Latest
issue
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Features   Products   Company profilesProfiles   Press releasesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise    Subscribe  
NEWS
Soneva Fushi to host Maldives’ first ever TEDx talk, reveals Sonu Shivdasani
POSTED 08 Mar 2022 . BY Megan Whitby
Credit: Aksham Abdul Gadhir @ishotmaldives

Credit: Julia Neeson
TEDxBaaAtoll will celebrate wellness, culture, art, discourse and the environment
– Sonu Shivdasani
The Maldives’ first-ever TEDx talk, themed around the Slow Life, is set to take place on March 19, 2022.

Hosted at Soneva Fushi on Kunfunadhoo – one of the largest islands in the Baa Atoll and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – TEDxBaaAtoll will host nine Maldivian and international speakers.

The event will feature local voices and TED Talks videos delving into the ways we can find a deeper purpose beyond the superficial.

Talks will focus on reconnecting with the earth to live in harmony with the natural environment, working hand-in-hand with communities to make the world a better place and nurturing our physical and mental wellbeing to be the very best we can be.

Co-founder and CEO of Soneva Resorts and event speaker, Sonu Shivdasani, said: “We’re proud to be hosting the Maldives' first TedX event on our shores at Soneva Fushi.

“TEDxBaaAtoll is about learning and inspiring each other, and will celebrate wellness, culture, art, discourse and the environment – those diverse elements that are all part of the Slow Life."

The event will bring together a dynamic lineup, ranging from community innovators to business leaders, each of whom will share their own unique stories and ideas on the TEDx platform.

The full line-up features:
• Akib Jahir, local entomologist.
• Bart Knols, managing director of science and conservation at Soneva.
• Bruce Bromley, chief financial officer and deputy CEO at Soneva.
• Carissa Nimah, guardian of the brand at Soneva.
• Hussain 'Sendi' Rasheed, a 30-year veteran of the Maldives’ diving industry.
• Iz Yala Shameem binth Ali Shameem, a 13-year-old climate youth activist from Kudafari island.
• Nila Patty, innovation and sustainability manager at Soneva
• Shaziya ‘Saazu’ Saeed, professional diver and surfer and former VP of both the Maldives Surfing Association and Diving Association of the Maldives.
• Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and co-founder of Soneva.

Follow this link to register for virtual attendance. The event will start at 6:30 PM (Maldives Time) on Saturday 19 March and last until 11:30 PM on Sunday 20 March.
RELATED STORIES
  Sonu Shivdasani awarded OBE in King’s 2023 New Year Honours List


Hospitality and wellness industry veteran Sonu Shivdasani has been honoured as an officer of the order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to tourism, sustainability and charity by the King of England.
  Soneva to open third Maldives retreat by end of 2023


Sonu Shivdasani, co-founder of barefoot luxury hotel and wellness brand Soneva, has confirmed there will be a new Soneva property open by the end of 2023.
  Soneva’s new hospitality concept Soneva Secret launching January 2024


Soneva will open a new US$40 million (£32.1 million, €37.4 million) resort in the Maldives’ secluded Haa Dhaalu atoll on 10 January 2024.
  Soneva's new spa and wellness brand blends ancient and modern healing techniques


Barefoot luxury hotel and wellness brand Soneva has concocted a new spa and wellness concept combining ancient healing wisdom with modern science.
MORE NEWS
HCM News: Taking GLP-1s is linked to a decline in physical activity
People taking GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound may be losing weight, but they’re also becoming less physically active, according to new research presented at the ENDO 2026 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Synergy The Retreat Show launches resource for retreat business leaders to showcase specialisms
Global retreat trade show, Synergy The Retreat Show, has launched a resource called The Source, which hosts an open-access online Transformation Series programme.
The SATCC announces first five-day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat
The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) charity has announced its first five- day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat, which will be held at Carden Park Hotel and Spa in Cheshire, UK, between 1 and 5 September.
+ More news   

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Introducing Glass Act by Templespa
Introducing Glass Act, your new go-to eye serum for brighter, smoother, beautifully awakened eyes. [more...]

Longevity in spas: a strategic choice, not a default setting
Longevity has become one of the most debated concepts in contemporary wellness. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Aquaform

With a rich heritage in the spa industry, Aquaform offers a diverse array of water wellness experien [more...]
Spa Supply Solutions

Founded in 2014 by spa management expert Julie Bevilacqua, Spa Supply Solutions is a leader in spa p [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

26-27 Jun 2026

The Longevity Show

Tobacco Docks, London, United Kingdom
03-05 Jul 2026

World Championship in Massage

Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
+ More diary  
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
SPA BUSINESS
SPA OPPORTUNITIES
SPA BUSINESS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Soneva Fushi to host Maldives’ first ever TEDx talk, reveals Sonu Shivdasani
POSTED 08 Mar 2022 . BY Megan Whitby
Credit: Aksham Abdul Gadhir @ishotmaldives
Credit: Julia Neeson
TEDxBaaAtoll will celebrate wellness, culture, art, discourse and the environment
– Sonu Shivdasani
The Maldives’ first-ever TEDx talk, themed around the Slow Life, is set to take place on March 19, 2022.

