News
Soneva reveals details of its newest resort, Soneva Jani
24 water villas and 1 island villa to open in October 2016 in the Maldives
All villas feature a retractable roof for stargazing
The resort is set in a 5.6km private lagoon
Maldives.net.mv – Soneva, the world-leading luxury resort operator, has revealed details of its newest resort, Soneva Jani, opening in October 2016 in the Maldives. The brand’s newest luxury resort offering will comprise 24 water villas and one island villa, with additional island villas planned at a later stage.
Inspired by a word that means wisdom in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru, which is part of an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll. The highlight of the resort is its location within a 5.6 kilometer lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted 360° views of the Indian Ocean. The main island is fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed with lush tropical greenery.
Every water villa has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze. Like all other Soneva properties, the spacious villas feature beautifully designed interiors by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders, and are made from the highest quality sustainable materials.
“When we opened Soneva Gili more than 15 years ago, it stood out as a unique and new concept in luxury travel. It is my belief that Soneva Jani is even more revolutionary. There are many small details and improvements, for example at Soneva Gili, guests would often sleep on the top deck so that they could sleep under the stars. In each Soneva Jani Water Retreat or Reserve the master bedroom roof slides back at the press of a button. It closes automatically if it rains,” said Sonu Shivdasani, founder and CEO of Soneva.
“We live in an ever more crowded and developed world. Soneva Jani is one of the lowest density resorts in the world. Just 25 Villas are built in an area that stretches nearly five kilometers. It is not an island resort. It is a lagoon with five private islands where only one of these will have development. When designing and building Soneva Jani, I was very mindful that when we open, the area should seem as natural and beautiful as the first day I laid eyes on it,” he added. “Soneva Jani is one of the most anticipated hotel openings in the Indian Ocean this year. We have already witnessed a huge amount of interest, with the first few weeks fully booked within a few days of opening the booking system to the global travel trade.”
Soneva Jani will include all of Soneva’s popular features including a Spa, a dive centre, an observatory, a children’s den, an Eco Centro, organic gardens and an outdoor Cinema Paradiso. The cinema will be the first ‘silent cinema’ in the Maldives, as guests will be given Bluetooth earphones to watch movies so as not to disturb the nesting wildlife in the area.
The resort will serve global cuisine at five dining outlets, and will feature Soneva’s ubiquitous cheese, chocolate, ice-cream and charcuterie rooms that are complimentary for all guests. Various destination and specialty dining experiences will also be available.
“Soneva Jani is a place of incredible natural beauty. The waters in the lagoon have the most vibrant shades of blue that I have not seen anywhere else in the Maldives. We have an extensive array of marine life, including turtles, rays and occasionally dolphins, and the lagoon is an excellent place for kayaking, sailing and swimming as it is calm, shallow and extends for miles and miles. The villas are stunning and include all the attention to detail that Soneva is renowned for. Construction is progressing quickly and we are on track for an opening in October 2016,” said Olivia Richli, the Pre-Opening and General Manager of Soneva Jani.
Soneva Jani includes 18 units of one-bedroom Water Retreats, four units of two-bedroom Water Retreats, one three-bedroom Water Retreat, 1 three-bedroom Water Reserve, and one four-bedroom Island Reserve.
In constructing the resort, Soneva kept its environmental impact as low as possible. The pools use seawater with UV filtration and the villas have been built over the sandy floors of the lagoon, with no damage to any part of the reef. Furthermore, solar PV will be a significant source of power generation at the resort, all waste-water will be collected and treated on-site, and water will also be produced on-site, including drinking water. Soneva’s Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre will ensure that waste is recycled, while the extensive vegetable garden will give local produce for the restaurants based on organic principles.
The resort’s soft opening is planned for October 01, 2016, while the official opening date is fixed at November 05, 2016. Bookings are now available from October 01, 2016 onwards.
In addition to Soneva Jani, Soneva owns and operates Soneva Fushi in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Soneva in Aqua, an ultra luxurious yacht offering an experiential travel experience, was launched in the Maldives in 2015 and sails out of Soneva Fushi. For more information about Soneva visit www.soneva.com
Pictures by Richard Waite for Soneva Jani
NH Maldives Kuda Rah has announced a line-up of Easter celebrations for guests, featuring a day of activities and dining experiences at its resort in South Ari Atoll.
