January 12, 2018

3D ASTRONOMY – THE WORLD’S FIRST RESORT LAUNCH AT SONEVA FUSHI

Press Release

Bringing the mysteries of the galaxies closer to home

January 12, 2018: Soneva, the world-leading luxury resort operator, is the first to bring 3D astronomy to resort tourism. Using the latest 3D technology with a brand new Meade telescope, Soneva Fushi’s resident astronomers will be able to show guests the vast differences in distance between stars and other celestial objects – enabling guests to gain a new appreciation of the nature of space with their own eyes.

“Astronomy is a fascinating field of study, and I believe that at Soneva we must constantly strive to improve how our guests experience it. This 3D technology is a leap in advancement for astronomy, allowing our guests a very unique way to view, and better understand, the galaxy,” said Soneva CEO and founder, Sonu Shivdasani.

Mike Dalley, CEO of Inspiring Skies, the company responsible for installing the new telescope and 3D technology at Soneva Fushi, explains: “This new technology will help revolutionise how we offer astronomy experiences to guests, as it gives depth of field to what people see while looking through the telescope. It means that, for example, while looking at an open cluster, some stars will appear closer while others further away”.

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The inventor of the Lederman Optical Array (LOA) 3D technology, Russ Lederman also added that “The LOA 3D technology allows live 3D astronomy views for the first time in history and at this time, Soneva is the only resort to have the 3D astronomy”.

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Over the New Year, Soneva Fushi hosted the award-winning astronomer, Professor Massimo Tarenghi – who shared his vast knowledge of the universe with guests. The Italian astronomer is known for building and directing the world’s most powerful optical telescope (the Very Large Telescope (VLT)). Throughout 2018, Soneva will welcome a number of influential and well-known astronomers to its Observatories to share their expertise and experiences of the night skies. In 2015, Soneva welcomed Buzz Aldrin who gave a lecture to guests about his moon landing.

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Today, Astronomy is a fast-growing part of the tourism and hospitality sector. Many resorts, hotels and restaurants across the world offer astro-related experiences to guests.

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Soneva leads the way for astronomy tourism in the Maldives, already operating two observatories, one at Soneva Fushi and the other at Soneva Jani, housing the biggest telescopes in the Maldives. Soneva’s Thailand Resort, Soneva Kiri, also has a large observatory. Already, a number of astronomy-related experiences are offered to guests, such as an Astronomical Dinner Cruise, sunrise astronomical breakfast, and stargazing with the resorts’ on-site astronomer. After seeking advice from Mike Dalley and the installation of the new 3D technology, Soneva is set to be the world leader in astronomy tourism.

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Inspiring Skies is an astronomy consulting company based out of Australia that helps companies around the world set up and operate astronomy tourism. With their innovative and forward thinking, ground-breaking technology, knowledge and experience, Inspiring Skies remains the world leader for astronomy consulting for tourist destinations.

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For more information about Inspiring Skies visit www.inspiringskies.space

For more information about Soneva, visit www.soneva.com

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About Inspiring Skies

Inspiring Skies is a brand new astronomy consulting company that specialises in helping businesses and organisations from across the world to offer astronomy to the public. The innovative thinking of Inspiring Skies really focuses on different ways for their clients to become or remain world leaders in astronomy tourism.

http://www.inspiringskies.space

About Soneva Fushi

In 1995, 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.

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, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options. In November 2015, Soneva have 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.

http://www.soneva.com/soneva-fushi

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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.

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For more information, please contact:

Mike Dalley

CEO and Principal Consultant

Inspiring Skies

T:61 401 368 577 | E: mike.dalley@inspiringskies.space | www.inspiringskies.space

Carissa Crowley

Marketing Director

Soneva
T: 66 (0) 2631 9698 | F: 66 (0) 2631 9699 | E: carissa@soneva.com | www.soneva.com