workshops for teens, and a chance to compete in Junior MasterChef.

As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring that younger guests stay inspired and intrigued outside of term-time, Soneva has also partnered with Oppidan Education, a British-based mentoring firm created to help children continue their learning outside of the classroom and reach their full potential. As well as complimentary drop-in workshops with fun, educational activities at The Den, Oppidan will also offer private, one-on-one appointments, which can be scheduled each afternoon.

As 2022 draws to a close, Soneva Fushi’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations take guests on a So Global So Local gastronomic journey. A tantalising feast for the senses, the journey winds its way along torch-lit paths to mouth-watering live cooking stations and magical live entertainment. The evening culminates with a countdown to 2023 and a dazzling light show to welcome in the new year – followed by a live band and DJ spinning tunes into the early hours.

View the Soneva Fushi Festive Programme

Soneva Jani, Maldives

An array of fine, festive dining experiences awaits guests at Soneva Jani, alongside an exceptional line-up of visiting chefs through the Soneva Stars calendar. Timothy Bilton, Anika Madsen and Paul Svensson will all be hosting exclusive dining events at So Engaging, the intimate chef’s table that seats just five guests.

The seasonal celebrations start early on Christmas Eve, with a delectable mushroom steak and truffled egg breakfast served at sunrise or in-villa for guests. Later in the afternoon, Santa will be making an appearance at The Den to spread the Christmas cheer. Sunset cocktails will be served at the So Sandy beach, followed by an indulgent Christmas Eve dinner on North Beach, with live entertainment and a DJ.

On December 25, the festivities start with a Christmas morning breakfast and brunch at Down to Earth or, for late risers, an extended Christmas Brunch at The Gathering, while a Mini Brunch will be held at The Den for Soneva Jani’s youngest guests. The celebrations continue into the afternoon at South Beach where a DJ and saxophonist will be providing the soundtrack to the setting sun. In the evening, guests can awaken the senses with a set menu carefully curated to the classic movie Le Chef under the stars at Director’s Cut. For younger guests, Ratatouille will also be screened.

Families of all ages and sizes have plenty to look forward to at Soneva Jani’s all-new two-storey Den. Featuring a zipline through a cascading waterfall, areas for music, Lego, dressing up and creativity, a soothing sensory room for toddlers, and a hidden hangout for teens where mocktails and music set the scene – there’s something for everyone at The Den. Young Sonevians both large and small can join in the Christmas fun with ornament and cupcake-making, carol rehearsals, Christmas-themed movie nights and more, as well as ocean bingo, an island treasure hunt and mocktail masterclasses followed by a pool party for teens. The experts from Oppidan Education will also be making a welcome return to offer one-on-one mentoring sessions to Young Sonevians, as well as fun complementary activities.

Following his visit during the Easter holidays, Soneva Stars regulars Mikaël Silvestre will be returning to the Maldives in December during the festive break. The former French international football player will be hosting his ever-popular children’s football camps for Young Sonevians.

And at Soneva Soul, Soneva Jani’s resident yoga and meditation masters, Justin and Kamal, will also be hosting complimentary morning yoga, meditation and Pranayama sessions throughout the festive season.

To mark the end of 2022, Soneva Jani’s New Year’s Eve Journey takes guests on a gastronomic voyage of discovery. Starting with Champagne and canapés on the Arrival Jetty, it follows sparkling paths around the island to discover live cooking stations and magical entertainment along the way. The evening culminates at South Beach, with a countdown to 2023 and a breath-taking fire show to see in the new year, followed by a live band and DJ playing late into the night.

View the Soneva Jani Festive Programme

Awards

Kudadoo Maldives secures top 1% global ranking with prestigious TripAdvisor award

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Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi has been named a ‘Best of the Best’ winner in the prestigious 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. This elite honour places Kudadoo among the top 1% of hotels worldwide, a distinction earned through consistently outstanding guest reviews and ratings over the past year.

