What’s On at Soneva

Ken Kiriyama was a martial arts prodigy in his teens and for the past three decades he has immersed himself in freediving, swimming, meditation, pranayama, Ayurveda, yoga and fitness, and personal development. He is a student of Umberto Pelizzari, who trained under the legendary Jacques Mayol. He currently holds four national records for Japan in deep freediving and has held the following world rankings: 16th, 10th, 8th (twice) and 6th. He can hold his breath for nearly 8 minutes and dive to 94m on a single breath. Ken is a returning resident specialist at Soneva Fushi, where he is known to help guests overcome their fears and move beyond their perceived limitations. He emphasises that guests have a unique learning experience rediscovering their potential both mentally and physically. Ken has taught people of all ages how to use authentic techniques to enrich their lives and enhance health, well-being and vitality.

With over 30 years of dedicated practice and research in contemplative sciences, Laura Ronco Figueroa blends integrative health, self-knowledge and the arts to inspire transformative journeys. As a senior yoga and meditation teacher, holistic therapist and sound medicine facilitator, her work is infused with the wisdom of ancient Tantric, Buddhist and Yogic traditions. Laura believes deeply in the innate resilience of the human spirit. Her calling is to guide others towards lasting wellness, beginning with the physical body as a sacred temple – a portal to expanded consciousness. Rooted in love, self-acceptance and compassion, her sessions are a heartfelt invitation to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. With a humble and open approach, Laura shares from her personal exploration of body, mind and relationships, weaving Eastern and Western techniques with therapeutic processes, nutrition, ecology and sustainable living. Whether seeking inspiration, new healthy habits or deeper self-awareness, Laura’s guidance nurtures transformation, expands horizons and opens the heart.

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our younger guests stay inspired and intrigued, Soneva aims to help visiting children and teenagers feel fully supported outside of term time. We have partnered with Oppidan Education, a British-based mentoring firm created to help children continue their learning outside of the classroom and reach their full potential. Along with the Oppidan team, mentors Henry and Jess will be hosting plenty of exciting and engaging activities, as well as complimentary drop-in workshops with fun, educational activities and private, one-on-one appointments, which can be scheduled each afternoon at an additional fee.

Harry Jameson is an elite performance coach, who has worked with some of the world’s most successful names and brands over a long 20-year career. Specialising in optimal daily performance, stress management, leadership and emotional well-being, Harry has worked with clients that include partners at McKinsey, CEOs of Chelsea Football Club and ITV, the UK Prime Minister, Apple, Nike, Twitter and Lululemon. Helping the busy executive stay mentally, physically and emotionally at the top of their game has been Harry’s life’s work. More recently, Harry founded Pillar Well-being, a global luxury well-being and hospitality concept, and Harry also writes a monthly column for The Times newspaper.

Regarded as one of the best glass sculptors, Martin Janecký is returning for a second residency at Soneva Art & Glass after a highly successful residency in 2016. His artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, showcasing his exceptional mastery of blowing and sculpting “inside the bubble” – a technique that allows him to create remarkable glass sculptures. Janecký began working with glass at the age of thirteen at his father’s factory in the Czech Republic. After graduating from the Glass School in Nový Bor, he gained experiences in South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands and in the US, where he studied at the Pilchuck Glass School under Richard Royal and William Morris. In 2019, he established Janecky Studio in Prague, further advancing his innovative approach to glass art.

Carlos Leon González is a distinguished hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience in luxury gastronomy and sustainability-driven restaurant management. As the General Manager of Aponiente Group, he oversees the operations of Aponiente and Alevante in Spain, driving the group’s strategic growth through innovative concept development, event management, and operational excellence. Under his leadership, Aponiente has redefined fine dining with its groundbreaking approach to sustainability, earning recognition as the world’s most sustainable restaurant in 2023 by The World’s 50 Best. Before his current role, Carlos held senior positions with prestigious global brands, including Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, where he played a pivotal role in revenue growth, food and beverage optimization, and guest experience enhancement. His expertise spans luxury brand consulting, Michelin-star restaurant operations, and team leadership, making him a visionary force in high-end gastronomy. With a passion for excellence and an innovative mindset, Carlos continues to shape the future of global fine dining.