Soneva Fushi… Which luxury hotel enthusiast hasn’t heard of this extraordinary resort, which blends exceptional surroundings and service with the approach of sustainable development in the world? Nestled in the wilderness of Baa Atoll, this five-star resort is an ode to the slow life – taking the time to savor the present moment. In recent years, it has added a strong wellness dimension with the Soneva Soul concept. CEO Pascal Languillon had the pleasure of spending several days in this heavenly setting. Here’s an account of his experience.
Soneva, the absolute embodiment of eco-chic style
Chances are, Soneva Fushi once appeared in your Instagram feed when you were dreaming of going to the Maldives. Indeed, the hotel perfectly embodies the Maldives dream, and it’s ultra-known. Soneva Fushi is the brainchild of visionary hoteliers Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström Shivdasani (hence the name Son-Eva…). They opened Soneva Fushi in 1995, the same year they launched the superb Six Senses Resorts & Spas brand, which has since been sold to the IHG group (of which I am now a member of the Global Luxury Advisory Board, by the way). The Soneva group also includes the superb Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand.
I met Sonu Shivdasani in the 2000s when I was writing my book ECOCHIC. He has since become an iconic figure in the world of luxury hotels for his innovative approach to sustainable luxury and his commitment to environmental protection. I myself have become one of the most fervent ambassadors of the Six Senses brand (see my reviews of Six Senses Vana, Six Senses Ibiza, Six Senses Douro Valley among others), and it’s about time I finally discovered Soneva resorts!
Located in one of the Maldives’ most northerly atolls, Soneva Fushi can only be reached after a 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé, which offers a breathtaking view of the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters, with their infinite shades of blue. Landing gives you a glimpse of where you’ll be spending your stay: a small island of white sand and jungle, surrounded by a coral reef…. A beautiful immersion in unspoilt nature.
What struck me immediately on arrival was the perfect fusion of luxury and natural surroundings. Soneva Fushi bears no resemblance to some of the larger resorts in the Maldives, with their large, modern structures. Here, the 63 villas are scattered among the vegetation, built from natural materials and in harmony with the landscape. The idea of “ Robinson chic ” takes on its full meaning: villas surrounded by palm trees, with thatched roofs and sumptuous interiors, but without ever harming the surrounding ecosystem.
The resort’s mantra, “no news, no shoes” sums up its philosophy perfectly. As soon as I boarded the boat from the seaplane to the resort, my shoes were immediately removed. I didn’t find them again until I left. This little touch symbolizes the spirit of Soneva Fushi, a place dedicated to total disconnection, far from everyday stress. Incidentally, if you prefer marble and blinged-out luxury, don’t bother! Soneva Fushi is both ultra-luxe and ultra-relaxed, and that in itself is a feat. Each guest also receives a bicycle to get around the island freely throughout their stay. The concept of slow life is central here: we invite you to slow down, relax and enjoy the present moment to the full.
One of the special features of Soneva Fushi is its personal butler service, called Barefoot Guardian, available 24/7 to attend to guests’ every need. My BG was Christina, a Greek woman who fell in love with Soneva and had been living on the island for 7 years. Christina really helped make my stay exceptional. Impeccable service from A to Z, with unfeigned kindness. She seemed to anticipate my needs even before I expressed them. I also really appreciated the unpacking/packing service, as I hate unpacking! Please note: there are 600 members of staff working on the island for just sixty or so villas. That’s a lot and says it all.
A truly exceptional eco-responsible philosophy
Sustainable luxury is at the very heart of the Soneva Fushi philosophy. It’s not just a buzzword here, but a real mission. The resort has been designed with a deep respect for nature, minimizing its impact on the environment while offering the highest standards of service. The island is self-sufficient in water thanks to rainwater collection systems,solar energy is widely used, and single-use plastic is banned. The recycling program is one of the most impressive I’ve seen to date. For example, glass is recycled on site in a small, creative factory, transformed into superb works of art. Similarly, food waste is used to produce compost, which feeds the resort’s organic vegetable gardens. Soneva is also a pioneer in marine conservation and coral rehabilitation.
Breathtaking villas
I stayed in one of the superb “beach villas”, with direct access to the sea and private pool. Each villa is unique, but they all share an elegant, uncluttered decor inspired by nature. Neutral tones, organic materials such as wood and rattan, and large bay windows to let in natural light create a soothing atmosphere.
Privacy is total: you can’t see your neighbors, and the only thing you’ll wake up to is the gentle sound of the waves. Outside, a private pool framed by tropical vegetation invites you to cool off at any time of day. Particularly noteworthy is the attention to detail, from the soft beds made from organic cotton, to the spacious living areas and outdoor bathrooms, which add a touch of adventure while remaining luxurious.
