In the sun-kissed shores of Mauritius, where turquoise waves meet pristine beaches, Sanjiv Ramdanee stands as a beacon of innovation and elegance in the luxury hospitality sector. As CEO and Executive Director of the acclaimed Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Ramdanee has transformed a family estate into a global icon of opulent seclusion, earning accolades that place Mauritius firmly on the map of elite travel destinations.
Born into a distinguished Mauritian lineage son of the late knighted entrepreneur Sir Kailash Ramdanee Sanjiv’s journey began with an engineering background, a foundation that instilled in him a meticulous approach to design and functionality. In 2008, at the helm of what was then the Taj Exotica, he boldly rebranded it as Maradiva, blending “marine” and “diva” to evoke the essence of a sea goddess. This independent pivot allowed for unparalleled personalization: 65 private pool villas adorned with Hermès amenities, bespoke experiences from extravagant proposals to tailored wellness retreats, and a commitment to “anything is possible” service.
Under Ramdanee’s visionary leadership, Maradiva has amassed an impressive trophy cabinet. It has been crowned the World’s Leading Luxury Villa Beach Resort by the World Travel Awards for eight consecutive years (2017–2024), alongside regional honors as the Indian Ocean’s top villa resort. Membership in the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World further cements its status among the globe’s finest independent properties. The adjacent Sands Suites Resort & Spa, also under the family portfolio, complements this with all-suite luxury, earning its own nods like Mauritius’ Leading All-Suite Resort.
Ramdanee’s influence extends beyond resort walls. A passionate advocate for Mauritius as a destination, he has pioneered partnerships that fuse tourism with entertainment and culture. In 2017, Hollywood descended on the island for the filming of Serenity, starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, with Maradiva hosting the cast a milestone that spotlighted Mauritius worldwide. His strategic networking at events like Royal Ascot and the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz has drawn high-net-worth travelers, while collaborations with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority have amplified the island’s allure.
The 2023–2024 renovation of Maradiva exemplifies Ramdanee’s forward-thinking ethos. Partnering with renowned designers like Hirsch Bedner Associates, the refresh incorporated exotic materials from Rajasthan and Burma, modern tech seamlessly integrated into timeless luxury, and enhanced sustainability initiatives like marine conservation support. Relaunched at Royal Ascot in June 2024, the event mingled royalty and influencers, underscoring Ramdanee’s knack for blending glamour with business acumen.
As a lifestyle aficionado with a penchant for fine watches, evidenced by Maradiva’s Bucherer boutique Ramdanee embodies the sophistication he curates. His Instagram (@sanjivr200) offers glimpses into this world, from award celebrations to elite gatherings, fostering a community of over 7,000 followers.
In an era where luxury demands authenticity, Sanjiv Ramdanee continues to elevate Mauritius’ hospitality landscape. With plans for expanded wellness programs and artist residencies, his legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and unyielding pursuit of excellence. As he aptly states, “You can’t separate the resort from the destination” a philosophy that has not only sustained but propelled Maradiva to enduring global acclaim.
