Overview: Soneva Secret Maldives – the Luxurious Journey Knowledgeable

Wednesday newsletters all the time function a resort or flight evaluate.

Three weeks in the past, I loved an exceptional vacation within the Maldives, the place I stayed on the archipelago’s latest, ultra-luxury resort: Soneva Secret. You possibly can learn my critiques right here:

Right now: Overview of Soneva Secret Maldives

Final yr, Soneva – the world-leading sustainable resorts operator – opened it extremely anticipated Soneva Secret property within the Maldives. The primary and solely resort within the distant Makunudhoo Atoll, Soneva Secret. The ultra-luxe property options simply 14 seaside and overwater villas, together with lagoon Crusoe Villas, accessible solely by boat, and the soon-to-be-revealed Castaway, the Maldives’ first floating villa. Designed to supply the last word in Soneva hospitality and exemplary service requirements, every villa incorporates a devoted crew of three, which features a Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant and devoted chef, to make sure each keep is wholly personalised. Thirty years within the making, the Soneva Secret resort idea builds upon Soneva’s expertise on the forefront of remarkable hospitality, and units a brand new, unmatched customary in intuitive, customized service, beautiful personal villas and unspoiled settings, surrounded by nature. Soneva secret is an ultra-luxury residence away from residence and offers the Maldives’ most genuine and refined castaway expertise.

Soneva Secret options in my prime 10 record of the world’s most unique personal island resorts.

Have you ever ever stayed at Soneva Secret Maldives? In that case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.

On this evaluate (extra information and pictures under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Soneva Secret enjoys a magical location within the Makunudhoo Atoll, one of many Maldives’ most distant atolls. Set within the far north of the Maldives, the Makunudhoo Atoll consists of just one native island and the island of Dhipparufushi, on which Soneva Secret is about (and which is the westernmost tip of the Maldives). Since Soneva Secret is the one resort on this distant atoll, it transcends the Maldives’ well-known idea of “one island, one resort” to “one atoll, one resort”. In reality, no different island is seen from Soneva Secret’s shores, simply the open ocean, so it really looks like a pristine paradise, removed from the remainder of the world. It is a distinction in comparison with staying at one of many Maldives’ different atolls, the place it’s possible you’ll spot different (generally native) islands within the neighborhood, with seaplanes and boats usually passing by as a relentless reminder of civilization. Due to its distant setting, Soneva Secret is the last word castaway island within the Maldives, providing a way of tranquility and isolation that no different island resort can compete with.

Not solely is Soneva Secret one of the crucial remotely positioned resorts within the Maldives, it’s also one of the crucial lovely islands. Small in measurement however representing every little thing that the Maldives’ stands for, the island is totally surrounded by one of many archipelago’s most expansive and bluest lagoons (residence to an array of wildlife, together with manta rays). The sundown facet of this tiny speck within the Indian Ocean options an attractive, delicate white sand seaside, which is about 750 m (1250 ft) in size. The southern finish of the seaside results in a picturesque sandbank, whereas a yoga platform is positioned on the seaside’s northern finish. The sundown facet of the island can be residence to the 5 seaside villas in addition to the primary public areas (e.g. the Residing Room, spa, gymnasium, So Primitive Restaurant, and the water sport heart). The dawn facet of the property is residence to only one construction, the overwater constructing Out of this World, which homes a restaurant and a rooftop terrace (for stargazing). One path crosses the complete island and offers method to a jetty on the resort’s southern tip the place the 5 water villas are discovered. All company get bikes all through their keep and 24/7 buggy service can be offered.

Most journeys to Soneva Secret will begin at Male (though a visit to resort can be organized earlier than or after a keep at Soneva Secret’s sister resorts Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani). Upon arrival at Malé Worldwide Airport and after passing immigration, company are met by one of many Soneva hosts, who take cares of the bags and offers help with the check-in on the seaplane counters so safe the boarding passes for the flights to Soneva Secret. As soon as checked in for the seaplane switch, company are transferred to the seaplane terminal, which is positioned on the opposite facet of the airport’s perimeter (a 5 min drive away). Right here, company can watch for the connecting seaplane switch to the resort on the Soneva lounge, which is discovered on the third flooring of the seaplane terminal. Styled in Soneva’s signature eco-chic design, the lounge presents loads of seating, in addition to showers (to refresh just a little), a cheese & ice-cream nook, and a play room for youngsters. On the lounge, company are supplied a refreshing drink and a few snacks, whereas a Soneva host takes care of the check-in costs.