Soneva Fushi is also famous for introducing the innovative concept of open-air bathrooms, now an emblematic feature of high-end resorts in the Maldives.
These outdoor bathing spaces create a unique experience, with showers under the trees and open-air stone tubs. I was blown away by this bathroom, which was the size of a large Parisian apartment!
Original and educational activities
There are a myriad of activities on offer at Soneva Fushi, so guests stay an average of ten days without a minute’s boredom. As Baa Atoll is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, the seabed is exceptionally rich: multicolored coral, manta rays, turtles and a myriad of tropical fish. I personally enjoyed snorkeling, as the reef is well preserved and you don’t even have to go far to see the marine life. Kayaking, paddle and windsurfing are also available, as are catamaran trips.
Beyond the usual services, Soneva Fushi offers unique experiences that leave a lasting impression. Which other Maldivian resort is equipped with a zipline linking several platforms?
Another memorable activity is undoubtedly the Cinema Paradiso, an open-air cinema set up on the beach. Watching a film from the comfort of a deckchair, with your feet in the sand, under a starry sky and with the gentle sound of the waves in the background… It’s a magical experience! Popcorn provided 🙂
For astronomy enthusiasts, Soneva Fushi also offers stargazing evenings, thanks to its observatory equipped with a high-tech telescope. The Maldivian sky is free from light pollution, allowing you to see the planets and moon with pinpoint accuracy. Once again, Soneva dazzles with its creativity. In a way, the hotel chain has invented intelligent luxury!
Soneva Soul: a temple to well-being
The Soneva Soul spa is a veritable oasis of well-being, offering a range of treatments based on holistic techniques and ancestral traditions. Nestled in the heart of the island’s lush jungle, the two-storey spa is inspired by its peaceful surroundings, inviting guests to recharge, regenerate and fully relax.
Built around a central pool, the spa is connected by stone paths and walkways. Sound cabins play meditative music and essential oil aerosol diffusers help you relax or revitalize.
There’s a resident Ayurvedic doctor on hand to offer free consultations, diagnose your dosha and make lifestyle recommendations to help you regain your balance. Many Ayurvedic treatments are available!
What sets Soneva Soul apart from other spas in the Maldives is the introduction of integrative medicine. Founder Sonu Shivdasani has been suffering from cancer for several years, which he treats in part on site with a battery of sophisticated treatments that are also available to guests, for the sake of regeneration and well-being. These include advanced therapies such as major autohemotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Stem cells can also be injected to revitalize the body deep down.
Of course, you’ll also find yoga, a wide range of massages, body and beauty treatments, physical training sessions…
Each treatment or therapy is designed to meet the client’s individual needs, whether for rest, regeneration, detoxification or optimizing health through movement.
Sustainable gourmet cuisine
At Soneva Fushi, food is another highlight. Eleven restaurants are scattered around the island, each offering a unique culinary experience. Chefs work with local and organic produce, much of it sourced from the resort’s own vegetable gardens or local fisheries.
Soneva Fushi certainly offers the most sumptuous breakfast buffet I’ve seen in any hotel anywhere in the world, and yet I’ve seen plenty at this stage! Hold on to your hats: there’s a room dedicated to hams and cheeses, brimming with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and locally smoked salmon. Another refrigerated room offers an impressive array of salads and vegetables, while another counter displays an incredible diversity of fresh fruit.
The famous Chocolate Room is a cocoa lover’s paradise, offering chocolate creations in all shapes and sizes. The culinary experience doesn’t stop there. You can also indulge in hot dishes: delights straight from the wood-fired oven, Indian or Asian dishes, and of course, crêpes, waffles… champagne too why not? But for my part, I concentrated on the healthy dishes and enjoyed the experience.
For ice cream lovers, the Ice Cream Room is a whole new craze, with dozens of homemade flavours, often surprising and always delicious!
Our favorite: the Fresh in the Garden restaurant, perched in the trees, where inventive dishes are a celebration of local flavors and the freshest ingredients. Eating under a starry sky, surrounded by lush vegetation, makes the experience even more magical.
I was also able to try fish and seafood restaurants… Everything is wonderful. My only regret: not having more time to test all eleven restaurants.
Our verdict
Often copied, never equalled: Soneva is the perfect embodiment of what we love: barefoot luxury, both fun and eco-responsible, imbued with intelligence and soul. The resort is a true sanctuary for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world, and with its new Soneva Soul concept, it’s also a wellness paradise that allows guests to benefit from the latest scientific advances and innovations. It’s a 10/10.
Luxe Wellness Club
Book Soneva Fushi
Rates: from €2,000 per night. Contact us to ask questions about our experience and take advantage of our exclusive Luxe Wellness Club benefits.
Call us for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258
