The fourth property from luxury pioneer Soneva's opening in 2024 builds on the brand’s principles of sustainability, conservation, and wellness. Returning to the rustic beauty that first captivated its owners, Soneva Secret offers a serene escape with unparalleled luxury in this beach hideaway in your floating villa.

Even the arrival here is chic. Because there are no other islands around, you float down via seaplane into a pure turquoise world, where the views of blue skies and bluer waves are uninterrupted from each of the 14 villas. You will hear the phrase ‘simple luxury’ repeatedly during your stay and that would be exactly how to characterize Soneva Secret on first view. There is no sense of a sprawling resort. It is chic and unassuming. Staff stands at the ready to greet you. Guests here come from all over the world, including China, Canada, and Europe, and you are likely to mingle over select meals and activities, but privacy is the word at Soneva, and your villa will soon become your own little vacation universe.

The maldivian villas come in different categories, including beach, water, and the exclusive floating villa. I stayed in the Castaway Villa, the Maldives' first floating water bungalow. Every villa is engineered to resist wave movements and sea currents, providing a unique experience of gentle swaying with the water—a delightful reminder that you are indeed living over the ocean. The villa’s rustic wooden textures and shingles added to the charm, making it feel both luxurious and in harmony with nature.

For families, the Crusoe Reserve is ideal. It features two bedrooms, a private gym, a TV lounge, and an outdoor deck. The highlight for kids is undoubtedly the water slide that plunges into the private pool. The villa is spacious, allowing plenty of room for everyone to relax and enjoy. The retractable roof was a standout feature, perfect for stargazing or letting the moonlight spill into the room during full moon nights—a truly romantic experience.

Beach villa enthusiasts will find the Beach Hideaway perfect for couples or small families. This villa includes a master bedroom and an additional room for children, with a private pool facing the beach. The sunken lounge area adds an extra touch of elegance, ideal for unwinding by the pool or beach.

Soneva Secret offers two main dining venues: the casual Living Room and the fine-dining Out of This World. The resort employs top chefs from around the globe, ensuring diverse culinary experiences. Each villa has its own chef, who can prepare personalized meals in-villa. Highlights include Vietnamese braised eggplant, truffle sourdough, and unique cocktails crafted by mixologist Aanchal Jain.

From snorkeling with marine biologists to sunset dolphin cruises, Soneva Secret offers bespoke experiences reconnecting guests with nature. The island’s crystal-clear waters are home to manta rays, dolphins, and whale sharks. Family experiences extend beyond the kids’ club, including picnics on castaway shores and stargazing with the resident astronomer.

Sustainability is integral to Soneva Secret. The resort employs solar power, bans plastics, and uses local ingredients. Proceeds from stays support the Soneva Foundation, which funds reforestation, clean water access, and coral reef restoration projects.

Intimate, personal, and intuitive. Each villa has a dedicated staff of three: a Barefoot Assistant, a Barefoot Guardian, and a private chef. Personalization begins before arrival, with a detailed form ensuring every preference is met. This level of service ensures a tailored, luxurious experience throughout your stay.

Soneva Secret, Maldives is more than just a resort—it’s a sanctuary of luxury, privacy, and sustainability. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a serene family vacation, Soneva Secret offers an unparalleled experience that truly is worth the trip. Guests can expect the same renowned service as come to be expected at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, but this offering is a more private island experience. Yet another incredible Soneva resort.