Soneva Jani, Maldives

Soneva Jani very much defines itself as one of The Maldives’ most exclusive private island resorts and it’s very hard to argue. Their overwater bungalows are incredibly spacious, stylish and luxurious with the very largest of them, the two and four bedroom ‘water reserves’ around the end of the walk way, being really quite breathtaking. These opulent wooden palaces come with private pools, water slides and retractable roofs that allow stargazing direct from the master bedroom.

Soneva Jani is also an eco-resort that has, since its inception, striven to keep its environmental impact as low as possible. Water and waste is recycled and treated via the on-site waste management center and most of the resort’s electricity is solar generated.

Facilities include, amongst others, a luxurious spa, tennis courts, a gym, four restaurants and a bar, a cinema, a night-time sky observatory, a water sports center and a kid’s club.

Most of the island is left wild so you can wander peacefully through the beautiful mangrove forests and also have some stunning deserted beaches all to yourself.

THE ACCOMMODATION:

The first stand-out feature of Soneva Jani’s overwater bungalows is their sheer size – all of them are spread over two floors and their very smallest one bedroom units still cover 4477 square feet/416 square meters while their largest, the four bedroom water reserve, covers a whopping 15295 square feet/1421 square meters.

There are five other categories between those two extremes none of which will disappoint. The majority of them have water slides from the upper floor if you’re ever in a hurry to get downstairs. Other standard features include large private pools, various glass floor viewing panels, study rooms, huge walk in wardrobes, kitchenettes and stunning bathrooms.

Outside of the overwater bungalows you can also choose to stay in their two bedroom beach bungalow hidden away in the mangrove forests. It is titled the Robinson Crusoe Residence and comes with lots of very private space.

Or you can also choose to stay in their very indulgent, 23 meter private yacht. It has two en-suite bedrooms and a glass-bottomed spa tub amongst other things. Your crew includes a captain, sous chef, butler and a wellness therapist as standard, and a dive master and an expert astronomer can be added on request. You can organize bespoke tours and voyages with the guidance of your captain.

PRICES:

Check out all the details – prices, reviews and more photos, on the booking page here.

FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:

There are four restaurant options and one laid back bar at Soneva Jani. The main restaurant is called So Fresh and is a relaxed place with sunken tables, couches, hammocks and even a giant waterslide. They serve daily buffets (different each day) here as well as à la carte, the food is excellent and their menu is extensive and varied.

Such is the level of service here that they will also be happy to try and cook up for you pretty much anything you can’t find on the menu, within reason of course.

Nearby is the homemade ice-cream and chocolate room where among many other treats you can choose from a selection of flavored truffles including Nutella flavor and wasabi flavor.

Other dining highlights include the just four tables of the observatory restaurant where you can dine while watching close up images from the giant telescope on screens at your table, and their Peruvian eatery at the Cinema Paradiso, a silent cinema (sound coming from bluetooth headphones). Other activities at Soneva Jani include a wonderful spa, a gym, library, water sports and diving center, tennis courts and a kid’s club.

Much joy can be had here in just wandering around the resort, one of the biggest in the Maldives and much of it undeveloped. As well as gardens and various cycling and walking paths (bicycles and tricycles are always available) you can find tracts of wild forest and completely deserted beaches with the most magnificent of turquoise waters.

REVIEWS:

“Property is in an amazing location – the biggest lagoon in Maldives. Water around is the best we have seen. Villas are also one of the biggest in Maldives. Our over the water villa with a slide was an amazing experience. We tried over the water cinema and their Japanese restaurant. Great food and amazing staff, waitress Subi memorized our long order without taking notes, very impressive!…”

“The starstruck dinner with telescope was also one of the best experiences we had in Maldives! Truly unique! Food was amazing every evening and breakfast buffet full of choices. We loved the idea of barefoot and Robinson Crusoe themed atmosphere. Our 24/7 butler named Mrs. Friday was very helpful always on point organizing our schedule. It was very interesting to visit this resort and I think is quite different from others in Maldives you get luxury and authenticity that we truly enjoyed!….”

>> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT SONEVA JANI

Location Category:

Maldives