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SOUL festival programme for Maldives debut

SOUL has published its captivating festival programme of insightful talks, guided wellness sessions and hands-on treatments, featuring a global line-up of visionaries, thought leaders and wellness pioneers to the Maldives from September 29 to October 8, 2023. A partnership by pioneering hospitality brand Soneva and international wellness enterprise ORGANIC INDIA, the intimate festival will be an immersive exploration of health and wellness in all its forms, from personal to planetary, at the award-winning Soneva Fushi, located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The list of international speakers includes: award-winning screenwriter, activist and documentary maker of That Sugar Film and 2024, Damon Gameau; Goi Peace Award recipient Bruce Lipton; New York Times bestselling author Jo Marchant; Ayurvedic aromatherapy pioneer Farida Irani; bestselling author and founder of Bio Blends Dr Libby Weaver; lifestyle ambassador and champion for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India Movement’ Luke Coutinho; award-winning cinematographer, director and producer Louie Schwartzberg; psychologist, scientist and social entrepreneur Shamini Jain; gastroenterologist and author of The Mind Gut Connection Dr Emeran Mayer; clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert Shauna Shapiro; renowned spiritual leaders Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati; actress and biohacking expert Davinia Taylor; the first Western Ayurvedic practitioner in India Dr Robert Svoboda; award-winning science journalist Gaia Vince; naturopathic doctor and doctor of Oriental medicine Dr Lilly-Marie Blecher; anxiety and mindfulness coach Amanda Huggins; Medical Director & Senior Vice President of Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre Dr Paul Salins; orthotropics, orthodontics and Homeoblock specialised dentist Dr Timothy Doolin; author, inventor and founder of Conscious Breathing Anders Olsson; oncology specialist and author Dr Nasha Winters and family medicine specialist and co-medical director at Taos Whole Health Integrative Care Dr Joanna Hooper.
SOUL Festival will span ten days and two weekends, offering guests the opportunity to explore the ancient healing traditions and modern science and medicine that serve individuals, communities and the planet. Sunset cocktails on the sandbank and a plant-based gala dinner on the beach will mark the official opening of the inaugural edition, followed by a live music performance and stargazing at Soneva Fushi’s island Observatory.
Each morning guests can rise with the Maldivian sun during group yoga and meditation on the sandbank, reach new fitness goals with bootcamps at the island jungle gym, explore the Indian Ocean’s hidden gems during guided paddleboarding, be introduced to the art of hot glassblowing, or gain insight into gut health during expert-led nutrition masterclasses. Throughout the day, guests can reconnect and feel renewed with daily healing rituals, expand their horizons during stimulating panel discussions, enjoy complimentary, one-on-one conversations with speakers or uncover the meaning of true health with a specially curated menu of treatments to try during SOUL.
Standout sessions not to be missed include The Neuroscience of Wellness with Bruce Lipton, Emeran Mayor, Shamini Jain, Paul Salins and Farida Irani; The Eye of the Storm – Finding Balance in Times of Chaos with Shauna Shapiro, Dr Lilly-Marie Blecher, Luke Coutinho and Robert Svoboda; Building a Regenerative Future with Damon Gameau, Sonu Shivdasani, William Bissel, Gaia Vince, Louie Swartzberg and Bruce Lipton; and Health Crisis to Health Awakening with Amanda Huggins, Louie Swartzberg and Jo Marchant. Alongside the live, in-person and interactive sessions for Soneva Fushi guests, SOUL’s sessions will also be streamed online.
Adding the perfect soundtrack to the event will be live musical performances by renowned Indian classical composer Ustad Kamal Sabri, sound healing practitioner and acclaimed singer and songwriter Kristin Hoffman and contemporary Indian poet and storyteller Bawari Basanti.
Guests can enjoy Soneva’s exclusive SOUL Festival offers, with specially curated three, five or ten-night packages. Starting from USD 6,900 for a three-night stay for two at Soneva Fushi, the offer includes full access to the festival programme, luxurious private villa accommodation, daily full board dining and round–trip domestic transfers. Bookings made before August 31, 2023, will also receive an additional 10 per cent reduction on the package rate.