The (sea)aircraft transfers to Soneva Secret are very well-organized as Soneva operates its personal fleet of unique seaplanes, which signifies that Soneva is kind of versatile close to the working schedule and baggage limits. That is excellent news for company, as ready time on the airport is lowered they usually can take extra baggage on board. For instance, in my case, I solely needed to watch for 10 minutes on the lounge earlier than I used to be being escorted to the seaplane docks for my departure to Soneva Secret. Managed and flown by Manta Air (one of many Maldives’ two seaplane operators), Soneva’s personal DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes are custom-painted in an attractive gray and purple shade livery, matching Soneva’s distinctive’s branding. On the within, the Soneva seaplanes, which usually seat 15 to 19 passengers, solely function 8 VIP seats and are fitted in Soneva’s signature design model. Throughout the flight, passengers are offered ear plugs for his or her consolation, iced water, in addition to iPads with details about the Soneva Resorts. You possibly can learn my evaluate of the Soneva seaplane right here.

The seaplane flight to Soneva Secret is a breathtaking sightseeing journey in itself, and possibly essentially the most lovely seaplane flight you possibly can take within the Maldives, as you fly over three of the nation’s most spectacular atolls: the North Male Atoll, the Baa Atoll and the Raa Atoll. The journey takes round 75 minutes, though it might take a bit longer when a stop-over is commonly made at both Soneva Fushi or Soneva Jani to pick-up or drop-off different company. The seaplane flies fairly low over the Indian Ocean, providing a tremendous view of Maldives’ tiny islands glowing atop turquoise coloured lagoons and the good sapphire blue ocean. The seaplane lands at brief distance from Soneva Secret as to not disturb the company on the island, and docks at a small wood platform, simply off the island’s shores. From right here, it’s only a three minute speedboat journey to the resort, with the boat touchdown immediately onto the seaside, Robinson Crusoe-style, which provides to the appeal of the expertise. Your complete arrival expertise feels grand (and a bit just like the White Lotus), with a heat welcome from the resort’s employees members geared up with umbrellas, chilly towels, and a signature scented face mist.

Soneva Secret options 13 fabulous villas, making it one of the crucial personal island resorts on the earth. There are six seaside villas, 5 water villas, and two lagoon Crusoe Villas, that are accessible solely by boat. Every villa is designed in excellent concord with the untouched pure setting, and comes with Soneva’s signature options resembling retractable roofs to disclose star-strewn skies. Throughout my vacation, I stayed in water villa quantity 8, which is positioned closest to the island’s amenities. Having stayed in water villas on the different two Soneva properties within the Maldives (Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani), I didn’t suppose Soneva might outdo itself – however they’ve. The villa was huge and featured a master suite with rest room (with sunken bathtub and rain bathe), a smaller room with ensuite rest room (for youngsters), a number of lounge and eating areas, an infinity pool, a kitchen (with a well provisioned Smeg fridge), a non-public gymnasium, and a rooftop with a non-public spa room, one other eating space and a curved pool. The villa’s most placing function wad its open-plan design, because it might be totally opened on three sides, providing 270° panoramic views of the lagoon.

Though company at Soneva Secret will spend most of their time inside their villa and exploring the seaside and lagoon, the property additionally incorporates a communal space – known as The Residing Room – which is about alongside the southern tip of the island, on the sundown facet. The 2-storey Residing Room is the center of the resort, and residential to an informal all-day eating restaurant. The eating venue contains an indoor space in addition to a multi-level outside terrace for all fresco eating. The Residing Room can be residence to a lounge, library, video games room (on the highest flooring) and boutique, and can be the start line of the zipline to Out of this World (extra on that under). The Residing Room additionally homes two treats that are uniquely discovered at Soneva Resorts: a cheese & meat room (with an intensive choice of gourmand chilly cuts, high quality cheeses and paired preserves on show) and a chocolate & ice-cream room (providing an array of candies, truffles, pralines and extra – all handmade by artisan chocolatiers – in addition to a choice of rotating flavours of do-it-yourself ice lotions and sorbets). Each rooms are open 24/7 (though you’ll by no means get hungry at Soneva Secret because the charges are inclusive of all meals).

