Soneva Secret review: the Maldives' most distinctive private-island stay

Why Secret felt different

We had the absolute pleasure of visiting Soneva Secret in September 2024, following a stay at the lovely Soneva Fushi.

The best way to describe Soneva Secret? Unprecedented. Over the past decade, we’ve visited more than 35 resorts in the Maldives, primarily in the luxury segment. Yet, even three months after our return, I struggle to think of anything that compares to the magic, uniqueness, and seclusion that Soneva Secret delivers. It truly has no competition.

Transfer and arrival

The seaplane journey from Fushi to Secret took about 45 minutes and was incredibly scenic, offering stunning views as you fly over all of Raa before heading westward to the remote Makunudhoo Atoll. For those who love island and resort spotting, it’s a dream!

The approach to Secret is nothing short of breathtaking—truly otherworldly. Since Secret is the only resort in this atoll (and, in fact, there are just two uninhabited islands and one inhabited island, which isn’t visible on arrival), it feels as though you’re landing on another planet.

Shortly after landing, the Soneva Secret boat picked us up from the seaplane pontoon, whisking us away for an unforgettable and scenic arrival on the island. Secret doesn’t use a formal arrival jetty; instead, all arrivals are done by boat directly onto the beach, Robinson Crusoe-style, which adds to the charm of the experience. The entire arrival experience felt grand, with a warm welcome from several team members armed with umbrellas, cold towels, and a signature scented face mist.

How the stay works

The first stop on the island is the Living Room (the main restaurant on the island, if you can even call it that). This grand structure, especially compared to the size of the island, feels like walking up the Colosseum—except it’s rustic, with decadent views of the Indian Ocean at every step. A truly one-of-a-kind structure.

Here, we were introduced to Rusha and Eve, the two Barefoot Guardians assigned to look after us during our stay. Spoiler alert: I cannot praise them enough! A dynamic duo and true power team, they elevated our experience to the next level - we're still talking about how great their service was even today.

At Secret, each guest is served by two private butlers who act as your main points of contact throughout your stay. They unpack your suitcase, serve all your meals, and accompany you on excursions, ensuring a seamless experience as they learn your preferences in an unbelievably quick manner.

Overwater Hideaway 12

We were fortunate to stay in an Overwater Hideaway (Villa 12, the last one on the jetty, which I highly recommend). Having stayed in and toured overwater villas at other Soneva properties, I didn’t think Soneva could outdo itself—but they have. The hideaways at Secret feature two bedrooms, a private gym, a kitchen, a rooftop, a slide, and the most incredible indoor/outdoor living space I’ve ever seen in the Maldives. Topping it all off are the 270° panoramic views of the ocean, making you feel like you’re in your own slice of paradise. This is, without a doubt, my new favorite room in the Maldives.

Dining

Dining at Soneva Secret is as unique as everything else I’ve described. While menus exist, they are merely a formality. Secret has 14 chefs from 14 different nationalities who craft every dish based on your preferences. We enjoyed Maldivian, Italian, Mediterranean, and Thai cuisines—and it’s impossible to pick a favorite. Every meal was different, and if you wish, you wouldn’t need to lift a finger during your stay. The chefs seamlessly create specialties based on your chosen cuisine for the evening. Absolute bliss.

Experiences

During our stay, we indulged in three excursions, all of which I highly recommend. One morning began with a sunrise snorkel at the nearby Rose Garden reef, home to one of the largest and most impressive coral formations I’ve encountered in the Maldives. We also visited Makunudhoo Island, where we were given a fascinating tour, and we wrapped up our day with a thrilling sunset fishing trip. Each experience was unforgettable.

Final verdict

To conclude, Soneva Secret is not about ostentatious luxury. Instead, it embodies the true Soneva ethos: unparalleled experiences, world-class service, and a sense of understated, sustainable luxury. The staff is so attentive, professional, and well-trained that they anticipate your needs before you even realize them yourself. To me, that’s the definition of true luxury.

For anyone looking for a ultra luxe destination, you MUST add secret to the list of resorts to visit.

I cannot wait to see how Soneva Secret evolves and hope to revisit soon!