Soneva Fushi

Maldives

Psychic service delivered daily in paradise

As guests arrive via seaplane over atolls dotting the deep blues and dazzling azures of the Indian Ocean, a dreamy island escape awaits where the dial is set permanently to holiday mode.

Central to this feeling of utter relaxation is Soneva Fushi's team, helmed by general manager Antony Paton, who often waits in person to greet new arrivals, alongside the resort manager and Fushi's secret weapon: personal butlers known as barefoot guardians. These heaven-adjacent guardian angels are completely devoted to enhancing guests' stays, covering everything from restaurant and spa bookings to diving excursions and castaway picnics, and often supplying personal touches such as favourite snacks and swapping hard pillows for soft based on snippets of information gleaned from their charges throughout their stay.

There are 12 commandments of service at Soneva Fushi, ranging from the practical – such as luggage always arriving at the guests' villa before they do – to the personal, including personally escorting guests anywhere they would like to explore on the vast, lush estate.

You'll find world-class facilities galore on the island, including a full-sized tennis court, a padel court and Soneva Soul – the resident spa offering advanced treatments such as hyperbaric chamber therapy, cryotherapy and IV drips alongside conventional, Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. There's also superlative dining including plant-based eateries and flagship restaurants with a rolling roster of international star chefs and even one eatery that's only accessible by sailing through the jungle treetops via a 200-metre zipline. However, beyond these more expected elements, visitors will find Soneva Fushi's generous spirit – think cheese and charcuterie rooms fully stocked for complimentary afternoon snacks or a dedicated ice cream room for when the midnight munchies manifest.

Throughout all these luxury trappings a feeling of care abounds, whether it's making sure a guest who mentioned enjoying cocktails is given a private mixology session, looking after its own staff with training courses or even supporting the wider community in which it sits. For example, the group's Soneva Namoona initiative includes installing reverse osmosis systems to produce fresh drinking water on local islands, building glass bottling plants and supporting waste-management projects.

It is this holistic approach to service with genuine care that has earned Soneva Fushi the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025.

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