Having a splashing time at The Den kids' space at Soneva Jani.
Luxury Maldives resort Soneva Jani is taking the kids’ club concept to the next level with The Den, a two-storey entertainment space with dedicated areas from toddler to teen.
The space embraces the resort’s slow life philosophy and a ‘no news, no shoes’ ethos. Phones and tablets must be left back in the villas in a bid to encourage children to play and discover uninterrupted by technology.
Soneva Jani is nestled on the stunning island of Medhufaru in the Noonu Atoll and set within a five kilometre lagoon boasting crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and swaying palms. The barefoot resort offers 51 overwater and island villas, eleven dining experiences and plenty in the way of water sports. And it’s now embracing family-time.
The Den seeks to nurture adventure, play and a little bit of learning amongst the resort's younger guests, with an imaginative field of resources. It boasts plenty of action with its own swimming pool complete with two waterfalls that cascade into it. There’s a waterslide, catamaran nets and shallow areas for littlies. The pool is also crossed by a 32m zip line which plunges through a waterfall. And hidden behind one of the waterfalls is a grotto that transforms into Cave Bar, an evening hangout for teens with a DJ booth, dance floor and pool bar serving mocktails. Beyond the pool is a pirate ship and skateboard ramp.
Inside The Den, there’s a bowling alley, Lego and craft area, dress-up room, library and cinema. A separate area provides sensory play for toddlers. And the kitchen hosts cooking lessons and the resort’s regular Junior MasterChef competition.
Star gazing at The Hangout on the roof deck of The Den.
The design of Soneva Jani’s new play space has been carefully thought through. Imaginative touches include ‘piano’ keys embedded in the wooden floors which trigger four underwater-themed compositions. Elsewhere, bioluminescent flooring has been installed, with footsteps activating a plankton-blue light. Ultraviolet discovery exercises reveal hidden infographics on the walls and kids are able to explore ocean themes in 4D perspective. There’s even a jellyfish alcove.
Upstairs, The Hangout is a dedicated roof deck for teens with music room, telescope deck, pool and football tables, pinball machines, table tennis table and a dry slide to exit the space.
Older children aged 12 years and up are able to join Soneva Academy which explores topics such as the Maldevian night sky, birdwatching, environmental initiatives, the marine life of the Maldives, mosquitoes and the Adventure of the Corbin, a quest at sea tracing an ancient galleon.
Soneva Jani has now launched the Ultimate Family Offer; book a minimum stay of four nights and children up to 15 years will receive complimentary full board dining when sharing with two adults. Also included in the offer are family welcome gifts and children’s arrival kits with baby accessories, highchairs, prams, playpens, monitors, bottle warmers, bath mats and other supplies.
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