Soneva Jani is an overwater sanctuary in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll, set amid pristine lagoons. Accommodation spans beach villas in the jungle, overwater villas with retractable roofs and signature villas, from one to four bedrooms, many with private pools, wine vaults and the water slides into the lagoon that originated here.
Dining is varied, from the Sri Lankan Crab Shack and the overwater Japanese-and-cinema Director’s Cut to the Irori Grill, the international Lagoon Club, the Maldivian-Peruvian Chill and the open-fire Primitive, with a tuk-tuk cocktail bar and 24-hour cheese, chocolate and ice-cream rooms. Wellness is by Soneva Soul, with yoga, Pilates and an Ayurvedic doctor. There is lagoon exploration and snorkelling with turtles, watersports, tennis, an outdoor Cinema Paradiso and The Den children’s playground. Part of Soneva, holding two Michelin Keys, it suits families and active couples who want overwater villas, slides and a playful yet refined barefoot-luxury stay.