By Jodie Mason, CEO, Extraordinary Escapes Maldives
Luxury Travel Specialist Since 2002
One of our Extraordinary Escapes traditions is to begin each day in the Maldives with an ocean swim before breakfast. At Soneva Fushi, this takes on a far more playful form. Staying in one of the extraordinary two-bedroom Water Reserves, complete with private pool and water slide, our morning begins by quite literally sliding straight from the villa into the turquoise lagoon, an exhilarating and unforgettable way to start the day.
Extraordinary Escapes’ Kids starting the day with a waterslide
Soneva Fushi is the original Robinson Crusoe barefoot luxury resort, and one that holds a special place in our story. It was one of the very first resorts we experienced over 23 years ago, and over time, we have returned again and again, watching it evolve, while still maintaining its position as one of the most iconic and respected luxury resorts in the Maldives.
From here, we step onto our bikes, barefoot and relaxed, and ride through the island’s dense, jungle-like pathways, a beautifully natural setting that defines the Soneva experience. Along the way, you pass freely roaming bunnies, hens, and other unexpected touches that bring a sense of charm and personality to the island.
Breakfast is a vibrant and energising experience, perfectly in keeping with the spirit of Soneva, and sets us up for what is always an adventure-filled day ahead. One of the most unique features here is their outstanding chocolate room, and on holiday, we firmly believe this is entirely acceptable at breakfast. It is one of those unexpected, indulgent touches that makes Soneva Fushi so memorable.
This truly is the dedicated Chocolate Room at Soneva Fushi’s Breakfast
After breakfast, we make our way to Out of the Blue, where we meet the marine biologist for a guided house reef snorkel. This is, without question, one of the most unique ways to begin a snorkelling experience in the Maldives. Climbing the spiral staircase to the top of the two-storey water slide, fins in one hand and mask in the other, we launch ourselves into the lagoon, straight onto one of the Maldives’ most exceptional house reefs.
The snorkelling here is consistently spectacular. On this particular morning, we were fortunate enough to encounter a manta ray on the house reef, something that never loses its sense of awe, no matter how many times we experience it.
In true Soneva style, our Barefoot Guardian anticipates the exact time out snorkelling adventure will end and meets us with towels in hand to take us to BESPOKE for our private lunch experience. Here an exceptional Japanese sushi master prepared handmade sushi, sashimi, and nigiri right in front of us, delivering one of the freshest and most refined seafood experiences imaginable. It is intimate, precise, and entirely in keeping with Soneva’s ability to elevate every moment into something extraordinary.
As always at Soneva, the service feels almost intuitive. Our Barefoot Guardian seems to always anticipate our every move, our bikes already waiting exactly where we need them. She suggests we take a moment to revisit the kids club, and for old time’s sake, we agree.
The Soneva Fushi Kids Club remains one of the most exceptional in the Maldives. Entered through a series of differently sized doors, it feels more like a hidden world than a traditional kids’ space. Walking through it brings back so many memories from when my own children were younger, a reminder of just how well Soneva creates experiences for every stage of life.
From here, the day builds into one of Soneva’s most exhilarating signature experiences, their zipline through the treetops. Harnessed and guided high into the jungle canopy, we set off across a series of lines that carry us through the island, an experience that feels both adventurous and completely unique within the Maldives.
Jodie Mason ziplining to dinner at Soneva Fushi
The journey culminates at one of the most extraordinary dining settings imaginable, Soneva’s treetop restaurant. As we arrive, we are welcomed with a champagne cocktail and amuse-bouche, prepared by a visiting Michelin-starred chef, setting the tone for an evening that is both theatrical and deeply refined.
Dinner unfolds high above the island, around an intimate table overlooking the lagoon. Every detail is thoughtfully curated, every course considered, and every moment reflective of what Soneva does so exceptionally well, creating truly one-of-a-kind experiences that feel both imaginative and deeply personal.
Being personally served by a Michelin starred Chef
Soneva Fushi is a resort that redefines what luxury in the Maldives can be, playful, immersive, and entirely original. It is a place that continues to evolve, yet never loses sight of what made it so special from the very beginning.
