Soneva Gili

The Island

Soneva Gili is instantly recognisable across North Male Atoll, its collection of wooden water villas dotted in the ocean appearing at first sight to be a slightly surreal Maldivian interpretation of Waterworld. Three wooden walkways link the idyllic small island to the breathtakingly stylish Soneva Gili Villa Suites and Residences. Beyond, suspended in the sparkling ocean and reached only by boat, are 7 Crusoe Residences and the Private Reserve, providing the ultimate in secluded luxury.

The island itself is small, around 200 x 400 metres and contains the main public areas – all accommodation is in the Water Villas. Sandy paths wind through the tropical foliage and emerge on beautiful beaches fringed by mature palms and lush foliage. Every guest is provided with a bicycle to explore the delightful island interior. Soneva have perfected the art of promoting nature at its very best and enhancing the ambience with rustic style and sophistication. The ‘No News No Shoes’ philosophy is central to the Soneva style so expect a laid back, informal feel while enjoying service and facilities of the very highest standard.

Perhaps the one disappointment at Soneva Gili is the absence of any decent snorkelling. There is a small area of coral not far from ‘One Palm Island’ where the snorkelling is OK, but it involves a reasonable swim to reach from the jetty or beach. It is possible to arrange for one of the island pontoon boats to drop you off and pick up again for those keen to explore the marine life. Local snorkelling safaris are organised to compensate for this.

Transfer

Soneva Gili is located in North Male Atoll and is very convenient to the international airport being a mere 20 minutes transfer by speedboat. You will be met outside the arrivals hall by linen clad Soneva Gili staff who will escort you the short distance to the speedboat launch. Transfers can be organised at any time of day or night thus providing maximum flexibility to coordinate with international flight departures.

Accomodation

A total of 45 indulgent water villas, divided into five categories. Each villa has not only been designed and built with the utmost attention to detail, but is also environmentally-friendly and reflects the harmony of life by the water’s edge. Each has its own private water garden and sun decks, and the bathrooms have a separate shower accessed along an open-air walkway. I was impressed to find that excess electrical cable in our villa had been cleverly hidden in small linen pouches – that is definitely attention to detail and indicative of what makes Soneva Gili so addictive.

Soneva Gili Villa Suites (210 sq.m.)

Accessed via the wooden walkway, the spacious villas are beautifully appointed and flow effortlessly into a series of living spaces all with fantastic views over the sparkling ocean. The first floor decked terrace complete with daybed and dining furniture is probably the best place in the world that I have enjoyed breakfast. The villa specifications are:

- 29 water villas with king size bed and some with two single beds
- Large open air living room with daybeds and dining area
- Roof top sun deck with daybed and two different dining facilities
- Over water sun deck with sun loungers
- Open-air private bathroom with separate glass walled shower area
- Bathtub and shower
- Air-conditioned bedroom
- Ceiling fan in living room
- Chess and backgammon tables
- Espresso Machine
- Mini bar, personal safe and hairdryer
- CD, DVD, Hi Fi Stereo system with Bose surround sound
- Television with satellite channels and DVD/CD player
- Extensive DVD and CD library

Soneva Gili Residences (250 sq.m.)

- 8 water residences secluded for total privacy, with king size bed
- Large living room with sitting arrangements and day beds
- Roof top sun deck with daybed and two different dining facilities
- Over water sun deck with sunloungers
- Air-conditioned bedroom and living room
- Ceiling fans in bedroom and living room
- Chess and backgammon tables
- Kitchenette
- Open-air private bathroom with separate glass walled shower area
- Bathtub and shower
- Espresso Machine
- Mini bar, personal safe and hairdryer
- Television with Video on request
- CD, DVD, Denon Hi Fi system
- Television with satellite channels and separate DVD player

Soneva Gili Crusoe Residences (250 sq.m.)

- 7 Soneva Gili Crusoe Residences stand-alone in the Indian Ocean, secluded for total privacy, with king size bed
- Private Rowing Boat / Pontoon Boat Shuttle to main island
- Sun deck with daybed
- Floating sun deck
- Private outside sitting area
- Large living room with sitting arrangements and day beds (convertible to an additional bedroom)
- Kitchenette
- Open-air private bathroom with separate glass walled shower area
- Large bathtub and shower
- Air condition plus overhead fan
- Mini bar, Personal Safe & Hairdryer
- IDD Telephone
- CD Hi-Fi stereo system
- Television with satellite channels and video CD player

Soneva Gili Private Reserve (1,400 sq.m.)

