Soneva Group sells Evason Phuket Resort

The Soneva Group has sold the Evason Phuket resort to an international and Thai hospitality and leisure group. Evason Phuket will cease operations with immediate effect and shall no longer be operated by Six Senses Resorts & Spas. The value of the deal has not been disclosed. Sonu Shivdasani, founder and CEO of the Soneva Group, said, “Although it did not fit into The Soneva Group’s strategic plans, Evason Phuket is a wonderful property that will continue to thrive under new ownership. I would like to take this opportunity to give my personal thanks to all of the hosts at Evason Phuket for their commitment and hard work. We are working hard to provide alternative employment to as many hosts as possible. In addition, we have agreed a package for any Evason Phuket hosts whom we can’t employ elsewhere. The full package includes salary payment according to Thai law, plus one month advance notice, a bonus as per agreement with the Union, health insurance cover until November 2012 and a job reference.” The Soneva Group, which is controlled by Sonu Shivdasani, sold Evason Phuket to a third party – a deal that is separate from the Pegasus acquisition of the Six Senses and Evason branded resort and spa management contracts. The Soneva Group continues to retain a majority stake in Six Senses Hua Hin and Evason Hua Hin and Six Senses Laamu. “This follows our initial strategy to focus on owning and managing our own properties and to work with just one brand, the Soneva brand,” added Sonu Shivdasani.