Given the sun-and-sand lifestyle of the Maldives, the real challenge for any Maldivian resort would be to set themselves apart—something that Soneva does with ease. The pioneering group boasts of two stunning properties in Maldives—Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi, and there’s Soneva Aqua which is their over water experience taking the physical form of a yacht. Wellness and slow living are at the very core of these properties. In 2021, Soneva celebrated 25 years and this was a cause for celebration for guests and the local communities they so actively support.
Soneva Fushi
This massive property is located on Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest islands in the Maldives. Any time is a good time to visit to head to one of the Soneva properties; tropical climate, sunshine-filled days and temperatures averaging 30°C all year round. It’s time to get your tan on. At Soneva Fushi, guests can embark on a culinary journey around the world. With seven award-winning restaurants to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. If you like your dinner served up with a side of adrenaline, you can head to Flying Sauces.
Here, you head for your meal on a zipline that takes a scenic route through the forest. It ends at an elevated dining tower, raised above the ground with exceptional views over the ocean. If your taste buds are tingling but you can’t decide on what you want to eat, don’t worry, You can go over to Out of The Blue where you can get Indonesian, Vietnamese and Japanese cuisines or even a pizza. At Shades of Green, treat yourself to the flavors and fragrant spices of Maldivian and Southeast Asian cuisine prepared using traditional techniques such as smoking, salting, fermenting, and pickling. If you’re a fan of seeing your greens while you eat them, you will enjoy your meal at Fresh In The Garden where Chef Refslund promotes the concept of ‘bonding rawness’—raw ingredients combined based on their intrinsic values and flavors to create an elevated dining experience.
For sushi enthusiasts, So Hands On By Akira has the best sushi masters serving up meals for smaller groups. There’s also So Bespoke where an open-air teppanyaki table offers up meals with fantastic views. If you prefer your food cooked right in front of you, head to Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan where succulent meats, freshly-caught seafood, and tender vegetables are cooked on a charcoal grill set up in front of you.
Well-Deserved Wellness
Soneva Jani is your escape from the chaos of urban living. A wellness resort, Soneva Jani is where your worries are left at the doorstep. The rituals and therapies here involve an in-depth understanding of your body, the wellness journey you want to embark on, and what your goals should be. The treatment menu brings together two seemingly opposite schools of thought—traditional healing therapies and ancient rituals including Ayurveda, traditional Chinese Medicine, and herbalism; and innovative treatment methodologies including vitamin therapy and integrative medicine, such as cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and ozone therapy.
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