By Pascal Languillon, CEO Luxe Wellness Club
When we think of the Maldives, images of turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches and overwater bungalows instantly spring to mind. But beyond the clichés lies an even rarer, almost surreal experience: that of Soneva Jani. This private island nestled in the Noonu atoll is distinguished by its holistic approach to luxury, combining respect for the environment, spectacular design and an incomparable sense of escape. The icing on the cake: wellness and preventative health take center stage! Here’s my feedback on a hotel that goes straight into my top 5 of the world’s most extraordinary hotels!
As soon as I arrived in Malé, the capital of the Maldives, I was taken care of by Soneva’s warm and ultra-professional team. After a 45-minute seaplane flight, I saw the outline of Noonu atoll taking shape beneath me. The first thrill of excitement washed over me. The sea seemed clearer, more vibrant than elsewhere, almost unreal.
The water landing set the tone for what was to come. I was greeted by my“Mr Friday“, a personal butler assigned to me for the duration of my stay. Yes, you read that right, at Soneva, each villa has its own butler, both discreet and attentive, ready to satisfy even the simplest or most extravagant wishes.
An unforgettable floating villa
As soon as I crossed the threshold of my Water Retreat at Soneva Jani, I felt as if I’d entered a parallel world, somewhere between dream and reality. More than just a villa, it’s a veritable floating palace of over 400 m², suspended above a turquoise lagoon. The immense master bedroom opens onto the ocean and conceals a magical surprise: a retractable roof that lets you fall asleep under a star-studded sky.
All around, the spaces follow one another like so many promises of escape: a bright lounge area, an outdoor bathroom with a bathtub facing the sea, a terrace with a huge infinity pool, andthat famous slide that plunges straight into the lagoon. The child in me didn’t resist for long before sliding down the slide with a hearty laugh. Every morning, I began this ritual by jumping out of bed! More effective than a cup of coffee!
What impressed me most was the sense of space and freedom. I could choose between sunbathing on a net over the water, diving into the turquoise sea at any hour, or simply letting myself be lulled to sleep by the silence, interrupted only by the lapping of the waves. Every detail seemed designed to disconnect you completely: the softness of the natural materials, the exceptional luminosity, the feeling of being alone in the world in this fairytale-like setting. I found myself looking up at the sky in the middle of the night, the roof open, with the certainty of experiencing one of those rare moments when time stands still.
I can say without a doubt that this is the most spectacular 2-person villa I’ve ever been lucky enough to stay in, and I think a lot of guests feel the same way, even if they’re seasoned veterans of the world’s finest palaces.
Total disconnection
As soon as I settled in, I felt what Soneva calls the “no news, no shoes” policy : here, you’re encouraged to disconnect from the outside world, to free yourself from your shoes and your worries. From the moment I dropped off my suitcases, I took off my shoes, and they never left my feet… until the end of my stay. The sensation of walking barefoot on the wooden walkways, directly on the white sand, adds to the feeling of total escape.
The island of Soneva Jani is much larger than I’d imagined, and to explore every nook and cranny, the bikes provided in the villa quickly became indispensable. I loved pedaling along the wooden walkways, hair blowing in the wind, with that delicious feeling of freedom. Every bike ride is a little adventure in itself: skirting the immaculate beaches, traversing the lush vegetation, or stopping to admire the lagoon from different angles.
Omnipresent, unspoiled nature
The resort’s design combines luxury and ecology. Everything is made from natural, recyclable materials, and most of the energy is solar. A responsible approach that contrasts pleasantly with the resort’s extravagance. Soneva’s commitment to preserving the environment while offering an ultra-luxury experience is a winning bet. There’s an impressive zero waste policy, with an on-site organic farm and recycling center.
Contact with nature is at the heart of the Soneva experience. The resort also offers the chance to explore the surrounding coral reefs, a true Maldivian treasure. Unfortunately, on the day I was due to do so, the weather was rainy and I had to cancel.
Soneva Soul: Holistic well-being beyond the traditional spa
I was also very impressed by the magnificent Soneva Soul Spa, a veritable sanctuary of well-being. This spa is nestled in the island’s lush vegetation, offering treatments inspired by traditional Maldivian practices and modern techniques. I indulged in a signature massage with organic essential oils, a deeply relaxing experience. The therapists are experts in their field, and each treatment is tailored to your individual needs.
The spa’s holistic approach also includes Ayurvedic medicine consultations and rejuvenation treatments. Here, body, mind and soul are gently nurtured.
