Soneva Jani, Noonu Atoll, Maldives
An imaginative journey that began over two decades ago, the Soneva story continues with Soneva Jani, the brand’s newest luxury resort offering. Inspired by a word that means ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of Water Villas and Island Sanctuaries set within a lagoon of crystal clear waters, fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed in lush tropical greenery. The resort resides on a large island surrounded by four smaller islands in the middle of a large, five kilometre turquoise lagoon, which is home to turtles, dolphins and other marine life. Four of the five islands remain untouched. Soneva Jani, which has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions, is only 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.
Soneva Jani’s guest facilities include The Den, the Observatory, the Water sports and Dive Centre, Spa, Boutique & Gallery, Library and the Main Bar. Other facilities on the island include a ‘silent’ overwater Cinema Paradiso (where guests wear wireless headphones), the Eco Centro Waste to Wealth centre, Organic gardens, Tennis court, Water sports champa and Beach Club, among other things.
Location and Transfers
Located on the island of Medhufaru in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll. One of the largest islands in the Maldives and highly accessible, Medhufaru is only 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.
Accommodation
One Bedroom Water Retreat – spread across two floors, the One Bedroom Pool Water Villa comes with its own private pool surrounded by ample areas for sunbathing and taking in ocean vistas. In addition to a childrens’ sleeping area, there is also a study, walk-in minibar, bathroom, dressing room, outdoor shower, and living area with sunken seats, perfect for lounging. Head upstairs for more seating and a dining sala with roof deck. Watch the stars from the comfort of the master bedroom with the villa’s retractable roof
One Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide – spread across two floors, the 1 Bedroom Water Retreat comes with a private pool surrounded by ample area for sunbathing and taking in ocean vistas. Watch the stars from the comfort of the master bedroom with the villa’s retractable roof. In addition to a childrens’ sleeping area, there is a study, walk-in minibar, bathroom, dressing room, outdoor shower and living area with sunken seats. Upstairs is a dining sala with roof deck and a curved water slide delivering you to the waters below
Two Bedroom Water Retreat – with a pool, catamaran net, sunken seat and daybed, the Two Bedroom Pool Water Villa affords a wealth of tropical lounging opportunities. The first floor offers a spacious bedroom with retractable roof, bathroom, dressing room, outdoor shower, walk-in minibar, TV lounge and childrens’ sleeping area. The second bedroom is located on the upper floor, along with an additional dressing room, bathroom, seating area, and dining sala with roof deck
Two Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide – with a pool, catamaran net, sunken seats and daybed, the Two Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide affords a wealth of tropical lounging opportunities. The first floor offers a spacious bedroom with retractable roof, bathroom, dressing room, outdoor shower, walk-in minibar, TV lounge and childrens’ sleeping area. The second bedroom is located on the upper floor, along with an additional dressing room, bathroom, seating area, water slide, and a dining sala with roof deck
Three Bedroom Water Reserve with Slide – choose from the tropical sun or the cool shade with two outdoor sunken seating areas, one protected with a roof. The lower floor offers a master bedroom with retractable roof, study, bathroom, pool and catamaran net, outdoor shower and daybed, walk-in minibar and a sleeping area for the children and an en-suite guest bedroom. Venture to the second floor for one more bedroom, a bathroom, dressing room, seating area, dining sala with roof deck, water slide and lagoon vistas
Four Bedroom Water Reserve with Slide – this is the Soneva idea of what overwater living should be, with a huge 1,245 square metres of luxurious living space and uninhibited views in every direction. This huge villa features three private bedrooms, in addition to a study, gym, an outdoor shower and daybed, TV lounge, walk-in minibar and a sleeping area for the children, as well as a water slide from the top deck into the lagoon below
Four Bedroom Island Reserve with Slide – an expansive beachfront suite, the Island Reserve affords a wealth of luxury while allowing for customisation depending on your requirements. Spacious indoor-outdoor living areas abound, including a steam bath, changing room, sauna, master bedroom, TV lounge, dining room, private pool, kitchen and wine cellar. The second floor is home to a further three bedrooms with bathrooms and dressing rooms
Dining
The Gathering – open at all hours of the day and night for drinking, dining, socialising, and daydreaming. The hours of the main restaurants in the Gathering are from 7:30-10:30 for breakfast, 12:30-14:30 for lunch and 19:30-22:30 for dinner.
