Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, or news.
Today: Get complimentary VIP perks at any Soneva Resort
As many of you already know, I’m a big fan of luxury hotels—and I imagine most of you are too, since you’re following my blog. While I have a deep appreciation for iconic luxury hotel brands like Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood, and Four Seasons, none compare to my absolute favorite: Soneva. What sets Soneva apart from other high-end hotel groups is its unwavering commitment to excellence. Their resorts feature stunning, thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect a unique blend of elegance and simplicity. Soneva’s philosophy of barefoot luxury is both smart and refreshing, offering guests an experience that feels effortlessly indulgent. Add to that their breathtaking “remote yet accessible” locations and their dedication to creating authentic, meaningful experiences—and it’s easy to see why I’m such a devoted fan.
Currently, Soneva operates four spectacular resorts, all located in the Maldives.
I am able to offer the readers of my blog complimentary VIP perks at any Soneva resort (for new bookings made before August 2026). These benefits are listed below and come in addition to valuable offers & savings which are found on the official Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, and Soneva Secret website:
- A resort credit valued at 10% of the net room revenue (total room revenue less applicable goods and services taxes and service charge) of the booking (when booking BAR) or 5% when booking a special Soneva package. For example, if you book 7 nights at Soneva Fushi at a best available rate of $2500 USD per night, you will get a resort credit of 7 x $250 USD = $1750 USD, which you can use on food, spa, and activities. FYI, the credits are not valid with Soneva Unlimited and are not applicable for Soneva Secret
- Two personalized Soneva experiences per stay (complimentary) from the Soneva experience brochure (excluding Soneva In Aqua). You have the opportunity to select premium activities such as private dinner experiences, massage treatments and more. You can find the list of complimentary Soneva experiences here:
- The guarantee of the best available rate.
- An additional benefit to be disclosed by the Soneva reservations team.
This is how it works:
- Step 1: contact me by email before confirming your booking, and include your preferred travel dates, the number of people in your party, and the ages of any children (if applicable). I’ll then personally introduce you via email to my contact at Soneva.
- Step 2: after the introduction, Soneva will provide you with the best available rates or package for your preferred travel dates. Once your booking is confirmed, the exclusive Soneva Ambassador benefits will be added to your reservation.
Below, you’ll find additional information about Soneva’s history, along with my personal reviews and YouTube videos of the group’s breathtakingly beautiful resorts.
SONEVA SECRET, MALDIVES
The newest ultra-luxury gem in the Maldives, Soneva Secret, is tucked away in one of the archipelago’s most remote atolls, offering an ultra-exclusive escape with just 14 villas. Each villa features expansive master suites with retractable roofs for stargazing, adjoining bedrooms ideal for families, private pools, and uninterrupted ocean views. Guests enjoy Soneva’s signature personalized service, including a dedicated Barefoot Guardian and a private chef who curates bespoke menus and immersive dining experiences. One of the resort’s standout features is Castaway—the Maldives’ first floating villa—accessible only by boat and designed for the ultimate in privacy and seclusion. Blending barefoot luxury with deep environmental consciousness, Soneva Secret is a sanctuary for discerning travelers seeking rare tranquility, total exclusivity, and unforgettable experiences.
SONEVA JANI, MALDIVES
Soneva Jani, set on a private island in the Noonu Atoll, is celebrated for its extraordinary overwater pool villas—many of which feature retractable roofs and private water slides that lead straight into the lagoon. The resort’s 51 spacious villas offer panoramic views of crystal-clear waters and lush tropical surroundings, combining sustainable materials with refined, modern luxury. Dining at Soneva Jani is a journey in itself, with a variety of unique restaurants serving everything from freshly caught seafood to gourmet international cuisine, all in breathtaking locations. Guests can enjoy curated experiences like stargazing with a resident astronomer, private sandbank picnics, and guided snorkeling adventures. For wellness seekers, the Soneva Soul spa offers holistic treatments rooted in natural healing practices.
