The Maldives
May 18 2018
Add to Favorites Remove From FavoritesSurrounded by rhythmic crystal-clear turquoise waters, arriving at Soneva Fushi is arriving to paradise. Greeted by your Mr or Mrs. Friday, your very own personal butler, with a warm welcome and the brief that no shoes are allowed on the island, you are induced almost immediately into heavenly relaxation. With bare feet sinking blissfully into the soft sandy white sand, the novelty just as cathartic as the actual healing benefits.
Eco-luxe private "Robinson Cruso-esque" villas are nestled in behind beachfront foliage with private pools glinting in the sunlight and sandy white paths down to your very own private beachfront. Only the sound of the gentle shore breaks as far as the ear can hear, blue horizen stretching as far as the eye can see. So, what do you do when you have nothing to do?
Every inch designed with the aim to enhance the natural experience of island life, the first impression which is pleasingly lasting is Soneva Fushi's meticulous attention to detail. The resort is a homage to its owners Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, who originally purchased the island as a after having spent their honeymoon on the island and falling madly in love with its magical qualities.
Shortly after, the couple was told that the island had to be run as a commercial venture and so Soneva resorts were borne. Eva a model and globetrotter, and Sonu a businessman educated in London and also the founder and CEO of the six senses resorts which he sold in 2012. Soneva Fushi reflects their well-traveled sophistication, love for luxury and world-class six-star service, all with the intent to enhance the natural magical healing qualities of island life. Set on an idyllic secluded island with thick, lush tropical green jungle, meandering hidden paths that open out to private white sandy beaches Soneva Fushi delightfully exceeds expectations.
Riding barefoot on bicycles through cool, winding, sandy paths, canopies of thick jungle overhead shading the bright tropical sun-lit sky, dappled light peeking through foliage in brilliant bursts and warming sun-kissed skin. Breakfast buffets overflow with mouthwateringly fresh papaya, delicious sweet yellow mango, bright pink watermelon, pineapple and fragrant, juicy red pomegranate. Or, the chefs can make you whatever you fancy...The walk-in- refrigerated fresh salad room, chocolate room, ice cream room and cheese and cured meats room invite visits whenever you feel a bit peck-ish. A visit to the ice cream room for a self-served ice cream, or two, becomes a daily afternoon ritual and the novelty becomes a more and more delicious experience each time. Rich home-made salted caramel, vanilla bean, decadent coffee flavor and strawberry gelato become the 3pm daily treat.
Adults can relax in the whilst kids play in the kids Den, a colorful (still within the rustic Robinso Cruso rustic theme but) with bright splashes of vibrant colour and so much to ignite the child inside.. Dining at the beach front restaurant, feet in the sand and waves lapping at the shore just centimeters away, or under the stars, on elevated wooden decks high above the canopy of jungle book treetops. With Michelin Star Chefs flown in from around the globe, each food experience is a bespoke delight for the senses.
Inside private villas, lofty traditional thatched ceilings and immaculate attention to detail invite complete relaxation. Soft fluffy oversize towels, handcrafted artisan crockery, and sophisticated accents. Cool stone tiles and expansive floor to ceiling glass windows on all sides, with lush green rainforest as far as the eye can see, making you feel like you really are on your very own private island. Brilliant bright orange day beds sprawl with soft plump pillows in the living room, perfect for afternoon movies, siestas and lazing indoors when it's too hot outside. All the finishes constructed in eco-lux, raw materials with absolute privacy and comfort the result.
Outdoor hammocks, swinging day bed and an upstairs sundeck with unobstructed views of the florescent turquoise horizon to watch the sunsets. An oversized giant bathtub sits in a secluded pond at the back of the bathroom, sunken deep into the earth, with bath salts and bubbles that smell like the rainforest. The hypnotic sounds of running water from the tops of the high natural stone walls into the clear ponds surrounding.
Daily snorkeling outside the villa in clear warm glassy oceans of turquoise, hundreds of vibrant tropical fish in hues of brilliant orange yellow red and blue dart playfully between chunks of brightly colored and sun-bleached coral, a sea-turtle meanders past close enough to touch. Ocean waters, the same balmy warmth as the outside air temperature and brilliant pink-orange sunsets and ginger martinis give way to inky black clear starry nights and French champagne.
Relaxed and refreshed after four days and five nights in heaven, we say goodbye to Soneva Fushi, our Mr. Friday escorts us from our villa to a waiting speedboat. Soneva Fushi shrinks to a speck on the distant horizon behind us as we jet off towards sister resort Soneva Jani, a modern-day picturesque six- star over-water bungalow resort.
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