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SOUL festival programme for Maldives debut

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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.

Awards

Cora Cora Maldives wins World Travel Awards’ best all-Inclusive resort title

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It’s time to celebrate freedom and revel in the joy! Champagne bottles are popping in celebration as Cora Cora Maldives’ outstanding Premium All-Inclusive experience receives recognition at the World Travel Awards. The five-star resort has proudly clinched the esteemed title of Indian Ocean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort for 2024. This prestigious honour marks a remarkable milestone for Cora Cora Maldives, solidifying its position as the premier all-inclusive destination in the entire Indian Ocean region.

“When we curated our Premium All-Inclusive offering, we wanted to give our guests the peace of mind that they could enjoy a fun and luxurious experience and leave their credit card in their room if they wanted to. Our team works incredibly hard to provide our guests with an enhanced and unforgettable Maldivian experience. I am thrilled that their admirable dedication is being celebrated at such a prestigious event,” delights Justin Swart, General Manager of Cora Cora Maldives.

Cora Cora Maldives proudly offers its Premium All-Inclusive Gourmet Meal Plan, available at all four restaurants and two bars, granting guests the freedom to indulge in their culinary desires at any time, including champagne. This comprehensive plan extends to refreshing smoothies, homemade gelato, and a diverse array of freshly prepared, all-day dining menus featuring extensive vegan and vegetarian options. Guests also enjoy access to the CoRa kids Club, exploration of the Dutch Onion® and Outdoor Heritage Site, non-motorised water sports, yoga, and sound healing at the MOKSHA Spa & Wellbeing Centre, along with a variety of enriching “How To” sessions.

Cora Cora Maldives’ Premium All-Inclusive offering anticipates and fulfils guests’ needs and desires, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience from the moment they arrive on the island. It’s no surprise that this luxurious resort has been recognised as the epitome of all-inclusive excellence in the entire Indian Ocean region!

Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards honour and celebrate excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The prestigious World Travel Awards Gala, attended by industry leaders, influencers, and media, is a highlight of the travel calendar. An accolade from the World Travel Awards is universally esteemed as the pinnacle of industry recognition.

Comprising 100 villas, a water sports & diving centre, a gym, an overwater yoga pavilion, and an outdoor cinema, Cora Cora Maldives is conveniently accessible—just 45 minutes by seaplane from You can reach Cora Cora Maldives from Velana International Airport in just 45 minutes via seaplane, or opt for a domestic flight taking 30 minutes followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride. It stands as the quintessential tropical island retreat, offering an idyllic escape for travellers seeking unparalleled luxury and relaxation.

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130 hotels in The Prestige Collection with 4 Maldives properties

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The Prestige Collection has reached 130 hotels in its portfolio, continuing to uphold quality and excellence as core pillars. It represents the most exclusive selection within Keytel, the world’s first alliance of independent hotels.

Since its establishment in 2007, The Prestige Collection has been dedicated to meeting the growing demand for luxury hotels, becoming a reference for hospitality industry specialists. Despite its focus on independent hotels, the collection has successfully attracted prestigious properties from international luxury chains such as Rosewood Villa Magna, Mandarín Oriental Ritz Madrid, and Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya. These hotels view The Prestige Collection as a complement to their commercial strategy for attracting luxury clientele.

With a prominent presence both nationally and internationally across 36 countries, The Prestige Collection shines in with four distinguished resorts: Baglioni Resort Maldives, Diamonds Athuruga Maldives Resort & Spa, Diamonds Thudufushi Maldives Resort & Spa, and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. Internationally, the collection boasts emblematic properties like Armani Dubai, Café Royal in London, The Pierre in New York, and Kappa Senses in Ubud, Bali, among others.

The collection categorises hotels into four distinctive categories, highlighting ideal places to disconnect, properties in vibrant urban settings, coastal options for those seeking serenity, and unique experiences for those seeking singularity.

Furthermore, this milestone coincides with the relaunch of its new experiential website platform. This platform offers users and industry professionals the opportunity to explore the collection in greater detail and drives qualified traffic to the official websites of member hotels.

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Dusit expands Maldives’ presence with all-inclusive lifestyle resort near Male

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Thailand-based Dusit Hotels and Resorts has signed an agreement with Pearl Atoll Pvt Ltd to manage dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives – a 125-key lifestyle resort on a private island near the main island of Malé.

Currently under construction and slated to open in 4Q 2024, the new resort will operate under Dusit’s upscale dusitD2 brand and will be the company’s first ‘all-inclusive’ property. In addition to spacious overwater villas and family suites ranging from 77 – 319 sq m, the lifestyle-driven resort will boast a kids club, multiple food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym, and a signature Namm Spa offering a wide range of Thai massage therapies and beauty treatments. Guests will find three main private beaches to relax on, plus a smaller ‘picnic beach’ for memorable meals on the sands.

Leveraging the resort’s proximity to Velana International Airport, which is only five minutes away by speedboat, the resort’s developers also plan to open a resort-based entertainment hub and small convention centre, catering to guests beyond the core resort experience. These will be announced at a later date and will also be managed by Dusit. Meticulous attention will be paid to ensure all resort elements seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment. Dusit’s group-wide sustainability programme, Tree of Life, will further solidify this commitment by implementing processes and systems that minimise environmental impact.

dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives will be Dusit’s second resort in the Maldives. The company also operates Dusit Thani Maldives, an award-winning luxury resort on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – the Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

“We are delighted to be expanding our presence in the Maldives with dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, our first all-inclusive resort concept,” said Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International. “The Maldives is a strategic market for us, and this exciting addition complements our existing presence in the luxury segment by offering a distinct lifestyle experience for families and young couples seeking an unforgettable and accessible Maldivian escape. We are committed to exceeding guest expectations with innovative offerings and exceptional service, and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives will be a shining example of this unwavering dedication.”

Fan Jianglin, Managing Director, Pearl Atoll Pvt Ltd, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Dusit International to manage our first resort in the Maldives. We were particularly drawn to Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, renowned worldwide for its warmth and attentiveness, and its proven success in the Maldives. dusitD2 Feydhoo’s prime location near Malé International Airport makes it incredibly convenient for guests, and we are confident that under Dusit’s experienced guidance, the resort will be a resounding success.”

Dusit’s portfolio of hotels, resorts, and luxury villas includes approximately 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands across 18 countries worldwide. In the Maldives, the brand runs the Dusit Thani Maldives resort in Baa Atoll.

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