‘I’m flying to the Maldives’, I informed my friends, attempting to conceal a smile. A smile that only a select few, those who have visited the Maldives, can comprehend. It is a sentiment uniquely shared by individuals who have experienced the luxury that the Maldives offers, particularly at establishments like Soneva Fushi.
1. Introduction
The Maldives represents an exquisite holiday destination. It serves as an idyllic setting for honeymoons, unforgettable family vacations, or simply a chance for personal indulgence. For those who have experienced the Maldives, the transition at Male International Airport can be a jarring reminder of reality. Soneva Fushi mitigates this by transporting guests in a state-of-the-art Tesla, highlighting their commitment to sustainability, and ushering them to their exclusive lounge, where the Soneva Fushi experience commences—from the aromatic incense to the natural driftwood decor, all complemented by organic refreshments, allowing you to momentarily escape the bustling environment of Male. The luxury service begins here!
I glance out the window and observe a cluster of emerald islands emerging from the sea.
2. Arrival and Initial Impressions
Numerous islands are reachable by sea; however, Soneva Fushi enhances its allure with an exhilarating seaplane journey, allowing guests to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of this island paradise from the comfortable setting of their deck chair. For our family, particularly our three-year-old, this was a captivating experience. He was unaware that planes could land on water before this vacation.
We relinquish our footwear, stretching our bare feet, as the hosts on the island prepare to welcome us.
Upon our arrival, our shoes were promptly taken, fostering an immediate sense of relaxation, accompanied by refreshing towels, beverages, and warm smiles. Having visited the Maldives multiple times, the island of Soneva Fushi was a pleasant surprise. Typically, the islands, composed of coral atolls, are barren clusters striving to retain valuable grains of sand as the sea gradually erodes the shore. In contrast, Soneva Fushi presents a vibrant jungle teeming with life; the island’s natural beauty nearly rivals the iconic Maldivian ocean views complemented by the lush greenery of the treetop vistas. Mr. Friday, our personal butler for our stay, guided us through the winding paths to our secluded retreat. The accommodation seamlessly integrated with its environment, featuring recycled timber, driftwood, and natural hues that harmonize with the foliage, providing a sense of privacy and tranquility, perfect for unwinding and relishing a personal slice of paradise. The resort, with its towering ceilings, spacious living areas, expansive bedrooms, plunge pool, and ample outdoor showers and baths, was meticulously designed with opulence in mind.
My small feet take an alternate path, leading me to places where I can delight in treats throughout the day.
4. Amenities and Activities
Soneva Fushi passionately advocates for sustainable practices, and in lieu of using the provided buggy, we decided to utilize the retro bikes available at our villa. The island’s flat terrain made exploration easy, allowing us to enjoy the scenery at our leisure. Of course, our destination was the CHOCOLATE AND ICE CREAM PARLOUR, which, while it may not appeal to every guest, resonated with our family of dessert aficionados. Our children were astounded that an entire room was devoted to chocolate and ice cream—a veritable paradise of sweets. Adjacent to a reef-side restaurant, OUT OF THE BLUE, we indulged in fresh offerings from various international cuisines. The SUSHI BAR captured our attention, as the fish was extremely fresh, with healthier options permitting indulgence in desserts, all while balancing our concern of becoming stuck on the waterslide that splashed into the crystalline waters filled with marine life.
5. Kids Club
I wander over to The Den to engage in delightful play, where amusement and enjoyment abound throughout the day.
Soneva Fushi takes pride in offering outstanding entertainment options for children, surpassing our family’s diverse experiences in various child-friendly environments. THE DEN at Soneva Fushi exceeded our expectations. Unlike many kids clubs that are often an afterthought, The Den was intentionally designed for children, featuring an exclusive entrance tailored for young visitors. It boasts its own secure pool with a waterslide, where our children could let their creativity flow, engaging in a dress-up playroom, a musical room replete with a full drum set, and an abundance of Lego. The organized schedule of activities effectively entertained and educated the children, including opportunities for them to recycle paper and craft cards. Contrasting with other resorts, we felt a tinge of guilt for not enrolling our kids in The Den, lest they miss out on yet another extraordinary experience.
6. Dining Experiences
As another day concludes, the sun bids adieu; our new companions, the stars, take their place in the sky. The observatory is where we will gather for a delightful dinner designed to captivate.
While the Maldives is renowned for its stunning seascapes, overwater villas, and aquatic activities such as snorkeling and diving, Soneva Fushi offers a unique aspect that sets it apart: a lush jungle ripe for exploration. Soneva Fushi encompasses all the stunning vistas one anticipates from the Maldives, yet they have also opened the heart of the island with FRESH IN THE GARDEN restaurant, situated above the treetop canopy, featuring a FARM TO PLATE plant-based menu that piqued our interest. The chef guided us through the local produce, allowing us to sample fresh herbs and vegetables while learning about sustainable farming practices and the challenges of crop cultivation on a tropical island. Consequently, our dining experience was fresh, with every ingredient sourced immediately from the surroundings. Uniquely, the ocean views were not visible, which is atypical for a Maldivian island. Instead, it felt akin to dining in a rustic restaurant set within the expansive countryside, with only crops in sight. Following dinner, we were thrilled to take a short stroll to the observatory, where the stars took center stage. Removed from the distracting lights of the city, we gazed through telescopes at Jupiter’s moons and various star constellations, leaving us in awe.
7. Sustainability Initiatives
A new day unfolds as we observe the sun ascending; our dhoni sets sail, promising endless surprises. Building sandcastles and enjoying a bit of snorkeling, we embrace the rays and the stunning views.
Naturally, our daily activities revolved around the beaches, splashing in and out of the water. This type of engagement is how a Maldivian holiday should be experienced—barefoot, with only footprints in the sand. The pristine environment offers a multitude of activities such as snorkeling, sailing, surfing, fishing, and culinary experiences, among others. The challenge lies in deciding whether to engage in these activities or succumb to the overwhelming urge to relax. We opted for a combination, as our children were eager to explore; the accessible child-friendly activities enabled us to choose our level of engagement while allowing time at The Den, thereby providing us with the necessary respite.
8. Conclusion
Soneva Fushi prides itself as a destination offering rare experiences, and when compared to other options in the Maldives, it stands apart markedly. The array of options is extensive, and service is exceptional, yet for me, their ongoing dedication to sustainability is the most impressive aspect. The ability to deliver a luxurious experience while maintaining an eco-friendly approach underscores that Soneva Fushi has achieved a balance between indulgence and environmental stewardship. Notable measures include recycling glass, crushing and selling all metals and cans to recycling facilities, providing bicycles for transportation, and implementing solar panels throughout most of the island. Furthermore, they actively engage in farming, water management, and sustainable growth practices. Soneva Fushi genuinely prioritizes environmental conservation—not merely for public relations purposes—their staff actively propagates this ethos, training local communities on neighboring islands, exemplified by the water activities manager’s joy in teaching sustainable practices, such as reducing single-use plastics.
A message from Soneva Fushi: Our objective at Soneva is to create unforgettable, enlightening experiences for our guests, while illuminating lives and minimizing our environmental footprint. In line with this, we strive diligently to adopt sustainable practices, including waste recycling, water conservation, and protecting communities and ecosystems.
Ultimately, embrace a luxurious yet environmentally responsible holiday that does not compromise our ecological legacy.
This review of Soneva Fushi Maldives was authored and photographed by James and @kelly_beckwith of GoTravelDaily.