A life-enriching festival with a purpose, proceeds from the sale of SOUL Festival tickets will go to the Soneva Foundation and ORGANIC INDIA Foundation to support the development of projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact.
“We are so proud to host the first edition of SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi,” says Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and co-founder of Soneva. “Wellness permeates all that we do at Soneva: our sustainable, barefoot philosophy that reconnects our guests to the earth, our stunning natural locations, our delicious yet health-focused cuisine and our life-changing guest experiences. The festival’s remarkable programme is an opportunity to explore every facet of health and wellbeing, and I cannot wait to welcome the line-up of outstanding wellness experts to our shores.”
“SOUL Festival is a rare opportunity to experience a deeply immersive journey with some of the world’s leaders in wellness, health and regeneration,” adds festival director Chris Deckker. “From keynote talks and interactive panels to immersive workshops, intimate dinners and remote Island adventures, this unprecedented festival retreat is unlike any other in the world, hosted on one of the most magical Islands in the Maldives.”
Soneva Fushi can be easily reached via Velana International Airport in the capital Malé, or Maafaru International Airport in the Noonu Atoll. Every stay at Soneva Fushi also invites guests to indulge in Soneva’s signature experiences and award-winning services – from Barefoot Guardians on hand 24/7 to anticipate every request, and transformative wellness treatments at Soneva Soul, to rare, one-of-a-kind island experiences, and an exciting programme of activities at The Den, one of the largest children’s zones in the region.
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Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with bold beats, barefoot dining, revitalising escape at W Maldives

This Eid Al-Adha, W Maldives—The Original Wavemaker—invites guests to trade tradition for transformation, with a curated celebration that blends bold flavors, soulful rhythms, and serene moments in true island style. Nestled in the heart of the Maldives’ North Ari Atoll, the luxury playground is making the occasion with two exclusive offerings designed to awaken the senses and honor the spirit of the season—one for those who crave slow, mindful reconnection and another for those ready to revel under the stars.
On 6 June, the resort’s signature beachside smokehouse restaurant, FIRE, becomes the backdrop for Eid Revelry, a one-night-only dinner experience that puts Maldivian flavors and music in the spotlight. Set beneath swaying palms and candlelit skies, the open-air feast features a spread of elevated island cuisine, designed for sharing and celebrating. The vibe? Laid-back yet unmistakably electric., thank to live performances from two of the Maldives’ musical talents: Miraa, whose vocals bring a soulful edge to island storytelling, and DJ Hambe, whose dynamic beats effortlessly bridge traditional roots and modern rhythm. As homegrown talents championing the local creative scene, their presence adds heart and authenticity to the night—proof that Eid on an island can be both grounded and gloriously unexpected.
For those seeking a more introspective take on the holiday, AWAY Spa offers the Calm Celebration ritual from 4 to 11 June—a 60-minute escape designed to bring clarity to the body and calm to the mind. The experience begins with a 30-minute back, neck, and shoulder massage to melt away tension, followed by a 30-minute facial for a radiant refresh. Hosted in one of W Maldives’ iconic overwater treatment rooms—where waves become natural soundtrack—the treatment honors the quiet side of Eid, offering guests a moment to breathe, reset and emerge renewed.
The best part? Guests don’t have to shoose between tranquility and thrill—they can do both! W Maldives makes it easy to craft a holiday that hits every note, from spa serenity by day to barefoot beats by night.
And with the resort’s Stay, Dine & Fly offer—which includes daily half board, shared return seaplane transfers, and full access to all signature happenings—the only thing guests need to worry about is whether they’ll start with a stretch or a spritz.
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Ifuru Island Maldives launches ‘Blend’ private yacht experience

Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled Blend, a beautiful Princess 62 luxury yacht, now available for private charters, curated cruises, and exclusive overnight stays. This new experience offers guests the opportunity to explore the Indian Ocean in style, blending barefoot luxury with personalised service and curated culinary moments.
Whether sailing into the sunset with a bottle of sparkling wine, enjoying a champagne breakfast surrounded by endless blue, or spending the night aboard under the stars, Blend is designed for romance, celebration, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. The yacht comfortably hosts up to 14 guests for day cruises and offers overnight accommodation for four in two elegant cabins.
