News

Soneva Jani opens in the Noonu Atoll, Maldives

Published

9 years ago

November 13, 2016

24 water villas and 1 island villa in the 5.6km Medhufaru lagoon
Most overwater villas feature a retractable roof for stargazing and waterslides from top floor into the lagoon below

Maldives.net.mv – The Soneva story continues with Soneva Jani, the luxury resort operator’s newest property, located in the Noonu Atoll, Maldives. The primarily overwater resort comprises 24 water villas and one island villa situated in a 5.6km lagoon, one of the largest in the Maldives.

The resort is built around the 150-acre island of Medhufaru, and surrounded by four other untouched islands within the lagoon. The resort comprises 18 units of one-bedroom water villas, four two-bedroom water villas, one three-bedroom and one four-bedroom water villa, as well as a four-bedroom island villa. At more than 410 square metres, the one bedroom villas are the largest entry-level villas in the Indian Ocean.

“It has been said that if Soneva Fushi was its own island, Soneva Jani is its own ‘atoll’, as it’s actually a small archipelago of five islands (four of them deserted) within the Medhufaru lagoon,” said Sonu Shivdasani, the CEO and founder of Soneva. “In fact, Medhufaru island is the largest tourist island in the Maldives. Plus, the lagoon is huge; more than 7,000 Olympic swimming pools can fit inside it. In this massive space with the islands and the lagoon, there are only 25 villas. It’s one of the lowest density resorts in the world, by far.”

“My wife Eva and I have spent many years travelling the world and searching for the perfect spot to open our next resort after Soneva Kiri. When we saw this lagoon, with the bluest water we had ever seen, we knew this was the place,” he added.

All villas include a 13m private pool on the outdoor deck, a walk-in mini bar, uninterrupted lagoon views with direct access, and many of them have water slides from the top deck into the water below. This is in addition to a top deck dining area, an outdoor patio with a sunken dining table, a study and a sleeping-area for children (conveniently located within the main bedroom so that parents can be assured their children are never too far from them in an overwater environment). Three different glass-bottomed areas in each villa guarantee that the underwater world is never too far away. Soneva’s ubiquitous chocolate parlours, ice-cream rooms and Mr./Ms Friday butler service is also provided to all guests.

With sandblasted pine decking and Shingle Red River Gum tiles adorning the outside of the fairytale-esque villas, the insides are made from subtly weathered woods and natural materials in a colour palette of white, pastel greens and mauves. The overall effect is ethereal, light and airy to encourage the ultimate state of relaxation. 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.

Another unique feature of the villas are the retractable roofs in the master bedroom, which slide back at the touch of a button to reveal the night sky for stargazing. If guests want a closer look, they can visit Soneva Jani’s Observatory, which is the first overwater observatory in the Maldives. A sophisticated telescope rises through the floor of the observatory deck, surrounded by four dining tables, where guests can dine and watch screens on the tables linked to the view from the telescope. The resort’s resident Astronomer is available to help guests discover the secrets of the universe.

The resort also features the largest overwater structure in the Maldives. At three storeys tall, The Gathering is the heart of the resort and houses the various dining outlets, which serve global cuisine, as well as the spa, library, retail area, wine cellar and Children’s Den. A Soleni Dive Centre and Marine Biology Champa are located next to The Gathering.

All guests are provided with bicycles or tricycles to help navigate the fun, snaking jetty that connects to the main island, home to Cinema Paradiso, Screwpine Alley, the Gardens and Labyrinth, and various walking and cycle paths. A shuttle boat service is also available to transport guests around the resort, should they prefer. Cinema Paradiso is an open-air, overwater cinema, where guests will be given Bluetooth headphones so as not to disturb the nesting turtles and other wildlife in the area.

While being a luxury resort, Soneva Jani’s eco-credentials strongly reflect the brand’s ‘intelligent luxury’ ethos, with fresh organic produce grown in farms on the island, as well as a recycling program and recycled glassware made at Soneva Fushi’s Glass Studio. 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 is collected and treated on-site, and water is also produced on-site, including drinking water, using desalination.

Located only 40 minutes from the capital Male, guests can arrive by seaplane, which lands at the floating airport situated in the deepest part of the lagoon, or by a 60-minute speedboat journey from the sister resort, Soneva Fushi.

“There are a lot of ‘biggest’ and ‘firsts’ associated with Soneva Jani, which is fascinating as it’s really a very small resort, in terms of room inventory, in the big scheme of things. However, we have pushed ourselves to create this totally unique, creative product in this incredibly beautiful location. 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,” said Olivia Richli, Pre-Opening and General Manager – Soneva Jani.

