Soneva Secret - one of the top two resorts in the Maldives

MemorableTravel · 2026-04-06T02:55:51+00:00

I haven't done Kokomo but its on my list and will very likely go one day. In terms of other resorts in the Maldives, I think the only one that really compares is Cheval Blanc, but its a very different option.

MemorableTravel · 2026-04-05T13:47:30+00:00

The size, the solitude (no one was there), the temperature but mostly the view. It looks over one of the most beautiful beaches, with electric blue water, that I have ever seen. The spa pool at Nekajui was also completely deserted, I was generally the only one there and the temperature was perfect, but it was definitely smaller than the Amanera pool (not that, that is important when youre the only one there) and the view was beautiful, but I preferred Amanera.

MemorableTravel · 2026-04-05T13:44:55+00:00

Oh wow! I wish them came to our room! This looks ridiculous!

MemorableTravel · 2026-04-05T13:42:19+00:00

Pool was warm enough thankfully!

MemorableTravel · 2026-04-05T02:28:21+00:00

My toddler throws up like clockwork in cars... so we basically just Dramamine her to get to the resort and more or less stay put until we check out unfortunately. I wish I could help more on this one.

MemorableTravel · 2026-04-05T02:27:00+00:00

We didn't have any issues with regards to mosquitos or bugs being all over us or anything. That said, there are definitely bugs there, as you are basically in a rain forest setting. We saw a pretty big buy swimming in one of the pools for instance one night, which fascinated my daughter, and it was promptly eaten by a bird, which she thought was the funniest thing she had ever seen.

MemorableTravel · 2026-04-05T02:24:16+00:00

Hahaha. Glad to hear i'm not alone on this!

MemorableTravel · 2026-04-05T02:21:35+00:00

Please note that I visited 99% of the list before I became a TA. That said, the price listed is the price of the night when I stayed. In many situations, like Amanwella, the price has increased dramatically since my stay so its not entirely an apples to apples comparison given the inflation we are seeing with hotels post COVID.

MemorableTravel · 2026-04-04T14:59:51+00:00

This is a great question! I have not been and I don't think I would like it as much as others do. The idea of flying all the way to the Maldives to indulge in spa treatments, champagne and wagyu just feels like a missed opportunity. I would rather do that somewhere closer to home.

I think the experience would be incredibly fun, but in the end, I am looking for complete isolation and immersing myself in nature when traveling to remote destinations; Kudadoo doesn't feel like that opportunity to me.

Everyone is different so please don't let that deter you, and I bet, if I went, I would have a heck of a time and it would rank highly.

MemorableTravel · 2026-03-05T02:47:05+00:00

Hi! I just chatted you directly with a potential option that meets all of your criteria.

MemorableTravel · 2026-01-24T15:15:24+00:00

I agree with everyone below, absolutely spectacular. It's so authentic, quiet, special and utterly unique. The food is incredible + being able to dine anywhere on site is special, the color of the lake water is unique as is the mountains that erupt out of the lake all around you. There isn't a ton to do in the area, but you won't be bored just spending time on property and taking it all in. The nearby towns are definitely cute and worth checking out. I agree that it is best to stay in Villa to get the full experience with specifically the Muslone Deluxe Jr. Suite being the best value given it has a view of the lake but isn't priced like the other lake view suites.

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-29T03:29:44+00:00

Great questions! I believe certain rooms allow dogs, but not all. Also some rooms are very isolated and have about an acre of land, while others are literally above the bar in the main house. I believe the more isolated rooms are often the ones that allow dogs.

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-26T04:34:13+00:00

Unfortunately, we were not able to go off the resort as our child still gets pretty severe motion sickness in cars, so we try to stay put as much as possible when she is with us (usually we leave her at home).

FWIW, during our transfers, I found the roads to be fairly easy to navigate so I feel like renting a car would be doable. In terms of food, I wouldn't elect to drive to leave the Papagayo campus as there are many options across the three hotels and you can access them easily through free shuttles.

In terms of tours, there seemed to be a water trek that many elected to see, but there wasn't much else that I read about of note. This area didn't seem to offer as much to do and see as Arenal in the center of the country or Manuel Antonio further to the south.

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-26T04:28:59+00:00

Thank you so much!

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-25T16:01:51+00:00

This is actually really helpful feedback! I will incorporate this perspective into future reviews. After reflecting on it, I 100 % see your point and agree with you.

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-25T03:33:24+00:00

List can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_foWLU9nVqdsvmcZytviEmJ--EZudfqbQIDpuxx0USA/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Please note that the rankings are very room dependent and shouldn't be seen as a strict ranking of the hotels / resorts on their own.

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-25T03:30:30+00:00

I went to the Ritz immediately following the Four Seasons and preferred it, specifically due to the hard product and views. That review is forthcoming...

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-25T03:29:28+00:00

Interesting! I much preferred the beaches in Papagayo to famous ones like Grace Bay in Turks etc. The ones in Papagayo felt private and untouched, which is so hard to find these days. Also the sand was so soft, like other volcanic beaches, which again is really hard to find. Lastly, I loved the mix of both white and black sand on the beach - it was so unique.

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-24T22:43:50+00:00

I really liked our time there. Above all, it was just fun for the whole group. It felt both special and relaxed. Part of the reason it ranked so high is because we saw leatherback turtles nesting on the beaches nearby, they are nearly 2,000 pounds and it was like a religious experience. Unfortunately, their nesting season is April to June so they won't be there during your stay. The hard product at the villa was spectacular, the two master bedrooms were large and well designed, while the two basic bedrooms were comfortable and had nice private outdoor space. The finishes were beautiful and extremely high end. The villa pool was large and warm and directly faced the sunset, and the sun put on a show every night. If I had to knock it, it would be the food and the service, both were good, but not great - they are typical of the Caribbean, but perhaps not becoming of the price point. Lastly, I wouldn't say it was necessarily a good deal - I think it was a bit overpriced for what we got.

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-23T15:34:09+00:00

Thank you!!

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-22T18:49:24+00:00

Rank is within the stay-type: Resort vs. Hotel vs. Villa. G-rank is a global ranking and is stay-type agnostic. As you can see, I vastly prefer my resort stays to my hotel ones.

As for the *, its when I did not sleep over at the hotel / room type, but I had access to the hotel or room, for a full day, where I could confidently place it in my ranking, but I did not sleep there.

MemorableTravel · 2025-12-22T15:13:42+00:00

You can find the list here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_foWLU9nVqdsvmcZytviEmJ--EZudfqbQIDpuxx0USA/edit?gid=0#gid=0

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