On May 17, 2023, Soneva Jani, the iconic hotel in Nonu Atoll, Maldives, celebrated the Asian premiere of the documentary film " Children of Shanghai » with a private screening at the spectacular outdoor cinema, Paradiso. An exclusive event hosted by Chinese singer GEM
This one-hour documentary, narrated by British adventurer Bear Grylls, tells the story of the first foster children in China, whose lives were completely changed by the charity. Care for ChildrenThe event was organized by Chinese singer-songwriter GEM, an enthusiastic patron who also donated a portion of the proceeds from her latest album, Revelation, to the charity.
The documentary tells the story of former professional footballer Robert Glover, who moved from the UK to China with his wife Elizabeth and their six young children in 1998 and founded the charity Care for Children, which was the first to establish a foster care program in the country. The film is the story of five children who overcame many obstacles to become young professionals. Since then, Care for Children has managed to place nearly a million orphans with families.
The premiere took place at the Soneva Jani open-air cinema, with all profits and proceeds from the evening going to Care for Children. After a private screening of the film " Children of Shanghai"A question and answer session was held to initiate an open dialogue on the importance of human compassion and solidarity.
As donors of Care for ChildrenSoneva founders Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström truly believe that a simple leap of faith can change the world. With the opening of Soneva Fushi in 1995, they realized their dream and made possible their shared vision of a sustainable luxury resort in its pristine location. To support initiatives that have a positive impact on the environment, Soneva added a 2% environmental levy and increased room rates at resorts in the Maldives and Thailand to help offset carbon emissions and fund projects. Soneva Foundation, a non-profit organization. These include providing energy-efficient stoves to disadvantaged communities in Myanmar and Darfur, funding clean water projects around the world, creating one of the world's largest coral nurseries to accelerate the recovery of marine life, and more.
About Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani is nestled in the tranquil waters of Noonu Atoll, where sun-drenched sky and sea extend in all directions. One of the world's densest resorts, with just 51 overwater residences and three island residences, the largest and most luxurious villas in the Maldives, each designed for ultimate privacy, space, and breathtaking sea views.
All that's left is to choose from one- to four-bedroom overwater residences. The spacious pool deck offers extraordinary ocean views. A sliding roof over the master suite reveals a starry sky. And waterslides transport you directly into the lagoon.
Another option is beach villas surrounded by lush tropical gardens and palm trees. The one- to four-bedroom island villas offer direct access to the sandy beach, ideal for families with young adventurers and those seeking the ultimate private getaway.
About the Soneva Group
Celebrating its 25the anniversary in 2000, Soneva pioneered high-end eco-friendly hospitality and, with the opening of Soneva Fushi in 1995, established a model for sustainable tourism in the Maldives. It was the first hotel group to promote eco-friendly, nature-based luxury hospitality and quickly became an iconic brand, paving the way for a new "smart luxury."
Soneva now owns three responsible luxury resorts and a yacht: Soneva Fushi, Soneva jani et Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. The group's mission is to respect the principles of slowlife.
Soneva is committed to combating global warming and its impact on tourism by setting a zero carbon footprint goal at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Kiri. Soneva's visionary co-founders, Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, are committed to the highest ethical principles and to developing their business in a way that protects the environment for future generations. In 2008, the Soneva Foundation was created, a non-profit organization that invests in innovative initiatives with a positive environmental, social and economic impact.
André Tirlet
