SONEVA SECRET MALDIVES: A PRIVATE ISLAND THAT FELT LIKE HOME
Words by Chelsea Muscroft
Soneva Secret Maldives is like a home away from home
SONEVA SECRET
As a travel advisor, I’ve spent years curating unforgettable trips for my clients—handpicking properties that deliver not just luxury, but a sense of place, connection, and memory. But every so often, a destination comes along that surprises even me.
I recently had the privilege to take my family to stay at Soneva Secret Maldives, the newest and most intimate property in the Soneva portfolio, which officially opened in early 2024. Located in the pristine Haa Dhaalu Atoll, one of the northernmost and most untouched corners of the Maldives. Soneva Secret is truly in a world of its own.
With only 14 villas, the property was designed for travellers who seek privacy, personalisation, and a connection to nature without sacrificing luxury. Each villa offers a level of seclusion that’s rare, even by Maldivian standards. It's intentionally remote, accessible only by seaplane, and it feels like stepping off the map, and into a curated, soul-soothing paradise.
Despite its name, Soneva Secret is something I believe more people need to know about—at least the right kind of traveller. Because this isn’t just another high-end resort. It’s a place that shifts your rhythm. Slows you down. Fills you up. And, in our case, brought our family closer in ways we didn’t even know we needed.
Private seaplane arrival at Soneva Secret
First Impressions: Remote, Raw, and Beautiful
We arrived by Soneva’s private luxury seaplane, and it felt like we were leaving the world behind. After gliding over endless turquoise water, we landed directly in front of the resort and stepped onto the sand, where the entire barefoot team greeted us like family returning home.
What struck me first was the remoteness.
No neighboring islands. No other resorts in sight.
Just us, the ocean, and nature at its most serene.
That moment was already magic, but it was being shown to our villa that really hit me. The design, the layout, the attention to every detail. I immediately knew this was something truly special.
What Makes Soneva Secret So Special?
The Setting.
Soneva Secret is nestled on a private island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. A region known for its rich marine biodiversity, low light pollution, and unspoiled natural beauty. It feels raw and refined at the same time: untouched reefs, powdery sand, and star filled skies paired with world-class service and design.
Ultra-Private Villas
Each of the 14 villas is a standalone masterpiece. Designed to blend into the landscape while offering complete privacy. You’ll feel like you’re tucked away in your own quiet world.
The focus here is not on being seen, but on feeling something.
The Villa: Designed to Flow with Our Lives
We stayed in an Overwater Castaway Villa, and it was one of the most breathtaking accommodations we’ve ever experienced. It’s designed to impress, but also adapt to our rhythms as a family.
A Waterslide into the Ocean
Yes, our villa had a waterslide directly into the crystal-clear lagoon. It wasn’t just a novelty; it became our daily ritual. Our boys would slide into the ocean at sunrise, after lunch, before bed. And yes, we joined them more than once.A Retractable Roof Over the Master Bedroom
One of the most magical features was the automated retractable roof above our bed. At night, we’d open it up and fall asleep under the stars. It was a moment of stillness and awe that I’ll never forget.Open-Air Freedom Meets Cozy Comfort
The villa’s layout was beautifully flexible. During the day, we’d leave everything open, the sliding doors, breezeways, decks. At night, it could transform into a cozy, enclosed sleeping den, perfect for movie nights or quiet “me” time.Space, so much space. Grand ceilings, multiple dining areas and an exceptionally spacious bathroom make this place truly magical.
Everything was intentional. Every corner had a purpose. And it all flowed seamlessly with the surrounding sea.
The overwater villa with a waterslide directly into the ocean
Family Time: A Home, Not a Hotel
We came to Soneva Secret as a family of four, and we left feeling more connected than ever.
Our two children loved it. The waterslide from our villa into the ocean became a daily ritual, usually followed by snorkeling right off the deck. They connected with the staff quickly and it felt like they had a group of extended "uncles and aunties" looking after them.
There were fewer screens, more nature, and real, uninterrupted time together. One of our Favorite rituals was having breakfast cooked in our villa's kitchen every morning, followed by ocean swims and long conversations over tropical fruit and fresh pastries. Our children’s favourite ritual was a visit to the self serve ice cream room. Open 24 hours a day with an array of ice cream and sorbet flavours. Plus an assortment of other treats like macaroons, chocolate covered marshmallows and gummy bears. Yes, gummy bears. It’s safe to say our kids ended up here more than once per day.
We didn’t feel like guests. We felt like we belonged there.
“Soneva brought our family closer in ways we didn’t even know we needed.”
The Dining: Tailored to Us, Evolving With Us
What truly set the dining experience apart was having our own private chef, dedicated to our villa and fully tuned in to our preferences.
Before arrival, we filled out a detailed questionnaire to outline our family’s tastes and any dietary needs. But the real magic happened during the stay. Our chef adapted each day’s meals based on our feedback and evolving cravings. They even let our boys request specific favourites, and always delivered something surprising and delightful.
We often chose to dine in-villa, where meals were prepared right in our own kitchen. That level of intimacy made every bite feel personal and thoughtful.
One evening, we experienced a beach barbecue with eight live cooking stations, each representing a different cuisine. Each chef offered something completely unique, and we sampled our way around the world while dining under the stars. It was fun, interactive, and absolutely delicious.
Barefoot Guardians: Personalised, Invisible Luxury
One of the most memorable aspects of Soneva Secret was the presence of our Barefoot Guardians, a Soneva signature that goes far beyond your traditional butler service.
Our guardians struck the perfect balance: always there when we needed them, never intrusive. They understood our rhythm. Always there when we needed them and no request was ever too hard. They gave us total space to just be, they made the experience feel effortless.
They even left handwritten notes at night, personal reflections about our time together. On departure, one of the notes mentioned how much they’d enjoyed getting to know our family. It was a small gesture that meant so much, and something we’ll remember forever.
More than service, it was relationship. And that, to me, is the highest form of luxury.
Final Thoughts: A Secret Worth Sharing
Soneva Secret changed the way I think about luxury travel.
It’s not about excess. It’s about experience. Connection. Slowing down. Feeling taken care of in a way that’s human, not transactional. It’s the kind of travel we all need.