“The feedback we have received so far has been amazing, people haven’t seen anything like it. We are fully booked for parts of November and December, which is remarkable for the opening months of a luxury resorts life,” she concluded.

The resort, which celebrated its soft opening in October 2016, is open to the public however some elements of it are still in the final stages of development and are scheduled to be finished by December 2016.

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, was launched in the Maldives in 2015 and sails out of Soneva Fushi. For more information about Soneva visit www.soneva.com

Quick facts:

The Medhufaru lagoon is 5.6km long
There are 5.4 kilometres of nature trails to be explored on the main Medhufaru Island
1.6 kilometres of jetty links the water villas to the main island
12 kilometres of reef circling the lagoon, which include corals of all species, and a great deal of fish as well as huge old coral colonies creating a nice shallow 3D reefscape.
There are 104,000 pieces of Red River Gum Shingles from Laos on the roof of The Gathering

Cooking

Dhigali Maldives announces three-night Battuta takeover with Chef James Walters of Arabica

Published

2 hours ago

November 27, 2025

m@ldives

Dhigali Maldives has announced a new culinary collaboration with celebrated chef and restaurateur James Walters, the creative mind behind London’s acclaimed Arabica. In February 2026, Walters will transport his vibrant, modern Middle Eastern cooking to the Maldives, offering guests the rare chance to savour his signature dishes against Dhigali’s island backdrop.

Over three evenings – 24th, 25th and 26th February, Chef Walters will take the helm of Battuta, the resort’s signature restaurant. Guests will have the rare opportunity to enjoy a specially curated menu designed and cooked by Walters, showcasing the flavours, ingredients, and dishes that have earned Arabica its reputation as one of London’s most beloved Middle Eastern restaurants.

Across the three-night takeover, Walters will showcase his distinctive approach to layering spices, balancing textures, and reimagining traditional dishes. From vibrant market-inspired plates to refined interpretations of classics, the menu will celebrate the bold spices, vibrant flavours, and rich culinary traditions of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and beyond; each reflecting his passion for storytelling through food, combined with the relaxed elegance of Battuta’s setting.

Three-Night Menu Highlights:

Day 1: Flavours of the Aegean: A journey through the sun-kissed dishes of Greece and Turkey, with small plates designed for sharing and connection.
Day 2: Levantine Feast: Bold, sun-drenched flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean, bringing together the best of Levantine cuisine.
Day 3: Lebanese-Inspired Feast: A celebration of the rich, aromatic dishes of Lebanon, crafted for family style dining

“We’re thrilled to welcome James Walters to Dhigali. His food brings a sense of place, culture, and creativity that aligns perfectly with the experience we want our guests to enjoy. This collaboration will offer something truly memorable for anyone visiting the resort during this time,” commented Christian Szabo, General Manager of Dhigali Maldives.

“Battuta is a beautiful space, and I’m excited to bring the flavours I love to Dhigali. Each menu I’ve created for these three nights is inspired by the vibrant, sun-soaked dishes of the Eastern Mediterranean, from Greece and Turkey to Lebanon and the Levant. I want guests to feel the warmth, the aromas, and the stories behind every dish, and to share a sense of connection and celebration around the table,” said Chef James Walters, Arabica.

For guests visiting in February, this collaboration promises an unforgettable experience. Walters’ bold, evocative flavours meet Battuta’s lush, island jungle setting. Inspired by the travels of Ibn Battuta and nestled within Dhigali’s verdant heart, the restaurant offers a culinary journey that carries Arabica’s heritage across to the shores of the Maldives.

Dhigali Maldives offers 7 nights in a Deluxe Beach Bungalow on Premium All Inclusive. The price based on 2 adults sharing is from £5,058 per villa, includes seaplane transfers. For reservations, please visit the resort’s website.

Featured

Huvafen Fushi partners with Forbes Travel Guide in pursuit of five-star status

Published

1 day ago

November 26, 2025

m@ldives

Huvafen Fushi, the resort internationally recognised for pioneering signature Maldivian luxury, has announced its official association with Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the only independent global rating system dedicated to luxury hospitality.

The decision marks a deliberate step for the resort, underscoring its commitment to meeting the gold standard of intuitive service on an international scale. After two decades of setting architectural and experiential milestones—such as unveiling the world’s first underwater spa and introducing the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar, Vinum—Huvafen Fushi is now focused on demonstrating its exceptional service culture against the industry’s most rigorous and objective criteria.

The resort’s ultimate aim is to attain the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating in 2026.

General Manager Noel Cameron stated, “For Huvafen, luxury is effortless and authenticity shines through. Our brand has always been about trailblazing and crafting moments that transcend the ordinary. Now, we’re putting our confidence to the test by inviting the global authority on luxury to evaluate the very core of our offering: the quality and consistency of how we make our guests feel.”

