Soneva Gili Resort & Spa takes centre stage once again
as the benchmark of over-water resorts. The resort had been closed since the
December 26 2004 tsunami, during which time it has undergone restoration and
refurbishment, plus the addition of several exciting and unique features.Opened in 2001 and named as ‘Hotel of the Year’ by the Tatler Travel Guide
101 Best Hotels just two years later, Soneva Gili consists of 44 over-sized
villas plus a stunning new Private Reserve covering 1400 square metres. “The
villas are a theatrical triumph”, wrote Tatler Travel Guide.

The villas continue the Soneva philosophy espoused by its sister resort, the
multi award-winning Soneva Fushi Resort & Six Senses Spa, of Intelligent
Luxury. They are crafted from natural materials, yet offer every creature
comfort including a personal entertainment centre. For the ultimate privacy,
seven Crusoe Villas and the Private Reserve are only accessible by motor
boat. Mr and Ms Fridays add a personal level of anticipative service to the
guest experience.

The resort also features an award-winning over-water Six Senses Spa, which
offers everything expected, and some things unexpected; glass floor-panels
beneath massage tables heighten the sensual experience, whilst a Maldivian
sand massage is included in the vast menu of holistic wellness and
rejuvenating treatments on offer.

Among the several dining alternatives, there is an over-water restaurant and
lounge. Ashore, there is some wonderful dining and equally great wines. Or
guests may choose to enjoy a romantic moonlight dinner delivered right to
the villa. The food is imaginative and fresh. Much of the produce is grown
in the resort’s own vegetable garden. “It’s an outrageously spoiling
experience”, writes Victoria Mather in the Tatler Travel Guide.

It is a fifteen-minute speed-boat ride from the Maldivian capital, Malé to
Soneva Gili, passing en route a string of islands, each surrounded by a
turquoise lagoon. During this short journey, guests are invited to remove
their shoes as they prepare to enjoy the Soneva lifestyle of No News - No
Shoes.

The Maldives is a paradise for under-water activities and the resort has its
own fully-equipped PADI diving school plus a variety of water sports. “At
Soneva Gili, all pleasures can be achieved horizontally: swimming,
snorkeling, scuba-diving, sunbedding”.
——-