Building on its legacy of excellence, Kudadoo also secured the #18 position in Asia’s Small & Boutique Hotels category, recognised for its unparalleled approach to ultra-luxury hospitality, eco-conscious ethos, and personalized all-inclusive experiences that redefine exclusivity.

Akira Shiota, General Manager of Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, emphasised that every detail at Kudadoo is designed with purpose to offer unparalleled freedom, tranquil privacy, and an intimate connection to nature. He stated that receiving the ‘Best of the Best’ award once again validates the resort’s commitment to exceptional, conscious luxury, crediting the dedicated team and loyal guests for inspiring continuous elevation of the experience.

Designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki, Kudadoo is a fully solar-powered sanctuary crafted for effortless luxury and meaningful indulgence. The island is home to just 15 exclusive Ocean Residences, each positioned above the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, offering a personalized escape with 24/7 private butler service.

Guests at Kudadoo can enjoy a wide range of curated experiences, from swimming with manta rays to bespoke beachside barbecues, tailored to meet the desires of discerning visitors—many of whom return year after year for the resort’s signature blend of serenity, sophistication, and sustainability.

Mohamed Solah, CEO of Crown & Champa Resorts, the management company behind Kudadoo, remarked that the award celebrates the essence of what the resort offers: freedom, privacy, and pure indulgence. He noted that being recognised by global travellers year after year is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the passion, dedication, and outstanding service delivered by the resort’s teams daily.

Kudadoo is accessible via a scenic seaplane journey or a domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer, ensuring a seamless and stress-free transition into paradise.

This milestone adds to Kudadoo’s growing list of accolades, including its status as a 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Winner, which placed the resort among the top 10% of hospitality businesses worldwide. With an unwavering focus on innovation, wellbeing, and elevated service, Kudadoo continues to set the standard for private island living in the Maldives.

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Awards

Kuredu Island Resort earns top honours in 2025 TripAdvisor ‘Best of the Best’ Awards

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Kuredu Island Resort & Spa has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ accolade in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, ranking it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide. This distinction represents the highest level of excellence awarded by TripAdvisor, celebrating destinations that consistently provide exceptional service, outstanding value, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Selected from millions of traveller reviews and ratings collected over the past year, the Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ Award reflects Kuredu’s unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations and crafting joyful, memorable stays. Guests worldwide have praised the resort’s warm Maldivian hospitality, extensive range of activities, diverse dining options, and idyllic island setting that seamlessly balances excitement with tranquility.

Mohamed Solah, CEO of Crown & Champa Resorts, commented that Kuredu’s vibrant charm, variety of adventures, and heartfelt hospitality continue to captivate guests. He emphasised that the award not only recognises the resort’s exceptional service but also the emotional connections the team fosters with every guest. He expressed deep pride and gratitude toward the Kuredu family and loyal visitors for helping achieve this significant milestone.

Situated in the turquoise waters of the Lhaviyani Atoll, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa is one of the Maldives’ most beloved and iconic destinations. As the sole resort on Kuredu Island, it offers an exclusive sanctuary welcoming families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The resort features 389 villas and bungalows, ranging from beachside retreats to overwater hideaways, blending rustic charm with luxurious comfort.

Guests can enjoy a wide variety of experiences catering to all preferences and tempos. Activities include world-renowned diving at nearby coral reefs, water sports, sunset dolphin cruises, yoga sessions, full-service spas, and culinary journeys across multiple restaurants and bars. Kuredu aims to offer more than just a holiday — it provides stories worth sharing.

The resort’s family-friendly amenities, including kid-focused activities and multi-generational villa options, make it a top choice for travellers with children. Couples are attracted to romantic beach dinners, secluded sunset spots, and the peaceful O’ Resort area designed for adults seeking intimacy and calm.

Jorge Amaro, General Manager of Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, highlighted the resort’s deeply personal approach. He explained that it is the small gestures — such as remembering a guest’s favourite drink or sharing a genuine smile — that create lasting memories. He noted that the award reflects the passion, dedication, and authenticity of the entire team, who strive to make every guest feel truly at home on the island.

