soneva jani RECEIVES 2025 GLOBAL RECOGNITION AWARD
As dusk settles over the Noonu Atoll, a guest relaxes on a catamaran net above the calm lagoon, while the ceiling above quietly retracts to reveal a sky full of stars. This scene at Soneva Jani, where thoughtful design meets the Maldivian landscape, reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality. Soneva Jani has been honored with a 2025 Global Recognition Award, a distinction that highlights its consistent performance and influence in a highly competitive industry. The resort’s notable achievement—providing 40% of its electricity through solar power and aiming for 50% in 2024—demonstrates a practical commitment to sustainable operations.
Soneva Jani’s recognition with a 2025 Global Recognition Award is rooted in its blend of guest-focused service, environmental responsibility, and design. The resort, which includes 59 villas set across a 5.6-kilometer lagoon, has received consistent praise in industry rankings, including a spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 and a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide 2024. Guests often comment on the proactive assistance from the Barefoot Guardians, who anticipate preferences and needs before they are voiced. “Beyond the sheer beauty of the Maldives, what made staying at Soneva Jani forever memorable is the exceptional quality of service provided by their hosts and their genuine friendliness,” shares one recent visitor. This approach, combined with the resort’s environmental initiatives, distinguishes Soneva Jani among Maldivian properties.
By integrating attentive service, thoughtful design, and measurable sustainability efforts, Soneva Jani has established a model that appeals to travelers seeking both comfort and environmental awareness. The resort’s ability to balance these priorities is a key reason for its selection as a 2025 Global Recognition Award recipient.
Architecture, Experience, and Service
Soneva Jani’s architecture is defined by its overwater and island villas, designed to maximize privacy and connection to the lagoon. The villas range from 555 square meters for one-bedroom options to 1,421 square meters for four-bedroom residences. Each features a retractable roof, which operates at the touch of a button and automatically closes in the event of rain. This detail, developed with Studio Arne Boon, allows guests to enjoy the night sky from the comfort of their rooms.
The resort’s observatory, So Starstruck, offers a combination of dining and astronomy. Guests dine while an astronomer provides guided views of the stars through a 16-inch telescope, merging culinary and educational experiences. Another notable feature is the water slide from villa decks directly into the lagoon, which adds a playful element to the stay. The design, led by Eva Malmström Shivdasani, uses sustainable materials and open-air layouts to maintain a sense of place and environmental consideration.
Staff at Soneva Jani are trained to notice guest routines and preferences, often preparing amenities or experiences without being prompted. For example, a guest returning from snorkeling may find fresh towels and refreshments already waiting. These small, anticipatory gestures, rather than grand displays, distinguish the service approach at Soneva Jani.
Dining, Wellness, and Family Activities
Soneva Jani’s dining program includes more than ten venues, each with a distinct focus. Overseas, led by Mathias Dahlgren, serves pescatarian and plant-based dishes with an emphasis on local seafood. The Crab Shack is known for Sri Lankan mud crab curry and a wide selection of rosé wines, while The Director’s Cut offers Japanese cuisine alongside screenings at Cinema Paradiso, the resort’s overwater theater. Unique experiences like “Guess Who’s Cooking” invite guests to try a surprise menu in a new location, with the chef revealing themselves and their inspiration after the meal.
The resort sources ingredients from local fishermen and farmers, supporting the surrounding community and reducing its environmental impact. Soneva Jani also offers complimentary access to an ice cream parlor, chocolate room, and cheese and charcuterie room, providing guests with a variety of options throughout the day. These choices reflect a commitment to both quality and sustainability in the culinary program.
Wellness is addressed through Soneva Soul, which combines traditional therapies with modern treatments. The facility offers naturopathy, Ayurveda, and consultations with visiting specialists. The Den, a 1,500-square-meter children’s club, provides activities ranging from a water slide and zipline to educational exhibits and a music room. These amenities ensure that guests of all ages have access to recreation and relaxation.
Sustainability, Community, and Future Direction
Soneva Jani’s operational model is designed to minimize environmental impact. The resort has been carbon neutral since 2016, including emissions from guest travel. Its solar power system supplies a significant portion of its energy needs, and ongoing investments aim to increase this share. Waste management programs convert refuse into resources, and the resort’s mosquito control method avoids chemical use, reducing harm to local ecosystems.
