SONEVA JANI MALDIVES
SPACE IS THE REAL LUXE FACTOR HERE
This new resort, spread across both jungle and water, encompasses five islands – the largest is a whopping 150 acres – and the whole place is encircled by a 5.6km private lagoon. There are 24 over-water villas snaking off the main island via a 1.8km boardwalk, which is also the way to reach The Gathering, an open-sided, wooden ‘cathedral’, housing the restaurant – think organic salads and freshly caught tuna sashimi – the chocolate and ice-cream parlours, and a spa. With shingled roofs and turrets, the villas have fairy-tale appeal, while inside, a cool white vibe prevails, with wraparound views of the turquoise waters. The indulgence here is nothing to do with gold taps or marble baths – it’s in the contemporary feel of the place.
SONEVA JANI MALDIVES SPACE IS THE REAL LUXE FACTOR HERE Photo Gallery
That’s not to say it isn’t luxurious – an alfresco bathtub set into the sundeck, private pools and in-villa slides depositing you straight into the ocean see to that. The best bit? The retractable roof that rolls back to let you sleep under the stars. Heavenly.
OUR KIND OF LUXE
The outdoor cinema, floating over the ocean with low-slung catamaran nets for seats – and Bluetooth earphones so the marine life isn’t disturbed – is an experience like no other.
GO ITC Luxury Travel (itcluxurytravel. co.uk) offers seven nights in a Water Villa from £5,199 per person, on a B&B basis, including flights and transfers.
