If you dream of exploring deserted islands, the Maldives is your ultimate destination. Over 65% of the islands in this stunning archipelago remain in their natural glory.
Imagine glimmering white sand, turquoise lagoons, and lush greens. To complete your castaway experience, relax in a luxurious, nature-inspired villa at Soneva Jani.
Everything you need to know about this stunning, secluded island resort is right here at your fingertips.
Soneva Jani is a 5-star eco-retreat on the island of Medhufaru. Spacious, airy water villas spread across the property to provide ultimate privacy. The main island features one large home surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
The Gathering is an incredible spot that houses all the amenities this Soneva Jani has to offer. It accommodates a library, restaurants, a spa, and a wine cellar. The property also boasts an observatory and retractable roofs for star-gazing.
The Maldives consists of 1,192 islands scattered over an area of 90,000 km2. The largest ecosystem is an unbelievable network of coral reefs, the seventh-largest worldwide.
Divers, snorkellers, and water lovers will have the time of their life exploring the sea. Dolphins, sharks, and whales make their home here. Shrimp, crabs, and mollusks are easy to spot, and beautiful fish fill the water.
On land, you'll find mangroves and swamp forests. Travelling to the islets is an excellent way to enjoy some birdwatching. With over 170 species of birds calling the Maldives home, you're sure to spot a few rare ones!
Getting to Soneva Jani
There are two ways to get to Soneva Jani: seaplane or speedboat. Your choice will depend on which airport you use. Both options are fast and offer stunning scenic views!
Location
Soneva Jani sits in a secluded spot in the Noonu Atoll. The tiny archipelago rests in the Medhufaru lagoon, surrounded by shimmering blue waters. The main island, Medhufaru, is about 0.6 km2. Five small islets surround the mainland, four of which are untouched by humans.
Transportation
The fastest way to get to the property is through Maafaru International Airport in the Noonu Atoll. The concierge will arrange a private 35-minute speedboat transfer.
If you choose to land in Malé, you can enjoy a complimentary 60-minute seaplane transfer. Be aware that the seaplane only flies until sundown, so you may have to plan your arrival accordingly.
Local Language and Culture
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has a rich culture influenced by its neighbours. You can find facets of Indian, Persian, Malaysian, and Sri Lanka culture intertwined with Arab and African influences.
Islam is the main religion which means no pork products or alcohol on the mainland. Luckily, the resorts have a special license for visitors, so you can sip as many cocktails as you like!
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, but English is a close second. Resort staff often also know several international languages, including French, Russian, and Chinese.
Is It Beneficial to Know a Little Dhivehi?
Communicating with staff won't be an issue without any knowledge of Dhivehi. But travelling abroad means learning about people and cultures, which includes language. Try learning a few greetings and phrases to make someone's day a little brighter.
The Atmosphere at Soneva Jani
This eco-friendly resort prides itself on being a green destination for conscious travellers. Guests can enjoy organic, local food and a close connection with nature during their stay.
The atmosphere at Soneva Jani is very much casual beach chic. Shoes are out of the question, and barefoot is the best style on the property. Relaxation, tranquillity, and that slow island life is the feeling you'll get here.
How Do People Rate the Service?
Superior service is at the forefront of Soneva Jani's mission. Each booking comes with a personal butler to cater to all your needs. They'll be at your beck and call 24 hours a day!
Guests loved the resort staff's friendliness and can-do attitude. People also praised the management's pleasant conversation and helpfulness.
Hotel Amenities
This intimate, cozy retreat offers a wealth of amenities. Luxury, high-quality help, and a connection with nature are at the heart of every service.
Restaurants
Soneva Jani doesn't do restaurants, they offer immersive dining experiences. Trust us, you've never had food like this before!
Start the morning at Down to Earth with a fresh breakfast of fruit and light food. At lunch come back for the gourmet buffet offerings, and meet the chefs at dinnertime in the open kitchen.
Located on an over-the-water promenade, Overseas is the top choice for plant-based meals. Pescatarians can also enjoy the local seafood dishes. Run by top Swedish chef Mathias Dahlgren, every single dish is an absolute hit!
For a unique experience, try So Wild by Diana Von Cranach. The raw food chef creates dishes with ingredients from Soneva Jani's organic garden. The food is exotic, exciting, and entirely plant-based.
The Crab Shack is a guest favourite! Find it on the beach during lunch and dinner. And don't skip the delectable crab dishes like our favourite, the Sri Lankan mud crab curry.
Guess Who's Cooking is a mysterious and unique experience. Dine on a secret menu in a hidden location! Then satisfy your sweet tooth with So Cool and So Guilty. Head to So Cool for ice cream and sorbet, or explore So Guilty for handmade chocolate.
Bars
The Gathering Bar is the main resort bar, open from sunrise until the last guest heads home. Tapas, cocktails, and fine spirits are on offer. Guests can enjoy the drinks with a stunning 360-degree view of the water.
The Wine Cellar offers private wine tasting events with the in-house sommelier. Visitors can choose from a large variety of international organic and biodynamic wines.
Spa
Soneva Soul Spa is all about relaxation and natural techniques. Reserve a healing Ayurvedic massage or a chemical-free Sodashi facial, perfect for moms to be! Make sure to buy the Spa Unlimited package if you want infinite access to services.
Start the day off with group or solo yoga, followed by some light meditation. Exercise lovers can explore the fitness centre with top-of-the-line equipment. The Soneva Stars programme invites top athletes to the resort to provide coaching.
