Kunfunadhoo Island
Baa Atoll
Maldives
This white sand paradise stretching from picturesque Baa Atoll promises to yield “the ultimate in barefoot sophistication” for vacationers intent on losing their shoes. Among the most well-known resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi – part of the trendy Six Senses group – offers a remote location and bungalows that shout “thatched luxury”.
Villas are right on the beach, all bathrooms “incorporate” private gardens, and, being Six Senses, the resort is eco-conscious. There is a bewildering array of different villa types, including the swanky, two-storey Crusoe Villa; the light, airy Rehendi Room; and the innovative Soneva Fushi Villa & Tree House, which includes an open-air bathroom and connecting tree house with bunk beds – great for kids.
Aside from the usual Maldivian resort diversions, including an expansive spa, Mihiree Mitha – Dhivehi for “here it is” – serves breakfast and lunch, while Mediterranean dinners are available at the interestingly named Ever Soneva So Down to Earth.
From Maldives International Airport, guests are escorted to the Soneva Fushi lounge at the seaplane terminal. Vacation adventures begin with the 30-minute flight north to the island of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll.
The water landing is at the Soneva Fushi airport pontoon, from which guests are transferred by motor boat to the island’s jetty and warm greetings of management and hosts.
Environment
Sustainability means doing things better - not doing without. Since the opening of Six Senses' flagship resort in 1995, Soneva Fushi has made sustainability a priority, without compromising the experience and expectations of guests. Indeed, the resort has demonstrated that luxury and minimal environmental impact are compatible.
The company's core purpose "to create innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment" as well as the Soneva philosophy of "Intelligent Luxury" indicate how much emphasis is placed on providing the ultimate holiday experience, while at the same time being socially and environmentally responsible.
This commitment has been recognised: Soneva Fushi has received the President of Maldives' Green Resort Award twice (in 2000 and 2006) and the Green Leaf Award in 2003.
Soneva Fushi is a Green Globe Member.