Savian R. Scheianu discusses the SOMAYA Resort & Spa investment in Costa Rica, the risks of an international development project, and the changing definition of luxury.
An investment of €38 million, a wellness resort already under construction, and a market where nature represents one of the most significant competitive advantages.
In an exclusive interview dedicated to SOMAYA Resort & Spa, investor Savian R. Scheianu discusses the decisions behind an investment of this magnitude, the challenges of developing a hospitality project, and his business philosophy.
Interviewer Let's start with the figure that inevitably attracts attention €38 million. What convinced you to invest such a substantial amount in a resort in Costa Rica.
Savian R. Scheianu “It is not the amount that should attract attention, but what we are building with that money. A €38 million investment cannot be justified simply by beautiful scenery or an interesting idea. There must be a market, a strategy, and a solid economic outlook.
Costa Rica offers a distinctive environment. It is a destination renowned for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and a particular way of life. I saw an opportunity here to develop a concept that would remain relevant ten or even twenty years from now.”
Interviewer: Why did you choose the hospitality industry, and particularly the wellness segment
Savian R. Scheianu “Because we are witnessing a shift in consumer behavior. There are people willing to spend significant amounts on authentic experiences, tranquility, and time dedicated to their own well-being.
In the past, luxury was primarily associated with opulence. Today, for a certain category of guests, luxury means privacy, discretion, impeccable service, and the freedom to disconnect.
I believe the wellness industry will continue to evolve, but it will also become considerably more competitive.”
Interviewer: SOMAYA Resort & Spa is already under construction. How difficult is it to turn a vision into reality, particularly thousands of kilometers away from Europe
Savian R. Scheianu “There is an enormous difference between envisioning a project and executing it. On paper, almost anything can look spectacular. In reality, challenges emerge involving infrastructure, suppliers, costs, permits, and team coordination.
Distance adds another layer of complexity. That is precisely why I consider it essential to have a competent local management structure and clearly defined control mechanisms.
You cannot manage an investment of this scale based solely on trust or enthusiasm.”
Interviewer: Is there a risk that wellness tourism is merely a passing trend
Savian R. Scheianu “Of course, trends come and go. But I do not believe people's concern for health, balance, and quality of life is a passing trend.
What may change is the way these services are delivered. Some concepts will disappear, while others will evolve.
A resort cannot succeed simply because it includes the word ‘wellness’ in its name. It must deliver a genuine, consistent experience that is compelling enough to make guests want to return.”
Interviewer: What will distinguish SOMAYA from other luxury resorts
Savian R. Scheianu “I do not like claiming that a project will be unique before people have had the opportunity to experience it. Ultimately, the market will decide that.
What I can say is that we want to create a destination with its own identity. I do not want SOMAYA to be just another beautiful hotel in a spectacular location.
I want the experience to be memorable because of its authenticity, attention to detail, and quality of service, rather than ostentatious luxury.”
Interviewer: How do an investor's financial objectives align with the philosophy of a resort dedicated to relaxation and well-being
Savian R. Scheianu “I do not see a contradiction between the two. A project that delivers high-quality services and succeeds in building long-term relationships with its guests can also achieve strong financial results.
Problems arise when the guest experience is sacrificed for immediate financial gains.
Personally, I prefer investments where value is built over time. Profitability is important, of course, but it cannot be the only criterion.”
Interviewer: We are talking about €38 million. How do you approach the possibility of budget overruns in a project of this magnitude
Savian R. Scheianu “In construction, particularly in complex developments, the risk of exceeding the budget is always present. What matters is anticipating and managing that risk.
I do not believe in overly optimistic budgets designed merely to make an investment appear more attractive. I prefer realistic assessments, even when they require difficult decisions.
Financial discipline is just as important as architectural vision.”
Interviewer: What lessons have you learned throughout your business career that you are now applying to this investment
Savian R. Scheianu “Perhaps one of the most important lessons is not to confuse opportunity with certainty.
I have learned that you must evaluate people with the same level of scrutiny as you evaluate numbers. You can have an excellent project, but if the team is not right, the outcome can be very different from what you expected.
And there is something else you need to know when to be patient. Not every good decision produces immediate results.”
Interviewer: Do you consider yourself a cautious investor or someone willing to take significant risks
Savian R. Scheianu “I believe the two are not mutually exclusive. I take risks; otherwise, I would not invest in projects of this nature. But I want to understand those risks before making a decision.
I am not attracted to investments simply because they are spectacular or because they might generate attention.
I prefer to thoroughly understand a project's vulnerabilities and how they can be managed.”
Interviewer: Is SOMAYA the beginning of a broader strategy in the hospitality industry
Savian R. Scheianu “Possibly. But I believe entrepreneurs sometimes talk too much about what they intend to do and too little about what they have actually accomplished.
At this stage, the priority is SOMAYA Costa Rica. We have a significant investment and a project already under construction.
I would rather discuss expansion when we have concrete results to support such a decision.”
Interviewer If you had to define the success of this investment in a single sentence, what would it be
Savian R. Scheianu “To create a place that people genuinely want to return to, while allowing the investment to demonstrate, over time, that it was the right decision.”
The €38 million investment in SOMAYA Resort & Spa places the development in a category that demands both financial ambition and the ability to overcome significant operational challenges.
In an industry where the concepts of luxury and wellness are increasingly widespread, the real difference will be determined by execution, service quality, and the ability to establish a sustainable business model.
For now, SOMAYA has reached the stage where architectural promises and investment strategy must be translated into tangible results.
And that, ultimately, may prove to be the most meaningful measure of its success.