Located in the heart of the Maldives’ UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi is the ultimate in luxury experience. From the moment the A&E team’s seaplane skimmed over endless shades of turquoise and landed on Kunfunadhoo Island, it was clear this would not be a conventional luxury escape. Shoes were gently removed upon arrival, not as a novelty, but as an invitation to slow down, to reconnect, and to experience luxury in its most natural, unforced form.
Arrival: No News, No Shoes, No Rush
The A&E team spent three days and three nights at Soneva Fushi on a press trip, yet time seemed to dissolve almost instantly. The arrival experience set the tone: warm smiles, a seamless welcome, and an escorted island tour by the Barefoot Guardian, Soneva’s discreet yet ever present answer to personalised service.
The island itself is one of the largest in the Maldives, lush with jungle pathways, towering palms and pristine beaches that feel refreshingly untouched. Villas are hidden within dense greenery or poised over crystal clear waters, offering complete privacy and a profound sense of seclusion.
What stood out immediately was the generosity of the experience. Nothing felt restricted or transactional. At Soneva, abundance is quiet, thoughtful and deeply considered, from space and time to food, service and experiences.
Villas: A Private World of Their Own
The villa felt less like a hotel room and more like a private sanctuary. Designed with nature at the forefront, it featured open air bathrooms, direct beach access, shaded daybeds and sun loungers, and thoughtful details that encouraged outdoor living.
Despite the barefoot philosophy, comfort was never compromised. Every villa was meticulously curated, blending natural materials with understated luxury. Bicycles were provided for every guest, a charming and practical way to explore the island, while technology remained available but intentionally unobtrusive.
Privacy here was absolute. Whether lounging by the pool, dining in villa, or waking to the sound of the ocean, the experience felt deeply personal, almost as if the island existed solely for its guests.
Dining: A Culinary Journey Without Limits
Dining at Soneva Fushi was not just a highlight, it was an experience in itself. Across the island, restaurants ranged from jungle hidden kitchens to overwater venues, each offering a distinct culinary personality.
From relaxed breakfasts at Mihiree Mithaa to refined dinners featuring Michelin starred guest chefs through the Soneva Stars programme, every meal felt intentional and inspired. Down to Earth, set on the sunrise side of the island, offered international and South Asian flavours rooted in simplicity and freshness, while Out of the Blue showcased Japanese cuisine, teppanyaki, and an impressive wine and sake collection.
Then there were the indulgences Soneva is famously generous with: complimentary chocolate, ice cream, cheese and charcuterie parlours, open throughout the day. What could feel excessive elsewhere felt perfectly aligned here, a playful reminder that luxury can also be joyful and light hearted.
Experiences: Thoughtfully Curated, Never Forced
Soneva Fushi excelled in offering experiences that felt meaningful rather than scheduled. Whether it was snorkelling in vibrant reefs, swimming with manta rays in nearby Hanifaru Bay season permitting, or stargazing at the island’s observatory, each activity was guided by experts who shared genuine passion for what they do.
One of the most memorable aspects of the stay was the balance between activity and stillness. There was always something to do, yet no pressure to do anything at all. Guests could wander jungle trails, watch a film under the stars at Cinema Paradiso, or simply do nothing, which somehow felt like the greatest luxury of all.
Sustainability was not a buzzword here but a living philosophy. From organic gardens supplying the kitchens to recycling initiatives at Eco Centro and the Maldives’ first glassblowing studio, Soneva’s commitment to the environment was deeply woven into the guest experience.
Service: Intuitive, Warm, Impressive
What truly elevated Soneva Fushi was its people. Service here was impeccable yet invisible, generous without being overwhelming. Needs were anticipated before they were expressed, and every interaction felt sincere rather than scripted.
The team’s warmth created an atmosphere that felt less like hospitality and more like being welcomed into a beautifully curated home. This generosity of time, attention and care was what made the experience linger long after departure.
A Different Kind of Luxury
Soneva Fushi was not about excess in the traditional sense. It was about space, freedom, privacy and connection, to nature, to oneself, and to the present moment.
As the seaplane lifted off, the island slowly disappearing beneath a canvas of blues and greens, it became clear that Soneva Fushi does not simply offer a holiday. It offers a way of living, even if only for a few days, barefoot, unhurried and beautifully unencumbered.
By Lea Nouhra
