Business
Many are unaware that Sunil Shah's grandfather, GM Bhuta, was an architect in the 40s and 50s and was widely recognised for his work for IIT Bombay and Delhi's Raj Ghat.
Updated : Jul 20, 2024, 10:03 AM IST | Edited by : Riddhima Kanetkar
Over 100 years ago, a family from Mandvi in the Kutch area of Gujarat moved to a small island country across the Indian Ocean. Here, they affirmed themselves as a leading business entity, and then some 10 years ago, turned to a new venture with the third generation. We are talking about Seychelles businessman Sunil Shah who bought an island and transformed it into a luxury resort.
Sunil Shah studied to become a CA but then joined his father's business. Speaking about his business idea, Sunil Shah said, "As a child, I had a great interest in art, architecture, and natural landscapes. I wanted to follow my passion for creating beautiful spaces to live, work, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I realised creating was in my blood. And I wanted to leave a legacy, something that everyone would marvel at and get to enjoy," Condé Nast Traveller quoted him as saying.
Many are unaware that Sunil Shah's grandfather, GM Bhuta, was an architect in the 40s and 50s and was widely recognised for his work for IIT Bombay and Delhi's Raj Ghat.
Sunil Shah, who heads AJ Shah & Associates which is based in Victoria, the capital city of the Seychelles, is the leading accounting company in the country. He began a new project with his late father Anant-Jivan Shah and acquired an island in the 150-island archipelago which also is one of tourists's favourite beach destinations.
Sunil Shah bought the Round Island, spread across an area of .018 square kilometres. This island which was once unpopulated with only a small restaurant in sight is now to ultra-luxurious Enchanted Island resort. It is located in Seychelles' Sainte Anne Marine National Park and is merely a 10-minute boat ride from the town of Mahe.
Sunil Shah who played a huge role in developing the island spent around $9 million on it. The resort was then built in 5 years which houses 8 villas and is run by a Dubai-based hotel operator. Reports state that tourists pay up to Rs 8.5 lakh here for a night for a private island outing for 24 people.
The prices of the villas reportedly range from Rs 45,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh per person.
Many are unaware that Sunil Shah is also an art collector who has acquired many pieces from Spain and France, some of which adorn the island resort.
Guests that visit the property include high net worth individuals (HNIs) from around the world, including parts of Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, as well as celebrities.