The underlying theme at Soneva Secret is the customized service and the liberty of selection that company get pleasure from. That is very true in the case of the eating choices on the resort. The resort has 13 personal cooks, one for every villa, which craft bespoke menus and distinctive culinary journeys, whether or not savored within the privateness and luxury of the villa or loved in nature at one of many island’s most picturesque spots (it’s as much as the visitor to decide on). The cooks come from completely different nations, with experience of their native delicacies, to current an indulgent, bespoke menu of Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Maldivian, Italian, Indonesian, French, South American, Sri Lankan, Chinese language, Center Japanese, Korean, Indian and Nordic flavors. Apart from Soneva Secret’s signature personal chef expertise, the resort additionally presents three eating places in addition to particular eating experiences:
- The Residing Room is the island’s central hub and an all day informal restaurant, serving à la carte breakfast (no buffet) in addition to salads, burgers, pizzas and Asian curries for lunch and dinner.
- Out of This World is a castaway eating tower, positioned on the island’s sundown facet, serving a multi-course tasting menu which focusses on the 5 primary tastes (candy, savory, bitter, bitter, and umami). After dinner, the resident astronomer helps navigate the skies on the tower’s rooftop. Additionally residence to a wine cellar, company can select to journey to Out of This World by zipline from the Residing Room. The 80 m (260 ft) zipline is the longest zipline within the Maldives.
- A toes-in-the-sand firepit eating expertise awaits at So Primitive Restaurant, which is tucked away on the northern tip of sundown seaside. First, cocktails and amuse-bouches are served at So Primitive’s overwater bar, which is then adopted by a multi-course dinner on the seaside. So Primitive’s centerpiece is a hearth pit the place completely different cooking strategies are honoured. Suppose roasting, grilling, searing and cooking in a kettle, clay pots (on coals), salt-crusted baking and cooking over coals. The set menu options recent seafood, meats, and plant-based dishes.
- On chosen nights, Soneva Secrets and techniques additionally organizes lavish buffets on the seaside, proper in entrance of The Residing Room. For instance, throughout my keep, the resort supplied an Asian road meals buffet, which featured a bunch of road meals stalls in a row, all serving scrumptious made-to-order meals. These buffets are a fantastic alternative to fulfill different company.

Soneva Secret units a brand new, unmatched customary in intuitive, customized service. Every villa comes with a devoted crew of three “butlers”, which features a Barefoot Guardian (predominant butler), Barefoot Assistant (assistant butler) and a devoted chef, to make sure each keep is wholly customized. The Barefoot Guardian acts as the details of contact all through every visitor’s keep and their function actually transcends the butler idea that’s generally supplied at different resorts. For instance, they unpack company’ suitcase, serve all of the meals (within the villa and on the eating locations), and accompany company on excursions. Every Barefoot Guardian is barely appointed to at least one villa at a time, making certain a seamless expertise as they be taught concerning the preferences of the company in an unbelievably fast method. For instance, throughout my keep, Barefoot Guardian Mohamed was appointed to take care of my villa and journey occasion, and he really did an unimaginable job to make my vacation as nice as attainable (he was all the time there once you wanted him, albeit by no means in an intrusive matter).

Wellness is a part of the DNA of the Soneva model. Whereas Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi every have their very own Soneva Soul spa facility, Soneva Secret takes a distinct strategy. Every villa comes with its personal mini-spa (a spa room positioned on the highest flooring), the place therapy are supplied upon request of the company. Proper subsequent to The Residing Room can be a small spa facility, which contains two pavilions, one with a sauna and steam room, and one with a serene therapy room. Whether or not company select for a non-public in-villa therapy or a therapeutic massage within the spa’s therapy, all kinds of curated wellness companies if supplied. Soneva Secret’s integrative wellness idea unites hundreds of years of historic therapeutic knowledge with the most recent in science and innovation. Visitors also can begin every day with a salute to the rising solar with group or one-to-one yoga and meditation classes on the delicate white sands. And people who want a work-out can accomplish that within the public gymnasium (positioned proper subsequent to The Residing Room) or within the small gymnasium that’s positioned inside every villa.