Community engagement is evident through the Soneva Namoona initiative, which supports waste management and marine conservation across nearby islands. A 2% environmental levy on room rates has raised funds for projects such as reforestation and clean energy, with measurable results in carbon offsetting and land restoration. These efforts demonstrate a practical approach to sustainability that extends beyond the resort itself.
Looking ahead, Soneva Jani plans to further develop its renewable energy infrastructure and expand guest experiences. The introduction of Chapter Two in 2021 added new Water Reserves and the Soneva Unlimited all-inclusive concept, which covers dining, activities, and spa treatments. These developments indicate a continued focus on both guest satisfaction and environmental responsibility, reinforcing Soneva Jani’s position as a leader in sustainable hospitality and a deserving recipient of a 2025 Global Recognition Award.
Located in the Noonu Atoll, Maldives, Soneva Jani is set across a 5.6-kilometer private lagoon, offering expansive views of turquoise waters and pristine beaches.
The resort is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and crystal-clear lagoons, providing a secluded and tranquil environment.
Villas are positioned for maximum privacy and direct access to the lagoon, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.
The design emphasizes open-air layouts and sustainable materials, maintaining a strong sense of place and environmental harmony.
Soneva Jani’s setting allows for uninterrupted views of sunsets and star-filled skies, enhanced by features like retractable villa roofs.
The resort offers 59 villas, including both overwater and island options, ranging from 555 square meters (one-bedroom) to 1,421 square meters (four-bedroom residences).
Each villa features a private pool, direct lagoon access, and a retractable roof for stargazing, which closes automatically in case of rain.
Villas are designed with privacy in mind, using sustainable materials and open layouts to connect guests with the surrounding nature.
Unique amenities include water slides from the villa decks directly into the lagoon, adding a playful element to the luxury experience.
Accommodation design is led by Eva Malmström Shivdasani and Studio Arne Boon, reflecting a blend of modern comfort and Maldivian tradition.
Soneva Jani features over ten dining venues, each with a distinct culinary focus, including pescatarian, plant-based, Japanese, and Sri Lankan-inspired options.
Overseas, led by chef Mathias Dahlgren, emphasizes local seafood and plant-based dishes, while The Crab Shack is renowned for Sri Lankan mud crab curry and a curated rosé selection.
The Director’s Cut offers Japanese cuisine alongside screenings at Cinema Paradiso, the resort’s overwater theater.
Unique experiences like “Guess Who’s Cooking” provide surprise menus in secret locations, revealed by the chef after the meal.
Complimentary access is provided to an ice cream parlor, chocolate room, and cheese and charcuterie room, reflecting a commitment to quality and guest delight.
The So Starstruck observatory combines dining with astronomy, offering guided stargazing sessions through a 16-inch telescope.
The Den, a 1,500-square-meter children’s club, features water slides, a zipline, educational exhibits, and a music room for family-friendly entertainment.
Villas are equipped with private pools, water slides, and direct lagoon access for swimming and snorkeling.
Wellness is prioritized through the Soneva Soul spa, which offers naturopathy, Ayurveda, and treatments by visiting specialists.
Guests can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including snorkeling, diving, water sports, and unique experiences like overwater cinema screenings.
Service is highly personalized, with Barefoot Guardians (private butlers) anticipating guest needs and preferences before they are voiced.
Staff are trained to observe guest routines, preparing amenities or experiences proactively, such as having fresh towels and refreshments ready after excursions.
The service approach emphasizes genuine friendliness and attention to detail, consistently praised by guests.
Small, thoughtful gestures—rather than grand displays—define the resort’s hospitality style.
The resort’s reputation for exceptional service is reflected in industry accolades, including a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide 2024 and a spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023.
Soneva Jani has been carbon neutral since 2016, including emissions from guest travel, and currently supplies 40% of its electricity through solar power, aiming for 50% in 2024.
Waste management programs convert refuse into resources, and mosquito control methods avoid chemicals to protect local ecosystems.
The resort sources ingredients from local fishermen and farmers, supporting the community and reducing its environmental footprint.
The Soneva Namoona initiative promotes waste management and marine conservation across neighboring islands, funded in part by a 2% environmental levy on room rates.
Ongoing investments focus on expanding renewable energy infrastructure and measurable sustainability efforts, reinforcing Soneva Jani’s leadership in responsible hospitality.
Location
Medhufaru Island, Manadhoo, Maldives
