A survey by Bounce has declared Maldives as the most popular destination for a vacation. The data, gathered over a year, revealed that Maldives appeared 2,457,000 times in Google searches. Coral reefs surround this country of islands like a necklace of jewels; the rich biodiversity invites you to connect with nature as you may never have experienced, and the azure blue waters promise to erase all anxieties. Maldives, often the first pick for fans of luxury on an island, has more than one reason to entice visitors. Here's one more. Soneva, a pioneering resort brand, has launched its latest collection of exclusive, seasonal experiences for guests at Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, and Soneva Kiri in the Maldives, as well as at Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Founded in 1995, Soneva is an award-winning sustainable resort operator.
Spend A Memorable Winter
The Winter Collection, which features curated feasts from Michelin-starred chefs, bespoke treatments by world-renowned wellness specialists, and an exciting children's holiday programme that includes training sessions with sporting legend Fernando Torres, among others, sets the stage for unforgettable memories.
The New Year Line-Up
The iconic New Year’s Eve Journey around each resort will see out the year with sumptuous dining, live music, and unforgettable entertainment. To help guests reconnect mind, body, and soul, Soneva is championing health and wellness this season. From December 21 to 29, 2023, football icon Fernando Torres will host coaching sessions with Young Sonevians at Soneva Jani.
Tennis, Sailing, And More
Throughout winter in the Maldives, guests can also experience training workshops with visiting tennis legends Daniil Medvedev, Kiki Bertens, and Paul Haarhuis; transformative treatments with renowned osteopath Hortensia Corredoira; and fast-paced workshops with international freestyling sensations Marcel Gurk and Igor Oleyink.
Celebrated British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston – the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world – is also setting course for Soneva Fushi to host exclusive sailing lessons aboard the 23-metre Soneva in Aqua from November 23 to December 1, 2023. In addition, sailing enthusiasts and ocean lovers alike can set sail to the Maldives’ most picturesque islands with the multi-day Island Hopper charter and visit the manta rays of Hanifaru Bay, kayak amid bioluminescent bloom or explore pristine lagoons at leisure.
Other Activities
There's more. Young Sonevians can explore fun-packed daily programmes full of seasonal cheer at The Den. In addition to journeying through the galaxy with planetary scientist Dr Ryuki Hyodo and astrophysicist Sarafina Nance, exciting watersports, learn-to-swim sessions with Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar, and inspiring activities with British academic mentoring firm Oppidan Education.
Culinary Delights
An array of fine, festive dining highlights will see creative culinary journeys hosted by some of the world’s best chefs throughout winter, including Tim Raue, who is bringing Berlin’s two Michelin-starred Restaurant Tim Raue to Soneva Fushi for an exclusive residency at Flying Sauces. There will also be special menus from celebrated chefs Ricky Saward, Timothy Bilton and Maria José San Román, alongside winter cocktails and ice cream creations inspired by seasonal flavours and local ingredients. For more information, check here.
Getting There
If you have the time, take a sea voyage to Maldives. The cruises you can take include Noble Caledonia and Jalesh Cruise from Mumbai, which also have a stop at Kochi. Your other option is a Kochi to Maldives passenger-cum-cargo ferry. Or you can do the usual and fly to Male International Airport (MLE).
Whatever way you choose to travel, make sure you read our article on prepping for a Maldives trip before you go.