At Soneva Secret, totally bespoke uncommon experiences are curated for each visitor, reconnecting them with the ample nature that surrounds the island. The resort is an underwater haven – a paradise for divers and snorkelers – as there is no such thing as a different resort within the atoll, to the complete marine space is untouched and vigorous. The crystal-clear waters are residence to colonies of majestic manta rays (which space comparatively to watch as they usually go to some spots near the resort) in addition to large pods of dolphins (for instance, throughout our keep, we encountered a pod of greater than 100 dolphins who stayed with our boat for about one hour, creating unforgettable moments). Whale sharks have additionally been noticed within the waters round Soneva Secret, though their sighting will not be assured. Apart from marine excursions, Soneva Secret additionally has a water sport heart geared up with motorized and non-motorised instruments. A number of curated actions on land are additionally on provide; for instance, a spotlight is a visit to the atoll’s solely native island, the place company can dive into the native tradition and luxuriate in some conventional Maldivian lunch.

Sustainability is a pillar of every Soneva Resort: components are native, plastics & beef are banned; all waste-water is collected and handled on-site; and far of the resort is solar-powered. On essentially the most distant developed island within the Maldives, deploying a direct solar-powered cooling infrastructure able to offering steady consolation in each lodging, requires sensible engineering, resembling warmth load calculations, chiller plant design, thermal storage sizing, and an optimum cooling community design. Additionally, Soneva’s dedication to long-term environmental and group tasks set them aside from most of their rivals. For instance, roceeds from every company’ keep are funnelled into the Soneva Basis, which helps reforestation efforts, restores coral reefs, and funds over 500 tasks in 53 nations that present entry to scrub water or primary sanitation companies to over 750,000 folks worldwide (amongst different endeavours).

A keep at Soneva Secret can be mixed with a keep at Soneva’s two different resorts within the Maldives, Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi.
- Soneva Secret is a 40-minute seaplane flight from Soneva Fushi within the Baa Atoll. In 1995, the award-winning luxurious resort Soneva Fushi set the usual for all desert island barefoot luxurious hideaways within the Maldives, pairing Robinson Crusoe fantasy with clever luxurious. Sixty-four personal villas with their very own stretch of seaside are hidden amongst dense foliage inside touching distance of a pristine coral reef, whereas 8 overwater retreats characterize the biggest overwater villas on the earth. Highlights embody the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings within the high-tech observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, 5 hundred wines to select from, 9 high quality eating venues, a treasure trove kids’s Den, and a Soneva Soul spa. Learn my evaluate of Soneva Fushi right here.
- Soneva Secret is a 30-minute seaplane flight from Soneva Jani within the Noonu Atoll. Situated on an uninhabited five-island cluster, Soneva Jani is the Maldives’ most well-known resort. The property options 51 overwater pool villas, unfold alongside two jetties that curve right into a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) magnificent lagoon of crystal clear waters. Often known as the North Jetty and the South Jetty, each jetties are related to the Maldives’ largest resort island, a tropical paradise fringed by pristine seashores and blanketed with lush tropical greenery. Highlights at Soneva Jani embody the villas’ retractable roofs, personal water slides, a variety of elegant eating places, customized experiences & excursions, and a spectacular new spa facility, Soneva Soul. Learn my evaluate of Soneva Jani right here.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Soneva Secret is a small island, a lot smaller for instance than the islands of Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi. Consequently, you’ll discover fewer communal amenities and eating places right here as in comparison with the opposite two Soneva Resorts within the Maldives. However that’s precisely the aim of Soneva Secret, the place the villas are designed to be virtually completely self-contained with one spa room, one gymnasium, and a devoted crew of three employees members (two butlers and one chef) per villa. In concept, you by no means want to depart your villa throughout your vacation. And as a result of its small measurement, Soneva Secret options solely 13 villas (with a floating villa presently underneath building), making it one of many lowest density resorts on the earth. You possibly can spend days with out seeing different company, so if privateness and exclusivity are what you need, then look no additional than Soneva Secret.

