Sonu Shivdasani’s discovery of the Maldives in the ’80s was a turning point in the hospitality world. In 1995, he set up the first wellness resort in the Maldives—Soneva Fushi. The CEO and joint creative director of Soneva Resorts, Sonu Shivdasani, asserts that wellness travel centred on mental well-being and intelligent luxury is not just a passing trend; it’s here to stay.
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.
Soneva has never been a stranger to wellness. We were the very first resort in and outside the Maldives, that opened a resort with a spa, in 1995. Soneva Soul, our wellness concept, marries ancient practices with cutting- edge science. It offers guests a tailored, transformative well- being experience in inspiring surroundings, reconnecting the mind, body, and soul.
Wellness is ingrained in every facet of Soneva—from our earthy, sustainable ethos to our life-affirming natural locales, wholesome cuisine, and life- changing experiences. My own recovery from Stage 4 cancer ignited the genesis of Soneva Soul. During chemotherapy in Istanbul, the vision for Soneva Soul Island Spa at Soneva Jani was born. Inspired by the island’s pristine beauty, the concept and design took shape on the east coast, high above the mangroves. Here, nature’s awe-inspiring influence takes centre stage, crucial for holistic well-being.
More than a Wellness Venture at Soneva for Sonu Shivdasani
Wellness travel is on the rise, driven by a growing awareness of the importance of self-care and overall well-being. In our fast- paced lives, it offers a chance to disconnect and focus on mental and physical health. This balance is crucial for harmony. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the value of wellness in travel. Health-consciouschoices and destinations promoting healthy living have gained traction. At Soneva, we’ve championed grounding since 1995, emphasising the reconnect with nature by walking barefoot at our resorts.
In wellness travel, I foresee exciting trends. Sustainability is paramount; travellers seek experiences aligned with their values. Cutting-edge wellness tech and practices are integrating. Soneva Soul boasts resident and visiting experts, offering diverse wellness modalities from Ayurveda to PRP therapy. Personalisation is key.
Intelligent Luxury
Expense, we would argue, is not indicative of luxury. Rarity, however, is. It is something that deeply resonates when experienced. We embrace ‘intelligent luxury,’ tailoring it to today’s urban elite. Our ethos ‘No News, No Shoes’ roots guests, letting them relish a barefoot existence. Local sourcing minimises food miles, preserving nutrients, and curbing emissions. From outdoor cinemas under starry skies to celestial observatories and open-air baths, these are our signatures of genuine luxury. Our properties are truly unique in their own rights. Sustainability and wellness are hallmarks of something that our guests rarely experience in their cities. It is rare to enjoy oneself while doing something positive for the environment. So, we have combined apparent opposites and found ways in which they can coexist.
Matters of the Mind
In our fast-paced world, nurturing mental health and mindfulness is paramount. At Soneva, we prioritise mental well-being through serene, nature-blended environments. Lush greenery, pristine beaches, and overwater villas offer tranquil spaces for self-discovery. Complimentary meditation, yoga, and wellness sessions, led by seasoned practitioners, provide tools for stress management and inner peace. We curate personalised wellness journeys, addressing individual mental well-being needs. With digital detox experiences and tailored programmes, Soneva fosters mental health, creating a sanctuary for solace and well-being.
What’s Next?
The future of travel centres around wellness, in perfect harmony with Soneva’s ethos of sustainability, wellness, and intelligent luxury. It will emphasise on holistic well-being, personalisation, sustainability, and cutting-edge wellness. Soneva will lead with distinctive, sustainable, and tailored wellness experiences, meeting evolving traveller needs. Our dedication to intelligent luxury and environmental stewardship remains steadfast, propelling us forward in this transformative travel landscape.
— As told to Pooja Naik
Related: Learn About Hotelier Sonu Shivdasani’s Journey To Creating Barefoot Luxury In The Maldives
Written By
