Soneva Secret : Unveiling The Maldives’ First Floating Villa

The Maldives has unveiled a new ultra-exclusive resort that goes beyond typical offerings like underwater or over-water bungalows. Soneva, renowned for their sustainable resorts, has announced the launch of Maldive’s first floating villa –  Soneva Secret 2024. A haven of luxury nestled within the pristine landscapes of the Maldives’ remote Haa Dhaalu atoll, Soneva Secret’s groundbreaking concept has a focus on “rare and personalised experiences” and has been 30 years in the making.

Image courtesy of Soneva Secret 

Soneva Secret builds on the Soneva brand’s reputation for sustainability, personalized service, and nature-inspired design. Blending seamlessly into untouched natural surroundings, Soneva Secret features just 14 beach and overwater villas, including the Maldives’ only floating villa – Castaway Villa. The Castaway, spreads across two floors, is designed to be unaffected by wave movements and is only accessible only by a boat.

This expansive villa features Soneva’s signature saltwater pool and curved slide straight into the lagoon, as well as a retractable roof over the master bedroom for stargazing. Upstairs, a spa treatment room, waterslide into the lagoon and an al fresco dining sala complete this private, exclusive space.

Image courtesy of Soneva Secret 

Some of the other villas include the Crusoe Villas and reserve, Overwater Hideaway, Beach Hideaway and reserve. Every villa feature direct lagoon access or beach front views. Massive master suites have retractable roofs to stargaze from the comfort of your bed. Adjoining bedrooms accommodate families and groups in this intimate setting.

The resort raises the bar on Soneva’s signature service. Each villa features a dedicated team of three, which includes a Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant and dedicated chef, to ensure every stay is wholly personalised. The resort’s 14 chefs de partie each hail from a different country and bring with them exceptional knowledge of their local cuisine, including Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Maldivian, Italian, Indonesian, Mediterranean, South American, Sri Lankan, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian and Nordic. With a dedicated chef for every villa, enjoy the finest, authentic fare in your own private paradise.

Other dining experiences include Out of This World, zipline to the castaway dining tower, wine cellar and observatory, surrounded by endless sea views and dramatic skyscapes. Take your seat on the elevated terrace, while the resident astronomer helps navigate the skies for a heavenly dining experience. This toes-in-the-sand dining experience at So Primitive takes cuisine back to its roots, with meat, seafood and plant-based dishes cooked over a central fire pit, inviting convivial gatherings. The Living Room, the island hub and casual dining and lounge venue, which is also home to a library, boutique and Soneva’s renowned ice cream, chocolate and cheese and charcuterie rooms.

Related: Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Unveils World’s Largest Standalone Overwater Villa 

Image courtesy of Soneva Secret 

Soneva Secret isn’t just about luxury; it’s about reconnecting with the abundant nature that thrives around the island. Explore crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, from majestic manta rays to playful dolphins and gentle whale sharks. Embark on family adventures beyond compare, from sunset dolphin cruises to guided snorkeling with the resort’s experienced Marine Biologist or stargazing under the exceptionally clear night skies with the resident Astronomer.

Getting to Soneva Secret 2024 is an experience in itself, with options including a scenic 75-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé, or shorter flights from sister properties Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. For those seeking a leisurely journey, a full-day cruise onboard Soneva in Aqua from Soneva Fushi offers a luxurious way to arrive. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Kulhudhuffushi Airport in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll and enjoy a one-hour speedboat ride to the resort, setting the stage for an unforgettable retreat at Soneva Secret 2024.

Soneva Secret 2024 is now open for bookings.