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Sonu Shivdasani Profile
Sonu Shivdasani

@SonuShivdasani

3,334
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281
Following
564
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Barefoot luxury visionary and sustainability champion. CEO and Co-Founder of Soneva and Soneva Foundation. Account is managed by Soneva’s PR team.

Maldives
Joined August 2015
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
Today I am proud to announce that Soneva marks 25 years since #SonevaFushi first opened its doors to guests in 1995. We'll be paying homage to our storied history in the coming months. #DiscoverSoneva #25yearsofSoneva
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
At Soneva we produce around 60 litres #coconutoil (from approximately 1,350 coconuts) a month from the coconut trees on our island. The oil is used by our Food and Beverage teams, as well as at the Soneva Spa at #SonevaJani . #coconuts
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
5 years
Meet Azhoora Ahmed, #SonevaSurf 's Experience Manager. You can read her A Day in the Life here:
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
This month we welcome #SonevaFushi 's eight new Water Retreats. The largest one- and two-bedroom overwater villas in the world. #SonevaFushi #overwatervilla #Maldives
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
Happy New Year, from our entire Soneva family, to you and your loved ones. I hope that 2022 is filled with positivity, good health and happiness.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
Get a glimpse of #SonevaFushi 's new Water Retreats, taking overwater luxury to new heights. #Maldives #overwatervilla #overwater #poolvilla
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
With the Maldives open to international tourists we at @soneva are looking forward to seeing new and returning guests to our shores at #SonevaFushi and #SonevaJani .
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
At #SonevaFushi , our solar panels currently produce around 12% of the total electricity consumption at the resort. Our goal is to have the panels generate 50% of the total consumption in the near future. #solarenergy #solarpanels
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
A testament to the success of our mosquito project, I’m incredibly proud that in 2021 we reached a milestone 2.5 years without pesticide fogging at #sonevafushi , and 1.5 years at #sonevajani . Our mosquito population has now collapsed by 98%.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
All waste can have a purpose at Soneva: we grind old glass to use in our cement and building blocks, meaning we don’t have to import sand from elsewhere. #WastetoWealth
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
The interiors of the Water Retreats at #SonevaFushi are sleek and modern. While still being true to the resort's castaway spirit. #overwatervilla #Maldives
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
Today, #SonevaFushi 's new Water Retreats open their doors to guests for the first time! Be spoilt for choice: island villas or #overwater villas? #DiscoverSoneva #Maldives
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
We also make our own #charcoal from waste wood. In 2019 our Eco Centro produced 9,000 kg of charcoal, (woth USD 14,400) which is utilized by our Food and Beverage teams. #WastetoWealth #sustainability
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
Since the inauguration of the Soneva Water bottling plant on Maalhos, the locals have managed to eliminate around 60% of their #plastic waste with the help of resuable glass bottles. #SonevaNamoona #NamoonaBaa #saynotoplastic
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
#SonevaJani 's new overwater dining experience, Overseas by #MathiasDahlgren , opened last month. With #pescatarian , #vegetarian , and #plantbased cuisine.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
We acknowledge and respect the culture of the Maldives, and apologise for the recent Twitter post that may have caused offence. It was posted in error.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Receiving an OBE is an incredible honour and I share it with all of Soneva’s friends and family. This recognition reinforces our founding vision, which is placing purpose over profit.
@soneva
Soneva
2 years
We are delighted to share that our Founder and CEO @SonuShivdasani has been honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to tourism, sustainability and charity in the King’s New Year Honours 2023 Overseas and International List.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Happy #ValentinesDay from Eve and me. Love is always in the air at #Soneva .
