What’s On at Soneva

Angela is a holistic wellbeing specialist whose practice bridges ancient Eastern philosophies and modern therapeutic science. With a background in integrative wellness, she supports meaningful transformation by guiding individuals to align mind, body and spirit—reconnecting them with their most authentic selves. Drawing on over a decade of experience, Angela’s approach is rooted in intention and vitality. Her sessions are centred around presence and gratitude, with a focus on long-term well-being and soul-aligned living. Combining energy-based healing, breathwork and intuitive guidance, she creates a nurturing space for clarity, renewal and self-discovery.

Dr Lulu Shimek is a globally recognised naturopathic and functional medicine doctor whose work focuses on longevity, regeneration and energy-based healing. With over ten years of clinical experience, she integrates the ancient with the cutting-edge—merging mitochondrial support, functional diagnostics and bioenergetic tools to reverse biological ageing and restore long-term vitality. Her approach is both intuitive and science-led, addressing the root causes of imbalance through tailored protocols that span hormonal harmony, detoxification, emotional resilience and energy optimisation. Every session with Dr. Lulu is an invitation to awaken your full potential—reclaiming wellbeing on a cellular, mental and energetic level.

Carla Humphrey is a professional footballer currently playing in the Women’s Championship for Charlton Athletic Women FC. With a career spanning some of England’s most respected clubs—including Liverpool, Bristol City and Arsenal—she has made 95 top-flight appearances, showcasing her skill, versatility and dedication on the pitch. Carla has also proudly represented England at every youth level from U15 to U23, earning national recognition for her vision and technical ability. A true ambassador for the women’s game, she continues to inspire the next generation through her passion, professionalism and commitment to excellence.

Dr James Gilbert is a space engineer, astrophysicist and award-winning inventor whose pioneering work has helped shape some of the world’s most advanced scientific instruments. From planet-hunting telescopes on Earth to space-based cameras that detect wildfires from orbit, his innovations sit at the intersection of technology and purpose. Now based in New Zealand, he leads the development of mission-critical electronics at Rocket Lab, one of the most dynamic players in the modern space industry. Originally from the UK, Dr James moved to Australia in 2009, where a chance encounter with scientific instrumentation sparked a cross-disciplinary career spanning optics, robotics, photonics and electronics. A strong believer in ‘blue sky’ thinking, he has brought cutting-edge research beyond the lab to solve real-world challenges, bridging the gap between deep space and daily life. With a PhD in astrophysics from Oxford and over 50 peer-reviewed publications, he is a recognised leader in both academia and industry. Named Engineer of the Year 2023 and Researcher of the Year 2022 at the Australian Space Awards, his insights have been shared on global platforms including ABC, BBC and the Discovery Channel. Through his work and storytelling, he invites audiences to see the cosmos not as something distant, but deeply connected to our lives on Earth.

Italian chef Alberto Faccani has been captivated by the culinary world since childhood, driven by a deep passion for creativity and tradition. A self-taught chef with a bold, expressive style, he has been recognised by Identità Golose as one of the “100 chefs who have changed Italian cuisine in the last 10 years.” Fusing classic roots with contemporary flair, his cuisine is a vibrant interplay of form, flavour and innovation. After honing his skills at Michelin-starred kitchens including La Frasca and Enoteca Pinchiorri, Alberto opened his own restaurant, Magnolia, at just 27 years old. Within 18 months, it earned its first Michelin star — and today holds two. A member of the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe since 2005 and a familiar face on Italian television, he is also a dedicated advocate for regional cuisine through his work with the Chef to Chef Emilia Romagna Association. When not in the kitchen, he shares his passion for food through a cookery school created in collaboration with KitchenAid, nurturing the next generation of Italian culinary talent.

Born into a legendary surfing family, Luke Stedman was destined to ride waves from an early age. His father, Shane Stedman, was not only a renowned surfboard maker and surf report broadcaster, but also the inventor of the iconic UGG boot — an innovation that recently earned him the prestigious OAM award. With such a rich surfing heritage, it’s no surprise that Luke has spent a lifetime in the ocean. His passion and dedication propelled him to the elite ranks of the World Championship Tour, where he earned the coveted Rookie of the Year title and claimed victories over icons like Kelly Slater. His highest end-of-year ranking — an impressive 10th place — cemented his status as one of the world’s top surfers. Luke’s legacy extends far beyond competition. Through his company, Blackball, he channels his deep knowledge and experience into surf coaching and mentorship, helping others reach their full potential. His commitment to excellence and passion for the sport continue to inspire a new generation of surfers, making him a respected and influential figure in the global surfing community. While in the Maldives, Luke will be hosting an exclusive surf camp alongside fellow professional surfer Soli Bailey. A former Australian Champion and World Tour competitor, Soli is known for his fearless style and deep connection to the ocean. Together, they will offer immersive coaching sessions, sharing their expertise and love for the sport in one of the world’s most breathtaking surf settings.

Hailing from England, Carl Kennedy has carved out a global reputation as a visionary DJ, producer and curator of unforgettable nightlife. Once dubbed “one of the world’s best undiscovered DJs” by Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1, Carl’s rise from local talent to international name was sparked in New York City, where he launched Great British House (GBH) — a legendary club night that helped revive the house music scene at the iconic Centro-Fly. With sets from industry pioneers like The Chemical Brothers, Carl Cox and Frankie Knuckles, GBH became a cornerstone of New York’s dance culture in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Carl’s dynamic presence on the global stage has seen him perform alongside the world’s biggest names — from Swedish House Mafia to David Guetta — and secure a coveted residency at Pacha Ibiza with Erick Morillo’s Subliminal Sessions. He’s since played headline sets at Ushuaïa, Hï Ibiza and Gospel in New York, as well as residencies at Onelove in Melbourne and Home in Sydney. As a producer, Carl has released tracks and remixes on top-tier labels such as Stealth, Toolroom, Subliminal, Spinnin’ and Nervous, including under the monikers Just Us and Who Shot Kennedy. With the launch of his label Born in the Bronx, a stream of acclaimed releases and high-profile residencies at iconic venues like Chinois Ibiza and Gospel New York, Carl continues to redefine the global house music scene — pushing boundaries, inspiring crowds and shaping the soundtrack to dance floors around the world.

Li Karlsén is a pioneering freediver, coach and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Freedive Nordic — the largest freediving school in Scandinavia. With a background as a former Army Captain and expertise in intelligence analysis and risk management, she brings focus, discipline and a unique edge to the world of breath-hold diving. Through her work, she has introduced hundreds to the transformative experience of freediving, helping others find strength, stillness and connection beneath the surface. Now based in Mauritius, Li continues to explore the depths of both the ocean and human potential. In addition to her athletic and entrepreneurial pursuits, she is also a committed civil rights defender, advocating for justice and equality on a global scale. As the co-founder of BKM Health—the world’s first supplement brand developed entirely from female data sets — Li champions women’s health and performance. Whether underwater or on land, her mission is to empower others to live with intention, resilience and purpose.