Soneva

About Soneva

Soneva operates as a premier hospitality company managing a portfolio of luxury resorts and private residences in the Maldives and Thailand. The firm was established in 1995 by Sonu Shivdasani, an Oxford University alumnus, and his wife, Eva Malmström Shivdasani, a former fashion model. Their journey as hoteliers began after they fell in love with the Maldives, leading to the creation of their first resort, Soneva Fushi, on a deserted island in the Baa Atoll. This venture was groundbreaking, introducing the concept of sustainable, barefoot luxury to a region then known primarily as a basic diver's destination.

The company's business model is centered on owning and operating its properties, a strategy solidified after the 2012 sale of the Six Senses and Evason brands to focus solely on the Soneva brand. This approach ensures a consistent philosophy across its locations. Revenue is generated from guest stays, dining, and unique experiences offered at its resorts. Since 2011, Soneva has also offered private residences for sale under a leasehold agreement, becoming one of the first in the Maldives to do so for foreign buyers. The company's clientele consists of high-net-worth individuals seeking experiential and environmentally conscious travel. In 2019, KSL Capital Partners acquired a significant minority stake in the company.

Soneva's core offering is its "Intelligent Luxury" and "SLOW LIFE" (Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences) philosophy, which integrates opulence with profound respect for the environment. The resorts, including Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, and Soneva Kiri, are known for their unique features like private observatories, outdoor cinemas, expansive villas with water slides, and dedicated Barefoot Guardians for personalized service. A key differentiator is the company's deep commitment to sustainability, which is not an add-on but a foundational principle. This is manifested through extensive on-site organic gardens, a "Waste-to-Wealth" program that recycles over 90% of waste, and the creation of art from discarded glass. Soneva has been carbon neutral since 2012, partly funded by a mandatory 2% environmental levy on guest bills that supports the Soneva Foundation's global climate change and community projects.