Sonu Shivdasani, co-founder of barefoot luxury hotel and wellness brand Soneva, has confirmed there will be a new Soneva opening by the end of 2023.

Speaking at a webinar with WGSN, Shivdasani revealed: “The new Maldives location will be remote, very private, small and offer a personalised experience.

“We’re hoping to welcome the first guests there at the end of the year, but there will be more details to come in September.”

Named Soneva Secret, the US$40m (£32.1m, €37.4m) property will feature villas and residences and focus on “celebrating the beauty of nature”, Shivdasani told Hotel Investment Today.

He also said each villa cost more than US$3m (£2.4m, €2.8m) to build and will have its own private butler, chef de partie and runner.

In addition, Shivdasani revealed there are future aspirations to open a fourth Soneva Maldives property and debut in Japan with a destination in Okinawa. However, these have not yet been confirmed.

Today, Soneva's portfolio includes three Maldives outposts – Soneva Fushi, Soneva in Aqua (the company’s chartered yacht) and Soneva Jani – as well as Soneva Kiri in Koh Kood, Thailand,

More about Soneva

Developed by husband and wife duo Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, Soneva’s philosophy is SLOW LIFE – sustainable, local, organic, wellness, learning, inspiring and fun experiences.

The brand's philosophy has a strong focus on wellness and Soneva has taken care to develop its own signature holistic spa brand, Soneva Soul, which informs the design and operation of its spas, wellness programming and cuisine.

Learn more about Soneva Soul from Spa Business' exclusive interview with Sonu Shivdasani.

In addition to Soneva, the Shivdasanis developed the Six Senses Resorts and Spas brand, which was sold to private equity group Pegasus in 2012 and then subsequently signed over to IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2019 for US$300m (£241m, €280.3m).