Journey

Inside the World of Soneva: A Dream Stay in the Maldives

Landing at Velana International Airport, the Maldives already begins to enchant. A quick seaplane ride over aquamarine waters sets the tone.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
The Maldives Soneva
The Maldives are known for white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, but Soneva takes it further. No detail is left unattended / Photo Soneva

Shoes come off the moment you board the speedboat to Soneva. Your personal barefoot guardian greets you with a smile—and a promise of seamless luxury.

 

The Maldives are known for white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, but Soneva takes it further. No detail is left unattended. 

 

From the moment you arrive, you’re not just a guest—you’re family, pampered with custom touches and round-the-clock service.

 

Stargazing from Your Bed

At Soneva Jani, your master suite opens to the night sky in 22 seconds. Literally. A retractable roof unveils a sky brimming with stars. 

 

This innovation came after founders Sonu and Eva Shivdasani noticed guests sleeping outdoors. They built this immersive stargazing into the bedroom itself.

 

Created in collaboration with Studio Arne Boon, the setup offers a four-by-four-meter view of the cosmos. 

 

It’s a deeply intimate experience you won’t find elsewhere in the Maldives. And it’s one of many thoughtful touches that define the Soneva experience.

At Soneva Jani, your master suite opens to the night sky in 22 seconds. Literally. A retractable roof unveils a sky brimming with stars / Photo Sonova
At Soneva Jani, your master suite opens to the night sky in 22 seconds. Literally. A retractable roof unveils a sky brimming with stars / Photo Sonova

Personal Service, No Limits

Each villa comes with a barefoot guardian—a concierge, guide, and friend rolled into one. At Soneva Fushi, ours was Ibrahim, or Iby. 

 

Whether rescuing a dress caught in bike wheels or escorting us to a dolphin cruise, he never said no.

 

Even when we texted about a snake by the door, his response was calm, cheerful: “Would you like me to take it away?” That attitude defines Soneva—every need is met, even unspoken ones.

Each villa comes with a barefoot guardian—a concierge, guide, and friend rolled into one. At Soneva Fushi, ours was Ibrahim, or Iby. / Photo Soneva
Each villa comes with a barefoot guardian—a concierge, guide, and friend rolled into one. At Soneva Fushi, ours was Ibrahim, or Iby. / Photo Soneva

Villa Life, Elevated

Each Soneva property offers unique accommodations. At Jani, we enjoyed a two-story overwater villa complete with a slide into the ocean. 

 

Yes, a slide—childhood wonder meets adult luxury.

 

Our villa spanned 772 square meters, built sustainably with pine and teak. Inside, a glass-bottom dining table revealed fish swimming below. 

 

Outdoor loungers and catamaran nets framed our private pool, offering endless photo-worthy views of the Maldives.

Jungle Meets Ocean

Soneva Fushi delivers a different energy. Nestled within thick jungle on the Baa Atoll, it’s more rustic and grounded. 

 

Our Crusoe-style villa sat on the beach with a private pool and steam room. Mornings started with a swim, followed by coffee under palms.

 

Established in 1995, Fushi pioneered barefoot, eco-conscious travel in the Maldives. 

 

Both Fushi and Jani offer gourmet dining, 24-hour access to cold rooms filled with cheese, chocolate, and charcuterie.

Our Crusoe-style villa sat on the beach with a private pool and steam room. Mornings started with a swim, followed by coffee under palms. / Photo Soneva
Our Crusoe-style villa sat on the beach with a private pool and steam room. Mornings started with a swim, followed by coffee under palms. / Photo Soneva

Commitment to Sustainability

Soneva’s Eco Centro is more than a recycling center—it’s a revolution. Here, glass becomes artwork. Food waste turns to compost. 

 

Plastic gets a second life. They already recycle 90% of solid waste and aim for 100% by 2030.

 

It’s sustainability without compromise. Even wine bottles are reborn as glasses at the on-site glass studio.

 

Healing at Soneva Soul

Wellness at Soneva goes deeper than massages. At Jani, Dr. Ashley Aperocho leads Soneva Soul, offering regenerative treatments tailored to each guest. 

 

Her toolkit includes stem-cell therapy, oxygen chambers, and platelet-rich plasma.

Wellness at Soneva goes deeper than massages. At Jani, Dr. Ashley Aperocho leads Soneva Soul, offering regenerative treatments tailored to each guest. / Photo Soneva
Wellness at Soneva goes deeper than massages. At Jani, Dr. Ashley Aperocho leads Soneva Soul, offering regenerative treatments tailored to each guest. / Photo Soneva

Q&A’s about Soneva resorts

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