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Soneva Villa Ownership offers buyers private escape in paradise
Hidden among dense jungle or perched over the azure waters of a remote private lagoon, Soneva’s luxurious Private Residences are a welcome retreat from the stresses of the outside world.
Introduced in 2011 in response to requests from returning guests, the pioneering Soneva Villa Ownership scheme made Soneva the first and only company to offer Maldivian real estate to foreign buyers.
Today, the portfolio includes a breath-taking selection of expansive private villas at Soneva’s award-winning Maldives properties in two of the world’s most unspoiled natural havens: Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll, and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll.
A sanctuary of tranquillity, each villa has been positioned to ensure the utmost privacy and seclusion for owners and their guests.
Soneva Villa Ownership offers the rarest of luxuries in an uncertain world – that of time, space and peace to savour life’s simplest pleasures, whether feeling the sand between one’s toes, making precious memories with loved ones or disconnecting from the cycle of daily news.
Built to the same uncompromising sustainability criteria as Soneva’s world-leading resorts, the Private Residences are designed to have a minimum impact on the earth, existing in perfect harmony with their exquisite natural settings.
As a true home-away-from home, the villas’ bespoke interiors are personalised to owners’ exact needs, from the beautiful furniture crafted from reclaimed natural materials, to fun and playful touches such as children’s treehouses, dining towers or twisting waterslides into the private pool.
The castaway-luxe Private Residences at Soneva Fushi are found on the quiet private island of Kunfunadhoo within the unspoiled Baa Atoll, far from the usual tourist trail and part of a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Ranging from a spacious one-bedroom pool villa, to a sprawling nine-bedroom mansion, each villa is set within its own extensive rainforest garden, just steps away from the soft sandy beach and crystal-clear waters.
The spectacular Villa 65 at Soneva Fushi is up for sale under the Soneva Villa Ownership programme.
The Three Bedroom Crusoe Suite with Pool is a beach-front property comprised of two duplex villas, the whitewashed walls and thatched roofing blend perfectly with the island setting.
The outdoor bathroom is where nature meets luxury. Then there is your pool and outdoor sitting area – perfect for days when all you want to do is relax in your sanctuary, enjoying the service of your Barefoot Butler.
The fully-equipped kitchen has ample space for food preparation, while the 10-seater dining table is ideal for gatherings and in-villa dining.
Located on the sunset side, this villa is close to the vibrant house reef and the diving school, and offers uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
Offered under contract with Soneva Fushi, upon purchase it will be upgraded at the resort’s expense into a spacious Four Bedroom Crusoe Suite with Pool. The modifications include extending the pool, adding sweeping terraces and an in-villa gym.
Centred around an ancient Banyan tree, the recently built Villa 43 Sunset Reserve is one of the largest, most luxurious private residences on the island.
With a maximum occupancy of 12 adults and four children, the 2,303 sqm (21,851 sqft), six-bedroom property is ideal for large and extended families, with expansive outside al fresco living space, including two swimming pools, Soneva’s signature open-air bathrooms and sunken seating areas.
A haven from the outside world, it also features its own private gum, spa and sauna facilities, as well as a library and a well-stocked cellar.
On the sunrise side of Soneva Fushi, the new, four-bedroom Villa 38 has a maximum occupancy of eight adults and four children.
Partly encircled by a vast private swimming pool, the 1,525 sqm (16,415 sqft) villa features open plan living spaces, terraces and balconies and large outdoor bathrooms, as well as a fully-equipped private gym, spa suite and steam and sauna facilities.
At Soneva Jani, one of the world’s lowest density resorts, there are two types of Private Residence to choose from: the iconic over-water villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, or the vast three- or four-bedroom beachfront Island Reserves.
A tiny and remote archipelago in the beautiful Noonu Atoll, this tranquil enclave is surrounded on all sides by the sparkling turquoise waters of a 5.6 kilometre private lagoon.
The 1,226 sqm (13,197sq ft), four-bedroom over-water residence is the ultimate in over-water luxury. Perfectly private, it commands unmatched views over the lagoon, with its own private infinity pool and a slide that plunges straight into the ocean.
A wealth of living space, both inside and out, includes large al fresco terraces with plush daybeds and catamaran nets, light and airy bedrooms, a library, private fitness room and outdoor bathroom.
