Soneva Jani, the younger sibling of the global Soneva family of eco-forward sanctuaries, elevates barefoot escapism in the Maldives into an art form. Here, the brand has curated a destination with a strong sense of place and heartfelt, no-nonsense sustainability. This ethos blends seamlessly with experiential indulgence, culminating in an experience that speaks directly to OutThere travellers, who seek meaning and magic in their Maldivian getaway.
What defines a Maldivian holiday? Certainly, there are some familiar elements: aquamarine lagoons that dazzle the eye, powder-soft white sand that soothes the soul, and of course, the quintessential overwater villa. These archetypes form the backbone of many luxury resorts in the Maldives, each competing for the title of most exclusive and exceptional. Yet, there are some, like Soneva Jani, that truly stand out.
The staggering beauty of its setting, on the pristine island of Medhufaru in the Noonu Atoll, is undeniably breathtaking. But it is the resort’s imaginative, almost utopian approach to hospitality, championed by visionary couple Eva and Sonu Shivdasani, that gives it its soul.
The team at Soneva Jani has an uncanny ability to make every moment feel effortlessly curated, embodying the Soneva brand’s hallmark ethos of genuine care. From the moment we stepped onto the jetty, a philosophy of slow living unfurled, inviting us to immediately shed the frantic pace of our daily lives. Our shoes were whisked away in the spirit of “no shoes, no news” – a practice that may have seemed gimmicky at first, but soon came to symbolise the ritualistic unburdening we experienced during our stay.
For today’s OutThere travellers, true escapism demands more than what meets the eye. It requires authenticity and, above all, liberation. While staying at Soneva Jani, we always felt unfiltered, and free to craft our own narrative. A sense of playfulness and indulgence was woven throughout our experience, allowing us to surrender to the present and savour each moment of our holiday. So much so, in fact, that time seemed to bend here – quite literally – as island time is set forward by one hour from Maldivian Standard Time to make the most of daylight and longer evenings.
Our favourite moments were often found in the simplest of activities: an ethereal sunrise yoga session, kayaking across the lagoon while marvelling at the marine life below, cycling along sandy lanes or long, undulating boardwalks, breathing in the faint scent of salt on the breeze, sipping refreshing coconut water on the deck of our overwater villa, listening to the murmur of waves lapping beneath, or stargazing at the resort’s observatory.
To truly appreciate Soneva Jani, one must consider its lineage. Soneva Fushi, the original “OG” jewel in the Soneva crown, set the standard for barefoot luxury when it opened in 1995. Soneva Fushi is a celebration of castaway chic, with its jungle-clad villas and focus on laid-back charm. By contrast, Soneva Jani embraces a more contemporary and luxurious approach to escapism, with far more overwater villas, added layers of whimsy and wonder and a distinctly playful spirit, all while retaining the best elements of its predecessor. While both properties share a commitment to sustainability and exceptional service, their personalities are distinct. But together, they form a compelling dialogue about the many dimensions of luxury travel, each complementing the other while offering unique perspectives.
For us though, the wonder of Soneva Jani truly lies in the details. Take, for example, the warm welcome from our attentive barefoot butler. We were on first-name terms almost immediately, and she was always available when needed, yet never intrusive. Trained to the highest standard, her most common response to our requests was simply, “Sure, why not?”
The architecture and design of our chic, expansive overwater villa were also impressive. We chose one of the newer villas in the resort’s “Chapter Two” area, which we would highly recommend over the older accommodation types. These villas were designed with elevated living in mind, their bleached wood nooks and terraces equipped with day beds, hammocks, swing seats, sofas and loungers for maximum relaxation. Glass floors, like portals to the ocean below, retractable roofs that invite the outside in, infinity pools blending with the horizon, and private water slides plunging into the lagoon all contribute to the sense of escape. Sunset views from the villa’s deck were spectacular, and diving directly from the villa into the water was a privilege. With a 12.5 m/40 ft lap pool, however, we were always spoilt for choice.
Thoughtful amenities added to the experience, and our butler left little treats in our villa at the end of each day. A particularly welcome indulgence was the always-stocked ‘So Cold’ chocolate and ice cream bar.
