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Sonu Shivdasani: the ‘dream maker’ redefining luxury

It was 1986, and a 21-year-old Sonu Shivdasani was reading for an MA in English Literature at Oxford University when he met his future wife Eva Malmström. After their initial encounter, the Swedish fashion model introduced her British Indian partner to a patch of paradise in the Indian Ocean that she had visited a few years back on a photo shoot. She told him of the breath-taking natural beauty of the islands. She said they had to go there someday.
A year later, the couple arrived in Maldives for winter holidays. They stayed at Nakatchafushi (now Huvafen Fushi Maldives). Like Eva, Sonu was instantly drawn to the natural beauty of the Maldives.
“I think we had lived here in a past life. It was definitely a strong affinity to being in the Maldives. We loved the geography,” Sonu recalls his first impressions of the Maldives.

Sonu and Eva. PHOTO/ SONEVA
A few years later, Sonu and Eva returned to the Maldives, this time staying at Cocoa Island (now COMO Cocoa Island), which was then operated by German photographer Erik Klemm. But the standards of hospitality offered by the handful of resorts operating at the time were a major turn-off. Coral walls, white tiled floors, plastic chairs, neon lights, salt water in the toilet and shower, and tinned fruits and vegetables didn’t appeal Sonu, son of a well-known Indian merchant and banker.
That’s when it occurred to him, why not lease an island and build a house here?
Selling the unsellable
In 1988, Sonu approached the government, but was told that an island could only be leased for tourism. It wasn’t something he had thought of. He had no knowledge and experience of building and running a hotel.
But Sonu took on the challenge. When the government began auctioning off islands in Ari Atoll in the early 1990s, Sonu bid for Athuruga, Thudufushi and Angaga – now three very successful resort islands. But the bids failed largely because Sonu didn’t have a bed contract with a tour operator.
“Those days Maldivian tourism was run by German and Italian tour operators. They went to a local who was farming coconuts and said, ‘Will you build a resort for us? We will give a 10-year contract, all-inclusive, a very low fixed price and a three-year deposit to finance the development’,” he explains.
“The government wanted to see a tour operator bed contract, but we didn’t want to do that. We wanted to create something luxurious, and we couldn’t work with just one operator, especially at those low rates. We put very nice bids together. We also offered much more lease rental, but fewer number of rooms. But we failed.”

Sonu speaks to Maldives Insider. PHOTO/ IBRAHIM ASAD
Then Sonu had a stroke of luck. He was introduced to an uninhabited island in Baa atoll that had been abandoned after a failed attempt by local businessman Ahmed Jaleel to operate a resort. After Jaleel offloaded the island, it had passed onto various developers. But no one wanted to develop and run it. Everyone thought the island was, as Sonu put it, jinxed!
Even so, Sonu acquired the lease on the island from Veyne Reed, Chairman of Australian travel company Treasure Island Enterprise. And with their family money, Sonu and Eva started building their dream house on the deserted island of Kunfunadhoo.
But to keep construction going and to complete the resort, they needed funds. They turned to local banks, but it proved to be a difficult task.
“The local banks didn’t believe in luxury tourism. We showed them our numbers; we were projecting an average net rate of 200 dollars per night. We went to the state bank [State Bank of India], and they said it was impossible. Even Kurumba, which was the best resort at the time, was doing 100 dollars per night. They didn’t understand the concept at all,” Sonu shares the initial frustrations he had to deal with.
Sonu was once again lucky. He discovered that the Thai government was mandating its banks to lend abroad. And so, he seized the opportunity and approached a Thai bank. Sonu’s proposal was amongst 20 loans – and the most successful of all – given out at the time by the bank’s newly formed division for international lending.
But there was a catch!
“They said, you know nothing about hotels. So, you need a hotel company to manage your hotel,” Sonu says.
He began looking around for a suitable management company. He wrote to legendary South African hotelier Sol Kerzner, who was running the Le Saint Géran hotel in the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius, as well as Regent Hotels Group, Four Seasons and Taj Hotels. But they – all of them would later come to open luxury resorts in the Maldives – then believed that the Maldives lacked the potential to be a luxury destination. Hilton and Sheraton expressed interest, but Sonu and Eva felt that both the corporate chains were completely opposite of what they had in mind.
Finally, Sonu had the opportunity to take an equity stake in a small hotel management company based in Thailand. It would later become known as Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
Turning around a business
After resolving the issue of funds and management, Sonu now had to take care of the make or break challenge of guest transfer. Jaleel’s resort operation on Kunfunadhoo in the 1970s failed because bad weather often made it impossible for dhonis to travel. Guests from Europe, who took nine-hour flights to reach the Maldives, had to spend four days from their week-long packaged holiday in Male. Transfer issues forced Jaleel’s successors to abandon their plans as well.

