Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi is one of the most magical places I’ve ever been in my entire life. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave your every need is taken care of. I went with my husband and our 3 children (5, 3 and 4 months old) and we all had the most amazing holiday. The food (special mention to the breakfast - sensational!) was amazing and varied. The kids club and babysitters were fantastic and very capable. The villas are so gorgeous, spacious and extremely well kept. Having three young children I truly forgot what it was like to feel relaxed however when my older boys were at kids club and my baby was sleeping in his cot, I was able to read my book in the sun and dip in and out of the crystal clear ocean and it was HEAVEN. Special mention to Micky, our barefoot guardian, who felt like part of the family by the end of our stay. We can’t wait to return!

We spent two magical nights at Soneva Fushi before heading to Soneva Jani, and it completely stole our hearts. Even though it’s one of the larger islands in the Maldives, it somehow feels so cozy and peaceful. There's something really special about the atmosphere there. We stayed one night in a beach villa and one in a overwater villa, and both were absolutely incredible in their own ways. The restaurants were amazing. We especially loved Out of the Blue, such an impressive design for a restaurant, and the food was delicious. One of the highlights was dinner at Fresh in the Garden, a magical spot surrounded by greenery, and we ended the evening at the Observatory, stargazing through a telescope with the resort’s own astronomer. Looking at planets while hearing stories about the universe was such a cool, unexpected experience. We also tried the zipline, which was way more fun than we expected. And honestly, what made our time at Soneva Fushi even more special was our host, Regina. She was absolutely incredible! The most thoughtful, attentive, and effortlessly kind person. I’ve never experienced that level of care and attention at a hotel before. Regina, you're a star! Soneva Fushi will always have a very special place in our memories.

I’ve been fortunate to stay at some of the world’s finest resorts globally and also in the Maldives – The Ritz, Four Seasons, One&Only, Como, Jumeirah, Six Senses – and rarely write reviews. I also hesitated with this given all the positive review but the readers should discern with all the info. Last year was a milestone birthday for us and we booked Soneva Fushi with great anticipation. This was a true “bucket list” stay. I’ve admired Sonu Shivdasani’s vision for years - since our first stay at Six Senses and expected something extraordinary. We arrived late last year 2024. The transfer flight from Malé was flawless and filled us with excitement. Unfortunately, the moment we stepped onto the island, the experience unraveled. Arrival & Welcome The welcome was among the worst we’ve ever experienced in the Maldives. The GM began greeting us, then abruptly walked away to take a phone call - which I over heard him telling off some poor staff member. Throughout our stay, his attitude was dismissive and distracted – more interested in his own dinner table than his guests. For a flagship property, this was shocking. Atmosphere & Grounds The island had a distinctly low-energy feel. “Rustic” here often crossed into “run-down.” The grounds were poorly maintained, some areas with odd smells, and the overall ambience felt tired rather than intentional. Villa We were placed in one of the new overwater villas – an enormous 4,500 sq ft space with a huge pool and slide - yes I know the pictures are wow. Impressive on paper, disappointing in reality. The pool had visible algae, furniture was worn, and the design felt more gimmicky than refined (sliding roof, awkwardly planned wardrobes, broken fittings). Even the basics – clean bedding and proper pillows – were lacking. Dining Our first dinner was one of the poorest we’ve had at any luxury property. A basic barbecue with below-average food quality, inconsistent drink service (the same cocktail arriving in different glasses), and a farmyard feel with chickens and rabbits running around the dining area. It felt chaotic, not curated. Service & Management To their credit, when we raised concerns, a couple of managers (not the GM) tried to help. But the issues were too fundamental – cleanliness, upkeep, energy of the island. None of it reflected the standard expected at this level and at the price they charge. Departure After One Night We had booked several nights but chose to leave after just one. My daughter even asked if we could go home – that’s how poor the atmosphere felt. Thankfully, our agent helped us transfer to Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, where we spent the rest of our stay and immediately felt the difference. The Four Seasons team was warm, genuine, and attentive. Not more “luxurious,” just simply better in every way that matters our trip was saved and was memorable. Final Thoughts I cannot understand how Soneva Fushi continues to win “best resort” accolades. Perhaps on reputation, b