In brief
First impression Rustic splendour with a we-own-the-world party vibe.
Staff Ever pleased to deliver, even if that means ice cream at 2am.
Food & drink Food & drinks: Modern, fresh, decadent and oodles of it.
Bed & bath Bed & bath: Pared back natural simplicity.
The crowd Unpretentious, fun-loving and huge of heart.
In a nutshell A super-lush island hideaway, beach breezy and zing, with Edenic overtones.
Set the scene
The pioneer of the barefoot luxury vibe – now a Maldives staple – and still the place that does it best. But while it looks like a castaway fantasy island hewn entirely from driftwood, it's also secretly souped up, with serious eco-credentials to boot. Like stepping into a 3D version of The Blue Planet.
What’s the story?
Soneva was created by Sonu and Eva Shivdasani as their first Barefoot Luxury hotel. Sonu and Eva founded Six Senses and later sold the group, but kept Soneva Fushi as it was their favourite. Opened in 1995, Soneva Fushi was completely ground-breaking at the time – here was a hotel where it was not only acceptable but encouraged to turn up to meals with no shoes and in a sarong. Responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the philosophy here. Fushi spearheads a marine conservation programme and there’s a special Eco-Centro that handles all of the waste management and recycling. Wine bottles are upcycled into glasses and artworks. Past guests include Liv Tyler, Jodie Kidd, Buzz Aldrin and Mo Farah.
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What can we expect from the bedrooms?
A group of us stayed in Villa 11, the nine-bedroomed reserve which is incredibly spacious – with its own pool, sunken seating, dining room, cinema room, a slide into the pool, a full music system and gym. All quite Nineties playboy pad. But the interiors were sophisticated, very calming with lots of wood and nooks/hammocks to hole up in with a good book.
And the food and drink?
The new two-storey Out of the Blue is seriously impressive with a mega bar and views over the sea. You can sit on netting over the waves and get a wet bottom whilst drinking cocktails – really fun. There’s enough sushi to sink a ship, buffet marathons for each meal, an ice-cream parlour, open 24/7, as well as the cheese room. We got addicted to egg hoppers for breakfast.
Anything to say about the service?
Each villa has its own Mr or Mrs Friday – a butler who can arrange everything from snorkelling and surfing trips to spa treatments. The intimacy of this arrangement works. Sometimes things took a long time to arrive in the restaurant or were forgotten completely.
What type of person stays here?
An unpretentious, laid-back crowd totally unconcerned with labels or anything too show-offy. They’re floating around in Indian floral print kaftans, no make-up and very little self-concern. Some nights it’s Nat King Cole, others ‘Mamma Mia’.
What’s the local scene like?
This is island as hotel. Civilisation is a long way away – here you are self-contained and everything you need within walking distance. Why would you choose here over other Maldivian hotels? Because of the ethos: intelligent luxury, no TVs, and an eco-approach that is determined without being too in-your-face earnest.
Anything we missed?
An observatory for those wishing to star gaze (beautiful) and The Den for children (Lego room, fancy dress, giant keyboard). They’ve also launched the world’s first sustainable surfing programme with eco-friendly surfboards and surf wax. They could light a few more candles in the spa but the treatments are lovely – lots of massages from hot stone to marma, and rose-crystal lymphatic facials.
And anything you’d change?
The endless buffet meals can be tiring – perhaps more could be à la carte.
Is it worth it – why?
For a tropical beach trip this is sensational, more revved up than when it first opened, but it still feels rustic compared to somewhere like Reethi Rah, which is like stepping into an advert for Net-a-Porter. [i]By Daisy Finer [/I]
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Address: Soneva Fushi, Kunfunadhoo Island Baa Atoll Maldives
Telephone: +91 124 4511000
Website: soneva.com
**Wifi:**High speed Wi-Fi is available for free throughout.
Price: Double from £792
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This hotel is one of our favourite in the world, and included in our Gold List 2019. Discover more of the best hotels in the world 2019 now.
