Soneva Jani

Character and identity

Soneva Jani sprawls across a 150-acre island on the Medhufaru lagoon in the remote Noonu Atoll, reached by a 40-minute seaplane from Malé. Shoes vanish into a canvas bag on arrival and don't reappear until you leave. The 25 villas (a mix of overwater retreats with retractable roofs, glass floors and waterslides into the lagoon, plus newer beachfront island villas) are built in pale timbers with coral and sea-blue accents. Ten-plus restaurants and bars fan around the lagoon, anchored by The Gathering, Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren and outdoor-cinema spot Director's Cut. A three-level treetop Island Spa and the Soneva Soul wellness programme define the wellbeing offer. Service is warm and informal, with barefoot butlers on buggies coordinating by WhatsApp.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this resort apart is how completely it commits to the playful end of luxury: slides into the lagoon, retractable roofs over the bed, an overwater observatory, and a kids' club that genuinely rivals the spa for ambition. Book a Chapter Two villa for the all-inclusive package (spa, seaplane, food and wine, butler) if you want the full experience without bill anxiety, and request the newer north-side overwater villas.