Soneva Jani is an extraordinary collection of overwater villas and island sanctuaries nestled into a 5.6km lagoon. Explore a world of adventure on its Observation deck or indulge in wellness at its Soneva Spa.
Chapter Two offers all this and more, such as Barefoot Butler service; unlimited food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at bars and restaurants; as well as Michelin-star chef dinners and experiences.
Getting There
Soneva Jani, which translates to “wisdom” in Sanskrit, is the Maldives’ ultimate island retreat. Comprised of five islands and 5.6-km lagoon that offer 360 degrees of beauty that elicit feelings of calmness, the property can be found on Medhufaru Island within Noonu Atoll. Featuring both overwater and island villas crafted with impeccable details – many featuring retractable roofs for stargazing from master bedrooms or slides leading directly into the water below – Soneva Jani offers something truly exceptional in terms of Maldive resort experiences!
If traveling from other Maldivian destinations, your journey will start at Male International Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, a Soneva representative will greet you and take you directly to their Soneva Lounge where you’ll enjoy drinks, snacks, and fresh juice while waiting for a seaplane ride to Soneva Jani Resort.
As soon as you arrive at Soneva Jani, your personal host, commonly referred to as Mr. or Mrs. Friday, will welcome and invite you to take off your shoes – in true Soneva style – so as to enjoy an experience unlike any other. They’ll introduce you to your eco-home and help begin your Soneva journey – whilst providing opportunities to get acquainted with both hosts as well as engage in their bespoke activities designed to heighten the experience at the property.
Soneva Resorts are dedicated to being ecologically conscious. From their carbon neutrality policy and house reef and coral nursery program which cares for sea turtle hatchlings to an onsite desalination system that makes the property self-sufficient with water usage, Soneva strives to be as eco-friendly as possible. They encourage guests to recycle materials responsibly, use natural ventilation that keeps the place cool, LED lighting for efficiency purposes and have their own glass factory to reduce waste levels.
Soneva offers an assortment of culinary experiences to tempt the senses, from sunset dolphin cruises and dining with a view at the first overwater observatory to intimate pop-up dinners on North Beach or a secret chef menu at So Imaginative; not to mention cheese and chocolate rooms which will satisfy even your sweet tooth!
Accommodations
At this resort’s 51 overwater villas float within a 5.6-kilometer private lagoon of crystal-clear waters fringed with white beaches and tropical greenery – setting new benchmarks in overwater luxury through inventive dining concepts and holistic wellbeing at their core. Choose a Retreat or Reserve Jetti to stargaze from your master bedroom retractable roof while sipping champagne beneath an oceanscape that shifts between jade-green, turquoise, and cerulean waters – or indulge yourself with your own private pool in your private lagoon view of jade green to turquoise to cerulean!
Your villa includes a Barefoot Butler, return shared seaplane transfer from Male, and daily minibar replenishment. Villas range from one- to four-bedroom overwater retreats; family-oriented amenities include bunk rooms. They all boast private pools, open-air living areas with retractable roofs, kitchens and spa bathrooms for your comfort and pleasure.
Soneva Jani’s meditative labyrinth, stargazing observatory and overwater cinema are testaments to Soneva Jani’s commitment to living a “Slower Life.” You will find sustainable principles woven throughout every aspect of its resort; be it wood used in villa construction or water served in glass bottles – you will feel at ease knowing every element was carefully chosen to preserve natural beauty of Maldives while protecting its abundant biodiversity.
Soneva Jani will open your eyes to an abundance of blues. From your villa’s glass-floored observatory to Mathias Dahlgren’s Overseas restaurant offering plant-based fare, you’ll discover an emerald world full of vivid hues.
Soneva Jani Resort & Spa is situated on Medhufaru Island of Noonu Atoll and can be reached via seaplane from Male. Comprised of five islands – of which two are uninhabited – Soneva Jani provides an endless canvas of hues ranging from deep navy to palest aquamarine, perfect for exploring coral reefs scattered around its five islands or taking advantage of complimentary non-motorized activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, kite-surfing or catamaran sailing!
Dining
Soneva Jani is a place where dreams come true – private islands, stilted mansions and every shade of azure come together. Sibling to Soneva Fushi, this ultra-luxe resort floats on a 5.6 km lagoon in Noonu Atoll surrounded by pristine beaches and jungle greenery. Palace water villas jut out from turquoise sea with waterslides and retractable ceilings while an observatory features an astronomer for stargazing opportunities.
Soneva Jani was named Leading Spa Resort in Asia at the World Travel Awards, providing guests with an uplifting holistic wellbeing experience through natural therapies and healing traditions. There is also a world-class fitness centre and yoga pavilion, along with complimentary non-motorised water sports like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, catamaran sailing and kitesurfing available free-of-charge to guests. In addition, diving, snorkelling and island hopping activities await exploration both within its lagoon as well as beyond it; in its sea beyond.
Soneva Jani offers an unforgettable dining experience, with gourmet menus that span many cultures and cuisines. At its center is The Gathering – a three-storey overwater structure housing all dining outlets, a library/retail area, Observatory, spa services and overwater pavilion for ceremonies & performances. Additionally, Swedish chef Mathias Dahlgren created Overseas restaurant serving plant-based and pescatarian dishes from organic gardens with fresh caught seafood as its speciality.
Dine under the sea with an overwater silent cinema or beach picnic featuring chef’s special menus from Soneva Jani’s Chef de Cuisine; for something truly memorable try her Desert Island Lunch where gourmet treats await in an idyllic romantic setting!
Soneva Jani can be reached from Male International Airport within 40 minutes by seaplane or one hour speedboat ride, or directly via Soneva Fushi which is nearby. Wayfarers Atlas’ seamless service encompassing transfers, accommodation and tours ensures your journey to Soneva Jani runs as smoothly as possible.
Activities
Soneva Jani is designed with tranquillity in mind; you can take time out to simply enjoy its splendor or stroll along its curved jetty overlooking azure waters.
Villas at this resort are some of the finest available worldwide, featuring one to four bedroom options with their own private pool and stretch of lagoon. Interiors feature natural, recyclable and sustainable materials along with soothing palettes to match their idyllic settings.
If you want to explore the beaches, scuba dive, or explore an unexplored Dhoni Reef there are guided tours available; but if relaxing is more your thing then spa treatments, yoga classes, and many unique dining and drink experiences await. From candlelit dinners on the beach to the first ever overwater cinema – there’s so much you can experience here.
This award-winning resort, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is known for its remarkable hospitality, unmatched villas, sustainability efforts and commitment to creating a relaxing experience. Guests will discover plenty of activities and places for relaxation at this award-winning resort such as an overwater cinema, stargazing observatory and labyrinth as well as tennis court.
Soneva Jani Resort in Noonu Atoll lies on Medhufaru Island and features a 5.6 km private lagoon that is illuminated with sunlight from morning until dusk, providing some of the finest views in Maldives. Comprised of 51 overwater and island sanctuaries designed with intelligent luxury in mind and featuring some of the best views around, Soneva Jani also emphasizes water conservation with an on-site greenhouse, vegetable garden, as well as several restaurants that specialize in serving organic produce and seafood dishes.
Soneva Stars program of this resort offers a full calendar of activities and events. Michelin-star chefs, sports celebrities and celebrity therapists come to share their knowledge. In addition, there is also an impressive roster of yoga and wellness teachers and trainers as well as a full spa with various treatments available to guests.