Things to do at Soneva Jani

Why people come here

Soneva Jani isn’t for everyone. It’s for people who want their holiday to feel like it was designed just for them. The resort has only 24 villas, so you’re never fighting for space at the pool or waiting for a table at dinner. Each villa comes with a private pool, a water slide (yes, really), and a retractable roof over the bed so you can fall asleep under the stars. But the real draw is the freedom. There’s no fixed dining schedule, no dress code, and no ‘resort activities’ that feel like obligations. Instead, your Mr./Ms. Friday butler—named after Robinson Crusoe’s helper—helps you craft your day. Want to wake up at 5 AM for a sunrise paddleboard session? Done. Prefer to have breakfast delivered to a sandbank at noon? Also done. The resort’s ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy means you leave your worries (and your watch) at the door. A good rule:: if you’ve ever dreamed of a place where you can be as lazy or as adventurous as you want, without judgment, this is it.

The villas: where luxury meets play

The overwater villas at Soneva Jani are some of the largest in the Maldives, with private pools that stretch right to the edge of the lagoon. The water slide—yes, the one you’ve seen on Instagram—isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a reminder that this is a place where fun comes first. The retractable roof is another standout feature. I’ve had clients tell me they spent entire nights watching meteor showers from their bed, wrapped in a blanket with a glass of champagne. The land villas are just as impressive, tucked into the jungle with outdoor showers and private gardens. most villas have a dedicated butler, and they’re not just there to unpack your suitcase. They’ll arrange a private movie screening on the beach, set up a picnic on a sandbank, or even organize a treasure hunt for your kids. The villas aren’t just places to stay; they’re part of the experience.

Dining: eat where you want, when you want

Soneva Jani doesn’t have ‘restaurants’ in the traditional sense. It has dining concepts, and they’re all about flexibility. So Star is an overwater restaurant where you can have sushi at 3 PM or a full degustation menu at midnight. Miso is a Japanese-inspired space with a teppanyaki grill, but you can also have your meal served in your villa or on a sandbank. The resort’s ‘unscripted dining’ policy means you’re not limited to a menu. If you want a grilled cheese sandwich at 2 AM, your butler will make it happen. For something truly special, book a private dinner on Medhufaru, a tiny sandbank just a short boat ride away. The resort will set up a table, candles, and a chef to prepare whatever you’re craving. guests come for couples here for honeymoons, and they always rave about the intimacy of it. No crowds, no distractions—just you, your partner, and the sound of the waves.

Stargazing and astronomy: a night to remember

Soneva Jani has its own resident astronomer, and the stargazing experiences here are next-level. The resort’s location in Noonu Atoll means minimal light pollution, so the night sky is striking. You can book a private session with the astronomer, who’ll guide you through constellations and even let you peer through a high-powered telescope. One of my favorite experiences is the ‘Under the Stars’ dinner. The resort sets up a cozy nest of cushions and blankets on the beach, and you dine under the open sky with a curated menu of Maldivian and international dishes. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a shooting star. For families, the resort offers astronomy workshops where kids can learn about the solar system while making their own constellations with glow-in-the-dark paint. It’s educational, magical, and entirely memorable.

The water: snorkeling, diving, and sandbanks

The house reef at Soneva Jani is accessible by boat, and it’s worth the trip. The marine life here is vibrant, with colorful fish, rays, and even the occasional reef shark. The resort offers guided snorkeling tours, and the guides are fantastic at pointing out underrated like nudibranchs and moray eels. For divers, there are plenty of sites nearby, including some of the best manta ray spots in the Maldives. But the real water highlight is the sandbanks. Medhufaru is a tiny island that appears and disappears with the tides, and it’s the right spot for a private picnic. The resort will set up a shaded area, a gourmet lunch, and even a floating bar if you want cocktails. I’ve had clients spend entire afternoons here, snorkeling in the shallow waters and napping on the sand. It's a property that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own private paradise.

Wellness: spa treatments and yoga with a view

The Soneva Soul spa is a sanctuary of relaxation, with treatments that blend Maldivian traditions and modern wellness techniques. The spa villas are overwater, so you can enjoy a massage while listening to the sound of the waves beneath you. One of the most popular treatments is the ‘Maldivian Dream,’ a 90-minute session that includes a coconut oil massage, a body scrub with local spices, and a hair treatment with coconut milk. For yoga enthusiasts, the resort offers sunrise and sunset sessions on the beach or even on a floating platform in the lagoon. The instructors are skilled at tailoring sessions to all levels, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated. I always recommend booking a spa treatment for your first day—it’s a strong way to ease into your holiday and set the tone for the rest of your stay.

What I’d actually book

If I were planning a trip to Soneva Jani, Fede would book the Chapter Two Water Villa with Slide. It’s one of the largest overwater villas on the resort, with a private pool that feels like it’s part of the lagoon. The slide is a must—it’s not just for kids. The retractable roof is another reason to choose this villa. There’s nothing like falling asleep under the stars, especially when you can wake up to the sunrise without leaving your bed. For dining, I’d start with a private sandbank dinner on Medhufaru. It's a property that makes you feel like you’re the only people in the world. And I’d definitely book a stargazing session with the astronomer. It’s one of those rare experiences that feels both magical and intimate. My pick for a spa treatment? The ‘Maldivian Dream.’ It’s a balance of relaxation and indulgence, and it’s a great way to unwind after a day of exploring.

The honest bit

Soneva Jani isn’t perfect. The seaplane transfer from Malé is a 40-minute journey, and it’s not cheap. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth packing some medication. The resort is also remote, so if you’re someone who likes to explore local culture or hop between islands, this might not be the best fit. The ‘no news, no shoes’ policy is great in theory, but if you’re someone who needs to stay connected for work, the Wi-Fi can be spotty in some areas. And while the resort is family-friendly, it’s not a place for young kids who need constant entertainment. The focus here is on bespoke experiences, so if you’re looking for a kids’ club with structured activities, you might be disappointed. That said, the resort does offer babysitting services, and the butlers are great at keeping kids engaged with activities like treasure hunts and sandbank picnics. Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons, but it’s worth knowing what to expect.