Resolving transfer issues with helicopters was one of the main reasons behind the initial success of Soneva Fushi.
Sonu realised that the only way to resolve the issue was to transport guests by air. Since there was no domestic airport anywhere close to the island, he turned to Hummingbird Helicopters, which was about to close its business after about two years in operation. Their use of western-built helicopters with limited seating capacity and high rates didn’t appeal guests who had paid just 500 pounds for a one-week holiday, including international flights.
“We decided to take over the business. That was the time when communism collapsed all around the world. So, we went to Bulgaria and hired four helicopters from the Bulgarian state helicopter agency. The western helicopters went and these Russian helicopters came instead. They were better; they had 24 seats and a more solid build. They could carry 50 percent more people, were more suited to an environment like the Maldives and operating costs were dramatically lower,” Sonu says about the helicopter business, which he sold to his brother in 1997.
“From being impossible to transfer packaged tourists, we now could and make a profit. The rates dropped from USD 250 to USD 140 for a return trip. It was almost cheaper than going by boat.”
Challenging status quo
With everything in place, Sonu and Eva finished building their island home and opened it to visitors in 1995. Soneva Fushi became the first ‘castaway’ resort in the Maldives, pioneering a trend for back-to-nature luxury holidays – an experience Sonu calls ‘intelligent luxury’. The couple’s intensely personal vision of a locally crafted villa and environmentally responsible lifestyle challenged the long-held view of what luxury is.
“Luxury is a word that’s so often misused and misrepresented. When it comes to luxury, people often talk about marbles or golden gates and chandeliers. But luxury is not about objects. It’s a concept; a philosophy. Luxury is all about that which is rare, that which you don’t get every day, that which is new but is still true. It’s got to strike a chord in your heart,” Sonu explains.
For Sonu, luxury is packing for one’s own self; snorkelling gear, books and videos instead of suitcases full of suites, ties and dinner jackets to impress those they meet during their stay. It’s being able to walk barefoot, taking a shower and seeing the full moon, looking at the stars with the largest telescope in the Indian Ocean, watching a movie at Cinema Paradiso where the stars are in the sky as much as they are on the screen, eating a fresh salad from the garden, or the restaurant being just a natural sandbank.
“Those are things however wealthy you are, you can’t do or get in an urban environment. That’s what becomes luxury,” he says.

A Private Reserve at Soneva Fushi. PHOTO/ SONEVA
With its “no news, no shoes” slogan and authentic experiences that disconnect guests from the noisy world out there and reconnect them with nature, Soneva Fushi became an instant hit. It sent shockwaves through the hospitality industry, and kick-started a wave of new developments that transformed the Maldives from a three-star diving destination to the ultra-luxury island paradise that it is today. And Sonu, from being called “stupid” even by established local developers, became a visionary.
“We spoke to a lot of local developers who were involved in mass market offerings and they all thought our concept wouldn’t work. But now they too have upscale offerings. I think it’s kind of a vindication that those who thought it was a joke are now doing luxury developments,” Sonu says.
“I think people build hotels they want to be in and live in themselves. We didn’t come from the hotel industry. So, we were able to think from a consumer’s perspective, not from the operator’s perspective. Eva and I loved being on the water, we loved being on boats. We loved the fact that when you’re on a boat, you don’t wear shoes. It was something that really appealed to us; creating a luxury experience where there’s a lot of sand and a much more casual environment where people don’t have to dress up.”

