Resort company offers eco-friendly, but top-secret surfing packages
Luxury resort operator Soneva, has announced plans to launch the world’s first sustainable surf program, Soneva Surf, in May.
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 travelled, 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 uses 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 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 work 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 start at US$350 per guest for three hours of surfing, 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 US$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, a surf instructor/guide, spa therapist, chef and captain.
On the web: soneva.com