Retractable roofs at Maldives resort let guests sleep beneath the stars
by Kim Megson | 17 Aug 2016
Guests at a new resort in the Maldives will be able to sleep under the stars, with a retractable roof built into every master bedroom.
The roofs at the Soneva Javi resort, which will have its soft opening in October, can be opened at the touch of a button.
Described by Sovena as “an evolution of the water villa experience”, the retractable feature is one of several unorthodox additions the resort operator has included in the Javi property.
Villas will also feature private saunas, pools and waterslides dropping from the top floor into the lagoon on which the resort sits.
The resort’s interiors have been designed by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders, and are made from sustainable materials to create a sense of “intelligent luxury”.
The design is an evolution of Soneva’s existing Maldives resort, Soneva Gili. It comprises 24 water villas and one island villa, with additional island villas planned at a later stage.
Leisure facilities include yoga studios, cycle trails, bars, restaurants and a spa, while visitors can also take a dolphin cruise or picnic on one of the remote surrounding islands.
Maldives resort architecture Soneva Soneva Javi Eva Shivdasani
Sustainable materials have been used to create the luxury resort Credit: Richard Waite
The bedroom roofs at the Soneva Javi resort can be opened at the touch of a button to reveal the night sky Credit: Richard Waite
The resort's operators want to maintain the natural beauty of the surroundings Credit: Richard Waite
The resort is suspended above a natural, clear-water lagoon Credit: Richard Waite
The concept of the design has been described as 'intelligent luxury' Credit: Richard Waite
The resort comprises 24 water villas and one island villa, with additional island villas planned at a later stage
Credit: Richard Waite
The resort is conceputalised as a relaxing getaway, with health and wellness offerings a priority Credit: Richard Waite
Fish swim beneath the villa's pool terraces Credit: Richard Waite
The resort’s interiors have been designed by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders Credit: Richard Waite
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Guests at a new resort in the Maldives will be able to sleep under the stars, with a retractable roof built into every master bedroom. The roofs at the Soneva Javi resort, which will have its soft opening in October, can be opened at the touch of a button. Described by Sovena as “an evolution of the water villa experience”, the retractable feature is one of several unorthodox additions the
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