We are honoured to welcome back Soneva – the revered pioneers of sustainably-driven, barefoot luxury resorts and yachts in the Maldives and Thailand – as our award sponsors and makers of our iconic trophies for the 2025 edition of the Experientialist® Awards.
As part of its three-decade commitment to the ‘SLOW LIFE’ philosophy, offering a holistic approach to luxury tourism where environmental sustainability, social responsibility and personal well-being come together, Soneva Fushi, the iconic luxury castaway retreat in the Maldives, unveiled a ground-breaking initiative in 2023: a fully carbon-neutral island studio where waste is reimagined as art, functional items and even building materials. This innovative project represents a bold step in addressing environmental challenges while championing creativity and community engagement, not to mention engaging travellers and hospitality workers alike.
Soneva Fushi’s Makers’ Place aims to tackle two of the most pressing waste issues, plastic pollution and discarded aluminium, by transforming them into new creations with lasting purpose. In its first three days of operation alone, the studio processed a staggering 15,000 aluminium cans, diverting waste from the fragile ecosystem of the Baa Atoll and giving it a second life. Central to this effort is a highly efficient system that captures harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon emissions during the recycling process, ensuring only clean air leaves the facility. Even the exhaust filters are eventually transformed into waterproof concrete blocks, further underscoring the closed-loop ethos of the initiative.
Inspired by this visionary endeavour, we asked them to craft our inaugural Experientialist® Awards trophies that same year – transforming discarded aluminium cans found floating in the sea on neighbouring islands and atolls – into an OutThere symbol of excellence and purpose in tourism. A year on, we are delighted to continue this meaningful collaboration with Soneva again designing and producing the trophies. We think of this partnership not just as a celebration, but as a shared commitment to creativity, sustainability and the power of transformative travel. It’s a fusion of artistic ingenuity, environmental stewardship, and cutting-edge technology… everything we love!
At its heart, Makers’ Place is about more than just recycling – it’s a hub for collaboration, creativity and education. Developed by British artist Alexander James Hamilton and his team, the facility is equipped with custom-made machinery tailored to its island setting. It invites both professional artists and resort guests to explore their creativity while learning about the importance of sustainability.
The studio is also deeply integrated into Soneva’s broader environmental efforts. The Soneva Namoona initiative works in partnership with neighbouring islands to eliminate ocean plastics, improve waste management and promote sustainable practices across the Maldives. Makers’ Place complements Soneva’s existing sustainability framework, which includes organic gardens irrigated with greywater, composting systems and the pioneering Waste-to-Wealth Centres found at each resort. Since the brand’s conception in 1995, Soneva has been trailblazing in sustainability, banning single-use plastics across all resorts, ensuring that bioplastics have all the conditions they need to decompose in their Eco Centro waste centres, and launching The Soneva Foundation, which supports a range of environmental and social projects that have improved the lives of over 400,000 people.
Watch how the Makers’ Place studio at Soneva Fushi turns recycled aluminium cans into trophies
Discover Soneva with OutThere
Buying into the SLOW LIFE
Soneva has elevated luxury living with an enhanced service offering for The Residences at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. These vast three- to nine-bedroom villas spanning up to an extraordinary 3,048 sqm/32,808 sqft redefine opulence for families and groups seeking the ultimate in privacy and space. The Residences deliver an unparalleled escape, complete with swimming pools, sprawling sun decks, private gyms and spas, wine cellars and fully equipped kitchens. Each Residence will feature a private chef on call to create personalised culinary masterpieces, complemented by a 24/7 Villa Manager and Attendant to ensure every need is met. Guests will also enjoy dedicated buggy service alongside the signature bicycles and tricycles, making island exploration effortless. Bespoke in-villa experiences include tailored dining, rejuvenating Soneva Soul wellness treatments, and complimentary sessions with a movement coach and tennis pro.
Introducing Soneva’s “worst kept Secret”
Soneva Secret, the latest addition to Soneva’s portfolio of luxury resorts in the Maldives, seeks to redefine the concept of exclusivity and seclusion, already established by Soneva throughout its other resorts. The self-billed ‘boutique retreat’ is located on an untouched private island and comprises just 14 exquisite villas, offering ultra-luxury: an unparalleled level of privacy and bespoke service, catering to travellers seeking regenerative travel in celebration of the slow life, a truly intimate and luxurious (not to mention, completely mosquito-free) setting.
Many Maldivian resorts face challenges regarding surface area for solar PV panels, and Soneva Secret is no exception. Although the resort lacks sufficient land space to meet its energy needs, it will soon generate 90-95% of its electricity via floating solar PV panels in its lagoon.
The resort’s design prioritises natural and renewable materials, energy efficiency, and the elimination of single-use plastics, while water desalination, waste upcycling, and bio-digesting systems ensure self-sufficiency. A composting programme and collaboration with a local island to improve waste management further highlight Soneva Secret’s circular economy approach.
The resort also actively restores marine ecosystems through coral nurseries and has introduced eco-friendly mosquito control to safeguard its environment. In its first four months, Soneva Secret offset significant CO2 emissions from guest flights through the Soneva Foundation, which funds impactful community projects such as mangrove restoration, fuel-efficient stoves, tree planting, and clean water initiatives, transforming lives and mitigating climate change worldwide.
Soneva Secret has some grand plans too. A bold new venture will see the construction of the Maldives’ first floating villa, The Castaway. Accessible only by sea, this architectural marvel is ingeniously designed to remain unaffected by wave movements. Spanning two floors, it boasts a saltwater pool, a curved slide into the lagoon, and a retractable roof over the master bedroom for unforgettable stargazing. Inside, the villa features a master and double bedroom, a fully equipped gym, a family lounge, a spa room, and an al fresco dining sala, all designed for ultimate indulgence.
Photography courtesy of Soneva
Soneva
Soneva is the creator of luxurious and sustainable resorts in the Maldives and Thailand. They are a thriving community working hand in hand with the environment to craft beautiful, beyond bespoke experiences where discovery is a way of life.
www.soneva.com
