Unlock the Soneva Secret: Barefoot Luxury in Maldives

After thirty years in the Making, the secret is finally out! Soneva Secret is set to officially open in March 2024, but guests looking to experience the Soneva hospitality will be able to check in to the resort from January 10, 2024, onwards.

The barefoot luxury resort is set to provide the ultimate privacy and seclusion, where the beauty of nature abounds. Featuring 14 overwater and island villas, including the Maldives’ only floating villa, Soneva Secret is set to provide the Soneva hospitality that travellers are seeking.

Taking barefoot luxury up a notch, each Soneva secret villa features a dedicated team of three. This includes a Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant and dedicated chef, to ensure every stay is wholly personalised.

Explore the Soneva Secret Villas

The Beach Hideaway Villa

Spread over two floors, the Beach Hideaway Villa is perfect for travellers seeking lush jungles and pristine white sandy beaches. Just steps away from the beautiful waters of the Maldives, this room category provides plenty of room for relaxing with 448 square metres of space. The master bedroom is perfect for those who love stargazing as it is set with a retractable roof. The spacious outdoor bathroom includes a sunken bath, indoor and outdoor showers as well as a dedicated dressing area. Moreover, guests can also find a fully equipped gym and children’s room with an ensuite shower room situated at the back of the villa. Outside, a wooden terrace with a private freshwater pool a sunken dining area and a swinging daybed can be found for relaxing. The first floor also features a spa treatment room and al fresco dining sala with daybeds.

The Overwater Hideaway Villa:

The Overwater Hideaway features an expansive master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, toilet and dressing room. Providing 461 square metres of space to enjoy, this villa category also features a retractable roof, which reveals the starry night sky. There’s also an adjoining children’s bedroom with an ensuite shower and toilet. The villa features an open-plan living room, as well as a large outdoor deck featuring a private freshwater pool, sunken dining area, catamaran nets and a daybed. The first floor of this villa features a spa treatment room, dining sala with daybeds and a curved waterslide into the lagoon.

The Castaway Villa

The first of its kind in the Maldives, the Castaway is the floating villa offering the ultimate in overwater living. Spread across two floors, this exclusive villa is only accessible by sea. With 461 square meters of space to enjoy, the villa is consciously designed to be unaffected by wave movements making it completely safe. This exciting new villa category villa features Soneva’s signature saltwater pool and curved slide straight into the lagoon, as well as a retractable roof over the master bedroom for stargazing. This villa category also features a retractable roof over the master bedroom for stargazing. An additional double bedroom with an ensuite shower room and toilet is situated at the back of the villa, alongside a fully equipped gym overlooking the surrounding turquoise waters. Upstairs, a spa treatment room, a waterslide into the lagoon and an al fresco dining sala complete this private, exclusive space.

If you’re ready to explore Soneva Secret, get ready to make your bookings and be one of the first travellers to explore this resort. Located just 75 minutes by seaplane, your trip to Soneva Secret is set out to be breathtaking.

The Maldives has been the epitome of luxury, especially when it comes to the tourism industry. In addition to its turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and stunning overwater villas, the hospitality in the Maldives has also made it a top pick among travellers. But behind this veneer of paradise lies a complex and meticulously managed operation. Ensuring that every guest experiences unparalleled luxury involves not just beautiful locations and architecture but also a dedicated team of unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes. These efforts are crucial in maintaining the high standards expected by discerning travellers from around the globe.

From sustainable practices to culinary excellence, and from impeccable service to innovative design, Maldivian resorts leave no stone unturned in their quest for perfection. The logistical challenges of operating in such remote locations demand innovative solutions and a commitment to both guest satisfaction and environmental stewardship. The following insights shed light on the intricate workings that allow these resorts to deliver extraordinary experiences.

1. Sustainable Luxury

In the Maldives, luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. Resorts like JOALI Maldives and Soneva Fushi are pioneers in this respect, integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations. By banning single-use plastics and participating in coral reef restoration programs, they ensure that their environmental impact is minimized. These efforts not only protect the stunning natural surroundings but also enhance the guest experience by preserving the pristine beauty of the marine ecosystem. Sustainable luxury practices can be found in almost every single resort in the Maldives. In addition to the resort’s initiatives, Maldives resorts ensure that guests are included in the sustainability effort.

2. Culinary Excellence

Dining at Maldivian Resorts is an experience in itself. From destination dining experiences at sandbanks to candle-lit beach dinners, Maldives resorts take your culinary experience to the next level. The majority of the Maldives resorts focus on wellness, organic and seasonal ingredients. As more resorts in the country embrace farm-to-table dining experiences, guests are welcome to explore a wide range of dining experiences. In addition to fresh and health-focused culinary experiences, Maldives resort also continues to collaborate with Michelin-starred chefs to create diverse and exquisite menus, ensuring that every meal is a culinary masterpiece. These resorts go to great lengths to source the finest ingredients and employ the best culinary talents, making dining a highlight of the stay.

3. World-Class Service

Exceptional service is a hallmark of Maldivian luxury resorts. The hospitality and service in the Maldives can be felt from the moment you land in the country to the moment you leave. Staff in Maldives resorts undergo extensive training to provide a personalised experience. The attentive service is taken to another level with the butler service that is provided in luxury resorts. This dedication to hospitality creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel like part of a family. The focus on high-quality service is evident across many resorts, where staff strive to exceed guest expectations at every turn.

4. Unique Guest Experiences

Resorts in the Maldives offer a plethora of unique experiences tailored to various interests. Maldives resorts feature luxurious over-water villas, private terraces, and a wide range of activities. This includes art shows, dolphin watching, and diving excursions. Additionally, resorts also offer an array of activities for both adults and children, ensuring that every guest can find something to enjoy during their stay. These bespoke experiences are designed to create lasting memories and provide a sense of adventure and relaxation. Although Maldives used to be known for its romantic experiences, over the years adventure travellers and families have also embraced the experiences available in the country.

5. Innovative Design and Architecture

Architectural innovation is another key aspect of Maldivian resorts. Resorts such as SO/ Maldives as well as Patina Maldives have been noted for their innovative design and architecture. In addition to embracing the island-coastal feel, Maldives resort designs make you feel right at home. The design often takes on simplicity and luxury in addition to intertwining comfort.

6. Community and Environmental Commitment

Resorts in the Maldives also place a strong emphasis on supporting local communities and environmental conservation. Maldives resorts include initiatives that support local schools, promote sustainable farming, and empower the local communities through education and training. These programs reflect the resorts’ commitment to fostering positive relationships with local communities and protecting the natural environment, highlighting a dedication to responsible luxury. Resorts such as Oaga Art Resort focus on sourcing locally produced ingredients for their Spa (Hoba Spa).

The luxurious allure of Maldivian resorts is the result of comprehensive efforts behind the scenes. From sustainable practices and exceptional service to culinary excellence and innovative design, these resorts ensure every aspect of the guest experience is meticulously crafted. The dedication of the teams working in these paradises truly underscores the magic. Through these efforts, the team members at resorts make the Maldives a premier luxury destination.