An ever-evolving legacy
A trip to Soneva is more than a holiday; it’s an epiphany. For here you’ll encounter a way of life so wholesome, intuitive, and harmonious you’ll be transformed by the acute understanding that it is the only way to live.
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the Soneva brand, which comprises two resorts and one yacht in the Maldives, one resort in Thailand, and a loyal legion of Soneva enthusiasts - team members, guests and communities who have been touched by the company’s iconic SLOW LIFE philosophy.
SLOW LIFE is an acronym for the company’s guiding principles of sustainable, local, organic, wellness, learning, inspiring, fun, experiences. At the core of the concept is the desire to enrich people’s lives, while treading lightly on the earth.
Over the last quarter of a century, Soneva embarked on a tenacious mission: to trailblaze the travel paradigm by fusing luxury with sustainability and social responsibility. Where we meet them on this journey today, they are lauded as leaders in this space, with a slate of awards, accolades, and achievements on their proverbial mantelpiece.
They are creators of gorgeous resorts, yes. But they have also generated a thriving community of passionate people all around the world, working together with the environment to craft beautiful, beyond bespoke experiences where discovery is a lifestyle.
The Soneva history is rich with memorable moments and feats, especially where the environment is concerned. Some of the notions that have emerged – and which have propelled the brand into the hearts of travellers – include: a farewell to shoes, slides not steps, ice cream is always the right choice, and nature is luxury.
A dalliance with innovation
Never comfortable with resting on their laurels, Soneva are masters of innovation and ingenuity. Whether they’re building new villas, launching cutting-edge dining concepts, or redefining the way waste is repurposed, there’s always a sense of progress on the otherwise sleepy islands.
Two recent additions to Soneva’s impressive stable of attractions are: Soneva Soul and Flying Sauces. One dedicated to wellness, the other to gastronomy, both concepts are designed to elevate the guest experience to something that’s unique and inimitable.
Soneva Soul is the brand’s transformative new wellness concept. It has been in the making sine the resorts’ inception and draws upon the knowledge and experience gained at the forefront of the hospitality and wellness industry. Every Soneva Soul journey is completely personalised to the guest, combining ancient healing wisdom with modern innovation to support them in achieving their wellness goals and reconnect mind, body and soul.
Uniting ground-breaking innovation and ancient healing wisdom in inspiring surrounds, with personalised treatments that transform and renew, Soneva Soul wellness centres are now operational across each resort. Built in harmony with their breath taking surrounds, they elevate guests’ wellness experiences far beyond pampering treatments or traditional spa therapies.
Located at Soneva Fushi, Flying Sauces is the new and exhilarating dining experience high among the island’s treetops, and the world’s first fine dining zipline experience.
Destined to become a once-in-a-lifetime, ‘bucket list’ experience, Flying Sauces combines world-class gastronomy with the thrill and excitement of ziplining – all set against Soneva Fushi’s magnificent vistas over the lush jungle and sparkling ocean beyond.
After being securely strapped into safety harnesses, diners soar along a 200-metre zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, enjoying an amuse-bouche, refreshing shooters and other gastronomic surprises along the way. Once they arrive, Chef Rasal prepares a delectable seasonal menu in the open kitchen, high above the ground, paired with a selection of over 9,000 fine wines from Soneva Fushi’s extensive cellar.
THE RESORTS
Soneva Fushi
Located on a bright-white whirl of sand set like a crown jewel in the turquoise sea of the Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi is Soneva’s maiden resort and the original desert island hideaway in the Maldives. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage on the uninhabited island of Kunfunadhoo, this luxury resort’s philosophy is ‘no news, no shoes’, encouraging guests to spend their holiday roaming the island barefoot, connecting with the earth.
With 63 Beachfront Villas and 8 brand new Water Retreats – ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms – there’s a room type for every traveller, all of which inspire the imagination and are as aesthetically pleasing today as when the resort first opened.
Externally, they’re a study in voluptuous curves hand-crafted from whitewashed wood, with shingled roofs and understated architecture that allows the natural environment to shine. Internally, they’re sophisticated, spacious, soothing and replete with cosy corners and hammocks to curl up in with a good book.
Soneva Jani
Situated in Medhufaru in the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani sprawls lazily across a 5.6 kilometre crystal-clear lagoon and a cluster of islands fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed with lush tropical greenery.
Recognised as the benchmark for overwater luxury, innovative dining concepts and holistic wellbeing, the resort offers 51 luxurious Overwater and Island Villas.
Aside from the sheer, sweeping size of each villa, everything about Soneva Jani is understated, with a focus on simple open-plan living and Soneva’s characteristic minimalism. From the chic and discreet décor, which channels Scandinavian restraint, to the light and bright interior design all villas are stylish, comfortable and contemporary.
Soneva in Aqua
The perfect option for intrepid travellers, Soneva in Aqua is the brand’s sophisticated 23-metre yacht that combines the brand’s signature luxury with a sense of freedom and adventure.