The Glass Studio at Soneva Fushi. PHOTO/ SONEVA
Sonu didn’t just revolutionise Maldives tourism, but he also set an example of how it should be done. Soneva established a blueprint for barefoot luxury holidays around the world, with several firsts to its name: Maldives’ first integrated waste management centre, first Art and Glass Studio, and first to introduce a two percent carbon levy to offset carbon emissions. With buildings made from ethically-sourced highest quality sustainable materials, home-grown produce used in the kitchens, and comprehensive waste management and recycling programmes, Sonu and Eva has since amassed two decades of knowledge and experience in coining the concepts of SLOW LIFE, which recognises the ability for luxury holidaymaking and care for the environment to co-exist with perfect ease.
“Preserving the environment is an ongoing challenge, and I think we need to be very careful about that. The Maldives and its tourism industry exists because of the natural environment. If the corals don’t stay alive, the islands will eventually sink even if the sea level doesn’t rise. That’s what keeps the destination afloat, quite literally,” Sonu explains.
“It’s a very fragile environment and people are coming for that; for the diving, corals and natural beauty. If you’ve too many tourists, that will be a challenge. There’s certainly a carrying capacity in the Maldives, and I think it’s not more than four to five million tourists a year.”

A sandbank picnic experience offered by Soneva Fushi. PHOTO/ SONEVA
Making his mark
Following the success of Soneva Fushi, Sonu began receiving proposals from developers and owners from the world over to manage their hotels and resorts. And just like that, Six Senses – a company formed just to manage Sonu’s own resort – evolved into a multi-million-dollar global hotel empire, which at its peak had 26 resorts and 41 spas across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. A more economical brand, Evason was also launched to complement Six Senses.
In between the exponential global growth and perfecting the experiences at Soneva Fushi, Sonu developed Soneva Gili in the Male atoll as a transit point for guests arriving in the night. Instead of staying in Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru or the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa – the only two luxury resorts in Male atoll at the time – Asian guests with night flights could stay at Soneva Gili before taking out a seaplane to Soneva Fushi the following morning. Soneva brand itself also expanded beyond the shores of the Maldives with the opening of the spectacular Soneva Kiri on the unspoilt Thai island of Koh Kood in 2009.
But in 2012, Six Senses and Evason were sold to US-based Pegasus Capital for USD 175 million. Soneva Gili (now called Gili Lankanfushi, and managed by Singapore based HPL Hotels and Resorts) was also offloaded after the opening of a domestic airport in Baa atoll opened access to night flights and Male atoll became too crowded with a plethora of new developments.
“We wanted to be both the owner and operator of our hotels,” Sonu says.
“When you’re a hotel management company, you’re spending a lot of your energy and time on establishing standards, making sure the next property is not worse than the previous one rather than seeing whether you can improve on it. I think that’s a big challenge because a lot of hospitality is now very institutional. Fewer and fewer companies own more and more brands, and they’re growing through managing other people’s hotels. So, a lot of their time is spent on manging compromises between their brand and the owners.”
Returning to roots
Now focused on the Soneva Group, with its “One Owner, One Operator, One Philosophy, One Brand” strategy, Sonu no longer has to spend all his time at hotel conferences, and meeting investors and developers. This allows him to be creative; to introduce fresh concepts as well as new evolutions to what he is already doing.

