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Bruno Aveillan Creates Film Series to Mark Soneva’s 25th Anniversary

Celebrating 25 years - Cinema Paradiso at Soneva Jani by Sandro Bruecklmeier
Bruno Aveillan has created a new series of films that focus on the driving force behind Soneva’s success; its people.

Bruno Aveillan has created a new series of films that focus on the driving force behind Soneva’s success; its people. The films take an in-depth look at some of the fascinating individuals who represent every facet of the Soneva brand.

An acclaimed filmmaker, photographer, and artist, Aveillan is considered one of the most in-demand directors on the planet. He works with world-renowned brands that including; Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, and Time Warner. Aveillan is also a recipient of more than 200 awards. This includes multiple Gold Lions at Cannes, Gold Clio Awards, and Grand Prix Stratégie. Moreover, Aveillan’s name has become a by-word for modern cinematographic excellence.

The director’s latest film series focuses on Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll. Likewise, Soneva Fushi was the first Soneva resort to open its doors back in 1995. Soneva set a new standard in sustainable luxury and transforming the hospitality sector in the Maldives archipelago and beyond. The series features one four-minute-long brand film and ten shorter videos. Furthermore, the series’ shot against the backdrop of Soneva Fushi’s idyllic natural beauty.

Also read: Soneva Marks 25 Years of Rare Guest Experiences and a Peerless Sustainable Ethos

“By directing this new opus for this enchanting place, I had the great opportunity to meet what perhaps constitutes the absolute treasure of this pure jewel on earth: its human beings. Day by day, these people make the dream happen, shaping the soul and creating the legend of Soneva. Happy birthday, dearest Soneva!

Bruno Aveillan said.

The films star some of Soneva Fushi’s best-loved Hosts. Many of the hosts have been with the resort since the very beginning. Aveillan was also behind the lens for Soneva’s 2018/19 Festival of Colour campaign. The campaign brought to life the diverse array of unique guest experiences, visiting experts and also activities taking place throughout the year, inspired by the vibrant palette of hues at Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, and Soneva Kiri.

With a plethora of awards, including several Gold Cannes Lions, London International Awards and New York Clios, we were very lucky that acclaimed filmmaker and photographer Bruno Aveillan agreed to direct it. A Soneva enthusiast himself, Bruno has created several short films for us over the years, such as ‘The Boy with the Coconut’, and, more recently, our ‘Festival of Colours’ film series. We are delighted with the final cut and cannot wait to share the series with the world so that people can get to know some of the of the remarkable individuals who have played a role in our success.

Sonu Shivdasani, Founder and CEO of Soneva said.

Soneva’s award-winning properties in the Maldives and Thailand is celebrating its landmark 25th anniversary with a 12-month campaign starting from this month. To view Soneva’s full 25th-anniversary campaign including the curated collection of videos by Bruno Aveillan, and Soneva’s gallery of old photos since 1995, visit: www.soneva.com/25-years-of-soneva

Feature image by Soneva
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Sonu Shivdasani’s Enduring Legacy: Redefining Luxury Hospitality and Embracing a New Chapter

Sonu Shivdasani pioneers sustainable luxury resorts, wellness, and innovation across Maldives, Soneva, Six Senses, and global hospitality.

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.

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