Soneva appoints Teddy Susanto Wiryawan as General Manager of Soneva Jani

Soneva has appointed Teddy Susanto Wiryawan as General Manager of Soneva Jani in Noonu Atoll, bringing more than 25 years of international hospitality experience across luxury hotels and resorts in Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean.

Wiryawan joins Soneva Jani from Vakkaru Maldives, where he served as General Manager from November 2024 to October 2026. During his two years at the Baa Atoll resort, he focused on commercial performance, guest satisfaction, operational standards and strengthening the property’s international positioning.

Announcing his departure from Vakkaru Maldives and his new appointment at Soneva Jani in a LinkedIn post, Wiryawan reflected on his experience at his former property and expressed appreciation for the team he worked with.

“Some decisions are never easy. Leaving a place that has shaped you professionally and personally is one of them. As I close an incredible chapter at Vakkaru Maldives, I look back with nothing but gratitude – for the trust, the friendships, the challenges that made us stronger, and the remarkable team that made every success possible,” he wrote.

Looking ahead to his new position, he added: “At the same time, I’m excited to begin a new journey with Soneva Jani. I look forward to embracing new opportunities, learning from another extraordinary team, and continuing my passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.”

Prior to joining Vakkaru Maldives, Wiryawan spent nearly six years with Alila Hotels & Resorts, part of Hyatt’s luxury portfolio, holding General Manager positions across several properties in Southeast Asia.

His most recent assignment with Alila was at Alila Dalit Bay in Sabah, Malaysia, where he served as General Manager from April 2023 to July 2024, overseeing pre-opening preparations. Before that, he led Alila Solo in Central Java, Indonesia, from July 2020 to April 2023.

His other assignments with the brand included General Manager positions at Alila Villas Koh Russey in Cambodia between October 2019 and July 2020, and Alila Jakarta in Indonesia from October 2018 to October 2019. These roles provided experience in resort operations, hotel repositioning and managing properties across different hospitality markets.

Before joining Alila, Wiryawan was General Manager of Sailrock Resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands from July 2016 to January 2018. His responsibilities included overseeing the resort’s pre-opening, launch and phased development.

He previously spent more than six years with COMO Hotels and Resorts, holding positions including Hotel Manager at COMO Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands from May 2013 to May 2016, Executive Assistant Manager at Metropolitan by COMO in Bangkok, and Rooms Division Manager and Front Office Manager at Uma by COMO in Ubud, Bali. His time with COMO also included assignments at properties in London and Bhutan.

Earlier in his career, Wiryawan spent more than six years with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts at Traders Hotel Dubai, progressing through guest services positions to Guest Service Manager. His hospitality background also includes experience at Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Sheraton Towers Singapore, Mandarin Oriental Singapore and The Ritz-Carlton in Bali.

Wiryawan holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Hotel Administration from the Bali Tourism Institute, where he studied between 1997 and 2001. His professional development also includes training in hospitality leadership, revenue management, hotel distribution, digital marketing and performance management.

His appointment to Soneva Jani marks his continuation in the Maldivian luxury hospitality sector following his tenure at Vakkaru Maldives, with his experience spanning pre-opening projects, established resorts, commercial management and operational leadership.

Located on Medhufaru Island in Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani is one of Soneva’s luxury resorts in the Maldives, alongside Soneva Fushi in Baa Atoll and Soneva Secret in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The resort is situated within an expansive lagoon and is accessible by a seaplane journey of approximately 40 minutes from Velana International Airport.

Soneva Jani features overwater and island villas, including multi-bedroom residences designed for families and groups. Its overwater accommodation is known for private swimming pools, retractable roofs above bedrooms for stargazing, and waterslides leading directly into the lagoon. The resort’s accommodation is spread across different areas of the island and lagoon, with an emphasis on privacy, space and access to the surrounding marine environment.

The resort offers a range of dining experiences, including The Crab Shack, Director’s Cut, Asian Kitchen in the Garden and other venues serving international and regional cuisine. Its culinary offering also includes private dining experiences, organic produce from the island’s gardens, and complimentary chocolate, ice cream and cheese rooms.

Wellness facilities are centred on Soneva Soul, which combines traditional healing practices with contemporary wellness treatments and personalised programmes. Guest activities include snorkelling, diving, water sports, tennis, padel, stargazing and outdoor cinema experiences at Cinema Paradiso.

For families, Soneva Jani features The Den, a children’s and teenagers’ facility covering more than 1,500 square metres, with indoor and outdoor play spaces, slides, a pirate ship, creative activities and entertainment facilities.

Sustainability and environmental conservation form part of Soneva’s operating philosophy, with the resort incorporating marine conservation, waste reduction, responsible resource management and environmental education into its operations.

Wiryawan’s appointment comes as Soneva continues to develop its luxury hospitality offering in the Maldives, with Soneva Jani positioned around personalised service, wellness, family experiences and its natural lagoon environment.