Soneva, a luxury resort operator, has announced plans to launch the worlds first fully sustainable surf programme, Soneva Surf, in May 2018. 

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.

The programme aims to tap into the growing interest in the Maldives as a surfing destination and is planed to launch on the first day of the Maldivian surfing season, which spans May through to October.

"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 Surfs Manager. 

"Our mission is to show surfers that sustainable surfing can be achieved without sacrificing the quality of the experience."

As a part of the programme, Soneva will 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.

Guests will be able to take part in Soneva Surf at both of Sonevas 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.

According to Soneva, the discovered 13 surfing spots in the Baa Atoll and 11 in the Noonu Atoll by the Soneva team are more suited to intermediate to advanced surfers, but beginners will also find surfing spots that cater to their needs.

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.

Soneva, formerly Soneva Resorts and Residences, is a resort chain founded by Sonu Shivdasani and his wife, Eva Malmström Shivdasani in 1995. Known for its luxurious properties, Soneva aims to be sustainable, and was one of the first resorts to charge a 2% carbon levy on room revenue, which is donated to the Soneva Foundation.

The company currently owns and manages Soneva Fushi, located in the Baa Atoll, Soneva Jani, located in the Noonu Atoll, both in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Koh Kood, Thailand.It also owns and manages a two bedroom luxury yacht, Soneva in Aqua.