Stay Five Nights FREE at Soneva's

Become a Soneva Environmental Advisor this summer and earn five complimentary nights stay at Sonevas

Six Senses & Spa, the pioneer in eco-tourism in the Maldives is now initiating philanthropic escapes, a gratifying travel experience which is becoming a world-wide trend. The Soneva properties in the Maldives – Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili are renowned for their community involvement with projects like 'buy local ' which not only helps the environment but also generate local revenue streams; donating personal computers to schools; donating scanning equipment to the hospital in Baa Atoll; work with ECOCARE - a local environment NGO and more.

Soneva's are now inviting their guests to go ‘behind the scenes’ and discover how much more there is to the wonderful hospitality and rich culture within the Maldivian atolls. Book five nights and volunteer for five hours daily on the local community project of your choice, such as marine conservation, teaching children at a local school, planting trees (carbon-mitigation) and learning how to turn waste into wealth.

Of course, no good deeds go "unrewarded"! Your valuable contribution is awarded with five (additional) nights accommodation at the property of your choice - Soneva Gili or Soneva Fushi. This volunteer program is available to book between June 1 and October 12, 2010, so rush your inquiries to our design specialist to tailor your volunteer escape!

Maldives, the Wedding Destination

Photo: Wedding at Waldorf=Astoria Maldives, the Beach House

Destination Weddings in the Maldives are a true castaway experience, with its one island one resort concept providing love-struck couples with the utmost serenity, isolation and memories that last forever. Ever since Japan has taken the trend of overseas weddings; Maldives has been appended in their list of top international dream wedding escapes, with most weddings taking place in Spring and Autumn.

With an estimate of more than 60,000 couples getting married abroad, Maldivian resorts have captured their attention with alluring wedding packages catering to the distinctive needs of these couples and many pleasant surprises in store. Most of these packages includes a wedding cake, flowers, special candle lit-dinners, sunset cruises and champagne with a variance in offerings from resort to resort. For example, at Conrad Maldives, the renewal package offers spa treatments for the bride and the groom, photography and videography of the ceremony at the spectacular Underwater restaurant in addition to the aforementioned package elements. Guests can also opt for the additional services at a charge from Bridal Salon Maldives a private company based in Malé, offering professional Japanese hairstylists and make-up artists and a selection of wedding gowns and tuxedos for rental.

Weddings in the Maldives are all ceremonial and non-binding, yet it has never been more popular! Your fantasy wedding in an idyllic island setting, may it be ‘under water’ or 'on the beach’ with the backdrop of the magnificent sunset overlooking the pristine waters - truly a dream come true!

Golfing in Paradise

Photo: Golf Club at Kuredu Island Resort

The Maldives is a destination of many persona's offering getaways uniquely Maldivian to sophisticated contemporary boutique resorts. The possibility of golf seemed unlikely to many and it came as a surprise when the Maldives made the headlines to develop a floating convention center and golf course recently. Though it is fairly new, golf is not a strange sport to the Maldives.

Kuredu Island Resort introduced the first golf club of its kind in the Maldives with a challenging 6-hole Par 3 course with an average length of a hole being 55 yards. This resort offers all golfing equipment free and if you need to improve your swing, a PGA qualified golf instructor is on hand for coaching individual or groups.

Recently premiered Beach House by Waldorf=Astoria Collection offers a sophisticated eighteen-hole virtual golf simulator letting you sample some of the world's best eighteen-hole golf courses with the comforts and ambiance in the Maldives at Waldorf=Astoria's Gentlemen's club.

Meeru Island Resort is also popular among many guests who prefer a budget resort that is closer to the airport. Meeru offers a golf driving range, putting green, 9 hole pitch and putt golf course among other land activities on the island.

Surely, there is nowhere more peaceful for the game of golf other than the Maldives!

Student Holiday Maldives- eco-tip | Eco-Souvenirs

Photo: Souvenir Shop at Vilu Reef

If buying a souvenir for the trip home for your loved ones is a must-do and you are concerned about the environment, go eco-souvenir shopping. From ornaments to home decorators, your choices are endless.

Seeking sustainable souvenirs such as locally produced food items like vacuumed fish products, crafts such as lacquered vases, thundukunaa or jewelry made by local artisans and goods that support local green organizations are a way of helping local communities as well. Choose a souvenir that you consider is worth the expense and that the recipient would be able to make good use of and treasure forever. Try to reduce your purchases that may contribute to waste of money or landfills. Avoid any wildlife product made using any part of an animal such as tortoise shells, shark teeth or leather since these types of souvenirs have a huge impact on the environment. Make a list and enjoy a happy eco-souvenir shopping!

My holiday: Alex Watson, 7, visits the Maldives

Alex gets a little closer to the wildlife in the Maldives

WHERE I WENT

I went to the Maldives, to an island called Meeru, which is short for Meerufenfushi. It means "sweet water island" in the local language.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked how it was nice and hot there and when it was cooler in the evenings I liked going in to the sea – it was warm and like stepping into a Jacuzzi.

It is very dry in the Maldives most of the time but there is a rainy season called the monsoon, which was just starting when we were there. We took a sailing boat that you could fold and I liked sailing around in that. We also did a lot of snorkelling. Tourists go to the Maldives because it is one of the best snorkelling and diving sites in the world. I thought it was a great holiday.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

The fact we could only stay for two weeks.

WHAT I BOUGHT

A small dolphin that, when put in the water, expanded to about 10 times as big. Also a waterproof card with pictures of fish that I could take snorkelling to help recognise the fish I saw (pictured); and a book about all the fish.
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