SONEVA FUSHI, MALDIVES
Soneva Fushi, the Maldives’ original “Robinson Crusoe”–style hideaway, is located on the privately owned island of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Measuring 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) long and 400 meters (1,300 feet) wide, it’s one of the largest islands in the Maldives—and one of the most naturally lush. Beyond its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and idyllic climate, the island is known for its remarkably rich vegetation, creating a rare and immersive connection with nature. Nestled within this tropical jungle are vast, storybook-like luxury villas and private residences—many designed to resemble treehouses in keeping with the resort’s signature castaway theme. Each opens onto its own stretch of powdery beach, and most come with a private seawater pool. In summer 2020, Soneva Fushi added another highlight to its offering: eight spectacular overwater retreats—among the largest and most luxurious overwater villas in the world.
SONEVA IN AQUA, MALDIVES
Soneva in Aqua is the Maldives’ first floating villa—and a dream come true for honeymooners and ocean lovers alike. This groundbreaking concept by the ultra-luxury Soneva group blends the full-service experience of their iconic resorts with the freedom, privacy, and adventure of a private yacht charter. The two-cabin yacht features a spacious master suite with a glass-bottomed spa tub and ensuite shower, as well as a second cabin with a king-sized bed and private bathroom. Designed for both relaxation and indulgence, the vessel includes a raised sun and dining deck, a lower-level bar and lounge area, daybeds, and a jacuzzi—perfect for soaking in the beauty of the open sea.
HISTORY OF THE SONEVA HOTEL GROUP
In 1995, Indian-British hotelier Sonu Shivdasani launched what would become one of the world’s most iconic resorts—Soneva Fushi—on the then-deserted island of Kunfunadhoo in the Maldives. Alongside him was his wife, Eva Malmström, a Swedish fashion model who designed and furnished the resort with her signature blend of natural elegance and laid-back luxury. The couple even built their own home on the island, fully immersing themselves in their bold vision.
At the time, they had no idea that their personal dream—centered around sustainable luxury and locally crafted villas—would evolve into a globally celebrated collection of award-winning resorts and spas. But that’s exactly what happened. Soneva Fushi became the Maldives’ first true castaway resort, pioneering the concept of back-to-nature luxury and inspiring a wave of imitators. To this day, it remains at the very top of my list of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives.
Over the years, the Soneva brand has continued to innovate. In 2015, they introduced the Maldives’ first floating villa, Soneva in Aqua. In 2016, they launched Soneva Jani, a visionary overwater retreat that set a new benchmark for barefoot luxury in the region. And most recently, in 2023, the group unveiled its most exclusive project to date: Soneva Secret, an ultra-private collection of just 14 villas in one of the Maldives’ most remote atolls.
The success of Soneva also laid the foundation for Sonu and Eva’s second hotel venture: Six Senses Resorts & Spas, which grew rapidly across Southeast Asia and Europe. By 2011, Six Senses had become a globally recognized brand with 26 resorts, 41 spas, and revenues reaching up to $175 million. In 2012, the brand was sold, allowing Sonu and Eva to refocus their attention on what they considered their true passion—Soneva.
Under the guiding principle of “One Owner, One Operator, One Philosophy, One Brand,” Sonu and Eva continued to personally lead Soneva’s development. Their unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, intuitive service, extraordinary culinary offerings, and unforgettable experiences made Soneva a symbol of conscious luxury.
Just a few months ago, the private equity firm KSL Capital Partners has taken a majority interest in sustainable luxury hospitality business, Soneva Group. The move builds on KSL’s initial minority investment in the company in November 2019. While the full implications of this takeover are still unfolding, many long-time fans of the brand—including myself—hope the core values and visionary ethos established by Sonu and Eva will continue to guide Soneva into its next chapter.
After all, while there may be many imitators, there’s still no true equal to Soneva—where breathtaking natural settings, inspired design, and deeply personal hospitality create a luxury experience like no other.
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