KSL Capital Partners acquires majority stake in Soneva Group

US-based investment firm KSL Capital Partners has acquired a majority stake in the Soneva Group, the luxury resort operator behind some of the Maldives’ most renowned hospitality properties.

KSL, which focuses on investments in travel, tourism and real estate, initially acquired stakes in Soneva in 2019. The firm, which has offices in the United States and the United Kingdom, has a 30-year track record of backing high-end tourism ventures across the globe.

As part of the deal, KSL has appointed Neil Gelega as Soneva’s new chief executive. Gelega brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality sector, having worked in Europe, the Middle East, the US and the Caribbean.

Soneva was founded in 1995 by British entrepreneur Sonu Shivdasani and his wife Eva. The couple launched their first resort on Baa atoll Kunfunadhoo, a project widely credited with helping to usher in the era of luxury, eco-conscious tourism.

Since then, the group has expanded to include two additional Maldivian resorts including Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret, as well as a luxury yacht experience, Soneva in Aqua.

The brand is known for its focus on sustainable design, barefoot luxury, and environmental responsibility.