Aerial view of Soneva Jani, the newest property of Soneva. PHOTO/ SONEVA
With his newfound freedom, Sonu along with his wife Eva, who serves as the Creative Director of Soneva, is back shaking up the hospitality industry. Since the sale of their management companies, they have launched Soneva in Aqua, a luxury cruise, and Soneva Jani in the northern Noonu atoll, a collection of overwater villas situated in a large lagoon and encircled by five islands. Two more concepts that “don’t exist in the Maldives today” will be introduced over the next three years to complement the jungle and beach experience of Soneva Fushi, and the lagoon experience of Soneva Jani. Next is taking the company public and expanding the philosophies of SLOWLIFE and ‘intelligent luxury’ they have perfected in remote locations to an urban environment like London.
“The idea of continuously improving and being creative, adding value and helping people – all these things keep me going. I can never just stop and stay in one place. I’ve to go backwards or forwards,” Sonu says.
Only time will tell which direction he will go. But it sure seems that even after two decades of shaping one-of-a-kind holistic holiday experiences that are inspired by nature – and perhaps by his admiration for the novel of Robinson Crusoe back in university – the literary graduate turned hotelier is unstoppable!
Note: This article originally appeared in the May-June issue of Maldives Insider Travel & Tourism, a bi-monthly travel magazine by Maldives Promotion House. You can read the digital version of the magazine on Issuu.
Featured
BABOR makes Maldives debut at JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has announced an exclusive partnership with BABOR, the internationally acclaimed German skincare brand, marking a new chapter in luxury wellness in the Maldives. This collaboration introduces BABOR’s high-performance skincare treatments to the Overwater Spa by JW, offering guests a fusion of advanced formulations and tranquil island experiences.
According to Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the partnership reflects the resort’s dedication to mindful living, sustainability, and holistic well-being. “Together, we are redefining wellness with transformative treatments at Spa by JW, that harmonise precision skincare with the serene beauty of the Maldives,” Devarapalli noted.
As a first for the country, the resort will offer BABOR’s signature treatments, including the prestigious SeaCreation line. This anti-aging collection utilises marine-based biotechnology and potent oceanic ingredients to revitalise the skin and restore its radiance.
The exclusive Ocean Bliss treatment, crafted specifically for the Overwater Spa by JW, blends BABOR’s SeaCreation products with soothing elements inspired by the surrounding ocean. This luxurious ritual promises visible skincare results and deep relaxation, set within the spa’s four overwater villas, which house six treatment rooms designed to enhance the sensory connection with the Maldivian seascape.
Located in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon and only 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort offers a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. The resort features 80 private pool villas—including 47 overwater pool villas—that merge traditional island design with contemporary elegance. Guests can explore five distinct dining venues and two bars, each showcasing ingredients sourced from the resort’s own JW Garden.
For BABOR, this partnership marks an important step in its global expansion, solidifying its presence in the luxury wellness market and extending its award-winning skincare offerings to one of the world’s most stunning destinations.
Tim Waller, Co-CEO of BABOR BEAUTY GROUP, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “In today’s fast-paced world, true luxury lies in moments of tranquility and self-care. Our partnership with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort allows us to craft those moments, offering guests a skincare experience that is as indulgent as it is results-driven.”
With a shared commitment to excellence, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort and BABOR now invite travellers to embark on a wellness journey where cutting-edge skincare and the pristine beauty of the Maldives come together in perfect harmony.
Featured
Explore Maldives with Marriott’s family fun summer offer

With its postcard-perfect scenery and tranquil seclusion, the Maldives has long been a dream destination. Today, it’s also becoming a premier getaway for families, where multigenerational travel and immersive experiences take centre stage. Whether stargazing from a hammock by the shore or diving into coral-fringed lagoons, the islands offer a harmonious blend of peace and adventure—creating meaningful moments for travellers of every age.
This summer is all about togetherness, whether with family, grandparents, or lifelong friends. Marriott Bonvoy’s exclusive private island resorts across the Maldives welcome guests with the new Family Fun Summer offer. Each resort is easily accessible by speedboat or seaplane and includes a complimentary Full Board upgrade, free stays and meals for children under 12, and activities such as snorkelling, paddle-boarding, and kayaking. Curated family adventures add to the appeal, with the offer bookable until June 15, 2025, for travel through December 20, 2025 (minimum four-night stay required).
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites families to reconnect through refined service, striking architecture, and enriching activities. The Ritz Kids program, part of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment, engages children in marine conservation and cultural immersion. Complimentary Coral Garden Snorkelling and nature-inspired activities unfold alongside beach fun and tennis sessions. The resort offers spacious beach and overwater villas, with larger groups enjoying The Ritz-Carlton Estate—complete with a private chef, infinity pool, and dedicated Aris Meeha butler.
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort sits in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon, blending Maldivian tradition with stylish luxury. The Family by JW™ Kids’ Club provides a large indoor-outdoor playground with water features, reading spaces, and nap areas. Complimentary water-sports, marine life encounters, and a Maldivian cooking class offer rich experiences. Families may opt for the Ocean Residence, which includes a spa room, gym, and a waterslide into the lagoon.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, located on Furanafushi Island, offers rustic-chic villas and heartfelt island experiences. The ‘Side by Side’ program includes beach picnics, cooking classes, and nature walks, while kids enjoy the Sheraton Adventure Club. The Family Fun Summer offer includes complimentary speedboat transfers, dining credits, spa discounts, and cultural experiences such as coral planting through ‘Adopt a Coral’.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, set on a remote island in Dhaalu Atoll, is designed for luxurious family escapes. Multi-bedroom villas offer privacy and panoramic ocean views. Guests enjoy curated experiences including private yacht trips, snorkeling, and trampoline classes. Children receive personalized welcomes and can explore the Children’s Club or socialize in the teen lounge. The Family Fun Summer package includes Champagne on arrival and a Sunset Dolphin Cruise.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa on Vagaru Island, Shaviyani Atoll, is ideal for multigenerational families. Beach and overwater villas include private pools and Thakuru butlers. Children explore over 100 weekly activities at the expansive Little Griffins Kids’ Club. Adults unwind at Spa by JW or savor farm-to-table cuisine. The family package features floating breakfasts, beachfront dinners, professional photography, and exclusive dining offers.
W Maldives, located on a heart-shaped island in North Ari Atoll, brings bold energy to the tropics. A recent renovation introduced the Splinterworks Vertex—Maldives’ first sculptural water slide. The redesigned villas, dynamic dining, and the WET Deck with vibrant nightlife offer a balance of fun and relaxation. Guests also enjoy a Sunset Dolphin Cruise and access to the stunning house reef at DOWN UNDER.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort in Baa Atoll, the country’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a wellness-focused family retreat. Guests sleep soundly with Westin’s signature Heavenly® Beds and Sleep Well amenities. Kids benefit from the Savvy Sleep program, while the whole family can join yoga classes or recharge with WestinWORKOUT® activities. The summer offer includes painting sessions, dolphin cruises, photo shoots, and beach games.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa on Thilamaafushi Island, Lhaviyani Atoll, is a stylish, eco-conscious retreat inspired by the French Riviera. Families enjoy creative workshops, conservation projects, and lively events like pool parties, trivia nights, and stargazing. The Family Fun Summer package offers paddleboarding, snorkeling, padel matches, karaoke, and dolphin cruises—all set against serene turquoise waters and a thriving house reef.
Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points for their stays and experiences at these luxurious family-friendly resorts. Booking a multi-bedroom villa includes an added bonus of 25,000 points—making each family journey even more rewarding.
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Experience Songkran like never before at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives

