To say the Maldives are awash with luxury resorts is an understatement. Yet this has not deterred hospitality group Soneva from adding to the mix with its newest opening on the island of Medhufaru.
Arranged around a meandering walkway connected to the island are 24 water villas, with a private lagoon and views of the Indian Ocean serving as a dramatic backdrop to what is actually a low-density resort. The kicker is in the small pockets of luxury, scattered throughout. Whether it’s private pools in each villa, push-button retractable roofs in bedrooms that allow guests to star gaze, or overwater basket swing seats, this is a stylish retreat where guests needn’t look too far to entertain themselves.
Inside the villas, designed by Soneva co-founder Eva Shivdasani, the presence of battered trunks (which conceal televisions) and white palette punctuated by shades of green and purple firmly distinguish Soneva Jani from the honeymoon chic aesthetic of its peers, while sustainable pine and teak lining both interiors and exteriors is true to brand’s commitment to keeping the hotel’s environmental impact as low as possible.
On-site distractions, including a spa, a silent over-water cinema (with Bluetooth audio, so as not to disturb nesting wildlife) and cheese and charcuterie rooms are as sophisticated as they come, but if it’s all sounding a little too grown up, guests are encouraged to make the ultimate splash with the water slides that shoot out from the villas into surrounding waters.
ADDRESS
Medhufaru Island
Noonu Atoll
-
Pharrell Williams’ latest Louis Vuitton show celebrates a ‘friendship for life’ with streetwear legend NigoLouis Vuitton men’s creative director Pharrell Williams looked towards his long friendship with BAPE founder Nigo to create a collaborative A/W 2025 menswear collection shown in Paris this evening (21 January 2025)
-
Think small, think electric, as Hyundai attempts to revolutionise the classic Indian three-wheelerHyundai’s Micro Mobility strategy, in collaboration with Indian manufacturer TVS, has revealed two conceptual takes on small electric urban transport in a bid to cut the country’s crushing pollution issue
-
‘Just beneath the surface there’s another world’: How David Lynch used hair and make-up to create his singular universeFrom Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive to Twin Peaks, David Lynch used hair and make-up in his films as a narrative device, writes Laura Havlin
-
One&Only’s portfolio of ultra-luxury escapes reaches out to new horizonsFrom the Maldives to Mexico, One&Only’s resorts and private homes around the world offer exceptional stays in idyllic locations, soon to include a first USA property, designed by Olson Kundig
-
Dive deep into Soneva’s ultra-luxury new resort in the MaldivesSoneva Secret, the first resort in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll, offers 14 secluded overwater and island villas
-
An eclectic luxury island getaway awaits at SO/ MaldivesEnnismore’s SO/ brand gives the Maldives a boost of vibrancy with its new opening a short 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé
-
At Patina Maldives, sustainability and luxury blend harmoniouslyLuxury resort Patina Maldives recently partnered with natural skincare brand Haeckles to craft a bespoke wellbeing range
-
Missoni takes over One&Only Maldives resort in calming blue huesItalian fashion house Missoni reimagines Maldives resort One&Only Reethi Rah
-
Villa One at the One & Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico -
Martim — Wroclaw, Poland -
Tattersalls Hotel — Armidale, Australia
