Soneva Jani - the original barefoot luxury brand and still 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 was awarded Five Star in the Forbes' Travel Guide 2024 Award - a testament given to outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities. The resort also received an impressive 3rd place on the Top 30 Indian Ocean Resorts in the Condé Nast Traveler 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards, in addition to being recognised as the Best Sustainability Hotel in the Connoisseur Circle Hospitality Awards 2021 - a testament to their stance on sustainability. The luxurious accommodations offer direct access to the crystal-clear turquoise lagoon, providing guests with seamless convenience and exclusive experiences.
Resort Highlights:
The original barefoot luxury brand, emphasises disconnecting from daily life with a unique concept, “No Shoes, No News”
The 54 exclusive villas on this island are luxuriously designed to offer space, privacy and unforgettable views
Be treated to unlimited dining, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, spa treatments, experiences and excursions with Soneva Unlimited
The vast Water Reserves command panoramic views over the lagoon, with expansive terraces and freshwater swimming pools, while many feature curved water slides into the ocean
A dedicated Barefoot Butler is on hand for your every need, from itinerary planning to personal wants
More than 10 dining destinations and experiences are available, presenting diverse & gourmet menus to suit everyone’s palate
Extensive kids facilities with an array of programs to keep your little ones occupied, within a technology-free zone
One of the newest and most expensive resorts in the country, it's made up of just 24 over-water villas - under Soneva Chapter One and 27 new over-water villas under Soneva Chapter Two on the uninhabited island of Medhufaru, which sits within a large, private lagoon in the Noonu Atoll.
Soneva Chapter Two
In January 2021, the brand unveiled the launch of Soneva Chapter Two, expanding its award-winning offering with 27 new Water Reserves, a new dining concept, the Soneva Wellness Centre, and Soneva Unlimited, which includes unlimited access to meals, fine wines, diving, experiences, spa treatments and transfers.
Soneva Jani Location
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 their own lagoon-facing private pool that brilliantly mirrors the colours of the sea -- a few come with their private water slides. Among the most original options inside the villas, each master bedroom has its retractable roof that slides back for stargazing.
'No News, No Shoes'
Get a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives with Soneva's 'No News, No Shoes' philosophy which 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.
The success of the Soneva brand also paved the way for Six Senses Resorts & Spas with award-winning properties in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The Den at Soneva Jani
Taking two years to complete, the newly opened 1,500 sqm, two-storey structure is a remarkable feat of engineering and an awe-inspiring playground for the imagination, with a series of inimitable and interactive experiences specially designed to delight and entertain. The Den at Soneva Jani is also the largest kids and teens club in the Maldives.
A haven for families, The Den features weekly rosters for both young children and teens, each filled with exciting, educational and engaging opportunities for parents and their children to create meaningful moments at the barefoot hideaway. Soneva Jani’s experienced childminders are on hand to watch over young guests’ every move and ensure they enjoy every moment in a safe and secure environment.
Awakening children’s sense of adventure, two majestic waterfalls cascade into The Den’s 155 sqm swimming pool. As well as a waterslide, catamaran nets and shallow areas for younger guests, one of the waterfalls leads into a grotto that transforms into the Cave Bar; an evening hangout for teens, complete with a DJ booth, dancefloor and pool bar serving mocktails.
Intrepid adventurers will also enjoy crossing the pool’s pristine blue waters via a 32-metre zipline that makes a splash as it traverses through the waterfall.
Venturing inside, a bowling alley, Lego and craft area, dressing-up room, library and cinema provide space for books, films, fantasies and more. A separate area is dedicated to sensory play for toddlers, while the kitchen area hosts cooking lessons and Soneva’s regular Junior MasterChef competition.
Upstairs, The Hangout is a dedicated roof deck for teens featuring an array of attention-grabbing activities, including a music room, telescope deck, pool and foosball tables, pinball machines, table tennis table set above a reflecting pond, as well as a dry slide for speedy escapes.
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.
Soneva Retreat vs Soneva Reserve
When you stay in a SonevaReserve, guests can get to enjoy Soneva Unlimited, giving you the freedom to enjoy everything Soneva Jani has to offer, including dining, experiences and spa therapies, within the price of your villa. Experience the unparalleled level of privacy, comfort, and service on this private island, ensuring a truly memorable and exclusive stay.
Soneva Chapter One features Water Retreats & Island Retreats ranging from one to four bedrooms.
One-Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide (437 sqm)
Two-Bedroom Crusoe Residence (806 sqm)
Two-Bedroom Water Retreat (520 sqm)
Two-Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide (520 sqm)
Three-Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide (625 sqm)
Four-Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide (1,280 sqm)
Soneva Chapter Two features the newer Water Reserves & Island Reserves ranging from one to four bedrooms. When you stay in a Chapter Two Water or Island Reserve, guests can get to enjoy Soneva Unlimited, giving you the freedom to enjoy everything Soneva Jani has to offer, including dining, experiences and spa therapies, within the price of your villa.
