Our opinion
Soneva Gili sits on a tiny, privately owned coral island in a sparkling lagoon
Hotel description
Set over the shallow turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the designers of Soneva Gili have succeeded in fusing the natural environment with the necessities of modern day comfort. Only fifteen minutes by boat from Malé, the resort sits on a tiny, privately owned coral island in a sparkling lagoon. The resort has been designed to create a natural habitat, using sustainable wood, natural materials and traditional fabrics. The restaurant, swimming pool and tennis court can be found on the main island, idyllically set amongst palm trees. The surrounding lagoon boasts an abundance of fish, and the coral reef is ideal for snorkelling, or you can choose to simply enjoy the setting from the beach. Cultural excursions are offered to the nearby islands, offering an opportunity to see more of the stunning beauty of the Maldives, and the resort also has an excellent diving school with professional instructors who will help you become PADI certified in a matter of days. The Six Senses Spa is set over the water and is fully equipped for beauty and body treatments, such as the Karumbaa Kaashie Rub, a coconut scrub followed by a soothing wrap of honey and papaya, finished off with a coconut oil massage. The resort prides itself on the quality of its food and dining can be adapted to suite your mood, heightening the experience. Whether eating al fresco over the water in the restaurant, having breakfast in the living room of your residence or a moonlit dinner on the pontoon boat, you are guaranteed a wealth of memorable experiences. All of the resort’s spacious accommodation is located above the water and linked to the island by jetties, apart from the Crusoe Residences, which are completely stand alone and accessible only by boat (a personal rowing boat with a small motor is provided). Furnished in an understated and rustic style, with an emphasis on natural materials, the rooms are elegant and tranquil, benefiting from a separate living space that is surrounded by water. If you don’t wish to be as isolated as the Crusoe Residences, the Soneva Gili Residences are equally as spacious and offer both a roof top sundeck and an over-water sundeck, as well as a large living room and a kitchenette. Soneva Gili offers a unique holiday experience, allowing for privacy and space whilst offering a complete range of leisure facilities.
Location
Lankanfushi Island, Maldives
Official star rating
no rating
Distance from airport
15 minutes by speedboat. Please note that the resort is one hour ahead of official Maldives time.
Closest airport
Malé airport.
Room types
All rooms have open-air bathroom with bath and glass-walled shower, rooftop sundeck with daybed, overwater sundeck with sun loungers, air conditioning, ceiling fan, espresso machine, minibar, safe, hairdryer, CD hi-fi stereo system, satellite television, DVD/CD player, internet access, chess and backgammon table.
Type A Soneva Gili Villa Suite with open-air living room.
Type B Soneva Gili Residence with living room and kitchenette.
Type C Soneva Gili Crusoe Residence, accessible only by boat, with living room, kitchenette and personal motorised dinghy.
Hotel facilities and services
45 suites and residences, swimming pool, overwater bar and restaurant, dive centre, shops, laundry, babysitting, al-fresco restaurant, gourmet wine cellar, organic vegetable garden, villa dining, secluded private dining, Six Senses Spa, water sports, library, internet access, excursions to nearby islands.
Water sports
Complimentary: Windsurfing, hobie cat sailing, snorkelling, canoeing, kayaks.
Chargeable: PADI diving school, deep-sea fishing, waterskiing.
Land sports
Complimentary: Tennis, table tennis, boules, jogging, volleyball, badminton, bicyles are provided for all rooms.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
Children
Children are accommodated at very reasonable rates. Children under 6 receive free meals. Children aged between 7 and 11 receive 50% discount on a la carte menu, beverages, buffet, BBQ and compulsory Gala dinners.