Maldives – Soneva

FIFA Worldcup vs Maldives package:

• luxurious private villa accommodation
• half board dining
• round-trip domestic transfers
• a 24/7 Barefoot Butler
• Wellness treatments at Soneva Soul

 

Inspiring a lifetime of rare experiences

In 1995, Sonu and Eva Shivdasani pioneered the concept of barefoot luxury on their private island resort, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. They focused on providing exemplary service in beautiful surroundings, with a focus on sustainable yet ultra-luxurious accommodation.

More than 2 decades later, the resort still operates on this Robinson Crusoe ethos and in the meantime a second resort Soneva Jani has opened its doors.

Returning guests expect— and find— luxurious simplicity and intuitive service, facilitated by Mr and Ms Friday butlers, who know what you want before you want it.

First below I will tell you more about the more recently opened Soneva Jani and then follows Soneva Fushi:

Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani – the original barefoot luxury brand and still, together with Soneva Fushi, one of the travel industry’s greatest innovators, is located in the Medhufaru lagoon in the Noonu Atoll, comprises five islands, the largest of which is Medhufaru, which is 150 acres in size.

The resort also received an impressive #3 in the Condé Nast Traveler 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards, in addition to being recognised as the Best Sustainable Hotel in the Connoisseur Circle Hospitality Awards 2021 – a testament to their stance on sustainability.

Soneva Jani’s location can be reached by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight direct from Malé International Airport, a 60-minute speedboat ride from Soneva Fushi, or by a leisurely full-day cruise from Soneva Fushi onboard Soneva in Aqua.

Soneva Jani’s unique villas have its own lagoon-facing private pool that brilliantly mirrors the colours of the sea — a few come with their own private water slides. Among the most original options inside the villas, each master bedroom has its own retractable roof that slides back for stargazing.

‘No News, No Shoes’

Get a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of your daily lives with Soneva’s ‘No News, No Shoes’ philosophy that is all about disconnecting from daily life and truly embracing the luxury of time.

None of Soneva’s resorts come with television and news channels, and the Wi-Fi in each villa can be switched off with the flick of a switch, allowing guests to disconnect to reconnect.

Barefoot Luxury

On arrival, guests are asked if they would like to remove their shoes – having no shoes on allows us to really feel and experience the ground we walk upon.

With the founder’s personal vision of a locally crafted villa and environmentally responsible lifestyle, Soneva Fushi was the first ‘castaway’ resort in the Maldives, pioneering a trend for back-to-nature luxury holidays and subsequently, Soneva Jani.

Accommodation

Guests will be treated to a unique ‘castaway’ experience within spacious villas, which feature beautifully designed interiors made from the highest quality sustainable materials. Sustainability is at the heart of Soneva’s ethos, which is why sourcing sustainable construction materials and maintaining the natural beauty of each of their resorts’ locations is of utmost importance.

Spread across two floors, the massive 411 sqm One Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide is a signature offering from Soneva Jani and is perfect for a family vacation as it accommodates 2 Adults and 2 Child in this expansive and heavenly retreat.

This luxurious overwater villa comes with your own private pool with catamaran nets. With ample space, the outdoor deck has ample seating area with sun loungers for sunbathing and taking in ocean vistas.

The living area comes with sunken seats, with a see-through glass panel – perfect for lounging and gazing at the bountiful marine life beneath.

On the ground floor, the spacious master bedroom comes with a retractable roof so you can watch the stars from the comfort of your bed. Else, take in the expansive ocean view with the large french doors that let in plenty of brilliant sunlight.

The outdoor bathroom with direct lagoon access comes with double vanity and large sunken tub for the ultimate relaxation.

 

The villa also features a separate pantry and minibar area stocked with fine wine selections.

Dining

The culinary experiences at Soneva Jani are as diverse as they are memorable, presenting gourmet menus across a variety of cultures and cuisines, organic offerings, simple barbeques and elaborate romantic escapades. In addition to the delightful dining venues, you can indulge in culinary adventures such as private dining around the lagoon, a Robinson Crusoe-style castaway picnic, organic garden lunches and cooking classes.