As already talked about, Soneva Secret is likely one of the most remotely positioned island within the Maldives, and getting there requires a 75 min seaplane flight, which is considerably longer – generally twice as lengthy – as in comparison with among the different resorts within the Maldives. This additionally has implications on worldwide connections. For instance, for company departing from Soneva Secret, seaplane flights can solely be organized for worldwide flights scheduled for a departure time after 10 am (and never 9 am, which is the case at most different resorts). That mentioned, the seaplane flight is past beautiful as you fly over essentially the most lovely atolls of the Maldives, leading to unimaginable views. And it’s all so price it, because the vacation spot is likely one of the most distant islands within the archipelago, with a shocking seaside, a turquoise lagoon stuffed with marine life (with manta rays and dolphins incessantly noticed) and no different island in view.

At first sight, Soneva Secret could lack the wow-factor and Instagrammable likeness that you just usually affiliate with luxurious resorts within the Maldives (together with Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi). There are definitely resorts with extra spectacular spas (e.g. Soneva Soul at Soneva Jani), architecturally extra beautiful communal areas, and extra refined eating choices (e.g. Soneva Fushi), however what units Soneva Secret aside is that it champions at balancing every little thing excellent, creating an unforgettable castaway expertise in an unimaginable setting. And that’s excactly what Soneva Secret goals to be: a low-key, ultra-private and uber-luxurious resort – one of many world’s finest saved resort secrets and techniques – providing its company the straightforward, genuine fantastic thing about the Maldives and a way of remoteness that re-connects to at least one’s internal soul.

Certainly one of Soneva Secret’s signature options is the personal chef idea, which is promoted as one devoted chef per villa. Initially, I assumed that one chef was going to be assigned to my villa all through my keep, however that turned out to not be the case. In actuality, it was truly a good higher state of affairs: there are 14 cooks – each specialised within the delicacies of their residence nation – and company can e-book one among these cooks to return to their villa and cook dinner for them, both for lunch or dinner. All cooks will counsel a menu, however company are free to ask no matter they need if the menu will not be completely to their liking.

With a nightly fee beginning at $5,800 USD for a one bed room villa, Soneva Secret is likely one of the Maldives’ most costly resorts. Nevertheless, you get extra on your cash than you possibly can probably think about, because the room charges at Soneva Secret are inclusive of all meals in addition to some actions.

MY VERDICT

Location: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Pool: n/a
Rooms: 10/10
Meals: 10/10
Breakfast: 10/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Wow issue: 8/10
Worth for cash: 9/10
Total expertise: distinctive 9.6/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Lower your expenses: contact me to obtain complimentary VIP perks at Soneva Secret earlier than any reserving is made. These perks embody:
- Two customized Soneva experiences per keep (complimentary) from the Soneva expertise brochure (excluding Soneva In Aqua).
- A further profit to be disclosed by the Soneva reservations crew.

Lower your expenses: learn right here my ideas for getting the very best deal at a luxurious resort like Soneva Secret (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my ideas for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The perfect climate within the Maldives is between January and April, which additionally means excessive season (with low availability and really costly room charges). The monsoon runs from Could to October, peaking in June. It’s price paying larger costs and sticking to the dry season as there may be nothing to do on a wet day besides drink, eat, work out or scuba dive. Particularly November and Dece

HOW TO GET THERE

Soneva Secret will be reached by way of a scenic 75-minute seaplane flight direct from Velana Worldwide Airport in Malé, a 40-minute seaplane flight from Soneva Fushi within the Baa Atoll, or a 30-minute seaplane flight from Soneva Jani within the Noonu Atoll. Verify the Wikipedia web page of Velana Worldwide Airport in Malé for an inventory of airways that supply flights to Male Worldwide Airport.

Visitors also can fly immediately by personal jet to Maafaru Worldwide Airport, the place Soneva host will meet and greet you out of your flight, and help with immigration and customs to make sure that your journey is as quick and seamless as attainable. You’ll then board a 25-minute seaplane flight (onboard the personal Soneva seaplane) to Soneva Secret.