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
-
Inside Miu Miu’s ‘proudly modern and minimal’ new London storeWallpaper* takes a tour of Miu Miu’s newly refurbished New Bond Street store, which is designed as a gathering place for the Italian house’s ‘spirited, intelligent, thoughtful community’
-
Herzog & de Meuron are renovating New York's iconic Breuer Building. Here's a first look at the renderingsThis fall, the brutalist icon will be re-opening as the New York headquarters for Sotheby's.
-
Eleven great things to see at 3 Days of Design 2025The scale and scope of 3 Days of Design has expanded dramatically since its inception 12 years ago. Here, we share our pick of standout exhibitions and events from the upcoming edition (18-20 June 2025)
-
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
