2026 editionNo. 01
Soneva Jani
Noonu Atoll, Maldives
Why Soneva Jani is one of The World's Best 100 Resorts 2026.
Soneva Jani turns the overwater-villa idea into a private world of its own: vast residences, retractable roofs, direct lagoon access and an unhurried style of service that never feels staged. Its scale is impressive, but the real achievement is intimacy—the sense that an entire atoll has been edited around the rhythm of one guest.
The essentials.
- Destination
- Noonu Atoll, Maldives
- Property
- Private-island overwater resort
- Operator
- Soneva
- Opened
- 2016
AddressMedhufaru Island, Noonu Atoll, MaldivesOpen map ↗
Stories
Private Escapes
The Best Barefoot Luxury of 2025 Is Getting More Private
Family Travel
The Maldives’ Best Family Luxury Is a Question of Space, Not Entertainment
Private Escapes
The Maldives’ Best Overwater Stay Knows When to Leave the Villa
Dining
At Le Sirenuse, the Best Long Lunch Keeps the Horizon Open
Edition factsThe record at a glance
- Position
- No. 1
- Resort type
- Private-island overwater resort
- Destination
- Noonu Atoll
- Country or region
- Maldives
- Management in 2026
- Soneva
- Opening year
- 2016