Soneva Fushi opened in 1995 on Kunfunadhoo Island in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort is reached by a thirty-minute seaplane flight from Male, or a twelve-minute speedboat ride from Dharavandhoo.

The resort's 2020 fact sheet lists 71 private villas. A 2021 summary counts 63 island villas and eight water retreats, from one to nine bedrooms.

The lagoon shore of Kunfunadhoo Island
The lagoon shore of Kunfunadhoo Island, where Soneva Fushi has stood since 1995. Photograph: Ameer Dawood (CC BY 3.0)

The island villas each hold their own stretch of pristine beach. Bathrooms are open to the air and extend into private gardens, and most villas have pools.

The Private Reserve, Villa 11, is the nine-bedroom residence. The 2021 summary lists it at 3,048 square metres. It holds a lagoon-style pool, a sunken dining area, a waterslide, direct beach access, and a butler room. It was built in 2013 and refurbished in 2015.

Shallow lagoon water beyond the beach
The shallows beyond the beach: each island villa holds its own stretch of sand. Photograph: Ameer Dawood (CC BY 3.0)

The house philosophy is no news, no shoes. Service runs through a barefoot butler, and guests move about by bicycle.

Coral shallows seen from an air taxi
Coral shallows over a Maldives atoll, seen from an air taxi. Photograph: B166-er (Public domain)

The 2021 summary lists the Den as the largest children's and teen's club in the Maldives.