The unique, 1,956 sqm (21,054 sqft) Villa 34 is inspired by nature, with organic lines, sinuous curves and a sense of light and space throughout.
This huge, three-bedroom Island Reserve has a maximum occupancy of six adults and two children, with everything a family needs for a relaxing retreat from everyday life.
As well as extensive outdoor living and entertaining areas, including a large swimming pool, sunken dining and signature open-air bathrooms, the property also features a private wine vault, gym and sauna facilities, and a soaring dining tower with panoramic views across the horizon.
Since 2011, 31 Private Residences have been sold to buyers from across the globe, including 23 properties at Soneva Fushi and eight at Soneva Jani.
The most Soneva villa owners are based in the UK (four), followed by Russia (with three owners), then France, China, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Switzerland (all with two owners), and Denmark, Canada, the UAE, Japan and Thailand (which all have one owner each).
The most popular villa size among investors has been three-bedroom properties.
The private villas and retreats in the Soneva Villa Ownership portfolio are sold on a renewable leasehold and fully maintained by the resort to ensure owners’ peace of mind, including repairs, fixtures and fittings, lighting, gardening and replacement furniture.
Private owners also enjoy exclusive benefits, including significant savings on food and beverages at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani (including private In Villa Dining), motorised water sports and flight transfers.
Soneva is a pioneering family of hospitality properties, offering holistic encounters in luxurious and inspiring environments – from world class resorts to outstanding natural locations.
Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand rebuke the traditional concept of luxury and instead promise the luxury of time, purity and solitude.
Every day, guests are encouraged to discover sandy feet, inspired minds and full hearts.
Combining luxury with a conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, and proactively changing the nature of hospitality, it delivers intuitive service and meaningful experiences to the guests.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will welcome Indian chef and restaurateur Atul Kochhar for a culinary residency from 7 to 9 November 2026, coinciding with Diwali.
Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, will bring the culinary approach of his London restaurant, Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, to Helios. The residency will present his contemporary interpretation of India’s regional cuisines, drawing on the traditions and influences that have shaped his cooking.
Rooted in Kochhar’s connection to India, the menu will combine regional flavours with contemporary techniques and carefully selected ingredients. It will reflect his approach to developing Indian cuisine while retaining its cultural foundations.
With more than 30 years in the industry, Kochhar has built an international reputation for his contribution to Indian dining. He received his first Michelin star in 2001, followed by another in 2007. His culinary philosophy brings together India’s regional diversity, traditional cooking practices and contemporary methods.
At Patina Maldives, this philosophy will be interpreted through the resort’s Indian Ocean setting and the multicultural character of the Fari Islands. The residency will give Kochhar an opportunity to adapt his culinary identity to the island and the Diwali celebrations, creating an experience shaped by the occasion and its surroundings.
Kochhar leads the Atul Kochhar Hospitality Group, whose portfolio includes Kanishka in Mayfair, Vaasu and Sindhu in Marlow, Riwaz in Beaconsfield, Masalchi in Wembley Park, Indian Essence in Petts Wood and Essence in Tunbridge Wells.
The residency forms part of Patina Maldives’ culinary programme, which connects guests with different cultures, perspectives and creative disciplines. Through Kochhar’s cooking, guests will have an opportunity to explore India’s regional food traditions and celebrate Diwali through shared dining experiences.
Baros Maldives will welcome guests for its festive season from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, with a programme centred on the island’s natural surroundings, Maldivian heritage and a series of culinary, marine and cultural experiences.
The programme will combine Christmas and New Year traditions with activities inspired by island life, including ocean excursions, local cultural experiences, festive dining and wellbeing sessions.
The season will begin with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, followed by a series of activities introducing guests to festive traditions and Maldivian culture. These will include a Christmas cookie workshop, an Ocean, Coconut & Spice cooking class, a Maldivian Heritage Evening and an Island Christmas Market.
Marine experiences will remain a central part of the festive programme. Guests will be able to join a Sunrise Nooma sailing experience, take part in fishing trips at sunrise or twilight, explore the house reef with the resort’s marine team or join a dolphin-watching cruise.
Private yacht excursions, visits to local islands and trips to Malé will also be available for guests wishing to explore beyond the resort.
