1. Who are the Founders of Soneva Resorts?

They arrived in the Maldives as Tourists!

The founders and owners of Soneva Resorts are Sonu Shivdasani (Englishman, with Indian origins) and his wife Eva Malmstrom (a top fashion model from Sweden in the 70-80’s).

They first arrived in Maldives as tourists and immediately felt the charm of the place, which eventually unfolded into having their luxury resort.

At the time, the Maldives Archipelago was not known as today in the sphere of the world’s top luxury holiday market.

Sonu and Eva’s innovation and enthusiasm seem to have played a key role in boosting the Maldives tourism industry’s rapid growth, especially in the luxury sector.

In 2023, there are more than 10 ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives.

These resorts collectively hold more than 1000 hotel rooms priced above $3000 per night (crazy eh? 🙂 ).

When fully booked, as often happens festive period of winter, the revenue amounts to $3 million per night. (boom! 😀 ).

As for Sonu and Eva, they opened their first resort, the Soneva Fushi, in 1995 on Kunfundhoo island, located in a UNESCO biosphere reserve in Baa Atoll.

After that, they opened Soneva Jani, a second resort located in Noonu Atoll, near Maafaru International Airport where some of the world’s wealthiest tourists arrive on private jets and quickly escape into the paradise. 

Once opened, the new Soneva Secret will be no different in terms of luxury and exclusivity.

As the name suggests, the owners are emphasizing more seclusion and privacy in Soneva Secret which would limit the number of villas on the resort.

At the moment Soneva Fushi offers 71 villas, and Soneva Jani comes with 51 villas including some over water and others on the beach.

And what about Soneva Secret? Let’s find out! 😀

2. How Soneva Secret

will Raise the Bar of Maldives Luxury!

1. SONEVA SECRET | INNOVATION 2024: THE CASTAWAY VILLA

In 2024 the Soneva Secret will unveil a new invention to the luxury holiday market: the floating villa.

Named “Castaway Villa“, it will be a two-story structure that will be accessible only by sea.

The villa can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children in 1 bedroom, it’s awaited as one of the top inventions in the Maldives as it is going to be the first floating villa in all the country! 😀

It comes with a water slide, dining, and retreat facilities.

2. SONEVA SECRET | “OVERWATER HIDEAWAY” VILLA

The Overwater Hideaway in Soneva Secret comes with 1 bedroom and a private infinity pool.

There is a large living area and a spacious deck leading to the pool.

The water slide is on a side to prevent it from blocking the view.

The villa can sleep 2 adults and 2 children in 1 bedroom, the whole villa occupies an area of 461 sqm (!!!).

Unlike the floating villa, the Overwater Hideaway is connected to the island by jetty.

If you prefer convenience over privacy then this villa would be perfect, but Soneva Secret offers more choices.

3. SONEVA SECRET | THE “BEACH RESERVE”

The biggest villa in Soneva Secret is called the Beach Reserve, it expands to a whopping 1158 sqm spreading over 2 floors.

There are 2 master bedrooms, 2 additional double bedrooms.

Most of the facilities are located in ground floor and there are 3 different sections in this estate.

At the beach-front it is the infinity pool that is attached to living complex.

At each side there is a tiny hallway leading to a living complex featuring bedrooms, relaxing areas, gym, luggage storage etc.

4. SONEVA SECRET | THE “CRUSOE RESERVE”

The Crusoe Reserve is a modern family water villa that comes with 2 bedrooms, and offers capacity to accommodate 4 adults and 4 children.

The master bedroom contains Soneva’s iconic retractable roof.

Children can do studies at sea view locations.

For private dining, there is a facility within the villa as well as outdoors.

The spa, luggage room, and gym complete the abode for overwater living.

5. SONEVA SECRET | THE “BEACH HIDEAWAY”

The “simplest” beach villa in Soneva Secret, but not for that less luxurious, is the Beach Hideaway which comes with 1 bedroom, ideal for couples, but it can accommodate up to 2 children.

Built over an area of 448 sqm, the villa spreads over 2 floors.

There is a private pool-facing beach, and as you walk inside there is a pavilion with a swing and sunken dining.

Most of the facilities are located downstairs.

On upper floor it is only the dining sala with a sea view and spa treatment room.

The retractable room is located above the master bedroom and also contains a TV lounge. The study area in the master bedroom would be perfect as a workstation if you bring your laptop. There is an additional double bedroom, both contain outdoor shower with a mini garden.

Conclusion

And here we are at the end of the article!

In this article, we’ve has the chance to “pre-view” the Soneva Secret Resort that will open its doors in January 2024.

A trip to the Maldives is a dream for many, sadly it’s not cheap and often is a once-in-lifetime experience, but if you have the chance and the economic possibility to experience something like this, well… why not do it? We only live once after all! ;D

If you would like to know more about why Maldives are so awesome, I will leave you here two related articles we also wrote about Why Maldives Resorts are Good For Family Holidays, as well as 5 Not-so-Obvious Benefits of Retreating in a Water Villa.

Before going, I also would like to ask you:

What do you think about the article?

Have you already had the chance to experience the Maldives or a Water Villa before?

What can you tell us about your experience? Was it worthy? What did you like most? 🙂

If you’d like to share your experience, we would be happy to hear it! (we always love to have some chat 🙂 ).

So please, let us know in the comments below!

Thanks a lot for reading, and as always…

See you in the next article! 🙂

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