The original barefoot castaway island, deep in a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Soneva Fushi is the resort that defined barefoot luxury in the Maldives: a large, densely wooded island where villas sit hidden in the jungle, each a short walk from its own stretch of beach. You leave your shoes on arrival and get around by bicycle along sandy paths.
Most villas are on land, from one-bedroom Crusoe villas to nine-bedroom estates with slides and private gyms. A small number of Water Reserves sit over the lagoon, with retractable roofs and slides into the sea.
Food is a big part of the stay. There are more than a dozen places to eat, from an overwater restaurant to treetop zip-line dining, plus rooms of free chocolate, ice cream and cheese open around the clock. Baa Atoll is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and Hanifaru Bay, famous for manta rays, is nearby.
This is a big, spread-out island: expect to cycle everywhere, and to feel more 'jungle' than 'overwater'. Dining across a dozen-plus venues and visiting-chef dinners can add a lot on top of the villa rate.
Set among palms near the beach, a castaway-style villa with open-plan living, a private pool and an outdoor deck.
King bed
An elevated Crusoe suite by the beach with a children's room, a family room, a private pool and an outdoor terrace.
King bed
Airy interiors opening onto a garden terrace and private pool, with an open-air garden bathroom.
King bed
Close to the shore, with separate sleeping areas for children, a swing seat, a kitchenette and open-air living.
Four-poster bed
Two-bedroom villas and suites near the shore, with generous terraces, open-air living and a private pool.
Steps from the beach, with open living spaces, large daybeds, shaded terraces and a private pool.
Three bedrooms steps from the sand, with a children's room and pool, a large kitchen and wide outdoor living areas.
Large residences with three or four bedrooms, flowing indoor-outdoor spaces and, in some, a waterslide and steam room.
Four bedrooms close to the sand, with wide terraces and expansive living areas.
Private estates for families and groups, with their own slides, steam and sauna rooms, spa rooms and gyms.
Reached by jetty over the lagoon, with wide views, a private pool, a slide straight into the sea and a roof that opens to the sky.
King bed, plus a children's sleeping room
The larger overwater reserve: two bedrooms, wide decks, a private pool and a slide into the lagoon.
King bed, plus a children's sleeping room
The same resort and the same villa, booked through people who live here.
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Asian grill and sharing plates
Multi-course dining reached by zip line
Garden-grown herbs, smoke and island flavours
Japanese omakase sushi counter
The day's catch, simply cooked
Maldivian dishes cooked over open flames
Japanese teppanyaki over fire
All-day pastries, island dishes and breakfast
Visiting chefs' tasting menus
Seasonal Mediterranean dishes
Fresh pasta from an open kitchen
Cocktails and tapas
Free chocolate, ice cream and cheese; rare and organic wines
Spa and wellbeing, with treatments such as Thai tok sen
Kids club with a pirate ship, pool, zip line and teen zone
Glass-blowing from the island's recycled glass
Stargazing with the resident astronomer
The shape comes from OpenStreetMap, simplified: a guide to the layout, not a survey. © OpenStreetMap contributors.
About 30 minutes by seaplane, or a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo and a short boat ride.
Dates, budget, who is coming. We will come back with three resorts that fit, and why.
