The celeb-favorite Soneva Jani where Chrissy Teigen & John Legend just vacationed

Where to spot celebs in the Maldives


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29 apr, 2021

One of Hollywood’s famous couples, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen celebrated daughter Luna's fifth birthday and the release of Teigen's mom's cookbook at the exclusive Soneva Jani Resort in the Maldives.

Soneva Jani's 24 jaw-dropping overwater villas, located along a boardwalk reaching out into the ocean, include features like roof decks for stargazing, private infinity pools, gyms, steam rooms and saunas, and retractable roofs.

The Cravings cookbook author, 35, and the EGOT winner, 42, recently took their two kids, daughter Luna, 5, and son Miles, 2, as well as Teigen's mom, Vilailuck "Pepper," on a trip to the Maldives, a remote group of islands in the Indian Ocean known for its coral reefs, pristine resorts and celebrity fans.

The famous family stayed at the exclusive Soneva Jani Resort, PEOPLE can confirm, a five-star favorite of Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk (who honeymooned there), Millie Bobby Brown and more.

Teigen and Legend posted many photos to Instagram throughout their stay at Jani, showing off the turquoise waters and sprawling palm trees, and their infinity pool hangouts and cozy villa living. The family appeared to enjoy a boat ride, playing in the sand, a crab feast and stargazing with a telescope.

They also shared that they celebrated two special occasions on the trip: Luna's fifth birthday and the launch of Teigen's mom's new cookbook, Pepper Thai Cookbook.

To celebrate Luna, Teigen wrote that the family participated in a "scavenger hunt all through the island to get to ZOMBIESSSSS - her dream birthday!" She shared several photos of her daughter in a ruffled lavender dress finding clues on flower vases. 

The American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, film producer, and philanthropist, John Legend met model Chrissy Teigen in 2006 when director Nabil Elderkin introduced the two during her appearance in the music video for his song “Stereo”. They became engaged in December 2011 and were married on September 14, 2013 in Como, Italy. The 2013 song “All of Me” was written and is dedicated to her; the music video was reportedly displayed at their wedding. The couple has a daughter born in April 2016 and a son born in May 2018.

The eco-resort is spread across five islets located in the middle of a lagoon in the Noonu Atoll, a ring-shaped island. In order to access the property, guests must take a 45-minute seaplane ride, a 60-minute speedboat ride, or a half-day cruise.

The Soneva Fushi, another resort from the brand in the Maldives, is also popular with stars — Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner honeymooned there!

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Soneva in The Maldives

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World-leading luxury resort operator Soneva runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury. If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.

Sixty-two private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.

Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options. In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing. READ FULL REVIEW

The perfect combination of luxury and nature, Soneva Jani offers guests an unparalleled experience in idyllic surroundings. Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives. This resort doesn't just have character, it has charisma. Soneva Jani is like someone with personal magnetism, someone who knows themself, knows the world and greets it with a big, welcoming smile.

Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa. Each of the 24 water villas is superbly designed and has a private pool that looks out onto its own lagoon site, and some villas are equipped with water slides from the sun deck down to the lagoon. Feature of the villas is a retractable roof in the main bedroom, which is retracted at the touch of a button so guests can lie in bed and count the stars. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.

Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.

The luxury resort is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi. Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon. READ FULL REVIEW

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