Soneva Fushi

Overview

Soneva Fushi is the original barefoot luxury resort in the Maldives, and after more than two decades, it remains one of the most extraordinary destinations in the Indian Ocean. Set on the private island of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — the resort combines Robinson Crusoe charm with six-star amenities.

The philosophy here is simple: no news, no shoes. Leave your worries (and your footwear) at the door and immerse yourself in an island where dense tropical vegetation meets powder-white sand and some of the best house reefs in the Maldives.

Soneva Fushi is located in the Baa Atoll, famous for Hanifaru Bay — one of the world's best spots for manta ray and whale shark encounters. Visit between May and November for the best sightings.

Accommodation

The resort features 63 spacious villas, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, all hidden among tropical foliage with direct beach access. Every villa comes with a dedicated "Mr./Ms. Friday" butler, outdoor bathroom, and private stretch of beach.

Villa Highlights

• Crusoe Suite with Pool — The signature experience. Private pool, outdoor shower, and a treehouse-style upper deck.
• Soneva Fushi Villa Suite — Up to 5,700 sq ft of indoor-outdoor living with two bedrooms and a private pool.
• 1 Bedroom Water Retreat — Overwater luxury with a retractable roof for stargazing, glass floor panels, and a waterslide into the lagoon.

Dining

Soneva Fushi takes dining seriously, with multiple restaurants offering everything from Maldivian cuisine to Japanese teppanyaki:

• Out of the Blue — Overwater restaurant with fresh seafood and ocean views
• Fresh in the Garden — Farm-to-table dining from the resort's organic garden
• So Hands On — Interactive cooking classes and chef's table experiences
• Cinema Paradiso — Open-air cinema with gourmet popcorn and a curated film selection

Activities & Experiences

Marine Life & Water Sports

The house reef at Soneva Fushi is one of the best in the Maldives. Just steps from your villa, you'll find vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks.

• Guided snorkeling excursions to Hanifaru Bay (manta rays & whale sharks)
• PADI dive center with courses from beginner to advanced
• Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and catamaran sailing
• Dolphin cruise at sunset
• Night snorkeling with bioluminescent plankton

Land Activities

• The Soneva Observatory — one of the most powerful telescopes in the Maldives
• Cooking classes with world-class chefs
• Chocolate and ice cream making workshops
• The Den kids' club with pirate ship and outdoor playground
• Cycling around the island's lush pathways
• Yoga and meditation sessions

Getting There

The resort arranges seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport (Malé) directly to Soneva Fushi's private jetty. The scenic 30-minute flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the atolls.

Seaplane transfers operate during daylight hours only (approximately 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM). If you arrive on a late flight, Soneva arranges an overnight stay at their Malé lounge before the morning transfer.

Sustainability

Soneva is a pioneer in sustainable luxury travel. The resort operates on a "SLOW LIFE" philosophy (Sustainable, Local, Organic, Wellness, Learning, Inspiring, Fun, Experiences) and offsets 200% of its carbon footprint.