At a time when things are moving so fast, and everything is demanding our attention, places that help us slow down are essential. True luxury nowadays is privacy, solitude, serenity and nature. And the place that arguably does it best is the newly-opened Soneva Secret in the Maldives. Here, you are one with nature. Soneva understands privacy.

Overview

Soneva Secret is a remote island in the Maldives, far away from the noise and daily life. Soneva Secret is the latest and most exclusive resort in the Soneva group. This includes Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani were listed in the World’s 50 Best Hotel Awards in 2023.

The founders and pioneers of sustainable hospitality, Sonu Shivdasani and his Swedish wife Eva Malmstrom, opened their first resort (Soneva Fushi) almost thirty years ago. They became famous for their laid-back attitude to luxury, with their sustainable slow-life concept, and motto of “No News, No Shoes.” Almost 30 years later, it is more relevant than ever.

One With Nature

Particularly their “No Shoes” concept is one of the many reasons that guests (including A-list celebrities) return year after year: to feel the true magic of being barefoot. Being a repeating guest at Soneva myself for over fifteen years, I know that magic well. When you remove your shoes, something happens: you become more grounded, more connected, and more in touch with yourself and nature. You naturally slow down.

And given Soneva Secret’s pristine remote location, this is easy to do. There is not another island or resort in sight.

Accommodation

The resort is intimate, with only fourteen villas. Each villa comes with its own team of two barefoot guardians (butlers) and a private chef that can cook any cuisines you wish. Each barefoot guardian has received almost fifteen thousand hours of training – so you can just their attentiveness is impeccable.

All villas come equipped with their own gym, spa, kitchen, and both indoor and outdoor bathrooms. If you prefer total privacy, you can literally stay in your villa the entire stay and never have to leave – because they are designed for just that.

Amenities

Should you wish to venture out past your villa, there is an impressive wine cellar and an observatory floating over water. You can even get there by zip line.

There is a beautiful restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean. And then, of course, there is the Soneva signature 24/7 chocolate/ice-cream/cheese room, which has an unlimited amount of all three, as well as a homemade vegan and dairy-free variation of all three. Over the years, I have met many wonderful guests over an ice-cream (coconut is the winner), some of whom are now dear friends for life.

Soneva Secret has a Soneva Soul Spa, with treatments to fully relax and recharge.

The island also boasts a kids club, which offers a great variety of activities for all ages. It is also one of the best places in the Maldives for diving and for swimming with Manta Rays and turtles – and that’s worth noting for both adults and children.

Now you know my secret

Whether it’s a honeymoon, birthday, wedding anniversary or simply just a break from your busy daily life, Soneva Secret is always the move. It can also be combined with a stay before or after at Soneva Fushi, and or Soneva Jani to get the full experience.

A dear friend of mine, who stayed at Soneva Secret, put it like this: “There are not many resorts where you feel isolated, but at the same time, surrounded by the most knowledgeable staff that moves like shadows around you, focused only on being at your service. The service is at a level that is incomparable with any other resort. It’s like being alone on a paradise island, but with the service of a 5-star hotel in Paris. Soneva Secret cannot be explained – it must be experienced.”

Places like this are rare finds. Especially those where you can go to disconnect and reconnect. Ultimately, it makes you more present. This is my main focus for 2025 – and Soneva Secret is the secret.

FAQs

Q: Is Soneva Secret child-friendly?

A: Yes, Soneva Secret is not only child-friendly, but also has a kids club with various child-friendly activities.

Q: Where exactly is Soneva Secret located?

A: Soneva Secret is located in the sparkling waters of the Maldives’ Makunudhoo Atoll.

Q: When is the best time of year to travel to Soneva Secret?

A: The best time of year to travel to Soneva Secret is during the dry season, which is December to April.