Guests can choose from a variety of experiences—from short scenic voyages and gourmet lunch cruises to full-day ocean adventures and overnight escapes on the water. Each journey is supported by a dedicated crew and includes tailored amenities, premium dining, and seamless access to the Maldives’ breathtaking surroundings.
“We wanted to create an experience that feels intimate yet elevated—something that takes the Ifuru lifestyle and extends it onto the sea,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Blend allows our guests to celebrate special moments, escape the ordinary, and explore the beauty of the Maldives with privacy and personalisation.”
The new offering also includes combo and split-stay packages, allowing guests to pair their villa stay at Ifuru Island with one or more nights onboard the yacht, enjoying the best of both land and sea. Add-on experiences such as sandbank dining, floating breakfasts, onboard spa treatments, and cinematic evenings under the stars are available by advance booking.
Blend is now available for private bookings. For enquiries and reservations, please contact: bookingmagic@ifuruisland.com
Meditation
Kuda Villingili Maldives to host aqua fitness icon Rajni Maker for Global Wellness Day

This Global Wellness Day, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to embrace the transformative power of water with an exclusive wellness program led by India’s pioneering aqua fitness expert, Rajni Maker. Taking place from June 14 to 18, 2025, the resort’s immersive wellness celebration is inspired by the global theme #ReconnectMagenta, encouraging guests to slow down, recharge, and rediscover a sense of connection—with self, with nature, and with community.
Located a scenic 30-minute speedboat journey from Malé, Kuda Villingili is an island sanctuary where time and space are redefined. A curated collection of villas and residences evoke a deep sense of space, comfort, and privacy. Whether nestled over water or tucked within lush foliage, every accommodation invites moments of stillness, reflection, and reconnection.
Kuda Villingili is already a haven for wellness seekers, offering a wealth of experiences that celebrate balance, vitality, and inner peace. The resort’s private island spa is home to eight treatment villas where guests can indulge in holistic therapies using organic, island-inspired ingredients. For those seeking movement, the resort boasts the Maldives’ largest pool, a state-of-the-art gym with ocean views, and a scenic jungle yoga pavilion designed for sunrise and sunset practices.
With decades of experience in crafting inclusive, water-based wellness journeys, Rajni Maker brings her signature blend of intentionality, flow, and vitality to the Maldives. Her sessions are tailored to support all fitness levels, creating an energising and welcoming space for everyone—from first-time movers to seasoned wellness seekers. Set against the striking backdrop of the Maldives’ largest pool, Rajni’s unique approach to aquatic fitness makes each workout a joyful and transformative experience.
“I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Kuda Villingili. The resort’s serene setting and expansive aquatic spaces offer the ideal canvas for meaningful, water-based wellness experiences,” says Rajni Maker. “My goal is to help every participant reconnect with their body and mind, while also leaving them with simple, sustainable practices they can continue at home—whether they are just beginning their wellness journey or are seasoned fitness enthusiasts.”
The wellness weekend opens with sessions designed to foster a deeper bond with the natural surroundings, including a guided nature walk through the island’s lush landscape, ending with a mindful beachside body scrub using traditional Maldivian ingredients. As the days unfold, guests are invited to explore inner strength and stability through a sunrise Pilates session with the Magic Circle and energise themselves with high-intensity aqua kickboxing—a spirited yet joint-friendly cardio workout led by Rajni herself.
Wellness is celebrated not only as a personal journey but as a shared experience. Guests can join their loved ones in an invigorating family beach HIIT session, or enjoy friendly competition during a padel tennis match, complete with thoughtful wellness prizes. The sense of connection continues with creative expressions such as a nature-inspired painting session, and deeper reflection is encouraged through one-on-one wellness consultations with the resort’s dedicated experts.
Whether guests are seeking a new way to move, or simply a new space to pause, Global Wellness Day at Kuda Villingili promises an unforgettable journey of renewal. With Rajni Maker leading the way, and the resort’s immersive wellness offerings as the foundation, the island becomes a sanctuary of motion, mindfulness, and meaningful reconnection.
View Kuda Villingili’s Global Wellness Day programme, in collaboration with Rajni Maker here.
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