Renowned for its exceptional Thai hospitality and authentic Maldivian experiences, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, stands out as a premier destination for all occasions. Surrounded by turquoise blue waters and pristine white beaches, this tropical paradise invites guests to partake in a vibrant celebration of Songkran, the Thai New Year, on April 13th. The festivities include a traditional parade, thrilling activities, and a lavish dinner buffet under the stars, all complemented by signature island adventures.
Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the resort features 112 spacious beachfront and overwater villas, each just steps from a lively house reef waiting to be explored. Guests can enjoy a range of culinary experiences across the island, from authentic Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, to Italian dishes at Mare Azzurro, and international favourites at Reef. As an all-inclusive retreat, the resort caters to every type of traveller—whether couples seeking romance or families in search of discovery and fun-filled days.
On April 13th, the Songkran celebrations begin with a colourful parade featuring performers dressed in traditional Thai attire. Guests can then head to Water Sport Beach for an exciting array of traditional Thai games, such as Wing Sam Ka (three-legged race), Chuk Kra Yoa (tug of war), and Yeab Look Pong (bomb balloon), where participants tie balloons around their ankles and try to pop those of their opponents.
As the sun sets and the stars emerge, guests are treated to a sumptuous buffet-style dinner celebrating Songkran. Live cooking stations serve favourites like authentic pad Thai, sticky rice, and flavourful clay pot dishes. Grilled meats and fresh seafood are served alongside Thai-inspired desserts such as Kanom Tuay (steamed coconut custard) and Kluay Tab (grilled banana with honey caramel). With toes in the sand and the soothing sound of waves nearby, it offers the perfect atmosphere to gather with loved ones and savour the festivities.
In addition to the Songkran celebrations, April presents ideal diving conditions for those eager to explore the house reef. With crystal-clear visibility of over 30 metres, divers can encounter a fascinating shipwreck, vibrant coral formations, and marine life including nurse sharks, white tips, black tips, lemon sharks, leopard sharks, and rays. The resort’s dive centre provides all necessary equipment and expert guidance to ensure both an unforgettable and environmentally conscious underwater adventure.
This April 13th, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection, offers guests an immersive blend of Thai culture and Maldivian charm. With rich cultural moments, thrilling island activities, and unforgettable culinary delights, Songkran at the resort promises a celebration to remember.
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