The Nautilus Maldives and GlobeAir Redefine Luxury Travel

The Nautilus Maldives, an award-winning luxury private island hideaway, and GlobeAir, Europe’s premier private jet operator, announce their extraordinary partnership, which redefines the pinnacle of bespoke travel. This collaboration introduces GlobeAir’s long-haul private jet services to the Maldives, offering discerning travellers a seamless journey into a world of unmatched luxury.

A New Kind of Travel Experience

The partnership between The Nautilus Maldives and GlobeAir unites two icons of luxury. GlobeAir’s long-haul private jets provide a customized travel experience to the Maldives, tailored to your preferences. From the moment you board, you enter a world of unmatched comfort, where every detail receives meticulous attention. As a result, your luxury escape begins in the air, long before you land on the island.

Upon arrival at The Nautilus, your experience continues without interruption. The resort’s philosophy of freedom and ultimate luxury perfectly aligns with GlobeAir’s commitment to personalized service. This partnership redefines luxury travel, ensuring an unforgettable journey from takeoff to landing.

The Exclusive Nautilus Experience

A Seamless Voyage
You begin your journey aboard a GlobeAir private jet. The comfort and service are tailored entirely to your preferences. Every detail ensures a stress-free, luxurious experience, making your journey as memorable as your destination.

A Timeless Stay in Paradise
Upon arrival at The Nautilus, time slows down. You stay in one of the 26 ultra-luxury boho-chic residences, each offering unmatched privacy and exclusivity. Whether nestled on pristine beaches or perched above turquoise waters, these beautifully designed retreats provide the ultimate sanctuary. Each residence features separate living rooms, private freshwater pools, and a dedicated butler, ensuring your experience is uniquely yours. The resort’s design encourages freedom, with no rigid schedules, fixed menus, or services tied to specific areas. At The Nautilus, you live life on your terms.

Cinema Under the Stars
The Nautilus boasts a private beachside cinema. Picture a custom bokkura setup on a secluded sandbank, where the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean set the perfect atmosphere for a night of cinematic magic. You choose the film, whether it’s a timeless classic or the latest release, and enjoy gourmet snacks, fine champagne, and a BBQ dinner prepared to your exact taste. This private screening is fully customized to your desires, offering “showtime in your own time,” under the stars, with only your loved ones by your side.

A World of Freedom and Luxury

The Nautilus Maldives offers a one-of-a-kind experience with an emphasis on freedom and privacy. Located in the heart of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort provides seclusion with only 26 residences spread across the island. Each residence serves as a sanctuary designed for relaxation and comfort, complete with a private butler and everything you need to unwind.

You create your own itinerary, whether you choose to relax on the beach, enjoy a private picnic on a remote sandbank, or dive into the crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant marine life. The resort also offers enriching experiences for children through the Young Wonderers program, while adults can indulge in spa treatments or enjoy gourmet dining at any time, in any location. With The Nautilus, you shape your experience entirely.

Book Your Experience

The partnership between GlobeAir and The Nautilus Maldives delivers the ultimate in luxury travel. Combining seamless private aviation with an exquisite island retreat, this collaboration guarantees an unparalleled experience. From personalized jet service to the breathtaking island sanctuary, you are assured a journey like no other. For more information or to book your exclusive escape, visit GlobeAir – The Nautilus Maldives Exclusive Experience.

Few figures have shaped the world of luxury travel quite like Sonu Shivdasani. As the co-founder of both Soneva and Six Senses, he defined what sustainable, experiential luxury looks like not just in the Maldives but on a global scale. Over more than three decades of passion-driven leadership, he transformed remote islands into globally celebrated eco-conscious sanctuaries.

Since opening Soneva Fushi in 1995, Sonu Shivdasani has pioneered a back-to-nature luxury experience that redefined the Maldives as a premier high-end destination. Under his leadership, Soneva introduced many hospitality innovations that have become industry standards, including private pools, open-air bathrooms, and curated experiences with marine biologists and artists. His approach seamlessly fused luxury with environmental responsibility by embedding sustainability into every facet of the business.

