The Maldives is one of those places that is so beautiful that your accommodation needs to be something special. But must add to the experience of staying here, not detract; so, oceanfront, understated but stunningly beautiful in its own right, and the Soneva Fushi resort ticks all those boxes and more.
Near Far Collection Special Offer
Soneva Fushi is a member of our Near Far Collection which means that when you book a room via our luxury travel concierge you get brilliant extra benefits at no extra cost.
Our exclusive benefits at Soneva Fushi are a complimentary early check-in / late check-out, free upgrade to next room category (all subject to hotel availability), daily buffet breakfast for up to two in room guests, as well as an $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during your stay. Guests staying for 5 nights or more will also benefit from a Shoreline Beach dinner, a Sunset Dolphin Safari, and a Flavorful cuisine cooking class for two.
Why We Love This Hotel
I wish I could live in the world of barefoot luxury every day, but I certainly want to do it on my holidays, and Soneva Fushi defines the very essence of this rather lovely phrase.
Location
The resort is located on the island of Kunfunadhoo with views across to neighboring Eydhafushi. The award-winning resort lies tucked among dense foliage within the stunning Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Best Time To Visit
There’s never a bad time to visit the Maldives with hot and sunny conditions all year round and average temperatures of 23ºC-31ºC. But, the very best time to visit is between December and April when the climate is drier, hotter, and less windy.
How To Get There
International visitors will most likely fly into Malé International Airport, the main international airport in the Maldives, which is located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll. From Malé International Airport, the optimum way to travel to Soneva Fushi is by seaplane, which takes just 30 minutes; the bird’s eye view of the Maldives is something you don’t want to miss. There is a private airport lounge for hotel guests at the seaplane terminal. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to the nearby Dharavandhoo Airport and then take a 15-minute speedboat ride to the resort.
Style & Character
The environmentally responsible resort oozes pure luxury, but done with grace and style; not fussy, never ostentatious, just relaxed and laidback, luxury. The architecture of the resort blends perfectly with the island, which makes sense when you learn it was inspired by nature. The locally-crafted villas are quite simply the best example of eco-chic I can imagine.
Service & Facilities
You may want to spend your time doing absolutely nothing, and there are lots to facilitate this choice! A heavenly stretch of powder white sandy beach being your top choice; there’s also a library, the open-air Cinema Paradiso, you can wander down to the glass blowing studio, and your room boasts a DVD player and a preloaded iPod and dock. However, if you fancy upping the action slightly, you can also enjoy water sports at that beach, borrow bikes, play tennis on the floodlit court, or how about a game of badminton or snooker. There are yoga, and tai chi classes, a jogging trail, and the resort can also arrange scuba diving and trips on the resort’s luxury yacht. Don’t forget nighttime activities either. With skies this clear, the observatory offers a sensational and very romantic view of the night sky. Although in these surroundings you can’t fail to relax, to ensure that not even the tiniest morsel of stress remains, pay a visit to the excellent Six Senses spa; the Hot Stone massage is incredible.
The service is as relaxed and personable as it is efficient and exacting; it’s the sort of place where everyone knows your name, and yet they are never intrusive.
Rooms
There are just 55 villas at this boutique and exclusive hideaway. All have direct access to that beach, are very spacious, and equipped with every amenity you could wish for. Your signature bathroom might be ones of your favorite places, located in your private garden with outdoor showers and a separate bathtub. But, perhaps the best facility that comes with your villa is your own incredibly attentive, private butler. Every villa has one! The smallest villas have just 1 room, and the largest, The Private Reserve, boasts 9 bedrooms, its own spa, water slide, sauna, and gym.
Best Rooms
As there’s no communal pool, an upgrade to a villa with a private seawater pool is a must, in my opinion. Here you choose your view as much as your villa; the sunset side of the island is ideal for snorkellers who want easy access to the reef, whereas the sunrise side is perfect if you crave privacy and a serene experience. Personally, I would be tempted by the sunset every time, and Sunset Retreat with two bungalows, a pool, and a wine cellar would be perfect for small families.
Food & Drink
Thankfully that wonderful barefoot vibe includes dining, too, so you really don’t need to pack your shoes. Start your day breakfasting at Mihiree Mitha, set right on the sands, then come lunch, overwater restaurant, Out of the Blue tempts you with Japanese, Thai, and International fare. For a Maldivian feast at dinner, head to Fresh in the Garden set high above the jungle canopy, or try Down to Earth for the best buffet of your life. And at least once, pay a visit to Sobah’s Restaurant, located on the sands of an uninhabited island, a 15-minute speedboat ride away; unforgettable. For a real treat, the Festival of Colour 2019 sees the chefs rotate. All Michelin decorated, of course. There are also rooms dedicated to cheese, chocolate, ice cream, and charcuterie; it’s a foodie’s heaven, basically!
If you would like to book a stay at this luxury hotel or a business class flight, contact our luxury travel concierge to get a quote before booking. We offer free upgrades, free breakfasts, deals, and special benefits.
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Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
