102: Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström, Soneva – Perfecting the 'Slowlife': overcoming the storm

Change Makers: Leadership, Good Business, Ideas and Innovation

In this Change Makers series in collaboration with Mr & Mrs Smith, we explore the travel industry’s role in delivering a more sustainable future in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and the growing climate emergency.

This week Michael Hayman is joined by Sonu Shivdasani and Eva Malmström Shivdasani, founders of Soneva. A connection to the Maldives that started with a trip in 1995 for Eva, where she visualised potential for a new way of life. Over 25 years later, Eva and Sonu have created three stunning Soneva hotels which have responsibility, sustainability and luxury at their core.

Think of Soneva’s journey as an onion, says Sonu, with endless layers of discovery, and this is what you can expect during a stay at any one of the hotels. There’s always something new to discover about how Soneva is making luxury sustainable – even when you think you’ve done everything possible. From recycling glass on site, to preserving local environments (particularly fragile marine ecosystems), to sourcing produce from local farmers and fishermen. Listen to how they have perfected the practice of the Slowlife (sustainable, local, organic, wellness, learning, inspired, fun, experiences) philosophy.