- 1400 m2 of the epitome of luxury in the midst of the Indian Ocean
- Situated 500m from Soneva Gili and 300m from the closest villa and accessible only by boat
- Designed with emphasis on natural materials and harmony with the environment
- Enabling guests to instantly feel at ease and in tune with the splendid surroundings
- The villa enjoys an uninterrupted view of both the coral reef fringing the islands and the Indian Ocean
- 5 separate buildings designed in rustic chic style
- 2 master suites, each with ceiling to floor windows on 3 sides
- Private indoor & outdoor relaxation areas and sundecks
- 1 guest room with ensuite bathroom located on the 2nd floor
- All bedrooms, spa and master suite indoor relaxation areas are air conditioned
- Large living room with sitting arrangements and day beds
- Ceiling fans in bedroom and living room
- A large central open plan living area with sea garden, natural coral pool, surrounding viewing/sun decks, dining area, writing desk and day beds
- Unique open-air 100m² private bathroom with separate glass walled shower enclosure
- Each master suite has a relaxing horizon style 2 person bathtub built over the coral gardens
- Private Spa facility with sauna, steamroom, indoor & outdoor treatment pavilion & upstairs air conditioned gymnasium
- Entertainment /library suite with the latest in plasma, audiovisual technologies
- Music and movie selection tailored to guest requirements (Also available in all bedrooms)
- Books and magazines will be stylized to suit the guests tastes
- Individually controlled music throughout the villa, including the underwater coral pool
- Resident Mr & Mrs Friday (Personal Butlers) on call 24 hours
- Fully equipped Gourmet kitchen available for private dining, snacks or a simple cappuccino
- Residents will be invited to design their own cellar selection from our list of 300 wines
- Alternatively, resident sommelier will be pleased to source any preferred wines or beverages
- A deep water coral pool is situated next to the central living area
- For the light hearted, a waterslide is installed from the top deck into the coral pool
- Roof top sun deck with daybed and two outdoor dining pavilions
- Sea level sundecks with sun lounges offering direct access into the crystal clear coral gardens and amazing marine life
- Personal easy to use motorized transfer boats, exclusive to the guests
- Alternatively the Mr Friday will captain and transport the residents
- Espresso Machine & Minibar
- Personal safe
- Hairdryer
- Chess and backgammon tables

Facilities

Day Rooms
2 Day Room Pods are available for guests to use in the case of early arrivals and late departures.

House reef
There is no house reef at Soneva Gili, although there is a reasonable stretch of coral close to ‘One Palm Island’. Be aware that to reach this this involves a significant swim from either the jetty or the beach. Alternatively, ask one of the staff to drop you off in an island pontoon boat and pick you up later.

Dive Centre
The Ocean Paradise Dive Centre’s multi-lingual PADI instructors as well as the small dive group sizes ensure that guests of all experience levels get the best service at all times. PADI dive centre is equipped with the latest equipments and many renowned dive sites including world famous Manta Point are within 10 minutes boat ride from the resort.

Spa
The Six Senses Spa at Soneva is quite simply magnificent. My massage was the best I have ever experienced and the first floor relation area overlooking the ocean is a delight. On offer is a wide range of holistic therapies and programmes with internationally trained therapists, wellness instructors and a resident Ayurvedic Doctor. Glass floor-panels beneath massage tables heighten the sensual experience, whilst a Maldivian sand massage presents yet another new encounter. Other facilities include five over water treatment rooms, Yoga/TaiChi champa, steam rooms, sauna and chill rooms.

Gym
“Ever Soneva So Fit” at Soneva Gili by Six Senses takes on a new dimension in fitness adding on the latest state of the art Lifestyle and Kinesis fitness equipment. The new vibrant techno savvy Gym located at the water’s edge amidst greenery
gives a panoramic and clandestine view of the ocean seen though glass walls. The natural taste in decor, lighting and the ambience created with an option for ones own iPod music appeals to your psyche making the regular workout more exhilarating and a daily must do experience for those who need their fitness fix.

Swimming Pool
A gorgeous freshwater swimming pool (30 x 10 metres) with wonderful views over the beach and turquoise lagoon.

Table Tennis
Table tennis is available on an ad hoc basis – simply inform the staff where you would like the table setting up.

Tennis
A floodlit tennis court is available on a free of charge basis including equipment and a range of tennis shoes – they think of everything here!

Shop
“Six Senses gallery and Sifani” gift shop and jewellery shop offer great gift and souvenir ideas.

Childcare
Activities for keeping children entertained and babysitting services are organised on a bespoke basis. During peak family holiday times the resort arranges group activities such as an Easter Egg Hunt and Sushi making.

Eating & Drinking

Soneva Gili offers a range of gorgeous venues for fabulous food and drinks but perhaps best of all, there is no extra charge for in villa dining. When the accommodation is this good, why bother to go out!

Main Restaurant
Located on the west side of Lankanfushi offering a superb natural environment to enjoy a relaxing breakfast or romantic dinner. The style of food caters to all requirements and offers a combination of dishes that allows East to meet the West in culinary terms. Meals are predominantly set menu style with the exception of two buffet evenings; Asian Buffet (Tuesday) and Mediterranean Buffet (Friday). Our stay coincided with the Mediterranean Buffet evening and the range and quality of food on offer was truly incredible – everything from freshly grilled crab to hummus and pitta breads and freshly made pasta. Gorgeous – you will not be disappointed. The environment is typical Soneva style, sand on the floor and rustic furnishings creating a magical setting.

