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.

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.

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.

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.

Igor Oleynik is one of the world’s leading football freestylers, ranked among the global top 16 and a four-time Russian national champion. After beginning his football journey at the age of six, he discovered freestyle at 16 and quickly rose through the ranks with his creativity, precision and fearless flair. His dynamic performances have captivated audiences at major international tournaments, including the prestigious Red Bull Street Style series. Beyond the stage, Igor has been a brand ambassador for global names such as Nike, Adidas and Volkswagen, and played with Amkal — Russia’s most-watched media football team and a YouTube sensation. As the founder of iFreestyle, the world’s largest freestyle and street football school, he has empowered hundreds of young talents to master their craft. Known for his inventive style and passion for pushing boundaries, Igor continues to inspire the next generation through mentorship, movement and the art of the unexpected.

Swiss-born chef Dietmar Sawyere has been immersed in the world of fine dining since the age of 14, following in the footsteps of a family deeply rooted in hospitality. Over the decades, he has shaped a global culinary career at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants, renowned for his ability to fuse local flavours with refined technique. His innovation has earned widespread acclaim, including numerous international accolades—and the rare distinction of being one of only five European chefs to receive a Michelin star for a Japanese restaurant. Today, Dietmar focuses on consultancy and culinary leadership. In 2023, he and his wife Nicole revitalised the historic 500-year-old Gasthaus zum Kreuz in Dallenwil, Switzerland, launching two distinct dining experiences under one roof. Stübli reimagines traditional Swiss cuisine with contemporary flair, while Bijou artfully blends Swiss and Asian influences. Both restaurants were awarded a Michelin star, a testament to Dietmar’s enduring commitment to excellence and culinary creativity.

With over 30 years at the forefront of holistic wellness, Roger Moore is internationally recognised for his transformative approach to healing and personal growth. Named by Tatler as one of the top eight therapists in the world worth travelling for, he has worked across continents, guiding individuals through energy work, spiritual healing and profound emotional restoration. His seminars and workshops are sought after by those looking to reconnect with their inner selves and unlock lasting wellbeing. Blending science and medicine with Eastern philosophies, psychotherapeutics and spirituality, Roger offers a deeply integrative, whole-person approach. His work is grounded yet expansive, designed to nurture both body and spirit, and awaken a renewed sense of purpose, health and joy. At the heart of his practice is a belief in healing as a journey — one that honours the interconnectedness of all aspects of life