MALDIVES: Soneva Jani
The final leg of our Maldivian journey took us to Soneva’s sister property—Soneva Jani. Surrounded by a sparkling private lagoon with endless views of the Indian Ocean, Soneva Jani is truly in a class of its own.
Located in the untouched beauty of the Noonu Atoll, this resort is part of a small archipelago that includes the idyllic island of Medhufaru and five private islands, four of which remain entirely unspoiled.
With just 58 villas, Soneva Jani is one of the world’s lowest-density resorts. Its name, which means 'wisdom' in Sanskrit, couldn’t be more fitting. Every detail of the resort’s design, from its sustainably sourced materials to its on-site Waste-to-Wealth recycling facility, is carefully crafted to coexist with its stunning surroundings. Staying true to the “no news, no shoes” philosophy of founders Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, Soneva Jani offers a mindful, laid-back take on luxury.
The resort is made up of both water villas and island hideaways. The water villas, accessed by a jetty that gracefully curves from the main island, are positioned directly over the lagoon. Strategically spaced for privacy, each villa offers uninterrupted views of the water, a private pool, and direct access to the lagoon. Many even feature their own water slide from the first floor—what more could you ask for?
Nature is celebrated at every corner. The interiors, with sun-bleached reclaimed wood and crisp linens, evoke a sense of understated luxury, with a nod to Soneva Jani’s castaway charm. Our villa even had glass portholes carved into the floor, offering an up-close look into the lagoon’s azure depths below.
The al fresco bathrooms were a highlight—perfectly secluded, allowing us to shower or bathe in the balmy air. Expansive terraces, complete with oversized daybeds, hammocks, and swings, offered ideal spots for relaxation.
And the best feature? The retractable roof in the master bedroom. With the push of a button, the roof slid back to reveal a sky full of stars, making the view from our bed nothing short of magical.
The most unforgettable experience was sleeping on our terrace under the stars. There’s something about the gentle sounds of the lagoon and the endless sky above that makes this experience feel like pure serenity.
Soneva Jani’s culinary offerings were equally remarkable. The resort sources much of its produce from its organic garden or from local, sustainable fishermen. One standout experience was the Crab Shack, named the "World’s Most Romantic Restaurant" by CNN Travel. And of course, the not-so-secret Chocolate Room—where we indulged in a sweet pick-me-up every afternoon—was a real treat.
Another highlight was the Japanese dinner at The Director’s Cut, where we enjoyed perfectly cooked black cod while overlooking Cinema Paradiso, the Maldives’ first and only overwater, “silent” cinema. Here, guests are provided with Bluetooth headphones to ensure the nearby wildlife remains undisturbed.
Soneva Jani’s location is a true escape, helping you reconnect with nature at a gentler pace. More than 5 km of nature trails invite guests to explore the island, its lush tropical forests, beaches, and native wildlife, including nestling turtles and mangrove crabs. The crystal-clear waters of Medhufaru lagoon are home to a variety of marine life, from sea turtles and rays to bottlenose dolphins. We were fortunate enough to spot a couple of blacktip reef sharks and even a Guitar Fish—a rare ray often mistaken for a shark.
Without the light pollution of the mainland, Soneva Jani offers unrivaled views of the stars and the Milky Way. The resort boasts the Maldives’ first overwater observatory, complete with a state-of-the-art telescope, where an in-house astronomer can guide you through the constellations over a starlit dinner. For the ultimate celestial experience, a Midnight Astronomy Picnic on the beach is also available—another unique offering from Soneva.
Soneva Jani was the place where we did the least, yet enjoyed the most. It was all about being present, unbothered, and unrushed—just living in the moment.
The resort is beautifully spread out, offering an unrivalled sense of privacy. There are many stunning places in the world, but if I had to choose just one from all my travels, it would be this. Soneva Jani simply checked every box for the perfect tropical getaway.
Photos by Veronika Kriz and Soneva.
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