Soneva Fushi Launches New Water Retreats

Often the first choice for lovers of luxury on an island, Maldives has more than just one reason to lure travellers.

In times when social distancing is the the need of the hour, Soneva Fushi has launched 8 new water retreats, ensuring utmost privacy for travellers while not missing out on scenic ocean vistas.

Accessible by a gently curving jetty near the Dolphin Beach, at the opposite end of the island, these retreats range from one bedroom to two bedrooms and are the largest overwater villas in the world. The water retreats all have water slides and can be found in shades of natural browns with visible sustainable wood panels through the interior finishing. 

With a new avatar, the 2 bedroom retreats have both the rooms on the ground floor and the pool is suspended over the ocean at the front. The pool deck now has more space for sun loungers and daybeds. For a rather serene experience, the catamaran nets let guests sit above the waves, while curved steps lead from the pool deck to the water below. 

With a choice of either sunrise or sunset views, the villas feature a large al fresco deck, including plush sun loungers, a sunken seating area and catamaran nets. Travellers have choice between swimming in the ocean or the private pool, while a curving 19-metre slide plunges into the waves from the upper floor. Both the villa types feature&nbspan expansive upper level with a dining sala, as well as&nbspSoneva&rsquos signature outdoor bathroom with direct access to the sea. 

The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the spacious dining and living areas with natural light, while a fully-fitted pantry with wine fridge and minibar provide gourmet snacks and drinks. Flanked by an en-suite bathroom, dressing room and children&rsquos sleeping area, the master bedroom suite features a king-sized bed.&nbspIn the two-bedroom villa, a second guest bedroom also includes a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom and dressing room.

The retreats are also high enough above the ocean so that the waves do not break against the underside, thus reducing noise and vibrations. The walls also use recycled styrofoam as an insulation to keep the interiors cooler and to muffle the sound of the wind and waves.

Going an extra mile in terms of its research and development, the retreats feature a retractable roof above the master bed made using aluminium to make its operation smoother and quieter. The curving jetty that links the retreats to the island has also been redesigned with the planks laid lengthwise rather than width-wise to reduce the noise of buggies and bicycles riding along them. 

The new retreats at Soneva Fushi begin from USD&nbsp2,626 &nbspper night for the 1 Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide, and USD&nbsp5,232 &nbspper night for the 2 Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide.