Signature Aviation Spring 2025

Soneva Secret, Crusoe Reserve MALDIVES

One of the original purveyors of ‘barefoot luxury,’ Soneva remains a bastion of premium hospitality in some of the world’s most beautiful locales. While the original Soneva Fushi — opened in 1995 — is still routinely named as one of the Maldives’ best resorts, the group proved there are many strings to its bow with the opening of Soneva Secret in early 2024. As its name not so subtly suggests, Soneva Secret takes the brand’s tried-and-tested approach to sustainably minded luxury and makes it even more exclusive. Marking the fi rst resort in the Maldives’ remote Makunudhoo Atoll, petite Soneva Secret is made up of just 14 overwater and island villas —the fi nest of which is the Crusoe Reserve. Designed to ensure guests have no real need to ever step beyond the con fi nes of their expansive villa (although you’ll most likely want to make use of the bikes for exploring the lush island), the reserve is entirely self contained. Covering almost 12,000 sq ft, the two-bedroom overwater villa is a smorgasbord of amenities: there’s a gym, a spa treatment room, a dining area, two TV lounges, a swimming pool, retractable bedroom roofs, a pantry and an alfresco dining sala. Each suite sits in its own wing on either side of the primary living areas, providing an extra level of privacy. A dedicated body of sta ff , including a chef, assistant and ‘guardian,’ cater to every whim and want. Crusoe Reserve guests are privy to a host of extras too, including an introduction to astronomy with the resort’s resident astronomer and access to both the chocolate room and the ice cream parlor — a dream for kids and adults alike. If you do want to explore on those bikes, there’s castaway picnics, three signature restaurants and a yoga pavilion to explore on land; or there are dolphin cruises, PADI courses and swimming with manta rays to be experienced out at sea. From $11,600 per night. Contact reservations@soneva.com, +960 660 4300, soneva.com