Soneva To Launch the World’s First Fully Sustainable Surfing Program

Soneva, the world-leading luxury resort operator, has announced plans to launch the world’s first fully sustainable surf program, Soneva Surf, in May 2018. With the launch planned on the first day of the Maldivian surfing season, which spans May through to October, the program aims to tap into the growing interest in the Maldives as a surfing destination.

Soneva Surf will be offered at both of Soneva’s Maldives properties, Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll. Soneva in Aqua, the resorts’ luxury charter yacht, will also offer a Surfing Charter within both atolls. So far, the Soneva team has discovered 13 surfing spots in the Baa Atoll and 11 in the Noonu Atoll, with hopes to uncover many more. Each of these locations is relatively unknown, meaning they are less traveled, uncrowded and secret – and these secret Soneva surfing spots will only be revealed to resort guests who book the surfing package, in order to keep them uncrowded and pristine for future guests.

“Surfing here is about the search and discovery of something that is secretive and pristine. This is something that is so rare to find in the world these days. What is incredible is that this is something that we have on our doorstep,” said Sunny Yang, Soneva Surf’s Manager. “Our mission is to show surfers that sustainable surfing can be achieved without sacrificing the quality of the experience,” she added.

Soneva Surf is pioneering luxurious yet sustainable surfing, using eco-friendly surfboards, leashes, fins, rash guards, sunscreen and board wax. Soneva encourages guests who are interested in surfing to leave their surfing equipment at home and use the eco-friendly brands that were carefully selected by Soneva. These products will also available for sale at the resorts.

As part of the program, Soneva will also be working with the local communities to help support the further growth and development of surfing across the Maldives in an effort to encourage the younger generation to understand the power and vulnerability of their ocean home. Soneva will be working with partners to help provide equipment, opportunities and training for aspiring Maldivian surfers, including hosting surfing events in the future.

Surfing in the Baa Atoll and Noonu Atoll is more suited to intermediate to advanced surfers, but beginners will also find surfing spots that cater to their needs. Soneva Surf packages will start at $350 per guest for three hours of surfing at Soneva Fushi or Soneva Jani, including a surf instructor/guide, water, snacks, usage of surfboards, rash guards, sunscreen and board wax. A private boat for three hours, for a maximum of four guests, starts at $1,000, including surfing equipment. The Surf Charter with Soneva in Aqua starts at $4,200 for one night, for a maximum of four adults and two children. This includes all meals (excluding alcohol and soft drinks), a surf instructor/guide, Mr. Friday, spa therapist, chef and captain.

To find out more about the Soneva Surf program in the Maldives, contact the Surf Experience Manager Sunny Yang at: sunny@soneva.com. To see a video about the Soneva Surf experience, go here. And for more complete information about Soneva resorts in the Maldives and Thailand, visit www.soneva.com

ABOUT SONEVA FUSHI
In 1995, award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. It has a pristine UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve and is known for its legendary service. Fifty-seven private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers. Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from and nine dining options. If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.

ABOUT SONEVA JANI
Soneva Jani is the latest luxury resort from Soneva. The brand’s newest offering comprises 24 water villas and one island villa, with additional island villas planned at a later stage. Every water villa has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. Like all other Soneva properties, the spacious villas feature beautifully designed interiors by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders, and are made from the highest quality sustainable materials.

ABOUT SONEVA
Soneva is a pioneering family of hospitality properties and products, offering holistic encounters in luxurious and inspiring environments – from world-class hotels to outstanding natural locations. Combining luxury with a conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, and proactively changing the nature of hospitality, it delivers intuitive service and meaningful experiences to the guests.