Children’s Activities
The Mini Den is where the cool kids hang out. Under the watchful eye of the programme leader, children can fully explore the island.
Education is at the heart of exploration. Young guests learn about gardening, sea life, and island traditions. Private tutors make sure your little one stays on top of their schoolwork.
Watersports
Guided and solo snorkelling is available at any time, and you'll never tire of the diverse sea life! The Soleni Dive Centre offers small group dives to various breathtaking sites.
A variety of non-motorized watersports include kayaks, paddle boarding, and catamaran rentals. For a unique experience, try night paddleboarding! And enjoy the world's first fully sustainable surfing program, just a short speedboat ride away.
Soneva Academy
For an unforgettable experience, send the kids off to Soneva Academy. This fun, activity-based course consists of three modules and an exam. Children and teenagers are both welcome to enroll and become island experts.
Students will explore the Corbin shipwreck and learn about its history. They can become expert young birdwatchers by studying the many island birds. And, of course, they'll learn about and interact with marine life!
Turtle On Call
The Maldives is home to five species of sea turtles, and this experience is the perfect place to meet them. Float alongside a Hawksbill Turtle as it forages for its meal. Or catch a glimpse of a mama turtle heading to the sandy shores to lay her eggs.
We love the addition of the marine biologist who guides you through turtle life. Learn about the different species, the threats they face, and conservation efforts.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Dolphins are known for their playful nature, and this sunset cruise lets you catch them in action! Sail out onto the calm sea and enjoy a dazzling golden sunset. Keep your eyes open for pods of dolphins as you sip a glass of wine and graze on light snacks.
Sonu’s Picnic
Imagine a gourmet picnic prepared by your own private chef. Now, add a secluded island, soft white sand, and a turquoise lagoon to that image. This is the experience Sonu's Picnic provides.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a must-do when you vacation at Soneva Jani! You can enjoy a quick lunch or choose the spend the day frolicking in the lagoon.
Soneva in Aqua Day Experience
You'll want this six-hour sailing experience to last forever. Step aboard Soneva in Aqua, a 23-meter luxury yacht, and sail to the Baa Atoll. Relax in the sun while your private chef prepares a simple gourmet lunch.
Then it's time to snorkel! Grab the provided equipment and search for tropical fish, turtles, and manta rays. After a day of fun, head back to Soneva Jani. But not before you melt under the professional hands of the onboard masseuse!
So Starstruck Astronomy Dinner
The Maldivian skies are some of the best places to brush up on your astronomy. The secluded islands lack the light pollution of big cities, so every star is crystal clear.
Head to dinner in the observatory and let the in-house astronomer guide you through the skies. You can get up close and personal using the 16" telescope!
Private Cinema Paradiso
Have you ever dreamed of enjoying a movie in the middle of the ocean under millions of twinkling stars? Choose a classic or contemporary film and relax as the movie plays on a screen in the middle of the sea. Popcorn, refreshments, and ice cream, coming right up!
Private Beach Dinner
For a memorable romantic affair, reserve the private beach dinner. As you stroll along the soft sand through a glowing arch, the air fills with delicious aromas. A private table surrounded by flickering lanterns displays unbelievable dishes prepared by the chef!
North Beach Private Sunrise Breakfast
Morning people need to experience this sunrise breakfast! Watch the sun slowly come up over the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean. Staff will prepare a cozy bed and continental breakfast for you to enjoy.
Noonu Atoll Guided Snorkelling
This two-hour adventure is perfect for beginners and experts alike. A marine biologist will guide you through the Noonu Atoll. Immerse yourself in the warm water as you discover native sea turtles and manta rays!
Is the Soneva Jani Kid-Friendly or Adults Only?
Soneva Jani is a family resort, and children are more than welcome. There is a kids program for your little ones to enjoy. But the resort amenities are so well-rounded that travellers of every type will find their joy here.
Is It Safe to Travel off the Resort Alone?
Since most resorts sit on private islands, you won't encounter much danger travelling alone in the Maldives. If you make your way to the capital city of Malé, use normal precautions. Watch your belongings and avoid dark streets to stay safe.
Are There Extra Costs to be Aware Of?
Every guest staying at Chapter Two Water or Island Reserve benefits from the unlimited package. But if you want to make your stay even better, add on the Unlimited Spa package. Visitors will also have to pay 25.44% tax, as well as a $6 daily Green Tax.
Best Time to Visit Soneva Jani
For the best weather, plan your visit between November and April. Although the Maldives enjoy warm temperatures year-round, they also have a monsoon season.
The wettest days fall in between May and October, so unless you're okay with rain, avoid these months. But if you love a big wave and a good surf session, you might want to consider the rainy season. The islands offer perfect surfing conditions during this time.
Overall Reviews
With a 4.5-star rating on over 300 TripAdvisor reviews, Soneva Jani is an incredible, well-kept secret. Location, cleanliness, and service get five stars from past guests.
People describe the resort as out of this world, a dream come true, and a fantastic experience! Reviewers often gush about the incredible butler service and the delectable dining experiences.
NAME
DETAILS
Star rating
4.5
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes
Is it safe to travel off the resort alone?
Yes
Best time to visit
November - April
What Are You Waiting For? Book Your Trip Today!
The Maldives is the quintessential exotic destination for water bungalow stays and relaxation. Anyone who has the opportunity should experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Who knows what kind of magic you'll encounter at Soneva Jani.
The unpredictable often happens when we leave home, and being prepared is the best plan. Staying safe during vacation is the smart way to travel.