Soneva Secret in Maldives: from manta rays and an astrologer on site to private pools, get ready for the ultimate luxe Robinson Crusoe experience in these open-plan overwater villas

May 29 , 2024

Looking for an exclusive getaway to a remote Maldives location? Soneva Secret more than lives up to the hype. Photos: Handout

Located on the Westernmost border of the Maldives in remote-but-pristine Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Soneva Secret is the vision of sustainable luxury hotel pioneers Sonu Shivdasani and his wife Eva

Step off the seaplane and enjoy top service from 2 dedicated staff members, and a meal on the villa sundeck or floating pontoon – soon, you’ll even be able to stay in the country’s first floating villa

I am watching a breathtaking ballet in the most unlikely of places – the newly opened Soneva Secret resort in the Maldives. The performers, however, are not prima ballerinas, but a group of 12 wild oceanic manta rays partaking in a cleaning ritual in the depths of the Indian Ocean below us.

The marine biologist warns us that they are still getting used to seeing human life, but that doesn’t stop them from barrelling and dancing through the emerald waters, their four-metre-wide wings creating a stunning spectacle for an intimate audience of two very lucky snorkellers (one of whom is later slapped in the face by a rogue manta). This, and countless other singular experiences, affirm that the highly anticipated opening of Soneva Secret is more than just hype.

Soneva Secret is part of Soneva resorts, founded by Sonu and Eva Shivdasani

Located on the Westernmost border of the Maldives in the pristine Haa Dhaalu Atoll, an area so remote that the nearest land mass is the Somalian coast, Soneva Secret has been 30 years in the making, and heralds a new chapter in personalised hospitality. Soneva Secret is the vision of sustainable luxury hotel pioneers Sonu Shivdasani and his wife Eva, the pair of founders behind Soneva Resorts, and is the crowning jewel in their already iconic portfolio of Maldivian properties including Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Their retreats continue to attract conscious travellers with their castaway style villas, relaxed vibes and sustainable approach to “barefoot luxury”.

While Soneva Secret’s more secluded, unspoilt location guarantees crowd-free, abundant sightings of the marine big five – including dolphins, turtles, manta rays and the occasional sperm whale if you’re lucky – it is much more exclusive and smaller than its predecessors. The resort has only 14 beach and overwater villas (three are only accessible by electric boat), including what will soon become the Maldives’ first floating villa.

Other Soneva Resorts in Maldives include Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani – but Soneva Secret is the crowning jewel

The luxe Robinson Crusoe style open-plan overwater villas seamlessly blend the indoors and outdoors, and are made from FSC certified wood and finished with mosaic-style roofs composed of leftover scraps. The warm, earthy interiors are expansive – they start at 4,800 sq ft – and feature elegant and sustainable design details while the amenities scream stealth wealth. Guests can enjoy an additional en suite bedroom, fully equipped pantry and kitchen, private freshwater pool, multiple outdoor dining areas, upstairs spa treatment room and a customisable in-villa gym boasting state-of-the-art equipment.

Expect bespoke service fit for a royal the moment you step off the plane

What the resort lacks in size, it more than makes up for in terms of service. Soneva Secret’s not-so-secret weapon is its ultra-bespoke concept that ensures all guests’ whims are catered to as soon as they step off the seaplane. Each villa comes with at least two dedicated staff members or barefoot guardians, who do everything from unpacking your luggage and making your bed to serving you breakfast and consulting the resident doctor to create a customised wellness programme.

The 14 dedicated chefs at the villa will whip up meals of cuisine from all over the world