The 2025 recognition adds to Kuredu’s impressive array of accolades earned over the past decade. The resort has consistently upheld its reputation as one of the Maldives’ most admired hospitality destinations, with multiple TripAdvisor honours including:

  • 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award — Recognised among the top 10% of hospitality businesses worldwide
  • 2019 Certificate of Excellence — Awarded for consistently high guest ratings
  • 2017 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
  • 2014 Certificate of Excellence, UK — Based on outstanding guest reviews
  • 2013 Travellers’ Choice Award, UK — Ranked #21 among the Top 25 Resorts in the Maldives for Best Service
  • 2013 & 2012 Certificate of Excellence, UK — Recognised for consistent excellence in guest satisfaction

These honours reflect Kuredu’s longstanding commitment not only to meeting international hospitality standards but also to creating a sense of belonging, excitement, and wonder for guests from around the world.

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Awards

Komandoo Island Resort & Spa shines in 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards

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Komandoo Island Resort & Spa has been recognised as a winner in the 2025 TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards, earning a place among the top 10% of hotels globally. This prestigious accolade reflects the boutique adults-only resort’s enduring charm, thoughtful details, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences in an intimate and romantic setting.

As a member of the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, Komandoo has long maintained a reputation as one of the Maldives’ most beloved resorts for couples and honeymooners. With just 65 villas situated along pristine beaches and above a shimmering turquoise lagoon, the island offers an idyllic retreat where love, serenity, and barefoot luxury thrive.

According to Mohamed Solah, CEO of Crown & Champa Resorts, “This recognition is a testament to the genuine care our Team of Champions puts into every stay. At Komandoo, hospitality is more than a service—it’s a heartfelt connection with each guest.”

Ahmed Naseem, General Manager of Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, added, “What makes Komandoo special is the soul of the island—our champions’ passion, the intimacy of the setting, and the heartfelt experiences created for every guest. Being honoured year after year by our guests and by TripAdvisor inspires us to keep delivering unforgettable moments in one of the most romantic corners of the world.”

Komandoo’s adults-only policy and tranquil environment make it an exceptional choice for honeymoons, anniversaries, and couples’ getaways. Guests enjoy uninterrupted serenity, romantic beach dining, curated experiences, and wellness offerings designed for reconnection and relaxation.

Komandoo’s inclusion in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards continues a long-standing tradition of excellence celebrated by TripAdvisor and the global travel community. Among the numerous accolades the resort has received from TripAdvisor over the years are:

  • TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner 2025 & 2024
  • TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence – 2019
  • Travellers’ Choice Awards – UK – 2018
  • Certificate of Excellence – UK – 2016
  • TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards – UK – 2015 – | #1 Romantic Resort in the Maldives | #7 Top Hotel for Service in Maldives | Top 10 Hotels in Maldives
  • Certificate of Excellence – UK – 2015 & 2012
  • Five-time Certificate of Excellence Winner (2011–2015)
  • TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award – 2009 (UK) | #1 Romantic Resort in Maldives | #1 in Asia | #7 in the World

These accolades highlight Komandoo’s unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction and its dedication to delivering memorable, personalised stays.

With its adults-only policy and serene setting, Komandoo offers an unparalleled destination for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic escapes. Guests are treated to uninterrupted tranquillity, bespoke beach dining experiences, wellness offerings, and curated activities designed to foster reconnection.

The resort features a variety of accommodations, from overwater villas with direct lagoon access to beach villas shaded by palms, each offering comfort, privacy, and luxury. Additional highlights include award-winning dining, indulgent spa treatments at Duniye Spa, and a vibrant house reef ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts. Komandoo seamlessly blends Maldivian authenticity with modern comforts and heartfelt service. As the island’s only resort, it offers guests a rare sense of exclusivity—where every detail is crafted to let love stories unfold.

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