In the Maldives, we’re blessed with plenty of options when it comes to luxury island retreats. Across a series of blogs, we’ve handpicked some of our far-flung favourites so you can get a flavour of what each of these beautiful islands have to offer in terms of its whereabouts, food, accommodation and unique experiences. It’s the turn of Robinson Crusoe retreat Soneva Fushi Hotel & Villas…
Location, location, location
Soneva Fushi is located in the Baa Atoll and really feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, despite it only being a 30-minute seaplane flight from Malé. There’s no light pollution at all, so it’s a starry night every night at Soneva Fushi, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets are virtually guaranteed. This is the original barefoot island, brand and resort and is the birthplace of ‘No Shoes, No News’ so leave your shoes at home, enjoy a ‘slow life’ and live like a luxury Robinson Crusoe.
Food for thought
Make sure you loosen your belt, as the cuisine at Soneva Fushi varies from brunches on the beach at Mihiree Mithaa to decadent sharing banquets at Down to Earth. Fresh in the Garden is a ‘restaurant without walls’ set high above the herb and vegetable garden while Out of the Blue is a two-storey overwater restaurant housing a medley of five unique dining outlets. For something a little different, Once Upon a Table is Soneva Fushi’s most intimate dining experience, where a rotating band of visiting chefs create a bespoke and personal menu based on yours and your party’s tastes. The resort is heaven if you have a sweet tooth, with So Guilty a confectionery inspired by Willy Wonka’s playbook and So Cool a bounty of 60-plus flavours of ice cream and sorbet.
A good night’s sleep
Soneva Fushi is made up of 53 private villas and 8 water reserves, leaving ample amounts of space on the island for guests to explore and participate in an array of activities. To protect its coral reef, all of the villas are tucked within lush jungle foliage and look out onto a UNESCO-protected reef beyond. Open-air bathrooms lead out to a private walled garden, with direct access to the beach guaranteed for all villas. There’s one difference – some are on the sunrise side and the others facing the sunset. Pick sunrise if you like privacy; choose sunset if you’re a keen snorkeller for its three access points to the house reef. You can also slide into paradise down some of the overwater villas slides…guests do this an average of 12 times a day!
Families
Soneva Fushi is amazing for those looking to enjoy a sunny family holiday in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi have their very own kids club named The Den which is truly enormous and is incredible for ‘Young Sonevians’ to hang out. In the holidays, Soneva even invite UK based tutors in-house to support teens and children studying.
Spa
Spa and wellness is huge on this resort, Soneva Soul is a guided wellness programme through the spa that guests can participate in. Soneva Stars is a programme of professional sports and wellness people who visit on rotation for guests to learn from, meet and spend time with.
Fun fact
Soneva Fushi is something of a guest activity pioneer. It was the first place in the Maldives to open a glassblowing studio (recycling glass from the resort) and also was the first of its kind to offer a 3D astronomy experience in its observatory. It was also the first resort in the Maldives to install a zip line on the resort first Maldivian resort to offer complimentary chocolate and ice creams (ALL homemade) to guests.
Honeymoons
If you’re planning a Maldives Honeymoon then there’s plenty to enjoy at Soneva Jani, from romantic dining experiences to a romantic sunset walk along the beach. Plus, honeymooners can receive special gifts during their stay too!
Our Turquoise tip
If you visit between June and October, Soneva Fushi offers a fantastic ‘snorkelling with manta rays’ package in nearby Hanifaru Bay. It includes six guided snorkelling sessions, one sunset dolphin safari and one Seabob experience.
Our Magical Maldives Couples offer
7 nights at Soneva Fushi in a One Bedroom Villa Suite
Complimentary Half Board
Includes international flights and transfers
From £6,898 per person
Our Magical Maldives Family offer
7 nights at Soneva Fushi in a One Bedroom Villa Suite
Bed and Breakfast
Includes international flights and transfers
From £17,290 per family