Hosted at Soneva Fushi on Kunfunadhoo – one of the largest islands in the Baa Atoll and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – TEDxBaaAtoll will host nine Maldivian and international speakers.

The event will feature local voices and TED Talks videos delving into the ways we can find a deeper purpose beyond the superficial.

Talks will focus on reconnecting with the earth to live in harmony with the natural environment, working hand-in-hand with communities to make the world a better place and nurturing our physical and mental wellbeing to be the very best we can be.

Co-founder and CEO of Soneva Resorts and event speaker, Sonu Shivdasani, said: “We’re proud to be hosting the Maldives' first TedX event on our shores at Soneva Fushi.

“TEDxBaaAtoll is about learning and inspiring each other, and will celebrate wellness, culture, art, discourse and the environment – those diverse elements that are all part of the Slow Life."

The event will bring together a dynamic lineup, ranging from community innovators to business leaders, each of whom will share their own unique stories and ideas on the TEDx platform.

The full line-up features:
• Akib Jahir, local entomologist.
• Bart Knols, managing director of science and conservation at Soneva.
• Bruce Bromley, chief financial officer and deputy CEO at Soneva.
• Carissa Nimah, guardian of the brand at Soneva.
• Hussain 'Sendi' Rasheed, a 30-year veteran of the Maldives’ diving industry.
• Iz Yala Shameem binth Ali Shameem, a 13-year-old climate youth activist from Kudafari island.
• Nila Patty, innovation and sustainability manager at Soneva
• Shaziya ‘Saazu’ Saeed, professional diver and surfer and former VP of both the Maldives Surfing Association and Diving Association of the Maldives.
• Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and co-founder of Soneva.

Follow this link to register for virtual attendance. The event will start at 6:30 PM (Maldives Time) on Saturday 19 March and last until 11:30 PM on Sunday 20 March.
RELATED STORIES
Sonu Shivdasani awarded OBE in King’s 2023 New Year Honours List


Hospitality and wellness industry veteran Sonu Shivdasani has been honoured as an officer of the order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to tourism, sustainability and charity by the King of England.
Soneva to open third Maldives retreat by end of 2023


Sonu Shivdasani, co-founder of barefoot luxury hotel and wellness brand Soneva, has confirmed there will be a new Soneva property open by the end of 2023.
Soneva’s new hospitality concept Soneva Secret launching January 2024


Soneva will open a new US$40 million (£32.1 million, €37.4 million) resort in the Maldives’ secluded Haa Dhaalu atoll on 10 January 2024.
Soneva's new spa and wellness brand blends ancient and modern healing techniques


Barefoot luxury hotel and wellness brand Soneva has concocted a new spa and wellness concept combining ancient healing wisdom with modern science.
MORE NEWS
HCM News: Taking GLP-1s is linked to a decline in physical activity
People taking GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound may be losing weight, but they’re also becoming less physically active, according to new research presented at the ENDO 2026 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Synergy The Retreat Show launches resource for retreat business leaders to showcase specialisms
Global retreat trade show, Synergy The Retreat Show, has launched a resource called The Source, which hosts an open-access online Transformation Series programme.
The SATCC announces first five-day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat
The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) charity has announced its first five- day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat, which will be held at Carden Park Hotel and Spa in Cheshire, UK, between 1 and 5 September.
Palazzo di Varignana launches family wellbeing and longevity retreat in Emilia Romagna
Palazzo di Varignana, in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, has created a new tailored health programme designed specifically for families.
Ansana Wellness and Spa debuts at Patmos Aktis as it joins Marriott
Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, has opened in Greece, with a renovated and rebranded wellness offering called Ansana Wellness and Spa.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Introducing Glass Act by Templespa
Introducing Glass Act, your new go-to eye serum for brighter, smoother, beautifully awakened eyes. [more...]

Longevity in spas: a strategic choice, not a default setting
Longevity has become one of the most debated concepts in contemporary wellness. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Aquaform

With a rich heritage in the spa industry, Aquaform offers a diverse array of water wellness experien [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

26-27 Jun 2026

The Longevity Show

Tobacco Docks, London, United Kingdom
03-05 Jul 2026

World Championship in Massage

Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS