Luxury Hotel: Soneva Jani Resort In Maldives

Inspired by the Sanskrit word for “wisdom”, the Soneva Jani is the most exclusive resort in the Maldives. Find out everything you need to know, below.

Inspired by the Sanskrit word for “wisdom,” the Soneva Jani is the most exclusive resort in the Maldives. Located on Medhufaru Island, part of a chain of uninhabited islands in the Noonu Atoll, the ultra-luxurious resort is fringed by pristine beaches, and lush rainforests and surrounded by 3.5 miles of crystal clear waters with 360° views of the Indian Ocean.

These waters, which are fifty shades of mesmerizing blue, make the resort a prime location for scuba diving and snorkelling. The Maldives’ tropical climates average 30°C and sea temperatures between 22°C and 28°C, making it the perfect destination for any traveller seeking beach, sun and fun.

The island is one of the longest in the Maldives, covered by a mangrove forest and has a freshwater lake in the centre. That is why the main island of Soneva Jani has a completely different appearance than most islands in the Maldives, and only a small part of it is accessible.

All overwater villas feature a retractable roof from the master bedroom for stargazing at night. The villas also feature ocean views in all directions. They also include water slides from the upper deck directly into the lagoon below.

One thing that sets Soneva resorts apart from other luxury properties is its unparalleled sustainable spirit. Soneva’s founder, Sonu, is always coming up with new ideas to make the resorts even greener and is constantly giving back to the local communities by working together with experts from around the world.

The main aspect Soneva Resorts have in common is the recycling station on the island. They transform materials into something useful or reused as possible, creating their energy and fresh drinking water on the island, an extensive organic garden, reducing plastic to almost zero, and supporting the local communities in the Maldives by teaching them about sustainability and supporting them.

There is even a glass factory on site, which recycles glass for Soneva’s rooms and restaurants. The overwater villas are built with sustainable products (including reused insulation materials), natural ventilation keeps things cool, water is heated with solar panels, and LED lighting reduces energy consumption and light pollution.

Soneva Jani is famous for having most of its villas on the water. Only a handful of multi-bedroom villas are on land.

The Soneva Jani has 27 Overwater Reserves, complementing the existing 24 Soneva Jani Reserves. The villas have been crafted with recycled wood and luxurious in mind for the interior design. Each villa has an adult playground with plenty of space, two levels and unique features such as a removable roof, an open-air bathroom and a water slide leading to the lagoon.

In addition, some of the villas also offer guests exclusive facilities to enhance the overall feeling of intuitive and intelligent luxury, including private pools, outdoor terraces and direct access to the lagoon.

The dining experience at Soneva Jani is exceptional and extremely delicious. They have options for seafood and meat lovers but also vegetarians and vegans. Breakfast is served in Gathering located in the main area of Chapter One, or Down to Earth on the island. You will find an incredible buffet with countless options in different rooms but also an incredible a la carte menu to order fresh dishes and drinks.

In addition to the main restaurants at Gathering and Down to Earth, it has some excellent speciality restaurants that are worth a visit, such as Overseas, a fish restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Mathias Dahlgren. The Beach BBQ Restaurant So Primitive and Crab Shack is an excellent restaurant for seafood lovers. Plant-based food lovers should dine at So Wild, the vegan restaurant located in Soneva’s garden.

Wellness and fitness are a big part of the Soneva Concept. That’s why there are two spa areas at Soneva Jani: one is located on the island and the second one over the water. The gym is very well equipped and can be rented for private workouts.

In addition to “classic treatments” such as massages and beauty sessions, Soneva offers a wide variety of health or Ayurvedic treatments that will be practiced by an experienced Ayurvedic doctor. The Soneva Jani Spa, aims to provide you with a healing space by offering intuitive therapies that focus on problem areas, reflexology and energy healing, all catered specifically to your needs. From Swedish massages to detoxifying body wraps, your treatment options are endless.