PHOTO: SONEVA JANI
A wellness centre, alongside an existing spa, is planned at Soneva Jani
How has spa changed? Spa culture caught on globally as a result of growing affluence among the urban rich, however, people are sharing similar experiences – whether it’s food, retail, style of houses, offices or cars – so overall, there’s a greater demand for space, privacy and genuine, authentic experiences. I think that this has led to a greater interest in alternative healing. Our visiting practitioner programme sees guests returning for learning experiences which have a unique and positive impact on their lives.
PHOTO: @DANSU92
PHOTO: @DANIELLE NOWAK/NOMADIC REVERIE
27 new villas will be added and the price of them will include unlimited spa treatments
PHOTO: SONEVA JANI
What can we expect from Chapter Two at Soneva Jani? We’re adding 27 luxe over-water villas, on top of the existing 24, plus three new dining experiences. By Q2 2021 there’ll be a 1,742sq m wellness centre on the picturesque South Beach to join our 471sq m Soneva Spa. The idea is to set the standard in holistic wellness by combining ayurvedic techniques with cuttingedge therapies – the centre will have a dedicated ayurvedic clinic, as well as a consultation room for visiting specialists, two indoor therapy rooms and three open-air treatment spaces. We’ll refresh our menu but continue to work with Sodashi. Guests will have access to a cross-functional fitness area, open-air yoga pavilion and a retail space selling sustainable apparel and wellness products. As part of the update, we’ll offer the Soneva Unlimited package where unlimited spa treatments are included in the price of a new villa.
Have you always had spas at your resorts? Yes – in fact, Soneva Fushi had the first spa in the Maldives. Eva’s sister, Amie, created it as she was involved in this business. Today, it would be deemed crazy if a resort didn’t include one, but it was unusual 25 years ago. Because it was uncommon, many of our guests didn’t make use of the spa – especially the men – so we offered a free treatment to all guests. Many who hadn’t had a massage in their lives before were blown away by how nice it was and we soon filled it up with repeat business.
PHOTO: SONEVA JANI
Senses. Eva and I contemplated selling its management business back in 2005/2006, but we found it difficult to let go because it was successful. By holding on for five years longer than we should have, we did not achieve its true value.
spabusiness.com issue 1 2021 11