Description

One of the largest Maldivian islands, Kunfunadhoo brings together a wild assortment of natural beauty; it’s deep, turquoise lagoons are filled with exotic marine life, from the vibrant coral reefs to the remarkable colonies of nesting turtles. Back on land, the isle has bursts of luscious tropical jungles that lead up to the pure white sandy beaches. 

Soneva Fushi is nestled at the heart of this expansive tropical splendour, which becomes an impressive backdrop for the resort’s luxurious accommodation. Enclosed by the flourishing palm jungle, each of the hotel’s high ceilinged suites has a neutral décor offset by rustic jungle timber. Each suite has a lavish open-air garden bathroom, complete with rain shower and large bathtub. While a private outdoor terrace makes the perfect suntrap during the long afternoons.

Not to be upstaged by the accommodation, the resort’s restaurant team has created a number of innovative and unique dining experiences inspired by the island’s majesty. A treetop walk leads guests over the resort’s organic gardens to Fresh In The Garden; this elevated restaurant is surrounded by the tops of banana trees and operates with an open kitchen, serving an authentic Maldivian menu. Other restaurant experiences include candlelit dinners for two by the seashore and personal in villa dining, with each team of chefs offering a sumptuous myriad of world foods.

Soneva Fushi’s creative design spills over into the bubbly bars and beach saloons that adorn the island resort. The beach side Bar(a)bara features innovative overwater net seating, allowing guests to relax and watch the sunset over the horizon, while every one of the vibrant bars serves fresh cocktails made from ingredients grown in the resort’s organic gardens.

Thanks to its stunning location, Soneva Fushi is able to offer an abundance of leisure pursuits throughout the day. As well as offering a large amount of ocean water sports, the resort also has a number of sports courts and even a nature trail designed for joggers. Innovative additions such as the island observatory and beachfront cinema screenings add a unique twist to the resort’s activities.

After exploring the resort, the Six Sense spa is the ideal place to unwind, offering a mix of wellness exercises, therapies and body treatments.

When to travel

The Maldives offer an idyllic tropical climate with the main summer season from December to April, getting hotter from February. The wetter months are May through to November. Best time to visit: December – April, Good time to visit: May - November

Location

Sixty nautical miles northwest of Malé International Airport, in the Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi’s home of Kunfunadhoo Island is one of the Maldives’ largest at 1,400 metres long and almost 400 metres wide. From Male it is a 35-minute scenic flight in a seaplane to the island of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll. The water landing is at the Soneva Fushi airport pontoon, from which guests are transferred by motor boat to the island’s jetty and the warm greetings of management and hosts.