Baros Maldives will also offer a series of culinary experiences throughout the festive period. These will include a Sake Pairing Dinner, a Great Gatsby-themed five-course dinner and a Champagne Dinner inspired by the Seven Seas.
Other dining experiences will include a Butcher’s Block buffet, an Omakase tasting lunch and a Master Chef Tuna Carving Show & Tasting. Guests will also be able to take part in wine discovery experiences, cocktail-making sessions and an Island Crafted Cocktails programme.
On Christmas Eve, guests will gather at The Lighthouse for a cocktail reception before continuing to Lime for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.
Christmas Day will feature breakfast, festive activities and time for guests to enjoy the beach, lagoon and other island experiences with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a Gala Dinner, live entertainment and the countdown to 2027.
New Year’s Day will start with a celebratory brunch, followed by a selection of wellbeing and dining experiences. These will include a beachfront degustation dinner accompanied by live violin and saxophone performances.
Younger guests will also have a dedicated programme of festive activities, including mocktail-making, Christmas cookie workshops and island-based activities designed for families and children.
Throughout the season, Baros Maldives will host live music, marine presentations, yoga and meditation sessions alongside its wider programme of dining, recreation and ocean experiences.
The festive programme is intended to reflect the character of Baros Maldives by combining Christmas and New Year celebrations with the island’s marine environment, culinary offering and Maldivian culture.
From 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, Niva Kuramathi will mark the festive season with “A Tropical Festive Season”, a programme of dining, entertainment, outdoor activities and family experiences shaped around the island setting.
The programme will make use of Kuramathi’s natural surroundings, including its house reef and sandbank, alongside its 12 restaurants and seven bars.
The festivities will begin on the evening of 21 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the sandbank. Guests will be welcomed with drinks and live music at sunset, followed later in the evening by a traditional Bodu Beru performance.
On 28 and 29 December, the resort will host a traditional Maldivian Market, featuring Bodu Beru drumming, a folklore parade and locally made artisanal crafts.
Christmas Eve festivities
Christmas Eve celebrations will begin on the sandbank at sunset, with welcome drinks and Christmas carols. Santa Claus and his elves will also make an appearance before guests gather for a gala buffet dinner.
The evening will conclude with an outdoor screening of a classic Christmas film under the stars.
Countdown to 2027
New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin at sunset with cocktails on the sandbank.
A gala dinner will then be served across Farivalhu, Malaafaiy and Haruge restaurants before the countdown to 2027. Fireworks will mark the arrival of the New Year, while live music and DJ performances will continue at Fung Bar and Sand Bar.
Festive activities
Throughout the festive period, Niva Kuramathi will offer a programme of recreational, culinary and entertainment activities.
Guests will be able to take part in moonlit yoga sessions on the sandbank, sand sculpting, Sip & Paint evenings for couples and fire dance performances.
Sporting activities will include beach volleyball, a football match between the Niva Kuramathi team and guests, as well as kayak, pedal boat and stand-up paddleboard races.
The entertainment programme will also include wine tastings, karaoke, music trivia, live music and DJ evenings.
Cooking classes will be held at Kobe, where guests will be able to take part in sessions centred around the restaurant’s open kitchen experience.
The festive programme is designed to allow guests to participate in scheduled activities while also having the option to spend time at leisure.
The season will conclude on 1 January 2027 with a late-morning brunch and the first house reef dive of the year.
Festive programme for children
Bageecha Kids Club will host a separate festive programme for younger guests, combining recreation, creative activities and environmental learning.
Activities will include treasure hunts, splash pad games, cookie-making, arts and crafts, eco workshops, nature exploration, holiday films, karaoke, bracelet-making and gardening in the resort’s hydroponic garden.
Children will also be able to take part in scavenger hunts, mini-Olympic games, yoga and disco dancing, as well as shared lunches and dinners with other young guests.
On Christmas Eve, the programme will begin with a family photograph session, followed by gingerbread house decorating, writing letters to Santa, a palm-leaf handicraft workshop and outdoor games.
Christmas morning will feature a pyjama party with musical games and pool activities. Later in the day, families will gather at Athiri Deck to welcome Santa Claus, who will distribute gifts to children.
New Year’s Eve activities for younger guests will take place during the afternoon, with music and games around the pool followed by a children’s disco as part of the resort’s final celebrations of 2026.
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