Soneva has teamed up with the producer of the world’s most innovative catwalks, Jessica Minh Anh.
Jessica visited Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani as part of her Fashion X Sustainability photo and video series in the Maldives. Using her unique visual concepts, the supermodel turned entrepreneur told the story behind Soneva’s sustainability initiatives while exploring the islands that Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani call home.
Multi-angle cameras followed Jessica as she learned about the sustainability practices at Eco Centro, the hub for Soneva’s “Waste-to-Wealth” concept, Shades of Green and its organic garden, eco-friendly villas, as well as the crystal-clear lagoon at Soneva Jani and a castaway desert island experience. The shoot featured a combination of haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessory pieces from British brands Londre swimwear, Myla London, Votch Watch, Fleur Of England, Italian designer Peter Langner, Turkish powerhouse Tarik Ediz, UAE haute couturier Atelier Zuhra, Lebanese representative Youssef Kamoun, and Vietnamese brands VUNGOC&SON and Tiny Ink.
“We are really delighted to work with Jessica on this special project. She is a global fashion sensation with a meaningful message that resonates with Soneva’s philosophy. Jessica’s vision is in line with our corporate practice of combining innovation, luxury, and sustainability to create unique and memorable experiences,” Soneva’s CEO and Co-Founder Sonu Shivdasani was quoted in a statement, as saying.
An advocate for renewal energy, Jessica Minh Anh famously transformed America’s iconic Hoover Dam and the Spanish GemaSOLAR power plant and into the world’s newest runways. The entrepreneur has been continuously inspiring a new generation of courageous leaders with her mind-blowing productions atop the Eiffel Tower and Grand Canyon Skywalk, and her unwavering focus on reinvention and innovation, which she recently shared in a TEDx Conference.
“It was a conscious decision for me to pick the Maldives for this special shoot. I wanted to highlight the importance of sustainability through artistic and cinematic captures. I believe we can stimulate peoples’ mindsets towards green initiatives in a creative way,” Jessica said.
After the Maldives, Jessica has already started preparing for her next historic catwalk with a special message on hope and peace, which she hopes will resonate globally.
World-leading luxury resort operator Soneva runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.
Sixty-two 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, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options. In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing.
If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.
Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.
Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.
Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.
Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.
Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.