Featured

‘Good Fortune has its roots in Disaster’ – Lao Tzu

Published

5 years ago

April 18, 2020

By Sonu Shivdasani

This crisis, like most crises that we have been through, whilst more severe, will eventually end. Can we learn from this crisis to collaborate as a world and solve global warming? This is the big looming crisis that will unfortunately not end, and which will just get worse and worse.

I have been fortunate enough to have experienced many crises during my lifetime. My choice of the word ‘fortunate’ is deliberate. The Chinese word for crisis is two characters: ‘danger’ and ‘opportunity’. According to Lao Tzu, the Chinese writer and philosopher, ‘Good fortune has its roots in disaster’. And, over the years, I have come to understand these words and have realised that these crises are opportunities to learn, grow and develop. Certainly, we have no control over the hand that we are dealt, but we have total control on how we play it.

I have realised that if we consider a crisis in a positive way, we can always find an opportunity to learn and develop and make our lives more enriching as a result.

Let me share with you, a recent personal experience. In October 2018, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma. The doctor asked me whether I understood the gravity of the situation. I maintained a brave face and just focused on documenting what he said and thinking of further questions that I would need answers to. However, once I had left the clinic, and was comfortably seated in the taxi home, I could not hold it anymore and broke into tears.

The first three weeks after the diagnosis was a difficult time. There was a lot of uncertainty. I felt that the ground had been removed from below me. However, this ‘Cancer Crisis’ gave me the opportunity to pause on everything else. I emerged from this traumatic experience three weeks with a clear action plan, and was considerably wiser about health and wellness.

When my doctor declared that I was in remission, I realised that I had gone through a six-stage grief cycle. The psychologist George Kohlrieser depicts this so well in his book Hostage at the Table: 1. Start an attachment; 2. Create a bond; 3. The bond/attachment ends for reasons; 4. One is pained by the loss/grief; 5. One forgives the situation; 6. One starts again.

The memory of when I first learnt of my predicament is still vivid. When I reflect on that day, I wonder what I was crying about. Was it the fear of death, or was it another loss?

Now, 18 months later, I realise that I was crying about the loss of the status quo. My usual reality of how I would live, eat and generally exist, was undermined by this illness, and would never return. During those three weeks, I grieved the loss of my usual daily reality. I realised how my lifestyle and the way I lived needed to change.

I eventually accepted my new reality, and forgave this loss. I created a new bond with this new reality and this new way of living. I gave up past guilty pleasures such as a love of red meat, ice cream and sweets in general. I extended the time in the gym from 30 minutes to an hour three times a week. I was stricter about creating breaks in my life. I reduced my traveling and also started to practice intermittent fasting. I started to enjoy my new lifestyle and diet and became attached to it. In a way, I created a new bond with my new reality and thus overcame this grief.

To some extent, many of us in the midst of the current coronavirus crisis are adjusting to a new reality and going through a similar grief cycle. There is a hollow emptiness, an uncomfortable feeling. We miss our daily routine that we can no longer enjoy because of this lockdown. In a way, we are grieving the loss of the way we used to live in the past.

Climate Crisis: The crisis that will never end but only get worse

While the current global health emergency will end, unfortunately, this hopeful scenario will not be the case with global warming. It is an ongoing situation which will affect each and every one of us. And it highlights our interconnectedness.

Climate experts believe that we are near a tipping point of no return. Some believe we have already passed it. We already have 400 parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere. Even if we reduced our carbon emissions considerably and followed the targets established in Paris in 2016, we will still hit 500 parts per million.

Even if we were to slam on the brakes and turn around, we would not be able to because nature itself would continue the global warming process as a result of feedback loops, such as methane escaping from below the Arctic and the Antarctic, less reflection from glaciers that have disappeared, warmer seas emitting CO2 rather than absorbing them and so on.

The warming planet has already killed more people today than the current global pandemic that has brought us under siege: In 2003, the European heatwave killed as many as 2,000 people a day and 35,000 Europeans died. In 2010, 55,000 people died during a Russian heatwave in which 700 people in Moscow died every day because of the heat. In 2016, during the heatwave that besieged the Middle East, temperatures in Iraq broke 100oF (37.7oC) in May, 110oF (43.3oC) in June, and 120oF (48.8oC) in July. Temperatures seldom dropped below 100oF, and only at night. We survive in a very fragile ecosystem that we are undermining. Our actions to date have already caused more death, misery and disaster than Covid-19 ever will.

This pandemic will end but the important question is whether the bond we have with the way we live and our daily reality has been sufficiently broken, and whether we can attach ourselves to a new reality and a new way of doing things; or if we will just go back to our old ways.

Editor’s Note: This op-ed was originally published on Linkedin by Sonu Shivdasani. Sonu is the founder and CEO of Soneva, which owns luxury resorts Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand.