The programme is designed to cater to families and travellers of all ages, combining interactive sessions, culinary offerings and outdoor activities across the island.
The day will begin at Sea Spray Restaurant with the “Flu y Bunny Breakfast Bash”, which will include live pancake stations and themed breakfast selections. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in the “Egg Decoration Extravaganza”, an activity focused on creating decorated keepsakes.
Midday activities will continue at Glow Bar with “Bliss Cupcake Creations”, an interactive baking session led by the resort’s culinary team. An “Egg Hunt Adventure” will also be organised, allowing guests to search for hidden items across the resort.
In the evening, the resort will host an Easter Beach Dinner at Sunset Beach, offering a menu of seasonal dishes and international cuisine in a beachfront setting.
The resort team stated that the Easter programme is designed to provide opportunities for connection and shared experiences among guests.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah also noted that the activities align with its “Live Local” initiative under Minor DISCOVERY, which focuses on delivering local and experiential elements within guest stays.
Further details on the Easter programme are available through the resort’s official website.
This Easter, Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa invites guests to experience a vibrant island celebration inspired by a Tropical Jungle theme from 4–13 April 2026. Set against the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives, the program blends art, gastronomy, entertainment, wellness, and family-friendly experiences for an unforgettable holiday escape.
The festivities include a variety of signature experiences, beginning with a lavish Easter Breakfast at ONU Marché and the cheerful arrival of the Easter Bunny for families and young guests. As the day unfolds, guests can gather for sunset cocktails at Bodumas Beach before enjoying a grand Easter Dinner featuring seasonal favorites and a curated selection of festive dishes.
A highlight of this year’s celebration is the residency of Maldivian watercolor artist Shimha Shakeeb, whose exhibition Stories of the Maldives will showcase vibrant works inspired by island landscapes, architecture, and everyday life. Guests will also can join art workshops and creative sessions led by the artist throughout the Easter week.
The celebrations continue with the energetic Sun & Splash Pool Party at Latitude 5.5, featuring tropical beats from a live DJ, poolside games, refreshing cocktails, and a vibrant lunch buffet. Evenings across the island will come alive with themed dining experiences, live music, dancers, and DJ performances, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the holiday period.
Guests can also unwind with curated wellness experiences at the resort’s spa, enjoy romantic dining moments such as the Secret Garden experience, or take part in family-friendly activities designed for all ages. The Easter festivities conclude with Orthodox Easter celebrations and a final Sun & Splash Pool Party on 13 April, bringing the island-wide celebration to a joyful close.
For any reservations or inquiries: Resort.Kuredhivaru.Reservations@ennismore.com or +960 656 3000.
This Easter, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to experience “The Sweet Side of Wonder,” a playful seasonal celebration inspired by the imaginative spirit of Ifuru’s Chocolate Factory. Designed for travellers of all ages, the Easter programme blends festive traditions, indulgent treats, and joyful island experiences set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
Throughout the celebration, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated programme that combines colourful festivities with the relaxed luxury of island life. From chocolate-inspired culinary creations crafted by the resort’s talented chefs to vibrant social gatherings and creative activities, the Easter festivities promise memorable moments for families, couples, and groups of friends.
A highlight of the celebration is the lively Sugar Rush Easter Parade, bringing a burst of colour, music, and festive energy to the island as guests gather to celebrate the spirit of Easter together. On Easter Sunday, families can also take part in the much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt, where young explorers set off across the island in search of hidden treats and sweet surprises.
Families can also look forward to a variety of engaging experiences designed especially for younger guests. From creative workshops and playful island games to interactive activities inspired by the sweet spirit of Ifuru’s Chocolate Factory, children are invited to explore, create, and celebrate in a joyful and imaginative setting.
“Easter is a wonderful opportunity to create joyful moments for our guests,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “With ‘The Sweet Side of Wonder,’ we wanted to bring together playful imagination, indulgent flavours, and the relaxed beauty of our island to create a celebration that guests of all ages can enjoy.”
With its vibrant atmosphere, Premium All-Inclusive offering, and spectacular island setting in Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides the perfect destination for travellers seeking a unique Easter escape.
Guests can explore the full Easter programme, including festive events, family-friendly activities, and special celebrations, by visiting Easter Programme 2026.
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