Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, celebrated pioneers of barefoot luxury in the Maldives and founders of Six Senses and Soneva, unveils their latest venture in hospitality—Sosei. The brand was revealed in an exclusive Travel + Leisure Asia feature with Ron Gluckman, marking the beginning of a new era for the duo following their decision earlier this year to sell a majority stake in Soneva.
From Soneva to Sosei: A New Chapter
Sosei, derived from the Japanese word for “rebirth,” will embody a philosophy rooted in Japanese wellness traditions, while expanding across a diverse set of global destinations. Planned projects include properties in Japan, the Arctic Circle, Europe’s alpine regions, South Africa, and select locations across Asia. Unlike the Shivdasanis’ earlier ventures focused primarily on remote island resorts, Sosei will also explore boutique city hotels, blending sustainability, wellness, and personalized luxury in both natural and urban settings.
Redefining Maldivian Luxury
The Shivdasanis’ story is deeply intertwined with the Maldives. Their first property, Soneva Fushi, launched in 1995 on Kunfunadhoo Island, set a new benchmark for luxury travel in the region. Introducing the ethos of “no shoes, no news,” they shifted the industry away from package tourism to a more mindful form of hospitality.
Their innovations—such as pioneering seaplane connectivity, open-air bathrooms, eco-friendly resort operations, and on-site water bottling—transformed guest experiences and established new standards in sustainability. These practices not only elevated the Maldives as a luxury destination but also inspired a generation of ultra-luxury resorts worldwide.
Continuing a Legacy of Innovation
Speaking to Travel + Leisure Asia, Sonu highlighted how their work has challenged outdated ideas about the balance between luxury and responsibility:
“For years, people believed luxury couldn’t coexist with sustainability or wellness. We proved that it can—and should.”
The launch of Sosei also carries a personal dimension for Sonu. Following a lymphoma diagnosis in early 2024, he successfully completed treatment and continues with immunotherapy. For him, Sosei symbolizes renewal in both life and work.
Looking Ahead
As the Shivdasanis embark on this new journey, their unique blend of creativity, environmental stewardship, and guest-focused luxury promises to once again push boundaries in global hospitality. While Sosei’s footprint will extend far beyond the Maldives, the islands remain the foundation of their legacy—a reminder of how visionary thinking can reshape entire destinations.
With Sosei, the couple aims to redefine expectations once more, carrying forward the spirit of innovation that began on the beaches of Baa Atoll three decades ago.