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Soneva would like to clarify that Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former president and prime minister of Sri Lanka, is not in discussions to buy a villa at any Soneva property. Nor is any member of the former president’s family in discussions to buy a villa.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
Experience the best of #SonevaFushi with the added charm and luxury of staying in one of the new Water Retreats. #overwatervilla
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
#SonevaFushi was awarded the No. 1 Favourite Spa Hotel (Int.) and 2nd place for Favourite Family Hotel (Int.), with #SonevaJani taking 2nd place for Favourite Romantic Hotel (Int.) in @cntraveller Middle East 2020 Readers' Choice Awards:
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Soneva Foundation is working with local entities in Thailand to reintroduce the rare Oriental Pied Hornbill after it became extinct on Koh Kood due to over-hunting and loss of habitat. The first pair of hornbills in the programme arrived on the island late last year.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
We are proud to be part of the launch of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, underlining our commitment to driving change in the hospitality industry to create a better, more sustainable future for our planet and its people. For more information visit
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
We are always so honoured when couples choose to celebrate their big day with us at Soneva. From feet in the sand to under the sea, every ceremony is completely unique and captured by our talented digital storytellers.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
I am thrilled to announce the official launch of The Den at #SonevaJani . This 1,500 sqm, two-storey structure is a remarkable feat of engineering, taking two years to complete and becoming one of the largest children’s clubs in Asia.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
5 years
Book lovers take note! We’re looking for a new Barefoot Bookseller at #SonevaFushi #bookworm #bibliophile
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Small families can find their home away from home in the Maldives too. Our new 1-Bedroom Island Family Retreat at #SonevaJani is the perfect holiday choice with direct beach access, several entertaining areas across two floors, a family-sized TV lounge and more.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
#SonevaFushi 's Water Retreats let you feel like you are out inthe middle of the Indian Ocean. #overwatervillas #Maldives
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
5 months
My wife Eva and I have always considered ourselves guardians, not owners, of our resorts and the natural environment that surrounds them - which is why sustainability has always been at the heart of #Soneva ’s ethos. #WorldEarthDay
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Eva and I, and all our Team are honoured to share that Soneva Fushi, was named the #1 Resort in Asia - Indian Ocean in @CNTraveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2022. #DiscoverSoneva #RCA2022
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
You can read about @azhooraahmed and the incredible work she does for #SonevaNamoona here:
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
The bathrooms are a treat in #SonevaFushi 's new Water Retreats. #overwatervilla #Maldives
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
A few pictures from the #PCR lab at #MaafaruAirport in the #NoonuAtoll . #COVID19
@ADKTrades
ADK Trade and Shipping
4 years
Update: Great news. The new PCR lab at Maafaru International Airport is fully commissioned and ready for operation. This project we undertook for Soneva Hotels took us 30 days to complete from ordering equipment, physical infrastructure construction to final set-up.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
We believe in treading lightly on the earth's precious resources. All Soneva resorts exist in harmony with the natural environment, from our sustainably sourced building materials, to our circular, waste-to-wealth ethos that reuses and recycles 90% of our waste. #earthday
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
Today #SonevaKiri reopens its doors to guests. Our Hosts are looking forward to a welcoming everyone back and seeing new faces. #Thailand #DiscoverSoneva #KohKood #reopening
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
Wishing India a very happy 75th Independence Day today. Our warmest wishes to our extended Soneva family, our Hosts, guests and partners.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
The report today in the Maldivian blog @MaldivesJournal , which erroneously stated that Soneva has agreed to sell a private villa in the Maldives to the Rajapaksa family, among other claims, is completely false.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
At Soneva, even the smallest details count. Every new arrival receives a personal welcome from the resort management team and their dedicated Barefoot Butler, who are also there to wave goodbye when it’s time to leave…
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
Mickael Viljanen is the head chef of The Greenhouse (2 Michelin stars) restaurant in Dublin, Ireland, will be delighting guests with his cuisine at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani from April 1-15, 2021.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
Did you know the tensile strength of bamboo is higher than steel? Highly sustainable, fast-growing, versatile and durable, it’s one of the world’s oldest building materials and we use it extensively at our Soneva resorts.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
At Soneva, we see waste as a resource and turn it into wealth. At the Soneva Art & Glass studio, discarded glass is transformed into beautiful works of art by our visiting artists and glassblowers.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
A very warm welcome to rugby legend @jameshaskell , who arrives at our Maldives resorts today to host rugby camps for our Young Sonevians, as well as fascinating Talkers' Tables on mental health in sport.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
1 year
Following last month's exciting #Wimbledon , I'm so looking forward to welcoming @DaniilMedwed to our island court at #SonevaFushi .