One-Bedroom Water Reserve with Slide (555 sqm)
Two-Bedroom Water Reserve (772 sqm)
Two-Bedroom Water Reserve with Slide (772 sqm)
Three-Bedroom Island Reserve (1,796 sqm)
Four-Bedroom Water Reserve with Slide (1,421 sqm)
Four-Bedroom Island Reserve with Slide (1,788 sqm)
One-Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide (Soneva Chapter One)
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 Children 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 an 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. Otherwise, take in the expansive ocean view with the large French doors that let in plenty of brilliant sunlight.
Adjoining the master bedroom is a child's sleeping area, ensuite dressing room and bathroom.
The outdoor bathroom with direct lagoon access comes with a double vanity and a large sunken tub for the ultimate relaxation.
The villa also features a separate pantry and minibar area stocked with fine wine selections.
The Soneva Jani One Bedroom Water Retreat comes with an impressive three dining locations: on the sunken tables on the deck, in the living room and also the dining sala on the roof terrace.
One-Bedroom Water Reserve with Slide (Soneva Chapter Two)
The One-Bedroom Water Reserve with Slide features mostly the same facilities and amenities as the One-Bedroom Water Retreat (Chapter One), with the exception that the Water Retreat being newly built, is newer and more spacious at 555 sqm.
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.
Guests with the Soneva Unlimited Package get to freely indulge in unlimited fine dining and wine, and access to visiting Michelin-starred chef dinners and onsite experiences.
The Gathering
The heart of the resort, The Gathering is the name for the three-level huge overwater complex that is the centre 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.
The Gathering Bar
Enjoy refreshing coolers, cocktails and tapas at any time of the day as you lounge on daybeds and overwater catamaran nets suspended by the sparkling waters, just the spot to take in the magnificent sunset.
So Fresh and So Engaging
Be inspired as the Chef takes the stage in the central open kitchen at So Fresh, preparing a variety of dishes.
Here the day begins with a generous selection of hand-picked fruits, creative juices from the Juice Bar, and comforting classics.
During the day, guests can indulge in freshly baked pizzas from the wood-fired oven, tandoors and grills at live cooking stations, and freshly caught and grilled-to-order seafood.
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.
The Wine Cellar
Just within The Gathering, there is an extraordinary wine tower called the Wine Cellar, featuring a selection that includes mostly organic or biodynamic wines.
So Imaginative
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.
So Cool
Open all day, every day, choose from a multitude of ice creams and sorbets, and mix and match the classics with Soneva Jani's limited-edition flavours. Gourmet charcuterie, cheese and preserves can also be enjoyed here throughout the day and evening.
So Starstruck
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.
Dine at one of four tables equipped with screens linked to the view from the telescope and be mesmerized by the celestial bodies. Soneva Jani's resident astronomer will be on hand at the observatory deck to offer an introduction to astronomy.
Following this, guests can retire to their villa and put their new knowledge into practice, thanks to the retractable roofs in the master bedroom that reveal the vast night sky.
The Crab Shack
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 are located on Soneva Jani’s southwest beach, on the opposite side of the island to Cinema Paradiso, and are 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.
Try the Sri Lankan Mud Crab curry or the Alaskan crabs that rotate through the week. A selection of rosés is the highlight of the drinks menu.
Dining Experiences
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.
Soneva Spa
Set within The Gathering, Soneva Spa’s view of the shimmering lagoon sets the tone for soul therapy. Guests with the Soneva Unlimited Package can enjoy access to unlimited spa treatments and massages at the Soneva Spa including visiting wellness practitioners.
Choose from a menu of holistic and traditional treatments conducted by highly skilled therapists using all-natural products or indulge in one of the signature journeys.
Spa treatments are complemented by the fully-equipped gym and yoga pavilion as well as sauna and steam rooms.
Experiences and Activities
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.
Guests under the Soneva Unlimited Package get to enjoy unlimited experiences from their Experiences Menu, including diving.
Diving
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.
Noonu Atoll Guided Snorkelling
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
Complimentary Water Sports
Soneva Jani offers a range of complimentary non-motorised water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, kite-surfing, and catamaran sailing.
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.
Sonu’s Picnic
Take your desert island experience to another level, and try Sonu’s favourite – lunch on a deserted island prepared by your own personal chef. Take a dip in the crystal clear blue lagoon with their in-house snorkelling guide, while your chef prepares gourmet temptations in the most romantic of settings.
Soneva Jani is a truly unique luxury resort in the Maldives, with the largest overwater villas in the World alongside the unique features of a retractable roof and a waterslide in most villas. In addition, the barefoot, intelligent luxury feel of the island in combination with unique resort facilities gives one of the most relaxing experiences in the Maldives.
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