After a year of hard-to-take headlines and much less travel then we'd have liked, there is nowhere better to escape to than Soneva Fushi when lockdown lifts. Take off your shoes, turn off your phone and rediscover the simple pleasures...
What's New For 2021?
It's hard to believe that Soneva Fushi could get any more impressive... until they introduced yet more awe-inspiring accommodation options in the form of eight brand new Water Retreats. Available with either one or two bedrooms, these ultra-luxe hideaways just so happen to be the largest overwater villas in the world, featuring private pools and waterslides that whisk you straight into the turquoise lagoon. They also boast spacious living areas and Soneva's signature outdoor bathrooms, while the master bedroom's retractable roof is perfect for pre-slumber stargazing. Of course, an array of amazing amenities come as standard, including a full wine fridge, bicycles for exploring, and a personal Barefoot Butler to perfectly finesse your trip's finest details.
How Does Soneva Fushi Support Sustainability?
With its hotels inhabiting some of the planet's most pristine locations, Soneva's brand is built on the foundation that the business must benefit local people and places. "We've never seen sustainability as a differentiator, we see it as a basic qualifier", says founder and CEO, Sonu Shivdasani.
1. While lounging on the beautiful beaches or swimming in the lagoon, it's easy to forget that the postcard-perfect Maldives is facing a very modern threat in the form of plastic litter. To help combat this, Soneva Fushi has partnered with three neighbouring island communities and international NGO Common Seas, to provide a plan for how all Maldivian islands can eliminate single-use plastic, introduce recycling and inspire the next generations to protect the ocean in the future. You can take a trip to the island of Maalhos to see the sustainability initiative in action, visiting the pioneering 'Eco-Centro' complex that aims to introduce creative new ways of waste management to end the hazardous open burning of waste.
2. Soneva Fushi treads as lightly as possible on the earth when it comes to dining. Take a stroll through the organic gardens, seeing the many ways in which island-grown coconuts are used for both food and materials, before picking your own greens and herbs for a chef to prepare into a nutritious, delicious lunch to your liking. You'll also find that menus across the resort feature no beef dishes, in the knowledge that the main contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is the production of livestock, while 50 cents made from every main course goes towards supporting causes that fight malnutrition across the world.
3. As well as what goes on behind the scenes, Soneva Fushi offers a number of inspiring activities that promise plenty of fun while highlighting the importance of protecting the local environment. Join the resident marine biologist as you snorkel Hanifaru Bay (home to one of the world's largest populations of manta rays) while learning more about how they work tirelessly to look after the marine creatures. You can also head out on a sustainable fishing trip with a Maldivian fisherman named Rocket, while families will love the immersive wildlife walk. Learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit the island, their names in Dhivehi, stories about them and how to spot animal tracks.
![Conscious Experiences - Fishing]()
Conscious Experiences - Fishing
Dining with a Difference
Expect dreamy dining at Soneva Fushi, the resort home to an array of restaurants that showcase culinary styles from around the globe. Whether you're feasting on artfully prepared sushi and sake, authentic Indonesian delights or a tonne of cheese in the dedicated cheese room, expect only the finest ingredients and spectacular surroundings. Be sure to visit Fresh in the Garden, a unique eatery suspended within the trees, where the aromas of herbs from the extensive gardens waft up from below. Dine on delicious organic dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, with plenty of vegetarian and plant-based options available. Of course, private dining can also be arranged - ideal for a night of romance. Dream up your own menus with the executive chef, and have your meal set out on a secluded sandbank at sunset, deep in the jungle or in the privacy of your villa.
![Fresh in the Garden]()
Fresh in the Garden
Five Fabulous Things for Families
1. Set across two levels, the complimentary DEN is one of the world's largest children's clubs and a true a playground for the imagination. Every personality is catered for, with dressing up and make up areas for mini fashionistas and a music room for budding rockstars. There's also a library, cinema and dedicated Lego room, as well as a programme of activities that showcase the best of the island - from beach games to treasure hunts.
2. If you've got a sweet tooth, don't miss the incredible Willy Wonka-inspired Chocolate Room, where you can sample tasty truffles and indulgent chocolate cakes, freshly prepared by master chocolatiers. We bet you'll also spend plenty of time at 'So Cool', the complimentary ice-cream parlour, choosing from over 60 rotating flavours of homemade ice creams and sorbets. Try the timeless classics or get adventurous with more whacky flavours - including coconut and avocado, and strawberry, balsamic and green olive.
3. Combine fun in the sun with learning for the whole family as you're escorted by the resident Marine Biologist on a guided snorkelling experience through one of the Baa Atoll's vibrant reefs. Following the expedition, make your way back to the powder-soft sand of a private island for a gourmet picnic, complete with a personal chef and waiter on hand to see to all your needs.
4. Catch a movie together at Cinema Paradiso, an alfresco movie theatre right on the sand. Eat yet more incredible ice cream and freshly made popcorn, before settling down on a comfy lounger to watch one of your favourite classic films. For an extra-special viewing experience, a barbecue dinner can be served as you watch.
5. Whether you're a small family or travelling with multiple generations, Soneva Fushi houses the perfect villa for you. Ranging from one to nine bedrooms, expect plenty of space, stunning surroundings and a variety of fabulous facilities to make your family holiday unforgettable - including a private swimming pool and terraces for alfresco dining together. As well as dedicated Family Villas with bedrooms designed especially for children, some of the larger multi-room villas also feature games rooms, water slides and more!