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
There are so many great spots at #SonevaKiri . Breakfast in the Treepod Dining, 60 feet in the air is hard to beat, or watching the sunset whilst sipping a great Rosé at The View bar is lovely too.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Our Art & Regeneration Programme across our resorts finds value in what others just see as waste. We call it ‘Waste to Wealth’ – one example is our Makers’ Place studio, which transforms discarded cans and plastic bottles into works of art. #globalrecyclingday
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
I'm delighted to announce that we've reached 1 million followers on Instagram, making @DiscoverSoneva one of the most followed hospitality brands on the platform
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Did you know that the Baa Atoll, is home to the world’s 7th largest reef system, with more than 250 coral varieties, and over 1,200 species of fish?
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
We are delighted to announce our wins from the @DestinDeluxe 2020 Awards: Soneva Jani was the winner of the Eco-Spa of the Year and Soneva Fushi came in second place in the Eco Hotel of the Year category. Congratulations to all our Hosts who made these awards possible. #wellness
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
5 months
With us since the very beginning, Abdulla is very dear to Eva and I. He was the caretaker who helped us build #SonevaFushi and his pet rabbit was the ancestor of all the bunnies that now live at the resort.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Our brand-new beachfront sanctuaries at #SonevaJani offer a fresh escape for families. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the 2 Bedroom Island Retreats with Slide provide ample space to play and unwind with a private freshwater pool and spacious outdoor dining areas.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
Honoured to be named by @HOTELSmagazine as one of their Top 10 in ESG (Environment, Social and Government)
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
A throwback picture from the archives: the first time Eva and I laid eyes on Kunfunadhoo Island, now home to Soneva Fushi, back in 1994. It was love at first sight.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
5 years
We are delighted to announce that #sonevajani has made it into @CNTraveler 's The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The 2020 Gold List - Congratulations to the whole team. #2020GoldList #CondeNast
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
So proud that all of our Soneva resorts in the Maldives and Thailand have been 100% carbon neutral since 2012 for both direct and indirect emissions.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
If you still need convincing to come to the #Maldives on your next holiday:
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
A huge thank you to @richardquest and @CNN for this incredible feature! #discoversoneva
@soneva
Soneva
3 years
Don't miss this Maldivian special with @richardquest for @CNN this Sunday! #QuestsWorldofWonder #Maldives #discoversoneva
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Our 4 Bedroom Island Reserve with Slide at #SonevaJani is the ideal barefoot hideaway for large families and groups of friends, with a dedicated children’s pool, water slide and several indoor and outdoor living areas.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
We have a mandatory 2% Carbon Levy for all our guests at Soneva. With these proceeds we fund numerous sustainability initiatives through the #SonevaFoundation . #WorldEnvironmentDay
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Welcome to The Den at #SonevaJani , our new inspiring playground for young imaginations where we encourage all our young guests to learn, play, discover nature, and let their creativity and curiosity run wild.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
A very merry Christmas from Eva and I – we hope you have a wonderful day, full of love and good cheer.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
Much-maligned, sharks have a vital role in healthy ocean ecosystems – Eva and I have been staunch supporters of the Maldives’ shark fishing ban since it came into effect back in 2010. #sharkawarenessday
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
5 years
#Maalhos is now the first local island to officially stop open burning. They unveiled the Maalhos Eco Centro, a "waste-to-wealth" waste processing facility established in partnership #SonevaFushi as part of the #NamoonaBaa initiative! #sustainability #Maldives
@editionmv
The Edition
5 years
Maalhos opens eco centro, first island to stop open burning
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
Just last year (2019) #Soneva generated USD 553,000 in value from upcycling and recycling #waste . #WastetoWealth #sustainability #recycle #upcycle
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
I’m proud to announce the full festival programme for #JLFSonevaFushi this May–it’s set to be an exhilarating celebration of culture and discourse, with inspiring speakers including @MiraPagliNair , @aaciman , @Elif_Safak and @ShashiTharoor . @jaipurlitfest
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
The Barefoot Bookseller has become an integral part of the #Soneva guest experience, providing much more than just reading recommendations.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
I’m delighted to welcome @Chef_Julien Royer’s 3 Michelin-starred #Odette for an exclusive 10-week culinary residency at Flying Sauces, the world’s first fine dining zipline experience.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
