Over two decades since its first luxury resort opened in the Maldives, Soneva has unveiled a new ultra-luxury resort called Soneva Jani. Situated on the island of Medhufaru, part of an uninhabited five-island archipelago in the Noonu Atoll, the resort is comprised of 24 overwater villas and one island villa.
Access is via 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport, a 60- minute speedboat ride from Soneva Fushi, or by a halfday cruise from Soneva Fushi onboard “Soneva in Aqua.”
The official website describes the resort’s absolute highlight: “the 5.6 kilometer private lagoon that surrounds (the islands); an awe-inspiring azure spectacle that inspires a sense of calm.” But we say it’s the villas themselves: luxuries include a retractable roof, a private pool with catamaran nets, an open air bathroom and, in some villas, a water slide into the lagoon.
Resort facilities include five F&B outlets, a spa, dive center, observatory, children's den, Eco Centro, organic gardens and outdoor Cinema Paradiso. This is the first "silent cinema" in the Maldives; guests are provided with Bluetooth earphones so the film’s sound doesn’t disturb the nesting wildlife in the area.