The heart of the resort, The Gathering is the name for the three-level huge overwater complex that is the center of the resort.

The Gathering is home to The Gathering Bar, So Fresh, So Imaginative,  So Engaging, So Cool, and the Spa, retail shop, library, and Wine Cellar. The Gathering is one of the largest overwater structures in the World and is next to the observatory, where guests can view the star-filled skies at night.

Enjoy refreshing coolers, cocktails and tapas at any time of the day as you lounge on daybeds and overwater catamaran nets suspended the sparkling waters, just the spot to take in the magnificent sunset.

Here the day begins with a generous selection of hand-picked fruits, creative juices from the Juice Bar, and comforting classics.

 

At So Engaging, the Chef’s table offers a mystery menu for a private group of five guests. Get a front-row seat to the action, and converse with their chef as he prepares exciting, delicious dishes for his guests of honour.

Trick your mind and taste buds with culinary chemistry within So Imaginative, Soneva’s experimental tasting room. The sommeliers create inspired wine tasting and wine dinners, selecting the perfect pairings from the cellar.

Those seeking a truly rare experience can arrange an exclusive dining experience in the company of the stars as you savour fresh flavours at The Observatory’s dining area.

Recently voted as the ‘World’s Most Romantic Restaurant’ on CNN.com, the Crab Shack is the latest addition to Soneva Jani’s dining options. The 32 cover restaurant and 14 seat bar is located on Soneva Jani’s southwest beach, on the opposite side of the island to Cinema Paradiso, and is comprised of two levels.

The ground floor is taken up by the restaurant, kitchen and bar area, with the first floor deck designed especially for guests to relax on tiered daybeds and enjoy the Maldivian sunsets while sipping on rosé wine or other beverages.

 

The dining possibilities are endless with Soneva Jani; A candlelit dinner under the stars. A private picnic with your loved ones. A full moon dinner on the sandbank. Curate your menu with their chefs, then choose a spot that speaks to you, with your toes in the sand or in the azure waters.

Cinema Paradiso

The alfresco, over-water cinema is the first ‘silent cinema’ in the Maldives, where you can enjoy classic and modern movies under a blanket of stars while listening on high-quality headphones. Indulge in popcorn, snacks, ice cream, and beverages, as well as the chef’s special dining menu.

Experiences

The resort’s selection of experiences caters to every kind of traveller and includes everything from nature walks and spa treatments to lazy picnics. Soneva Jani offers a full range of activities including water sports, scuba diving, tennis, dolphin cruises and bicycling along the island’s many trails.

The Soleni Dive Centre’s multi-lingual PADI instructors and the small dive group sizes ensure that you get a world-class diving experience, whether it is your first or your hundredth dive. There are many dive sites rich with marine life around the resort, sure to tempt all marine enthusiasts.

Take an aquatic adventure through the waters of the Noonu Atoll and discover the diversity of Maldivian marine life, guided by their resident Marine Biologist. Their Atoll-native sea turtles and rays may make a special appearance, as you experience the magnificence of life below the waves

Soneva Jani offer a range of complimentary non-motorised water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, kite-surfing, and catamaran sailing.

Watch:

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 63 spacious beachfront villas, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, hidden among dense foliage, and located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Everything about this magical place feels otherworldly, from the crystal clear turquoise water and dolphins at sunset, to the delicious meals available at the resort’s multiple dining venues. Nature is nurtured at this beautiful resort, from the sustainable design and furnishings of the villas, through to the operations and waste-to-wealth centre, which truly defines the essence of barefoot ‘intelligent luxury’.

Accommodation

The resort features 62 private villas, from one-bedroom to nine-bedroom, with their own stretch of pristine beach. Guests will be treated to a unique ‘castaway’ experience within spacious villas, which feature beautifully designed interiors made from the highest quality sustainable materials.

