Soneva's first property — 63 beachfront villas on Kunfunadhoo Island in Baa Atoll, opened in 1995 as the Maldives' original barefoot-luxury resort.
BrandSoneva
DestinationMaldives
RegionIndian Ocean
Price TierTier 4 ($7k-$10k)
SettingSecluded tropical luxury hideaway
Best ForRepeat Maldives travelers seeking the original barefoot template, families with school-age children drawn to marine biology programming, couples on milestone trips who want environmental practice without performative luxury.
PrivacyUltra-Private
ServicePersonalized, Attentive Service
ButlerHigh
Private PoolYes
Built1995
Renovated2015
Soneva Fushi opened in 1995 on Kunfunadhoo Island in Baa Atoll, the first property from Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström that established the barefoot-luxury template before the term became marketing copy. The 63 beachfront villas — each with private pool — spread across the island at low density,
Key Features
Private beachfront villas with pools
World-class dining with organic and locally-sourced ingredients
Spa and wellness center featuring holistic treatments
Diving
snorkeling
and various water sports activities
Outdoor cinema and innovative excursions
Commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices
Dining
Mihiree Mithaa
Fresh in the Garden
Out of the Blue
So Hands On
So Bespoke
Signature Experience
Dinner at Out of the Blue — the overwater dining platform where the no-shoes policy and the Baa Atoll setting converge into Soneva's founding idea.
The original barefoot-luxury property in the Maldives, at lower density than newer competitors, with environmental practice that predates the industry's sustainability turn by two decades.
Signature Suite: Soneva Fushi Suite with Pool
Outside bathroom, Private pool, In-villa wine fridge, Separate sleeping areas, Open-air living
Accolades
Award: No.28 The Worlds 50 Best Hotels 2025}, Award: SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award 2025, Award: No.8 The Worlds 50 Best Hotels}
