Soneva Jani is one of The Maldives’ most exclusive private islands and for us its overwater bungalows are uniquely spacious, stylish, and luxurious.
We find the very largest of them, the two and four-bedroom ‘water reserves’ around the end of the walkway, really quite extraordinary creations.
These opulent wooden palaces come with private pools, water slides, and retractable roofs that allow stargazing direct from the master bedroom.
All-inclusive packages have been available here since 2021. Check below for details as to what is included.
We like that most of the island is left natural and wild so, anytime the feeling takes you, you can have a wander through mangrove forests and deserted beaches, and feel yourself enticingly detached from civilization.
Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation:
The first stand-out feature of Soneva Jani’s overwater bungalows is their sheer size – all of them are spread over two floors and their very smallest one-bedroom units still cover 4477 square feet/416 square meters while their largest, the four-bedroom water reserve, covers a whopping 15295 square feet/1421 square meters.
There are five other categories between those two extremes none of which will disappoint, we feel.
All come with water slides from the upper floor if you’re ever in a hurry to get downstairs.
Other standard features include large private pools, various glass floor viewing panels, study rooms, huge walk-in wardrobes, kitchenettes, and stunning bathrooms.
The largest five sit at the very end of the pier by themselves with the largest of all – the aforementioned 15295 square feet ‘Water Reserve’ – being also the most isolated and private.
Outside of the water villas you can also choose to stay in their two-bedroom beach bungalow hidden away in the mangrove forests.
It is titled the Robinson Crusoe Residence and comes with lots of very private space.
Or you can also choose to stay in their very indulgent, 23-meter private yacht. It has two en-suite bedrooms and a glass-bottomed spa tub amongst other things.
Your crew includes a captain, sous chef, butler, and a wellness therapist as standard, and a dive master and an expert astronomer can be added on request. You can organize bespoke tours and voyages with the guidance of your captain.
Overwater Bungalow Prices:
Check prices and availability at Booking.com here or at Expedia here
Food & Drink:
All-inclusive packages are available at Soneva Jani, where we have four main restaurant options and one laid-back bar.
The main restaurant is called So Fresh and is a relaxed place with sunken tables, couches, hammocks, and even a giant waterslide.
They serve daily buffets (different each day) here as well as à la carte, the food is excellent and their menu is extensive and varied.
Such is the level of service here that they will also be happy to try and cook up for you pretty much anything you can’t find on the menu, within reason of course.
Nearby is the homemade ice cream and chocolate room where among many other treats you can choose from a selection of flavored truffles including Nutella flavor and wasabi flavor.
Other dining highlights include the just four tables of the observatory restaurant where you can dine while watching close-up images from the giant telescope on screens at your table, and their Peruvian eatery at the Cinema Paradiso, a silent cinema (sound coming from Bluetooth headphones).
Resort Facilities & Things to Do:
Facilities include, amongst others, a luxurious spa, tennis courts, a gym, a cinema, a night-time sky observatory, a water sports center, and a kid’s club.
Facilities aside we find much joy here just wandering around the island. It is one of the biggest in the Maldives, and much of it is left completely, beautifully undeveloped.
As well as gardens and various cycling and walking paths (bicycles and tricycles are always available) we have tracts of wild forest and completely deserted beaches with the most magnificent of turquoise waters.
Soneva Jani is an eco-resort that has, since inception, striven to keep its environmental impact as low as possible.
Water and waste are recycled and treated via an on-site waste management center and most of the resort’s electricity is solar generated.
All-Inclusive Package:
The all-inclusive package at Soneva Jani includes the following:
• A dedicated Barefoot Butler.
• Return shared seaplane transfers from Malé.
• Unlimited dining at our bars, restaurants, and In-Villa Dining.
• Unlimited non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages at our bars and restaurants.
• Unlimited wines from the Soneva Unlimited wine list.
• Unlimited experiences from our Experiences Menu, including diving.
• Unlimited spa treatments and massages at the Soneva Spa including visiting wellness practitioners.
• Unlimited access to visiting Michelin-starred chef dinners and onsite experiences.
• Access to the complimentary ice cream, chocolate, and deli rooms 24/7.
• Access to our children’s club, the Mini Den, and all experiences for children.
• Use of the fully-equipped gym and tennis court.
• Daily replenishment of your in-villa minibar.
• Daily laundry service.
Some Guest Reviews:
“Property is in an amazing location – the biggest lagoon in Maldives. Water around is the best we have seen. Villas are also one of the biggest in Maldives. Our over the water villa with a slide was an amazing experience. We tried over the water cinema and their Japanese restaurant. Great food and amazing staff, waitress Subi memorized our long order without taking notes, very impressive!…”
“The starstruck dinner with telescope was also one of the best experiences we had in Maldives! Truly unique! Food was amazing every evening and breakfast buffet full of choices. We loved the idea of barefoot and Robinson Crusoe themed atmosphere. Our 24/7 butler named Mrs. Friday was very helpful always on point organizing our schedule. It was very interesting to visit this resort and I think is quite different from others in Maldives you get luxury and authenticity that we truly enjoyed!….”
See all the reviews right here