Related Topics:Coronavirus COVID-19 Environment Environment Friendly Global Warming Sonu Shivdasani

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Awards

Atmosphere Kanifushi named Best Family Resort in Indian Ocean for sixth consecutive year

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2025

m@ldives

Atmosphere Kanifushi has once again been recognised as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort’ at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year the island has received this prestigious accolade. This continued recognition highlights the resort’s unique appeal to both romantic couples and adventure-seeking families.

Commenting on the achievement, Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, noted that the island’s charm lies in its ability to strike a harmonious balance between tranquillity and excitement. “While some Maldivian resorts cater to serenity and others to a more vibrant, active scene, Atmosphere Kanifushi is all about equilibrium—offering peace and relaxation alongside engaging, family-friendly experiences,” he shared.

Nestled on a long, naturally beautiful island with lush vegetation and surrounded by a stunning turquoise seascape, Atmosphere Kanifushi owes its success not only to its natural setting but also to the dedication of its team. According to Bhoyroo, the recognition is a result of the team’s relentless commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests of all ages. “By intuitively understanding the needs of each guest, we ensure a seamless blend of high-touch service, relaxation, and fun, all while offering the true feeling of a castaway escape in paradise,” he said.

With one of the highest guest repeater rates in the Maldives, the resort continues to innovate in order to surprise and delight returning visitors. From refreshed culinary offerings to vibrant live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.

Most recently, Atmosphere Kanifushi unveiled its new Essens Spa, a concept that redefines relaxation and wellbeing. The spa features immersive wellness journeys, yoga and detox sessions, traditional healing rituals, and a full suite of salon services. In keeping with the resort’s inclusive approach to family wellness, the spa also offers a Kids Spa Experience, complete with playful treatments for children and specialised teen wellness rituals that nurture growing bodies, youthful skin, and emotional balance.

This latest award reinforces Atmosphere Kanifushi’s reputation as a premier destination for families seeking both luxury and adventure in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

Awards

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI wins ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at 2025 WTAs

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2025

m@ldives

THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced that OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has been named ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, marking a third consecutive win and reaffirming its status as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished villa experiences.

At the heart of this achievement is the resort’s crown jewel – the Royal RESERVE. Spanning 3,000 square metres, this exceptional villa redefines ultra-luxury in the Maldives. It features a private beach, expansive pool, personal spa treatment room with dedicated therapists, and opulent living spaces adorned with intricate handcrafted detailing. Guests are offered an array of exclusive privileges, including 24-hour private butler service, a personal chef for bespoke dining at the in-villa restaurant, and a private bar serving tailored beverages. The villa also boasts direct lagoon access and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, all enhanced by the signature RESERVE Experience – a promise of seamless, discreetly curated service.

This latest accolade continues a tradition of excellence for the resort, following its debut year that saw it claim multiple titles including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’.

Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, expressed her gratitude, “It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity. To be honoured by both our esteemed industry colleagues and cherished guests fills us with immense joy, strengthening our commitment to pioneering bespoke moments that linger in the memory long after departure. Every day, our team finds inspiration in turning dreams into reality, and this recognition fuels our devotion to perfecting the art of meaningful luxury.”

The 2025 win builds on a long-standing legacy of recognition for the resort, which was also recently nominated at the World Spa Awards 2025 as Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreat, thanks to its transformative ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa – a sanctuary renowned for innovative wellness practices and holistic rejuvenation.

The RESERVE Plan™ at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI sets the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury. It includes catamaran transfers, unlimited treatments at the award-winning ELE|NA spa, and elevated dining across seven distinctive venues. Guests also enjoy premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and personalised experiences with Best Dives. This seamless integration of indulgence and service exemplifies ‘abundant luxury’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and thoughtfully crafted escapes.

Awards

Baros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at 2025 World Travel Awards

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2025

m@ldives

Baros Maldives has been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a recognition that underscores the resort’s enduring dedication to delivering heartfelt and intimate experiences that are quintessentially Baros.

Nestled in the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, the Baros Water Villas are a refined expression of effortless luxury and seclusion. Each villa has been thoughtfully crafted to offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon, spacious sun-drenched decks ideal for peaceful reflection, and, in select accommodations, private pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Every element is designed to foster connection—with nature, with oneself, and with the timeless essence of Baros.

Beyond the villas lies Baros’ legendary house reef—teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. Guests are invited to explore this underwater wonder through serene morning swims or sunset snorkelling sessions alongside turtles and schools of colourful reef fish.

Proudly Maldivian-owned and welcoming guests for over five decades, Baros Maldives has built a legacy of authentic hospitality and understated elegance. With just 75 villas, a team known for its warm, personalised service, and curated island experiences, the resort continues to offer stays that feel deeply personal and memorable.

Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives, expressed gratitude on behalf of the resort, “Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests, partners and the entire Baros team. This recognition is an honour and a wonderful reminder that the spirit of Baros continues to resonate with those who return to our shores time and again.”

As Baros celebrates this milestone, travellers are warmly invited to experience—or rediscover—the quiet magic that makes the island an enduring favourite in the Maldives.