Maldivian villas grant buyers their own piece of paradise

By LISA KLEIN

Long a faraway holiday beacon of crystalline water, sugar-sand beaches, abundant wildlife and relaxation, the Maldives is often seen as the ultimate tropical paradise.

Despite its remoteness, this group of tiny islands that stretch along the equator in the Indian Ocean is also attracting another type of visitor – luxury buyers looking for a vacation home in a location like no other.

“The Maldives holds a special place on the travel bucket lists of global wanderers, renowned for its luxurious resorts and private villas tailored to affluent individuals,” said Theya Phathanathong, business development manager for Soneva Villa Ownership, a branch of luxury resort company Soneva.

“The allure of owning property in this paradise is undeniable, with its top-notch amenities and services,” she said.

A beautiful buy

The idyllic natural beauty of the island chain draws in people from around the globe, and the country’s focus on sustainability and wellness tourism keeps them coming back for escape after restful escape.

“The remoteness of the Maldives adds to its allure, providing a sense of exclusivity and privacy that allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy tranquility and seclusion,” Ms. Phathanathong said.

However, its central location in the Indian Ocean still makes it easily accessible from major travel hubs on every continent.

It’s no wonder that those who keep coming back to the Maldives want to buy their own small slice, and Soneva is helping them to do so at its Soneva Fushi and Jani resorts.

While foreigners are restricted from buying property outright, they can purchase a 50-year “leasehold” for villas and apartments at resorts, with an eventual option to extend that to 99 total years.

“Each villa owner signs a direct leasehold agreement with the government, ensuring that the property fully belongs to the owner for the duration of the leasehold period,” Ms. Phathanathong said.

Soneva works directly with the government to make the process easy for its villa buyers. In addition, the Maldives itself offers incentives for foreign investment and boasts a stable political climate and booming economy.

Villa owners can get a piece of the action too, with real estate values consistently appreciating and a never-ending opportunity for vacation-rental income.

Sea of possibilities

Soneva offers up villas for purchase at two of its Maldivian resorts: Soneva Fushi, in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll.

“Soneva Fushi, our inaugural property since 1995, exudes a warm and family-oriented atmosphere, enhanced by the local rabbits roaming the island,” Ms. Phathanathong said.

“The beach villas at Soneva Fushi are particularly noteworthy, offering exceptional privacy and stunning beachfronts where guests can snorkel and explore the magnificent underwater world right in front of their villa.

“Conversely, Soneva Jani embodies the quintessential image of the Maldives with its blue lagoon, white sands and iconic overwater villas with slides – a feature pioneered by Soneva that has become a hallmark of the Maldives.”

Sustainability plays a major role in both properties, with villas constructed from eco-friendly, responsibly-sourced and recycled or reused materials.

The resort chain works towards carbon neutrality through renewable energy and reforestation projects. A 2 percent levy on stays also funds the Soneva Foundation, which spearheads initiatives such as coral restoration, including a coral nursery at Soneva Fushi.

On top of that, villa ownership comes with all of the amenities and services of the luxury resorts.

Owners have access to a dedicated host, butlers, housekeepers and private chefs in addition to the fine dining options on the islands.

Experiences offered include water sports, nature excursions and beach recreation. To relax, villa owners can visit the Soneva Soul spas for wellness treatments, yoga and meditation.

“This level of luxury and convenience is a key selling point for owners looking to invest in a prestigious and upscale property in the Maldives,” Ms. Phathanathong said.

“By offering resort-style services and experiences, Soneva Villa Ownership ensures that owners can enjoy a hassle-free and pampered lifestyle, where every need is catered to and every experience is exceptional.”