The Maldives’ Newest Resort Is Also Its Most Expensive. Here’s a Look Inside.

When Soneva Secret opened in early April, it instantly became the most expensive resort in one of the world’s most expensive hotel destinations: the Maldives. With starting rates of $3,200 a night, it has just 14 villas—including one that floats completely unmoored in the middle of the sea. Come Christmas, the price shoots up to a cool $11,000.

Thirty years in the making, Soneva Secret is the latest innovation from the Soneva brand that has been intent on one-upping itself—and everyone else—since it first opened in the Maldives in 1995. At Soneva Jani, its most famous resort, huge Robinson Crusoe-inspired overwater villas have waterslides that go straight into the ocean, plus retractable roofs for in-bed stargazing and walk-in minibars stocked according to your personal preferences. It often costs upwards of $2,000 a night.