Across the Soneva properties in the Maldives and Thailand, ‘luxury’ transcends the material and focuses on the time, space and privacy needed to disconnect from the everyday. It gives guests the opportunity to immerse in once-in-a-lifetime experiences that pair an all-star calendar of events featuring Michelin-starred chefs, sports legends and wellness therapists with a hands-on role in its conservation efforts, such as coral restoration and monitoring critically endangered turtles. There’s also a daily programme of activities for kids at The Den children’s zones.

IYC is committed to upholding its responsibility as an environmentally conscious company and is taking the necessary steps to increase sustainability in company operations, promote best practices across yachts in its fleet and raise awareness throughout its network. Both IYC and Soneva align in showing how sustainability and indulgence can go hand-in-hand.

As a pioneer for responsible tourism, Soneva has been fully carbon neutral since 2012, launching its Total Impact Assessment in 2016 to measure the company’s social and environmental impacts – a first for the hospitality industry. A mandatory 2% environmental levy is added to every Soneva stay, with proceeds going towards the not-for-profit Soneva Foundation to offset both direct and indirect carbon emissions from resort activities and guest flights. The Foundation also funds a range of global projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact.

Through this partnership, IYC Clients will be privy to a few benefits when visiting a Soneva property:

• Minimum stay of 3 nights: Complimentary Soneva Stars experience such as a Michelin-star chef dinner for two, a private 1-hour tennis class with a tennis legend, a private stargazing evening with a renowned astronomer, or even a private 1-hour clinic with a Football champion.
• Minimum stay of 5 nights: Complimentary Soneva Stars experience and one unique Soneva experience such as a sunset dolphin cruise, a sunrise breakfast on a deserted beach, or treatment with an expert therapist.
• Minimum stay of 7 nights: Complimentary Soneva Stars experience, one unique Soneva experience and a Soneva Soul jet lag remedy treatment upon arrival.

Raphael Sauleau, CEO, IYC, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Soneva, providing our clients traveling in Southeast Asia with an extension on land of the finest, curated experiences. Our world of yachting and hospitality go hand in hand, with each moment spent on board meticulously crafted to create unforgettable moments, mirrored in the unique stays offered by Soneva and the highest standards of attentive service. We are also proud to champion another company focused on a responsible approach to luxury travel who actively works to educate on sustainable ways of operating.” 

Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Founder, Soneva, commented: "We are pleased to announce our new partnership with IYC, which elevates the travel experience at sea for our guests. Soneva is a pioneer in sustainable luxury and has been carbon neutral since 2012, including emissions from resort activities and guests' travel. Protecting the planet and our precious natural resources has always been a priority, and we are proud to collaborate with environmentally-conscious companies."

Find out more about IYC's Partnerships HERE