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| While you’re Out There |
| The jewel in Soneva Jani’s crown may well be its groundbreaking wellness programme, Soneva Soul, which has been integrated into the very essence of the guest experience. Soneva Soul isn’t just about spa treatments (though these are sublime). It represents a holistic approach to well-being, marrying ancient healing traditions with cutting-edge science. Our personalised wellness journey, guided by expert practitioners, encompassed everything from Ayurvedic therapies and sound healing to state-of-the-art biohacking treatments. The spa complex – set in the middle of the forest – with its serene treatment rooms and tranquil views, was a sanctuary for renewal. Yet, the programme extends far beyond its walls, with tailored nutrition plans, bespoke fitness regimes, and immersive meditation experiences ensuring that guests leave not only rejuvenated but transformed. Fitness lovers will also appreciate the phenomenal gym. |
The entire resort exudes an air of exclusivity, serenity and romance. While Soneva Jani isn’t strictly adults-only, it feels sophisticated and mature. Unlike other Maldivian resorts that can sometimes feel bustling and impersonal, Soneva Jani strikes a perfect balance between vibrant energy and tranquil seclusion. Perhaps it is the thoughtfully spaced villas, each offering a cocoon of privacy, or the deeply personalised service that creates this atmosphere.
And then, of course, there’s the sustainability. In Soneva’s world, it is far from a buzzword. It’s evident in every aspect of the resort, from the solar panels powering its operations to the innovative systems that recycle water and reduce waste. The eco-centre at Jani proves that luxury and responsibility can coexist without compromise. More significantly, Soneva’s approach to sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to include the well-being of the local community. By sourcing produce from nearby islands and investing in local artisanship, the resort fosters a symbiotic relationship with the Maldivian people, enriching the guest experience and the country itself.
While the food at Soneva Jani is good, for us, it doesn’t quite reach the level of phenomenal. The resort’s culinary offerings are anchored by Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren, a celebrated overwater restaurant created by the Michelin-starred Swedish chef. The menu celebrates plant-based and pescatarian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients inspired by the surroundings. Dahlgren’s cooking has more of a Japanese influence than a Scandinavian one, mind. The setting, perched above the crystal-clear lagoon, is spectacular.
So Wild by Diana Von Cranach offers an entirely vegan menu rooted in raw food gastronomy. Set in a lush garden, it complements the ethos of the resort, which uses fresh produce grown on the island. The dishes demonstrate the creativity and versatility of plant-based dining, even surprising us carnivores.
We also enjoyed fresh sushi at The Director’s Cut, Soneva Jani’s outdoor cinema and dining space. While the concept of dining during a film was fun, the airflown sushi left much to be desired.
Our favourite dining experience, unsurprisingly, was the Crab Shack. Set on a picturesque lagoon, we dined in an intimate atmosphere with panoramic views of the crystal-clear waters. We indulged in freshly caught seafood, with the star of the show being the succulent, sweet crab, prepared with local flavours and sauces by Chef Priyantha, who grew up on a diet of lagoon crabs across the water in Sri Lanka. He serves a menu inspired by his family’s recipes and those passed down by Soneva chefs. It’s a fabulous experience, albeit a pricey one!
On the subject of expense, there were some moments when we felt a bit nickel-and-dimed. Drinks were pricey, and there was a relatively unsubtle culture of upselling. The resort even charges for filtered water at $10 a time, though the proceeds go to charity. Admittedly it’s a sterling initiative, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles while collecting funds for local environmental and social causes that promote sustainable development. However, it does add up over the course of a week on property.
All this said, Soneva Jani’s refusal to conform to conventional luxury standards resonates deeply with discerning travellers, who don’t just seek “five-star” luxury but a space that challenges norms and redefines what true luxury means – combining style with substance, pleasure with purpose, and indulgence with mindfulness. The hotel speaks to OutThere travellers in a language they understand: one of curiosity, creativity, and connection. Here is a place where luxury meets purpose, where fun is imbued with meaning, and where every moment feels like a gift to oneself, to the environment, and to the world at large.
In a crowded marketplace of five-starred resorts, Soneva Jani offers a rare opportunity for those looking to immerse themselves in a world where luxury isn’t defined by excess, but by conscious living and contributing to something larger than oneself. It’s the kind of place where guests can truly feel they are making a difference, all while living life to the fullest.
Photography courtesy of Soneva
At OutThere, we believe in boundless travel. But we understand that some destinations can pose challenges to travellers that complicate visiting them. We advise all visitors to inform themselves about local legislation and customs, and to work with a trusted travel provider in order to ensure a safe and pleasant holiday.
