Sonu and Eva Shivdasani Announce New Hotel Brand, Sosei

Hospitality visionaries Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, renowned for creating two of the world’s most acclaimed ultra-luxury resort brands, Six Senses and Soneva, have announced the launch of a brand-new hotel brand: Sosei.

The couple, widely celebrated as pioneers of barefoot luxury with their philosophy of “no shoes, no news,” transformed the Maldives’ tourism landscape with Soneva Fushi in 1995. Their signature blend of sustainability, wellness, and rustic luxury reshaped global expectations of high-end travel.

According to an exclusive report by Travel + Leisure Asia, Sosei—which means “rebirth” in Japanese—will be heavily influenced by Japanese concepts of wellness and hospitality. The Shivdasanis have already begun scouting destinations in Japan, the Arctic Circle, the European mountains, South Africa, and other parts of Asia, with several deals expected to be signed before the end of the year.

This announcement follows the couple’s sale of a majority stake in Soneva earlier this year, marking their complete departure from operational involvement with the award-winning brand. Sonu, who has been undergoing treatment for lymphoma since January 2024, described the project as a personal and professional rebirth. His treatments have been successful, and he continues with immunotherapy and chemotherapy while focusing on the new venture.

Unlike Soneva, which primarily offered secluded island escapes, Sosei properties will extend to both exotic locations and select major cities, creating a more diverse footprint. The couple aims to build intimate spaces that blend luxury, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility—a continuation of their life’s work in redefining modern hospitality.

Recognized with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2023 for his services to tourism, sustainability, and charity, Sonu Shivdasani emphasized that their vision has always been to prove luxury, sustainability, and wellness can coexist harmoniously. 

“You know, people would say: If it’s sustainable, it can’t be luxurious. Or if it’s luxurious, it can’t be good for you. We proved that you can do all of that,” he told Travel + Leisure Asia.