Imagine walking barefoot along a beach, your feet sinking into silky sand. Imagine gazing at the stars without the urge to grab your phone to share a photo or wait for likes. Picture watching a movie on the oceanfront instead of endlessly scrolling through news feeds. Or simply sitting in silence, enjoying your own company. These simple joys have become a rare luxury in today’s world, and to truly experience them, you need a complete change of scenery. And yes, you’ve probably guessed it—this story takes us to the Maldives. But even here, not all places offer the same level of tranquillity and exclusivity. Soneva’s newest resort was crafted to embody simplicity, privacy, and a deep connection to nature, all while delivering unparalleled luxury.

Nestled on a secluded island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Soneva Secret resort offers just 14 villas. Built from eco-friendly materials and featuring the brand’s signature rustic-chic design, the resort provides a highly personalised service. The villas vary in size and layout, with some perched over the ocean and connected to the island by wooden bridges. Each villa boasts its own private pool, a gym for staying active, a dedicated spa treatment room, and terraces that open onto pristine white-sand beaches or turquoise waters. For stargazers, the roof above the master bedroom slides open at the touch of a button, allowing guests to marvel at the ink-black sky dotted with stars—all without leaving the comfort of their bed. Every villa has its own charm, and it’s easy to see how some guests will return year after year to the same one. For those seeking ultimate exclusivity, the entire resort can be booked for special occasions, such as a wedding.

Among the villas, Castaway stands out as a true marvel. Spanning 461 square meters, it is the only fully floating villa in the Maldives. Equipped with advanced stabilisers to ensure smooth sailing, it can relocate to different spots, offering a unique experience. Accessible only by boat, Castaway is a private sanctuary featuring cosy lounge areas, Soneva’s signature pool, a gym, and a fully equipped kitchen. Here, the restaurant comes to you—14 world-class chefs create bespoke menus tailored to your preferences.

That said, it’s worth stepping out of the villa to enjoy the resort’s diverse dining options in ever-changing settings. Guests can request a picnic anywhere on the island or even on a floating platform in the ocean. The restaurants themselves are experiences not to be missed. At Out of This World, with its panoramic views and powerful telescope, guests arrive via zipline. At So Primitive, dishes like meats, seafood, and vegetables are cooked over an open fire. Meanwhile, The Living Room, the heart of the island, offers a relaxed atmosphere for casual dining. It also houses a library, boutique, and indulgent rooms dedicated to ice cream, chocolate, cheese, and cured meats.

Days at Soneva Secret can be as relaxing or adventurous as you like. Swim in your villa’s pool, glide down a waterslide, or lounge on plush sunbeds under the open sky. The resort also offers sunset cruises, snorkelling excursions led by marine biologists, and stargazing sessions with an astronomer. The underwater world here is nothing short of breathtaking: graceful manta rays, playful dolphins, serene sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish of every colour imaginable inhabit the crystal-clear waters. Guests can rent diving and water sports equipment or charter a yacht for ocean adventures from the resort’s dive centre.

For those seeking wellness, the resort’s spa centre offers a wide range of treatments as an alternative to in-villa spa services. One of the most memorable experiences is the Secret Day, a surprise-filled event curated by the resort team to anticipate your desires and create unforgettable moments that will stay with you long after you leave.