My meeting with Dr Ashley Aperocho will undoubtedly remain the most memorable moment of my stay at Soneva Jani. We had fascinating conversations that went beyond the usual framework of a simple medical consultation. His intellectual curiosity and holistic vision of health immediately captivated me. We talked at length about mushrooms, those unsuspected allies of longevity, which she considers to be nature’s treasures for boosting immunity, sustaining energy and preventing cellular aging. I was inspired by the way she integrated ancestral knowledge from Chinese medicine and Ayurveda with a modern, scientific approach.
What struck me about her was her twofold dimension: a rare finesse in listening, able to grasp my needs and concerns in depth, and at the same time her cutting-edge medical expertise. She spoke to me with great clarity about her regenerative medicine practices, in particular the use of stem cells, a field that opens up fascinating prospects for tomorrow’s medicine – a cutting-edge approach that promises to revolutionize the treatment of chronic diseases, just as antibiotics did for infections decades ago. At Soneva Jani, patient safety is a priority, which is why the stem cells used come mainly from bone marrow, considered to be the safest source. Moreover, these treatments are developed in collaboration with renowned medical centers, notably in Sweden, one of the world leaders in the field of stem cell therapy.
This therapy relies on three main effects to explain its effectiveness. Firstly, its anti-inflammatory action reduces inflammation at source, promoting healing, limiting tissue damage and bringing real relief to chronic pain sufferers. It also acts as a powerful modulator of the immune system, a valuable asset for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, restoring balance and preventing the body from attacking its own tissues. Finally,its regenerative potential is perhaps the most fascinating aspect: stem cells, capable of differentiating into any type of tissue, pave the way for the repair of damaged organs or structures, offering new prospects, particularly for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Soneva Soul is not just about the physical. There’s a real spiritual dimension to their approach to well-being. As well as massages and body treatments, you can take part in guided meditation sessions, yoga nidra (sleep yoga) or sound healing circles. I’ve discovered the incredible power of Tibetan bowls, whose soothing vibrations resonate deeply throughout the body.
A treat for the taste buds
Extraordinary resorts, extraordinary cuisine. Soneva Jani stands out for its unique culinary experiences. The So Wild by Diana Von Cranach restaurant offers exceptional raw vegan cuisine, which surprises with its freshness and refinement. I loved the dishes, skilfully prepared with local, organic and sustainably farmed produce.
What struck me was the diversity of the offerings: from refined dinners on stilts by the lagoon, to wellness menus highlighting the freshness of local produce, to gourmet buffets featuring the great classics of international cuisine. The feeling here is that there’s something for everyone, from light, healthy dishes to gourmet specialties for festive evenings.
Of all these culinary experiences, my favorite is undoubtedly the Crab Shack, Soneva Jani’s iconic restaurant, which alone is worth the trip. Upon arrival, you’ll discover a shack with your feet in the sand, a casual yet terribly chic atmosphere. The menu focuses on crabs and seafood, served with unrivalled generosity and freshness. I still remember the tender, flavorful crabmeat prepared to perfection, accompanied by homemade sauces that enhanced every bite.
In contrast, The Gathering embodies the vibrant heart of the resort. This large building, set above the water, brings together restaurants, a spa, a bookshop, boutiques and, of course, the famous ice cream, chocolate and cheese counters that are a true gourmet’s paradise. This is the place to have breakfast, stroll between appointments or enjoy an elegant dinner overlooking the lagoon.
Generous buffets, fresh Asian cuisine…. I would have loved to have spent hours in this friendly, happy atmosphere, oscillating between impromptu gourmet treats and moments of contemplation overlooking the ocean.
Our verdict
Soneva Jani embodies the very best that travel has to offer: wonder, inspiration and reconnection. We come here to recharge our batteries, to be surprised by the beauty of the Maldives and by moments of grace. It’s a place that redefines the very idea of luxury, focusing on authenticity, sustainability and pure emotion. Add to this an extraordinary spa with cutting-edge treatments! Soneva Jani is unquestionably one of the world’s finest addresses for those seeking to experience paradise.
Luxe Wellness Club
Book Soneva Jani
Rates: from €2,000 per night. Contact us to ask questions about our experience and take advantage of our exclusive Luxe Wellness Club benefits.
Contact us by phone to discuss your holiday plans:
from the UK: +44 20 4577 3258
from France on + 33 1 85 73 22 14
from Switzerland: +41 22 501 75 16
from the Emirates: +971 54 583 1623
from the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652
