WELLNESS AND BEYOND

Sonu Shivdasani’s discovery of the Maldives in the '80s was a turning point in the hospitality world. In 1995, he set up the fi rst wellness resort in the Maldives—Soneva Fushi. The CEO and joint creative director of Soneva Resorts asserts that wellness travel centred on mental well-being and intelligent luxury is not just a passing trend; it’s here to stay.

- Pooja Naik  

IN THE GENESIS of Soneva, I lacked formal hotel training—a trait shared by many groundbreaking hoteliers. Consider Isadore Sharp, who began as an architect, birthing Four Seasons, or Adrian Zecha, a magazine writer turned Aman Resorts co-founder. My outsider status liberated my approach, prioritising extraordinary, sustainable experiences. The absence of tradition fosters fresh perspectives, enabling us to redefine hospitality with boundless creativity and transformative visions.

In 1987, I discovered the Maldives alongside my partner Eva, and we were captivated. Its untouched simplicity was unlike anything I’d seen. Over the years, I’ve watched it transform into a beacon of luxury and sustainability in global tourism. The Maldives’ dedication to conservation and innovative initiatives for its fragile ecosystems is commendable. Our efforts at Soneva Fushi, from carbon neutrality to plastic management, contribute to this positive change, filling me with pride.

A Rejuvenating Retreat 

Eva and I fell in love with the simple, untouched life of the Maldives from our very first visit. It ignited a vision—a resort that would be unparalleled, and deeply respectful of the environment. We believe a company’s purpose transcends profit, it should enrich society and protect its surroundings. Merging our strengths in management, style, and design, we turned an abandoned 100-acre island into our dream destination. In 1995, with persistence and a stroke of luck, Soneva Fushi emerged as the Maldives’ pioneer luxury resort, redefining the landscape.