Here the day begins with a generous selection of hand-picked fruits, creative juices from the Juice Bar and comforting classics. During the day, guests can indulge in freshly-baked pizzas from the wood-fired oven, tandoors and grills at live cooking stations, and freshly caught and grilled-to-order seafood. Every Friday there is an Asian buffet dinner after the Management cocktail at the Zuhair’s Beach
The Gathering Bar – drinks and tapas can be enjoyed at any time at this day-into-evening overwater bar
Wine Cellar – housed in the extraordinary wine tower within the Gathering, the Wine Cellar features a selection that includes mostly organic or biodynamic wines. Chat with the sommeliers or organise a private wine tasting or wine dinner at any destination
So Fresh – the day begins here with an endless spread of fresh fruits, comforting classics and juices from the Juice Bar. The day continues with a bountiful buffet of organic garden salads and live cooking stations with the wood-fired pizza oven, tandoors and grills with bespoke pizzas and freshly caught and grilled to order fish. Sunset aperitifs lead into the mouthwatering evening menus. The sun sets and the Chef takes the stage in the central open kitchen, where he creates a myriad of choices
So Imaginative – the exquisite tasting room, open in the evenings from 19:30 – 22:30. Trick your mind and tastebuds with culinary chemistry at So Imaginative, Soneva’s experimental tasting room. The sommeliers create inspired wine tastings and wine dinners, selecting the perfect pairings from the wine tower
So Engaging – the chef’s table, which offers a mystery menu for five very special guests. Get a front row seat to the action and converse with the chef as he prepares exciting, delicious dishes for his guests of honour
So Starstruck – gaze into the night sky at the first overwater observatory in the Maldives. Eleos, a 16″ Schmidt-Cassegraain scope, is the largest in the Maldives. Her magnification power means Jupiter, Saturn and the moon look breathtaking. Eleos can also see M104, the Sombrero Galaxy, that sits 31 million light years away. The resident Astronomer is on-hand to help navigate the skies and answer any questions. Sit at one of the four dining tables around the telescope and dine on delicious cuisine, making dinner at So Starstruck a truly out-of-this-world experience
Zuhair’s Island – tucked away on the secluded North Island, it is the perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling and time in the sun. Enjoy a delightful pop up dinner of local Maldivian delicacies on the private beach, prepared by the chef using only what he can catch or pick. Dinner: 19:30 – 22:30, every Thursday
The Director’s Cut by Gaston – experience the Maldives’ only Peruvian restaurant at The Director’s Cut by Gaston. Dine on the zesty flavours of this South American cuisine while you take in a classic film at the overwater silent cinema. Take your pick from the set menu or à la carte options. Dinner: 19:30 – 22:30 every night, except Mondays and Fridays
So Cool – Soneva is famous for its complimentary Ice Cream and Chocolate Rooms. At Soneva Jani the ice cream and chocolate are all at So Cool, with a variety of flavours of ice cream to choose from and handmade chocolates from the in-house chocolatiers. Gourmet charcuterie, cheese and preserves can be enjoyed throughout the day and evening. The Sushi and Sashimi cold shelf and Wine Cellar are also a part of So Cool
Full Moon Dinner – a unique dining experience prepared only one a month over the lunar cycle in celebration of the full moon. Entertain your appetite with dinner under a brightly lit night sky, served on the sandbar of Baraveli Beach
Soneva Jani also caters for special dietary requirements (please let us know whenyou book), Destination Dining and In-Villa Dining
Facilities and Activities
Facilities & Activities
Spa
Yoga Pavilion
Den
Guest Shop
Cinema
Observatory
Water sports and Dive Centre
Beach Club
Library
Organic gardens
Tennis court
Picnics
Sunset Dolphin Safari
Astronomy Dinner Cruise
Diving
Eco-friendly surfing