SO/ Maldives Welcomes You to the Ultimate Easter Escape

Easter doesn’t have to mean the same old routine. This year, step into something bold, sun-soaked, and utterly unforgettable. At SO/ Maldives, the holiday transforms into a curated blend of luxury, creativity, and laid-back island glamour. Tucked away in the crystal-clear Emboodhoo Lagoon—just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport—this fashion-forward retreat invites you to experience Easter like never before.

Here, celebrations don’t follow a script—they unfold with effortless style. Days begin with the ocean at your feet and end under a sky full of stars, somewhere between a sensory escape and a runway moment. The resort’s avant-garde energy sets the tone for a long weekend of indulgent flavors, deep relaxation, playful family moments, and bold adventure.

A Taste of Island Elegance: Dining That Dazzles

Food sparks the magic. The Easter lineup offers pure culinary theatre: elegant, experiential, and unforgettable. At The Citronelle Club, a Crustacean & Wine Pairing Dinner elevates island dining with ocean-fresh seafood and a sommelier’s touch—pairings that speak to both the bold and the refined. As the night deepens, the vibe shifts to Lazuli, where a Master Wine Menu and live DJ beats blend seamlessly beneath the Maldivian night sky.

From there, the rhythm of Easter continues to flow effortlessly from moment to moment. Signature cocktails await during Sunset Hour at Pavilion Bar, perfectly timed for golden skies and a salty breeze. That leads into a three-course beachfront dinner on Lazuli Beach, where every bite reminds you that you’re not just on vacation—you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. And when Easter Sunday arrives, so does the island’s most glamorous gathering: the Easter Extravaganza Beach BBQ, with live music by the Rishvan Imon Duo, gourmet eats, and feet-in-the-sand elegance.

Reset & Recharge: Wellness with Soul

But it’s not all about indulgence. At SO/ Maldives, Easter invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with yourself, with nature, and with stillness. The SO/ SPA Easter Wellness Camp offers the perfect sanctuary for exactly that. Here, wellness isn’t a trend—it’s a way of being. Chakra Balancing, Walking Meditation, and Sound Healing sessions unfold in tranquil overwater or beachfront treatment spaces, each one designed to restore what busy life tends to steal. Every detail feels personal, intentional, and grounded in peace.

This slower pace invites you to rediscover the beauty of presence. With personalized spa treatments and immersive healing experiences, guests emerge from their sessions not just relaxed, but renewed—body, mind, and soul.

The same energy of renewal extends into every shared experience on the island. Families gather for the Easter Egg Hunt & Games at Lazuli Beach Club, where fun comes with ocean views and sandy toes. For those craving creativity, the resort’s artisan-led workshops provide a beautiful nod to local culture—Sip and Clay, Jewelry Making, and Palm Leaf Basket Weaving offer meaningful ways to connect with Maldivian heritage.

And for the youngest trendsetters, the Easter spirit feels like pure magic. At The Nest, kids enjoy a holiday wonderland filled with bunny hop games, egg-painting, storytime, and a charming puppet show—a lineup that turns every moment into a memory.

Chasing Wonder: Thrills, Views & Ocean Vibes

Of course, no island escape would be complete without adventure—and SO/ Maldives delivers it with flair. Whether you’re snorkeling among vibrant reefs, jet skiing across turquoise waters, or parasailing above the lagoon, the experiences here don’t just thrill—they wow. For something slower but just as spectacular, set sail on a sunset dolphin-watching cruise. Golden light, open ocean, and the playful dance of marine life—it’s like stepping into your own cinematic moment.

In the end, Easter at SO/ Maldives is more than a celebration. It offers a chance to rediscover what joy feels like when it’s effortless, stylish, and free. Whether you’re with family, friends, or flying solo, this holiday stays with you—long after the sun has set and the last toast has been made.

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.

SO/ Maldives Welcomes You to the Ultimate Easter Escape