Perch over your private pool, sheltered in the trees, or take a dip in its refreshing waters. The clear Maldivian ocean awaits only steps away, if you fancy exploring its underwater wonders. Relax amidst the playfully rustic-chic rooms and terraces and give in to the castaway spirit.

Sustainability is at the heart of Soneva’s ethos, which is why sourcing sustainable construction materials and maintaining the natural beauty of each of their resorts’ locations is of utmost importance.

Spanning 145sqm, this double-storey villa comes with an upstairs terrace that can accommodate two adults and one child or three adults.

Open-air garden bathroom with bathtub, two separate showers and a double vanity.

On the outside, you’ll get a private outside sitting area next to the private pool with sun loungers. The staircase from the garden can lead directly to the upstairs terrace.

Villas at Soneva Fushi are located on the sunset or sunrise side of the island. While both sides have the Maldives’ signature white-sand beaches and crystal clear azure waters, there are a few differences.

Sunset side: For the snorkelers

This side has three house reef access points and dolphins are more likely to be spotted in the channel. On this side of the island it is possible to see neighbouring island, Eydhafushi, approximately 650 metres away.

Sunrise side: For privacy

Enjoy virtually unimpeded views out to sea, as Maalhos, the closest neighbouring island on this side, is just a speck on the horizon. This side is perfect for early risers who want to enjoy the morning tranquillity and guests who want privacy.

Water Retreat with Slide

Accessed from the main island by a curved jetty, the 585 sqm 1 Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide is perched directly over the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

The large master bedroom has a king-sized bed, over which a retractable roof offers an incredible view of the night sky.

Dining

At Soneva Fushi, each experience is in tune with nature’s rhythm. Dining venues feature gourmet menus using only quality organic ingredients. Guests who desire a bit of adventure can enjoy castaway dining experiences around the island.

Out of the Blue

This two-storey overwater structure that houses five unique dining outlets. Feast on the creations of top chefs from around the world in intimate settings. From delicious grilled meats and seafood, Teppanyaki, sushi and secret menus conjured by Michelin-starred chefs.

Their very own Chef Nikki heads up this Japanese kitchen, serving modern style sashimi, torched wagyu, black cod and other Japanese favourites. Dine on Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine, salads, grilled meats and seafood.

Mihiree Mitha

Translating to ‘here it is’, this is the culinary heart of the island, featuring an endless spread of fresh fruits, live cooking stations, freshly caught and grilled-to-order fish and a collection of Asian dishes and Maldivian specialties.

So Hands On

An ode to expertly prepared fresh seafood, So Hands On is a Japanese sushi counter with just five seats. Seeing some of the world’s best sushi masters behind its sake-polished Japanese pine, known as ‘hinoki’, counter top.

The intimate five-seater sushi counter lets you experience the chef’s dextrous skills up close. At times it will welcome Chef Kenji Gyoten, the youngest three-Michelin starred sushi chef in Japan.

Fresh in the Garden by Sobah

Surrounded by tropical banana trees, this restaurant without walls rises above their herb and vegetable garden, with sublime panoramas stretching as far as the eye can see.

Sonu’s Picnic

Take your desert island experience to another level, and try having lunch on a deserted island prepared by your own personal chef. Dip yourself in the crystal clear blue lagoon with their in-house snorkelling guide while your chef prepares gourmet temptations in the most romantic of settings.

Experiences

 

Romantic escapes, playful leisure or island adventures, Soneva Fushi’s imaginative experiences cater to every kind of traveller. Guests can choose from nature walks, spa treatments, water sports and bicycling along the island’s many trails.

Equipped with a high-powered telescope, the Observatory offers guests views of the magnificent galaxies and the opportunity to learn about the universe from the visiting astronomers.

More of Africa is a bespoke luxury tour operator that specialises in the finest experiences for discerning travellers.  For Soneva Fushi or Soneva Jani booking and enquiries, please kindly contact me via Facebook Message, email or WhatsApp