Now, following a significant change in Soneva’s ownership structure, Shivdasani embarks on a new chapter guided by creativity, exploration, and long-awaited personal pursuits.

Stepping Back, Not Stepping Away

In May 2025, KSL Capital Partners converted their preference shares into ordinary shares, taking majority control of the Soneva Group. Despite this shift, Sonu and his wife Eva remain significant minority shareholders but have stepped back from the company’s day-to-day operations.

Sonu Shidvasani told Hotel Investment Today,

“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.”

This marks the close of an era of active leadership while maintaining lasting influence. Their continued stake reflects deep-rooted confidence in the brand’s values and future.

A Legacy of Innovation in Sustainable Hospitality

To fully appreciate this transition, it is essential to reflect on Sonu and Eva’s remarkable journey, which has been a deeply personal and enduring commitment. Over more than 30 years, they built two globally respected hospitality brands that set new benchmarks for sustainability, wellness, and authentic guest experiences. They launched Six Senses in 2004, growing it to 26 resorts and 41 spas worldwide, before deciding to focus exclusively on Sovnea’s “One Wonder, One Operator, One Philosophy” model. This model champions intimate, purpose-driven luxury.

Beyond pioneering resorts, Sonu spearheaded transformative environmental and social initiatives through the Soneva Foundation, founded in 2010. Under his guidance, the foundation rolled out impactful programs, such as eliminating branded bottled water in favor of purified onsite water. This initiative funded clean water access for over 800,000 people across 50 countries. Additionally, the voluntary carbon levy on guest stays supports projects including planting half a million trees in Thailand, installing a windmill in India, and distributing energy-efficient cookstoves that have benefited nearly 300,000 people in Myanmar and Darfur.

He also led the Myanmar Stoves Campaign, which generated $14 million in social value over four years by reducing deforestation, improving public health, and increasing incomes for 140,000 people. In the Maldives, his groundbreaking Soneva Namoona waste management program led the regional and national phase-out of single-use plastic.

From Personal Challenges to Global Recognition

In 2017, Sonu faced a serious health challenge when diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After a courageous battle, he emerged with a renewed holistic wellness philosophy that integrated both conventional and alternative therapies. This vision led to the launch of the Soneva Soul, a wellness brand in 2021, broadening the group’s commitment to well-being.

Therefore, his extensive contributions to tourism, sustainability, and philanthropy earned him recognition in 2023 when he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). That same year, he received the SevenRooms Icon Award at the World’s 50 Best Hotels. A unique individual honor celebrating his transformative impact on global luxury hospitality.

Today, Soneva’s portfolio includes:

Soneva Fushi
Soneva Jani
Soneva Secret
Soneva in Aqua (luxury yacht experience)

Each property embodies the brand’s core philosophy, “SLOW LIFE.” Which focuses on Sustainability, Locality, Wellness, Learning, and Inspiring experiences. These principles have defined Shivdasani’s legacy and continue to shape the future of luxury travel.

Looking Forward: A New Chapter of Creativity

Despite stepping back, Sonu Shivdasani is far from slowing down. While many might see this as a step toward retirement, he views it as a welcome pause and a chance to breathe and pursue projects long deferred.

“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.. At 58, I have another lifetime of creativity ahead of me.”

With day-to-day operations now entrusted to KSL. He plans to revisit hospitality concepts he once envisioned to develop but had kept aside. His broad experience and deepening focus on wellness and longevity continue to inform his evolving perspective on hospitality.

What’s Next for Soneva Under KSL?

With its increased stake, KSL Capital Partners now guides Soneva’s next phase. Armed with a strong background in luxury travel and leisure, the firm intends to expand operations and invest in existing properties while preserving the founding values that define Soneva.

To lead this evolution, KSL appointed Neil Gallagher as Soneva’s new CEO.

The Legacy Continues

Though Sonu Shivdasani no longer leads Soneva’s daily operations, his legacy remains deeply woven into the Maldives hospitality sector and resonates across global luxury travel. His vision endures in every villa, every tranquil moment, and every barefoot step taken on the Maldivian sands.