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“Fringed by white sand beaches that shelve gently into the azure blue sea, legendary Soneva Fushi looks like a Robinson Crusoe idyll, however the finest creature comforts are always at hand. Its remoteness is central to its charm, offering the ultimate in barefoot sophistication for which the oft borrowed expression – No News No Shoes was coined.”
From the Maldives’ Mal? International Airport, you are escorted to the Soneva Fushi lounge at the seaplane terminal where your vacation adventures begin with a 30-minute flight north to the island of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll. The water landing is at the Soneva Fushi Airport pontoon, from which you are transferred by motorboat to the island’s jetty.
Fringed by white sand beaches that shelve gently into the azure blue sea, legendary Soneva Fushi looks like a Robinson Crusoe idyll, however the finest creature comforts are always at hand. Its remoteness is central to its charm, offering the ultimate in barefoot sophistication for which the oft borrowed expression – No News No Shoes was coined. Welcome to a luxurious experience in which the natural reality of the destination unites understated yet sophisticated style.
The Six Senses Resorts & Spa brand has made an international mark in the Maldives with its specialised ‘Soneva’ line committed to offering luxuries of the highest standard in an environment that nurtures the islands’ indigenous feel in design, architecture and service. The simple sophistication of a Soneva resort is enhanced by continually embracing innovations that result in the creation of unique experiences for guests. Traditional conventions are re-evaluated so that the concept of the place should reward all the human senses – as embodied by a holistic Six Senses Spa. Cuisine is a fusion of international influences and the reality of the location together with the freshest ingredients from the resort’s own organic gardens. A Soneva resort has a limited number of accommodations, allowing for exceptional and inspired service. Furnishings and finishes are crafted from renewable and sustainable sources, while generous personal space and the fusion of nature with guest experiences create destinations unto themselves, and further expounding the Soneva theme – Intelligent Luxury.
Soneva Fushi offers just 65 accommodations, which capture the very essence of a luxurious castaway fantasy. The Jungle Reserve and the two Retreats offer the premier accommodation. Each villa opens to its very own stretch of white sand beach just a few steps away, while many also include private seawater swimming pools. Each bathroom extends to a private garden, and in quintessential Six Senses style, utmost care is given to the environment.
The Jungle Reserve occupies the island’s prime sunrise real estate, steps from an exotic lagoon offering the most vibrant snorkeling and secluded by tangles of palm dense forest. Long loved and much sought after, this uncommon escape built of bamboo and other organic materials under traditional thatch roofs has been revitalised to improve upon its already legendary reputation. Dramatic indoor living, dining and dreaming area linked by tropical open living spaces, romantic terraces, scenic decks and idyllic walkways surrounding your private seaside swimming pool. At the Indian Ocean’s edge, friends and family may enjoy the extra two bedrooms, the kitchen, of course, comes with wine cellar, and for healthy pursuits, a personal gym plus dedicated spa pavilion with sauna and steam bath are situated on the lower level while the massage suite is on top. When all that fun is done, retreat to a single level master villa with indoor and outdoor bathrooms surrounded by tropical gardens and a rain shower hidden in the jungle.
Steps from your villa, you’ll find many exciting dining options including the aptly named Sense by the Beach which introduces Peruvian and Japanese fusion to the resort’s culinary lanscape. The menu draws heavily on classic Japanese food with South American influences. The main inspiration is the amazing quality of the raw ingredients already abundant in the Maldives such as the local fish delivered daily to the jetty along with some of the organic produce from the garden. To ensure untainted authenticity, Soneva Fushi brought in Chef Toshiro Konishi, Japanese born who emigrated to Peru in 1975. His restaurant in Lima has for many years attracted positive reviews and acclaim as one of the best Sushi restaurants in the world. His signature dishes include an array of subtle assorted Sashimi, a variety of hand made Niguiri sushi or Maki sushi rolls and his special Peruvian Ceviche.
With these tempting dishes a handpicked selection of the finest Japanese sakes are available to enjoy – chilled or warm – as well as plum wines and an extensive selection of South American wines from Argentina and Chile. Soneva Fushi has gained worldwide recognition for the unique selection of wines available on this tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Adjacent to Sense by the Beach restaurant, a subterranean Wine Cellar holds up to seven thousand bottles in climate controlled peace.