By The Sea Restaurant
The restaurant presents a fusion Peruvian-Japanese culinary adventure combining breathtaking views to the ocean with intimate dining for just 26 guests. Located on the elevated top level of a double story facility located on the island amongst the treetops, the restaurant includes a Sushi Bar featuring daybeds plus five tables, each seating up to four guests, and an open kitchen station which can be used for live cooking classes.
The expansive tasting menu includes a quintessential fusion of food; from traditional Japanese to indigenous European, Asian and Peruvian flavours. Local ingredients are used and include the daily catch and fresh organic produce picked from the resort’s own gardens. Guests have the ability to select from an array of signature dishes accompanied by a fine selection of Japanese sakes and an extensive list of wines. Oozing style and vibrant personality, this is one not to be missed.

Main Bar
The Bar is a stunning construction over the shallow lagoon and offers snacks and light meals throughout the day. The lunch buffet at the bar is a very casual experience, where you can create your own menu from the wide selection of fresh salad leaves from the garden, sushi, Mediterranean delicacies, daily catch of fish, imported meats and local spices and herbs. Daybeds and sofas radiate around the circular viewing deck which is left open to the ocean and the passing marine life. Try the signature cocktail – I highly recommend!

The Wine Cellar and Underground Chocolate Cave
Only Soneva could deliver an underground chocolate cave in a manner which works so wonderfully well. Experience the chocolate tasting menu which uses only the finest chocolate, with some very interesting and unusual flavours. Adjoining this is the artisanal cheese and deli room. The highlight though is undoubtedly the exclusive wine cellar. Situated between the restaurant and the garden it is initially visible only by the softly undulating wood-shingled roofline. Entering through a doorway sculptured from copper sheeting and deco-like carved wood embellishment, a softly lit glass staircase descends beneath ground level to the cavernous cellar. Lined with a softly dappled satiny-smooth stucco plaster finish, recessed free-form wine racks display more than 300 labels. Running almost the entire length of the cellar is a six-meter driftwood tree trunk, slotted with eight individual glass table tops and personal wine glass shelves. Wine tasting and wine dinners are hosted by the wine sommelier to the requirement of each guest.
To further the experience, the Sommelier can create a fantastic chocolate and wine pairing which may be enjoyed before or after dinner. Wine and chocolate in paradise – who could ask for more?!

Other Dining Experiences

- Dine under the palms at the beach front restaurant offering gourmet à la carte and changing daily menus
- Wine dinners with visiting wine makers and celebrity chefs
- In villa dining menu designed around guests favorite cuisine and dishes. Private in villa dining options and gourmet BBQ’s are also available
- Organic herb and vegetable garden lunches and dinners
- Secluded private dining experiences including – One Palm & Three Palm Island, Palm Beach and tree house dining platform

Board Basis available at Soneva Gili are: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board and Full Board

Recreation

Diving
The Ocean Paradise Dive Centre’s multi-lingual PADI instructors as well as the small dive group sizes ensure that guests of all experience levels get the best service at all times. The PADI dive centre is equipped with the latest equipments and many renowned dive sites including world famous Manta Point are within 10 minutes boat ride from the resort.

Water Sports
Water sports provided free of charge include:
- Catamaran & Hobiecat Sailing
- Kayaks & Canoes
- Windsurfing

Land Sports
Table tennis, flood lit tennis court, volleyball and gym, all available on complimentary basis.

Spa
The Six Senses Spa at Soneva Gili offers a comprehensive range of treatments and therapies designed to aid your relaxation and rejuvenation. There is also a yoga/TaiChi champa, steam rooms, chill rooms and a sauna.

Entertainment
Once a week, the management host a cocktail party on either the beach or sand bank for guests staying a minimum of 3 nights. Other than this, there is little in the way of organised entertainment.

Excursions
Include:
- Dolphin Cruises
- Big Game Fishing
- Cultural excursions to nearby islands
- Snorkelling Safaris
- Sunrise & Sunset Cruises
- Male’ Sightseeing and Shopping

Prices

All our holidays are bespoke, tailored to your requirements. Because of this we operate a “price on application” system. However, this page will give you an indication of the cost of your holiday.

Guide Prices for 2 Weeks, 2 People, Half Board, Including flights from the UK and seaplane transfers:

This Resort	Type of Resort	Total Price – High Season	Total Price – Low Season
	Good Value	£4,750	£3,600
	Mid Market	£5,700	£4,100
	Deluxe	£10,500	£7,500
Soneva Gili	Luxury	£11,975	£8,300

High season: Early Jan – End April (prices are higher again over Christmas and the New Year)
Low season: May – Mid July