Guests can expect to immerse themselves in Soneva’s sustainable philosophy with garden-to-table experiences, marine conservation and cultural excursions
Soneva resorts announces new experiences at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives and at Soneva Kiri in Thailand. These experiences centre around learning and delving deeper into Soneva’s philosophy and sustainable practices. Guests can take part in marine conservation under the guidance of the resort Marine Biologist at Soneva Jani, learn how to track wildlife on the island at Soneva Fushi, and learn about the organic gardens and pick the ingredients for their lunch at Soneva Kiri.
Soneva Fushi
Embark on an ocean adventure with Soneva Fushi’s Maldivian fisherman, Rocket, and his family to learn how to fish sustainably with the Fishing is a Family Matter experience. Rocket has been supplying fish to Soneva Fushi since it was in construction, he knows what the chefs need and knows where to find the fish. After fishing, guests can have their catch of the day prepared for them back at the resort using Rocket’s wife’s marinade recipe.
Young Sonevians and their families can learn about the flora and fauna native to the island of Kunfunadhoo with the Wildlife Explorer experience. A guide will lead the expedition along the island trails, offering tricks to spot wildlife, how to read animal tracks, the names of each plant and animal spotted in Dhivehi. At the end of the experience younger guests will earn a Wildlife Explorer badge at The Den.
For guests who want to learn more about Soneva’s Namoona Baa programme, the Namoona Island Visit takes them to the neighboring island Maalhos with a member of the Soneva Namoona team. The experience covers the history of Maalhos, as well as the recent Soneva Namoona activities on the island. The visit begins with a tour of the sustainability initiatives and the island’s efforts to Reduce, Recycle and Inspire local communities, Maalhos’ Eco Centro, the former waste burning area and water bottling plant (Soneva Water). Finally, guests can enjoy refreshments at the home of a Soneva Host’s family, where they will also learn to weave with screw pine leaves, a tradition unique to Maalhos.
The Slow Life Journey gives guests a deep look into Soneva’s philosophy that places sustainability at its core with a tour of the Eco Centro and organic gardens. See how Soneva Fushi makes the most out of the island’s coconuts, from composting to the making of coconut oil. Next, head to the gardens around Fresh in the Garden to learn about permaculture methods before picking ingredients to be used in a three-course lunch.
Soneva Jani
Guests who have a passion for turtles can add their names on the Turtle On Call register to receive notifications about sea turtle activity happening at Soneva Jani during their stay. They can watch as mother turtles lay their eggs, experience the natural wonder of tiny hatchlings making their way to the ocean, or help usher turtles who have gotten stuck in the trees in the middle of the island back to the open waves.
The Marine Biologists at Soneva play an active role in marine conservation efforts, part of this work involves conducting surveys on the reef. With the Marine Conservation Expedition guests can join the resort Marine Biologist on a beach cleanup and help gather vital data by taking part in micro-plastic and coral bleaching surveys.
Ocean stewards can help rehabilitate coral reefs and coral nurseries at Soneva Jani with the Coral Planting experience. After a short presentation guests will be taken out to a floating platform in the lagoon where they will tie the readily prepared coral fragments to the frames which are then lowered to the sandy bottom. Every six months photos will be sent back to the guest to update them on the progress of their coral pieces that will be used as donor colonies for reef rehabilitation.
The Local Fishing with Jawa introduces guests to the two techniques used by Maldivian fishermen to catch their livelihoods. Set sail for the spot of the day in a traditional wooden dhoni and choose to learn either bottom line fishing or trawling. At the end of the experience the chefs at Soneva Jani will prepare the catch of the day for dinner.
On the Garden to Table experience guests will be taken through the organic gardens, picking, tasting and learning along the way under the guidance of the gardener or Horticulturist. Learn the secrets of having a green thumb and how to harvest different ingredients, as well as the option to plant a tree sapling or vegetable in the garden. The chef will then prepare a three-course lunch using the freshly picked ingredients.
Soneva Kiri
The Mangrove Paddle-Boarding Experience invites guests to explore the unique aquatic ecosystem of Koh Kood’s mangrove forests and learn about the abundant wildlife and the vital role that mangroves play in protecting the island’s delicate ecosystem. Paddle the shoreline for a chance to see turtles, fish and nesting birds.
For younger guests the DIY Workshop at the Den lets their imaginations run wild with learning how to paint to design a t-shirt, decorate a bag or create a photo frame to take home as a souvenir.
Go on a guided tour of the organic gardens during the Garden to Table Experience with one of Soneva Kiri’s gardeners to see the varieties grown and gain a deeper understanding of Soneva’s waste-to-wealth philosophy. Pick fresh herbs and vegetables along the way, then plant a sapling from the nursery, followed by an optional cooking class. Guests then make their way to the garden table where chef’s will create a lunch from the day’s harvest.
Learn techniques passed down from one generation of fishermen to the next with the Traditional Thai Fishing Experience. This sustainable fishing trip lets guests practice and perfect fishing techniques by the light of the moon and stars, before your catch is prepared in true Thai style on-board the traditional wooden fishing boat. Guests can choose to dine in their villa or on the sands of North Beach.