While remaining a significant minority shareholder in Soneva after KSL takes control, the iconic concept creator said he will be back to develop new ideas.
MALDIVES – The hotel industry has not heard the last of Sonu
Shivdasani, OBE, after he sold
controlling interest of Soneva Group to KSL Capital Partners.
It is very important to us that Soneva thrives. However, I have agreed with them that they will run the business and Eva and I will not be involved.
Sonu Shivdasani
Shivdasani, 58, told Hotel Investment Today via email that
he did not sell out of Soneva when KSL converted their preference shares
into ordinary shares, rendering them the majority shareholder. “Eva [his wife]
and I remain significant minority shareholders,” he said. “So, it is very
important to us that Soneva thrives. However, I have agreed with them that
they will run the business and Eva and I will not be involved.”
Shivdasani added that Soneva and Six Senses have
been a great passion for him and Eva over the last 30 years. “I feel
fortunate to have a little bit of a break to catch my breath and do many things
that I have always wanted to, but have never had the time,” he continued.
Hinting as his next chapter, Shivdasani said that
there a few hospitality concepts that he wanted to develop, but his focus was
just on Six Senses initially, and now for the last 10 years, Soneva.
He added that his life experiences have significantly
improved his understanding of wellness and longevity, and that some of his
current practices will allow him to have an extremely long and healthy
life. “At 58, I have another lifetime of creativity ahead of me,” he
concluded.
Hotel Investment Today expects to follow up with Shivdasani
in a few months to learn more about his next professional move.