Podcast Episode 132: Sonu Shivdasani

Creating Luxurious Experiences with Sonu Shivdasani, the Founder of Six Senses, Co-founder of Soneva, and now founder of a new hotel concept and brand Sosei shares the inspiration and ambition behind his craft of creating luxury hotel brands.

Sonu’s professional journey began in the Maldives, a destination he fell in love with while vacationing with his wife, Eva Malstrom. Their experiences led them to realize the hospitality industry was missing a certain touch of luxury and sustainability. The pristine beauty of the islands captured their hearts, but the hospitality left much to be desired.

Determined to raise the bar, they set out to create a luxury resort that would respect and enhance the natural beauty of the Maldives. In the late 80s, after failed bids for an island, their persistence paid off when they found a remote island available for lease. This was the beginning of Soneva Fushi, which opened in 1995, and Soneva Jani, which opened in 2016. Sonu envisioned a resort that provided a barefoot luxury experience, focusing on ecological sensitivity and conservation.

When asked about the balance between intuition and business strategy in his ventures, Sonu emphasized the importance of trusting one's gut instinct.

Sonu and Ally talk about how magical service in hospitality can't be taught entirely through strategy; it has to come from an intrinsic understanding and connection to the environment and the guests. We talk about what and who inspires him. Books like Matthew Walker’s "Why We Sleep" and Daniel Pink’s "Drive" have influenced his understanding of wellness and motivation in a hospitality context.

Through Soneva and his upcoming projects, like Sosei, Sonu continues to redefine luxury hospitality, proving that a deep connection to the environment and a commitment to sustainability can create unforgettable experiences.

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