I am proud to announce the launch of Soneva Soul. Over 25 years in the making, this new wellness concept marks an exciting new era for @discoversoneva , harnessing the ancient healing wisdom and modern innovations we have gathered on our journey so far. I hope you can join us…
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
We are proud to have 41 valued Soneva Ambassadors around the world sharing the same passion for Slow Life. It is a pleasure to announce our newest Ambassador, @aparnaswarup who recently joined us. Aparna is based in India and is a fond enthusiast of Soneva.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
As guardians of our precious natural environments, at Soneva we tread lightly on the earth - from carrying out detailed environmental impact assessments to sourcing sustainable, ethically produced building materials #worldenvironmentday
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
6 years
We want our guests to connect with the earth, so we ask our guests if they would like to take off their shoes as part of our ‘No News, No Shoes’ philosophy. #NoNewsNoShoes #PioneeredbySoneva #barefootluxury
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
My latest op-Ed, Learning to Live with #COVID19 , is available to read on LinkedIn:
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
5 years
Meet Sri Lankan native, Sira, in the latest video in our #Tastemakers series. He has been #SonevaFushi 's breakfast champion for over two decades, starting our guests' days with a smile. #MeettheTastemakers #SonevasTastemakers
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
Last year, we used 65,250 paper straws. Which means zero plastic ones. #saynotoplastic #beatplasticpollution #paperstraws #Soneva #sustainability #stopsucking
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Some of my favourite times in the Maldives have been onboard our #SonevainAqua yacht. Custom-built for Soneva with a crew that includes a sous chef and wellness therapist, every aspect is geared towards creating memorable moments for our guests.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
1 year
A focus on organic, plant-based dining is part of our SLOW LIFE philosophy, which champions holistic wellbeing and a healthier, more sustainable way of living. Red meat has been almost completely removed from our menus and the use of dairy products has been significantly reduced.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
#Styrofoam is a problem. But at #Soneva we have made it part of our solutions. Our Projects and #WastetoWealth teams use it to make building bricks and as an insulation material in our villas. #upcycling
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
At #SonevaFushi 's Eco Centro around 20,000 kg of compost is made each month by mixing daily waste food with organic matter, such as jungle trimmings put through the wood chipper. #composting #sustainability
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
We believe in the beauty of taking the scenic route at Soneva. Our meandering paths and walkways ensure you’re mindful of every moment.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
In collaboration with Swiss organisation , we're launching the Maldives' largest coral nursery, with ambitious plans to harvest 50,000 coral fragments every year to restore and renew our reef systems.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
4 years
It has been a year of milestones for us at @Soneva . If we can achieve this much during times of uncertainty then we can certainly strive for even more firsts in the year ahead and as we continue to celebrate 25 years of #Soneva .
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
5 years
Planting and plant care tips using things found about your home 🌱🌹
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
1 year
Eva and I have been staunch supporters of the Maldives’ shark fishing ban since it came into effect back in 2010. They play a vital role in healthy ocean ecosystems and deserve our protection. #SharkAwarenessDay
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
The Sunset Sanctuary Villa Three, the only 3-bedroom over-water residence at Soneva Jani is looking for a new owner. To find out more, please visit , enquire directly at lynn.villadolid @lifestylecapitalpartners .com
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
Lunch at The Crab Shack at #SonevaJani , served with a crisp Chene Bleu Rose is my ideal summer dining setting. Here, guests can dine barefoot with toes in the sand, in line with our ‘No News, No Shoes’ ethos.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
5 years
Happy New Year from #Soneva ! Wishing you all success, happiness and good fortune in 2020. #HappyNewYear
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
3 years
Did you know that the Baa Atoll, is home to the world’s 7th largest reef system, with more than 250 coral varieties, and over 1,200 species of fish?
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
This #InternationalWomensDay , I am incredibly grateful for the strong women role models who work across #Soneva . We strive to create equity through ambitious female employment targets, a safe, respectful working environment and a clear career path for all of our Hosts.
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@SonuShivdasani
Sonu Shivdasani
2 years
#SonevaJani saw unprecedented sea turtle activity last year – a total of 94 nests were laid on the resort’s beaches, many of which included endangered green sea turtles. Our Ocean Guardians kept the nests safe and collected data that will help drive future conservation efforts.
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