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Is this the most relaxing place on earth?


From roaming cobblestoned streets in Venice to camel riding in Marrakech, trotting the globe is something many Aussies love.

Expectations are, you’ll come back relaxed and refreshed, but in reality, travelling can be very stressful. Sometimes, another holiday is required to get over the original trip.

If you’re like us regular folk and don’t have enough funds for an additional vacay, we found the perfect place where you can stop, recharge and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.

The Maldives is the perfect place to stop and recharge the batteries. Source: Instagram @alexpreview and @witness
The Maldives is the perfect place to stop and recharge the batteries. Source: Instagram @alexpreview and @witness

Let me introduce you to ‘Soneva’ a luxury resort chain that prides itself in offering expectational customer service and unique experiences. Boasting two hotels in the Maldives, ‘Soneva Jani’ and ‘Soneva Fushi’, it’s the ultimate destination where one can escape reality and relax.

Villas

Soneva Jani
Made up of a collection of over-water villas that look over the crystal-clear Indian Ocean, Soneva Jani can only be described as a magical oasis.

The five-star resort is made out of natural materials, which not only reduces environmental harm, but creates a fairy-tale village vibe.

Soneva Jani has the most luxurious over-water villas. Source: Instagram @koentadyy
Soneva Jani has the most luxurious over-water villas. Source: Instagram @koentadyy

The above water ‘mini mansions’ have all the bells and whistles. From, an in-door/outdoor bathroom, to an extravagant outdoor terrace, that features a private pool and cabana and not forgetting the insane rooftop entertainment area; guests will feel like they’re in heaven.

But the villa’s holy grail is definitely the outdoor slide that runs from the rooftop terrace straight into the ocean… #luxe. Looking through social media you’ll see guests showing off their perfect slide snap – anything for the gram, right?

The slide is a popular feature in the hotel villas. Source: Instagram @matthewakelly
The slide is a popular feature in the hotel villas. Source: Instagram @matthewakelly

Soneva Fushi
Soneva Jani’s older sister, Soneva Fushi is the opposite in aesthetic, steering away from the traditional Maldivian hotel concept, where over-water villas are the main attraction. The luxury resort is located in its very own private rainforest… I was hoping to run into Tarzan, but no luck.

The rainforest-inspired accommodation is sprawled across the island’s beachfront – giving guests a flawless view of either sunrise or sunset.

Soneva Fushi is located beneath the foliage on its very own private island. Source: Instagram @koentadyy and @matthewakelly
Soneva Fushi is located beneath the foliage on its very own private island. Source: Instagram @koentadyy and @matthewakelly

The island resort spares no expense when it comes to interiors. Offering all the glitz and glamour one would expect. Lush linen? Check. Movie theatre? Absolutely. Private access to the ocean? Duh. Guests will be feeling #zen within 60 seconds.

Like Soneva Jani, Soneva Fushi is famous for its indoor/outdoor bathrooms. But in my opinion, the big sister’s version is more Insta-worthy. Featuring an outdoor rainforest shower (that is literally under the trees) and a lagoon style bathtub, the luxurious bathrooms alone, is worth the 15 hours of travel (from Sydney).

Soneva Fushi’s outdoor-styled bathrooms will take your Instagram feed to the next level. Source: Instagram @matthewakelly
Soneva Fushi’s outdoor-styled bathrooms will take your Instagram feed to the next level. Source: Instagram @matthewakelly

Food

After you’ve finished spamming your social media account and making everyone back home jealous, we recommend treating yourself at one of the hotel’s lavish dining experiences. After all calories don’t count on holidays.

Both resorts have an abundance of fresh food and treats. Source: Instagram @discoversoneva
Both resorts have an abundance of fresh food and treats. Source: Instagram @discoversoneva

Both resorts offer several unique dining experiences, so there is something for every occasion and diva dietary requirement.

‘Destination dining’ is a popular choice at Soneva Jani, and for good reason. It allows guests to customise their entire experience from the menu to the location. So if you’re after a vegan breakfast on a deserted island or a romantic Italian-style candlelit dinner, anything is possible.

Destination dining allows guests to customise their dining experience. Source: Soneva
Destination dining allows guests to customise their dining experience. Source: Soneva

‘The treehouse culinary experience’ at Soneva Fushi is something that you’ll remember when you’re old and grey . The restaurant ‘Fresh in the Garden’ is located amongst the island’s tree tops, offering the most breathtaking view of the resort.

The hidden gem adopts a ‘farm-to-table’ concept, using locally grown produce across their menu giving guests the ultimate food journey. Between the amazing food and the friendly customer service, you’ll be sure to walk away with a smile on your dial .

Soneva Fushi’s ‘Fresh in the Garden’ restaurant is located amongst the tree tops. Source: Soneva
Soneva Fushi’s ‘Fresh in the Garden’ restaurant is located amongst the tree tops. Source: Soneva

When it comes to dessert, both hotels have an ice-cream, chocolate and cheese room, that is opened 24/7. You must try Soneva Fushi’s dark chocolate salami, It sounds weird but trust me, you’ll leave wanting more.

Both resorts can organise an in-villa breakfast experience. Source: Instagram @matthewakelly
Both resorts can organise an in-villa breakfast experience. Source: Instagram @matthewakelly

If you’re like us and lack serious motivation to get out of bed in the morning, both resorts can organise an in-villa breakfast experience. The waffles at Soneva Jani were our Achilles heel.

Experiences

Staying at either hotel is an experience in itself, from all the luxury amenities and dining options guests will have no trouble remembering their stay. However, if you’re wanting something that is more extraordinary both resorts offer unique activities that can only be in done in the Maldives.

The sunset dolphin safari is a popular choice with resort guests. Source: Soneva
The sunset dolphin safari is a popular choice with resort guests. Source: Soneva

From snorkeling with Mantra Rays at Soneva Fushi to having a facial at Soneva Jani, the resorts offer a variety of exclusive experiences.

The ‘Sunset Dolphin Safari’ is a crowd favourite, running daily from both hotels, the 60-minute boat journey is the perfect opportunity to witness a Maldivian sunset, drink fine champagne and bond with a loved one. If you’re lucky you may even spot a pod of dolphins.

So the next time you’re planning an overseas adventure, remember the Maldives has it all.

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