THE SONEVA Group has divested its stake in the Evason Phuket to an international and Thai hospitality and leisure company for an undisclosed sum.

The identity of the buyer has also not been revealed.

The Phuket resort has ceased operations since May 22, 2012, and is no longer managed by Bangkok-based Six Senses Resorts & Spas.

According to a statement from the Soneva Group, the deal was separate from the Pegasus acquisition of the Six Senses and Evason branded resort and spa management contracts in April (TTG Asia e-Daily, April 11, 2012).

Sonu Shivdasani, founder & CEO of the Soneva Group, said: “This follows our initial strategy to focus on owning and managing our own properties and to work with just one brand, the Soneva brand.”

“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."

Shivdasani added that the company was currently working to secure alternative employment and a compensation package for affected staff of the resort.

The Soneva group continues to retain a majority stake in Six Senses Hua Hin, Evason Hua Hin and Six Senses Laamu.