In the farthest reaches of the Maldives, where azure waters meet endless horizon, is Soneva Secret.

Set in the heart of the archipelago’s remote Haa Dhaalu Atoll, this exclusive resort is set to welcome its first guests in January 2024, promising an unparalleled blend of eco-conscious tourism and luxury – a sanctuary where the ethos of the slow living movement intertwines seamlessly with every experience. T

The Setting and Suites

Upon arrival, you are welcomed into a realm where time seems to stretch indefinitely. Nestled in an untouched natural setting are only 14 beach and overwater villas, each a testament to thoughtful design that harmonises with the natural environment. Among them are the resort’s Lagoon Crusoe Villas, accessible only by boat, and the ground-breaking Castaway, the Maldives' first-ever floating villa.

These accommodations offer magnificent views and direct access to either the powdery white sand beach or the lagoon. Soneva Secret’s master suites promise to take your stay up a notch – with a roof that slides open to unveil star-strewn skies. They also have adjoining bedrooms that ensure ample space, perfect for families or those who simply want space to unwind and enjoy time away.

The Inspiration

The slow life movement, which inspired Soneva's philosophy, traces its roots to activist and author Carlo Petrini's protest against the opening of a McDonald's restaurant in Piazza di Spagna, Rome, in 1986. It has since evolved from being mostly about the benefits of Petrini's Slow Food Movement into a subculture and mindset, encouraging us to curate a more meaningful and conscious lifestyle aligned with core values. The essence lies in doing everything at the right speed, forsaking the relentless pursuit of speed in favour of doing things better.

Bespoke Experience

Adding to the allure and in line with today’s most discerning traveller, each of Soneva Secret’s villas boasts a dedicated Barefoot Guardian and Barefoot Assistant, anticipating and fulfilling every desire. To elevate your culinary experience, the resort features 14 private chefs – one for each villa. They craft exceptional menus and culinary journeys, whether enjoyed in the privacy of your villa or amidst nature at the island's most picturesque spots.

Experiential dining options include Out of This World – a castaway dining tower and observatory in the lagoon, reachable by a thrilling zipline. For a more grounded experience, So Primitive offers toes-in-the-sand fire pit dining. The island hub, The Living Room, serves as a casual dining and lounge venue, also housing a library, boutique, and special ice cream, chocolate, and cheese rooms – something Soneva is known for across its properties.

At Soneva Secret, the experiences extend beyond the confines of your villa. Rare bespoke encounters are curated for every guest, reconnecting them with the abundant nature surrounding the island. Dive into an underwater haven, where crystal clear waters are home to manta rays, curious dolphins, tropical fish, and gentle whale sharks (that may reshape the clichéd way you’ve always thought of sharks).

Family experiences also go beyond the ordinary, whether it's picnics on castaway shores, sunset dolphin cruises, guided snorkelling with an experienced Marine Biologist, or navigating the night skies with exceptionally clear views of the Milky Way alongside the resident Astronomer.

A Scenic Arrival

Red Sea Resort: Aqua Aerodrome & Water Runway

Reaching this idyllic paradise is an adventure in itself. Guests can opt for a scenic 75-minute seaplane flight directly from Velana International Airport in Malé. Alternatively, there are shorter flights from Soneva’s sister properties Fushi and Jani, or a leisurely full-day cruise from Soneva Fushi onboard Soneva in Aqua – an ultra-luxurious 23-metre yacht that can be privately chartered. Alternatively, a direct flight into Kulhudhuffushi Airport in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll followed by a one-hour speedboat ride offers a more serene journey.

Responsible Tourism Pioneer

Established in 1995, Soneva has redefined eco-conscious luxury hospitality across its properties. Blending sustainability with intuitive, personalised service, the brand has been carbon neutral since 2012. They also launched a Total Impact Assessment in 2016, an initiative measuring social and environmental impact across its properties, including Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, the Soneva in Aqua yacht, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand – a worthy effort at a time when many large hospitality brands aim toward a goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

As you step onto the soft sands of Soneva Secret, you're not merely entering a luxurious retreat; you're immersing yourself in a sanctuary where awe and wonder meet sustainability. This new addition to the Maldives invites travellers to embrace slow living, where every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature, indulge in conscious living, and savour the true essence of luxury.

@discoversoneva

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