Unlike rating systems that rely on volume or guest reviews, the FTG evaluation process is entirely independent, with anonymous professional inspectors assessing properties based on up to 900 stringent standards. The criteria place significant weight on emotional connection and anticipatory service—the subtle, intuitive gestures that have long defined Huvafen’s approach.

This partnership marks a new chapter for Huvafen Fushi, reflecting its evolution towards uncompromising, verified excellence. It positions the resort to resonate even more strongly with discerning, forward-thinking travellers seeking authentic connection and meaningful transformation.

Lifestyle

Through Foo’s eyes: Oaga Art Resort’s festive season celebrates soul of Maldives

Published

2 days ago

November 25, 2025

m@ldives

This 2025-2026 festive season, Oaga Art Resort invites guests to experience the Maldives through the eyes of Foo, the island’s timeless and playful curator and storyteller. With every performance, every craft, and every meal, Foo brings the spirit of the islands to life, creating a celebration rooted in homegrown creativity, culture, and tradition.

A Celebration of Local Talent

Central to this year’s festivities is a line up of 100% Maldivian artists. From soulful solo performers and dynamic duos to vibrant bands and rhythm driven DJs, the resort’s programme showcases local creativity across multiple genres. This season, Maldivian artistry takes centre stage, allowing guests to connect with the islands’ authentic rhythm and spirit at every turn.

Flavours of the Maldives

Culinary storytelling forms the heart of the festive experience. Guests can savour local flavours and voyage around the Maldives through Mama’s Food Cart, a rotating palm leaf cart based at Kaa Kada, the main restaurant at Oaga Art Resort. Each week, a local woman from a different island shares her signature dish, bringing the unique tastes and traditions of her home to the table and offering a delicious journey across the atolls.

Hands On Cultural Experiences

In collaboration with Kiyavahi, a cultural studio dedicated to authentic Maldivian experiences, guests can engage directly with the living crafts of the islands. Workshops, open air installations, and interactive storytelling spaces bring traditional artistry to life, including kasabu gethun (embroidery), thundu kunaa (mat weaving), roanu veshun (coir rope making), fangi viyun (thatch weaving), and liyelaa jehun (lacquer work).

Beyond craft, the festive season comes alive with the rhythm of traditional Boduberu, presented in collaboration with Kiyavahi, giving guests a taste of Maldivian music and heritage.

Endless Artistry Across the Island

Oaga’s evolving Rahvehi artist team brings creativity to every corner of the resort. From visuals and dance to movement-based performances and more, guests will encounter pop-up shows throughout the festive period, each crafted to surprise, delight, and evoke the vibrant spirit of the Maldives. This multi-talented team ensures that artistry is not confined to a stage but woven into every step of the guest experience.

A Maldivian Story in Every Celebration

This festive season, Oaga Art Resort celebrates tradition and creativity with a Koadi-inspired Christmas Tree, a homage to Maldivian heritage. Koadi, a hand-crafted pole adorned with intricately woven palm leaves and flowers, is traditionally presented as an umbrella-like design during Eid Al -Adha. Alongside this, botanical Christmas trees across the island bring natural beauty and sustainability to the celebrations.

Guests can also look forward to a spectacular New Year’s Eve, with fireworks and a night-long celebration of music, performance, and storytelling. The festivities feature high-impact Boduberu and fire-led performances that feel both ancient and primal, theatrical dining experiences, and island storytelling that captivates and moves audiences. Curated musical nights and art-led shows create a rhythmic celebration where culture, creativity, and energy build continuously over the course of the season.

Step Into the Story

This festive season, Foo invites guests not merely to witness the Maldives, but to live it. Every melody, every handcrafted detail, and every culinary creation becomes part of a larger story, a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the timeless soul of the islands.

Some stories aren’t written. They are discovered, felt, and lived.

For art lovers and creative souls seeking a Maldivian escape, Oaga Art Resort’s Greatest All-Inclusive Plan re-defines the very essence of an all-inclusive holiday. Dive into Free Flow art sessions, find your rhythm with Dance Lab movement and dance experiences, savour Floating Meals through the day, embark on captivating excursions, enjoy thrilling motorised watersports, and so much more.

Nestled in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport near Male’. This intimate island features 60 vibrant beach and overwater villas, unique cart-style dining experiences, and a spa deeply inspired by Maldivian traditional healing practices. Oaga Art Resort stands as a true creative hub, offering sensory-rich experiences thoughtfully curated by both local and visiting Maldivian artists and craftspeople.

Discover your next inspiration at www.oagaresorts.com and book your stay; an unforgettable artistic journey awaits!