From barefoot luxury to mental renewal: Sonu Shivdasani's bold new vision
Sonu Shivdasani and his wife Eva built luxury hotel brands that broke traditional rules. Their resorts offered barefoot stays, open-air bathrooms, and a focus on nature long before wellness travel became popular. Now, after surviving cancer, Shivdasani is launching a new venture—one centred on mental renewal and well-being. In the 1990s, Shivdasani questioned why high-end hotels enforced strict dress codes when guests paid premium prices. His response was Six Senses, a brand where visitors could walk barefoot, bathe outdoors, and explore bike trails. The concept emphasised health, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature—ideas that later became mainstream in luxury travel.
The brand's success caught the attention of investors. In 2012, private equity firm Pegasus Capital acquired Six Senses. Seven years later, it sold the company to IHG for US$300 million.
Meanwhile, Shivdasani and Eva continued developing Soneva, their ultra-luxury brand. One of its standout projects was a marine biology centre dedicated to breeding heat-resistant corals. The initiative aimed to restore damaged reefs while offering guests a chance to engage with conservation efforts.
In 2021, Shivdasani faced a personal challenge when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. After surviving the illness, he shifted focus to mental well-being, leading to his latest project: Sosei. This new brand designs retreats as sanctuaries for inner renewal, with locations planned in the Arctic Circle, the European Alps, South Africa, and Japan. Shivdasani serves as CEO of the holding company behind the venture.
In 2022, KSL Capital Partners became the majority owner of Soneva. Despite the change, Shivdasani and his wife retained a significant minority stake in the business. Shivdasani's journey from redefining luxury travel to prioritising mental health reflects a broader shift in the industry. His brands—Six Senses, Soneva, and now Sosei—have consistently pushed boundaries by blending indulgence with purpose. With new properties on the horizon, his influence on high-end hospitality continues to grow.
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