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The Nautilus Maldives Beckons Lovers From Around the World this Valentine's Day

The Nautilus Maldives Beckons Lovers From Around the World this Valentine's Day
This Valentine’s season, create a world of your own making at The Nautilus, an idyllic hideaway for the dreamiest of romantic escapes.

Nestled in the spellbinding UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll in the Indian Ocean, The Nautilus is an ultra-luxury bohemian hideaway that shines as an idyllic backdrop for the dreamiest of romantic escapes.

Cosy and intimate with just 26 private ocean and beach houses and residences, anytime, anywhere, and as you please are the guiding principles of The Nautilus, allowing couples to design exactly how they would like to spend their time during a romantic getaway. It is a safe haven of pure relaxation and liberating indulgence for those who wish to retreat from the world and bask in a sweet Maldivian rendezvous for two. 

At The Nautilus, time stands still. Gone are the rigid restrictions of daily living. There are no rules or schedules to go by. Instead, your personal House Master (a dedicated, meticulously trained professional private butler) co-creates with guests highly bespoke experiences catered to their every whim, and to their own natural rhythm. 

The Nautilus Maldives Beckons Lovers From Around the World this Valentine's Day

Amongst those bespoke experiences, couples may dine in truly magical places – on a secluded sandbank with millions of stars shining overhead, on one’s private patch of beach, on a luxury yacht with champagne and live music while sailing the Indian Ocean, or with a lovely floating breakfast in their house’s private infinity pool. 

While guests of The Nautilus are able to craft their own menu should they desire it, The Nautilus’ veteran Executive Chef Michael Pataran has created some inspired specialty dishes to make the most romantic time of the year all the more unforgettable; local spiny lobster-filled beet “culurgiones” dumpling with celeriac, saffron, oyster foam, shaved bottarga, fennel pollen and toasted egg yolk; for the beef lovers, Kagoshima beef A5 striploin tartare with imperial caviar, shaved black truffles and 62°quail egg.

Also read: The Nautilus Maldives Invites Guests to Celebrate the Holiday Season with Uniquely Curated Festive Events and Magical Experiences

For those craving something bold and hearty, a roasted lamb loin with foie gras, roasted beet and crimini in rosemary puff pastry with bittersweet chocolate-amarena cherry reduction. To end the meal, a canvas of passions will be served: peanut caramel praline, mango passionfruit-vanilla compote, milk chocolate mousse, raspberry sorbet, white chocolate powder, raspberry air and orange tulip-liquor bonbons.

Days can be as relaxed or action-packed as one chooses at The Nautilus.  Such culinary joys as a chocolate truffle masterclass with the pastry chefs, a fresh pasta-making class, wine tastings, shared aphrodisiac cocktail concoctions, oyster and champagne indulgences, and ultra-romantic sunset cocktails at Naiboli are all in the offering. Live musical entertainment will regale every precious moment as couples bask in their romance around the island and beyond.

The Nautilus Maldives Beckons Lovers From Around the World this Valentine's Day

If free-spirited adventures are more the lovers’ cup of tea, myriad options in diving and watersports, inter-island excursions, big game fishing and skydiving are sure to forge the bonds of love ever deeper. 

Indulgent and revitalising treatments featuring chocolate and cocoa may be enjoyed at Solasta Spa after a full day of activities. The Derma Drop TDA Facial is highly recommended for radiantly beautiful skin, from the inside out. TDA also offers a non-invasive holistic treatment ranging from facial and hair treatments to a variety of body treatments. The active ingredient deposits formed during the session allow regenerative therapy, giving maximum deep care for the skin. Guests who are inclined to interactive spa experiences, can join Acroyoga (a physical practice that combines yoga and acrobatics) sessions, under the guidance of Solasta Spa’s resident yogis.

This Valentine’s season, create a world of your own making at The Nautilus. For more information and reservations, head to the resort’s website.

Feature image by The Nautilus Maldives

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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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