Soneva Stars

Born in the city of Malaga, Spain, Miguel took his first steps in the world of padel tennis at the age of seven. In 2017, he decided to join Varlion as the head of the junior team. In 2021, he climbed more than 20 positions on the World Padel Tour rankings. He has stood out in various youth categories in the past few seasons and continues to be widely spoken about in the Spanish padel circuit for the coming seasons.

Mikaël Silvestre is a former French international football player. Product of Stade Rennais FC youth system, Mikael claimed a first-team spot at only 18 and spent two good seasons with the French club before joining Italian prominent club Inter in the 1998/99 season. However, his career really picked up steam when Mikaël moved to Manchester United in 1999. He was a fantastic asset for the club under Sir Alex Ferguson for nine seasons amassing 361 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils recording 5 League Titles, the FA Cup, the Football League Cup, two FA Community Shield victories, the Intercontinental Club World Cup and the Champions League in May 2008 before switching to Arsenal for 2 seasons under the reign of Arsene Wenger. In 2010, Mikael switched for German SV Werder Bremen. In 2013, the French player signed a contract with the MLS side Portland Timbers and featured there from January 2013 to November 2015. He then joined Chennai FC in 2015 for the start of the Indian Super League. Mikaël Silvestre was an international for France between 2001 and 2006 amassing 40 caps for the period. He was part of the team that won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001 and 2003 and runner up in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.   Young Sonevian’s Football Camp The camp will cover the psychological (confidence, feedback, decision making), technical (dribbling, shooting, basic catching skills), physical (change of direction of speed, hand-eye coordination); and the social/emotional (communication, celebrating, team interaction) aspects of football. All proceeds from the camp will be donated to the Soneva Foundation.    

An array of fine, festive dining experiences awaits guests at Soneva Jani, alongside an exceptional line-up of visiting chefs through the Soneva Stars calendar. Timothy Bilton, Anika Madsen and Paul Svensson will all be hosting exclusive dining events at So Engaging, the intimate chef’s table that seats just five guests. The seasonal celebrations start early on Christmas Eve, with a delectable mushroom steak and truffled egg breakfast served at sunrise or in-villa for guests. Later in the afternoon, Santa will be making an appearance at The Den to spread the Christmas cheer. Sunset cocktails will be served at the So Sandy beach, followed by an indulgent Christmas Eve dinner on North Beach, with live entertainment and a DJ. Families of all ages and sizes have plenty to look forward to at Soneva Jani’s all-new two-storey Den. Featuring a zipline through a cascading waterfall, areas for music, Lego, dressing up and creativity, a soothing sensory room for toddlers, and a hidden hangout for teens where mocktails and music set the scene – there’s something for everyone at The Den. In true Soneva tradition, the iconic New Year’s Eve Journey around each resort will see out the year in awe-inspiring style – with sumptuous dining, live music and unforgettable entertainment Discover More

Our holiday calendar at Soneva Kiri is packed with rare, one-of-a-kind experiences, exquisite dining, pop-up festive feasts, and a fun-filled programme of activities for children large and small at The Den, not to mention a special visit from Santa himself. This year, Soneva Kiri’s So Local So Global New Year’s Eve Journey will take guests on a culinary voyage of discovery and delight. Starting at The View with cocktails and canapés, from there twinkling lights lead to dining destinations around the resort, where live cooking stations serve delectable dishes, with show–stopping entertainment along the route. The evening culminates with a countdown to 2023 at the beach, with a spectacular fire show to welcome in the new year and music until the early hours by Soneva Kiri’s resident DJ. Discover More

Ken was a Martial Arts prodigy in his teens and for the past 36 years he has immersed himself in Martial Arts, Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama, Freediving, Swimming, Ayurveda, Fitness & workout, and personal development. He is a student of Umberto Pelizzari, who trained under the legendary Jacques Mayol. He currently holds 4 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 8min and dive to 94m on a single breath. This is Ken´s 10th season at Soneva, where he is known to help people overcome their fears and move beyond their perceived limitations. He emphasizes that guests have a unique learning experience rediscovering their potential both mentally and physically. He has taught people of all ages how to use authentic techniques to enrich their lives and enhance health, well-being, and vitality.

Exceptional seasonal dining sets the scene for a magical Christmas and New Year at Soneva Fushi. British chef Timothy Bilton will be bringing a taste of Yorkshire to theBaa Atoll, while Danish chef Anika Madsen will be demonstrating her personal approach to gastronomy. Also visiting the Maldives this December is Swedish chef and restaurateur Paul Svensson, who recently launched Studio 2000 in Stockholm – an edible experiment that strives to disrupt the food system and change the way we thinkabout land use, soil health and flavour. On Christmas Eve, guests can celebrate the night before Christmas with an intimate but mind–blowing performance by world–renowned mentalist Lior Suchard, who will be taking guests on an incredible journey through the wonders of the human brain. A Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place on the Soneva Fushi Sandbank at sunset, with carols, eggnog and mulled wine. In true Soneva tradition, the iconic New Year’s Eve Journey around each resort will see out the year in awe-inspiring style – with sumptuous dining, live music and unforgettable entertainment Discover More

Welcome the Year of the Rabbit in style with festive dining in stunning locations, themed celebrations and spectacular experiences for the whole family at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Spend this Chinese New Year unwinding with transformative treatments by visiting wellness specialists, embarking on unforgettable ocean adventures or dining with some of the world’s best chefs. Young Sonevians of all ages can also discover an inspiring weekly programme at The Den. Soneva Fushi   Soneva Jani   Soneva Kiri

Tomáš Berdych began playing tennis in 1990 when he was five. He turned professional in 2002 and won his first ATP Tour match at the 2003 US Open. He won his first ATP title in Palermo and just a year later won ATP Masters 1000 title in Paris. In 2010 he made his first Grand Slam final, at Wimbledon. He played at 52 straight Grand Slams and 64 straight ATP Masters 1000 tournaments. Tomáš helped the Czech Republic win back-to-back Davis Cup titles in 2012 and 2013.

Todd Woodbridge is best known as one of the world’s greatest doubles players in history. Throughout his career Todd amassed 22 Grand Slam doubles titles, Sixteen in Mens and Six Mixed, this included a record Nine Wimbledon Mens Doubles titles, six of those with Mark Woodforde (The Woodies) and three with Jonas Bjorkman. In singles, Todd reached a career-high of 19 and won two ATP singles titles highlighted by a Wimbledon Semi-Final appearance in 1997. He also won a Doubles Gold Medal at the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics and a Silver in Sydney 2000 with Woodforde, thus completing the Golden Grand Slam for the duo. In total Todd won 83 ATP doubles titles, holding the World No.1 doubles ranking for 204 weeks. Today, Todd is one of Australia’s leading Sports Broadcasters. Hosting events such as the Olympic Games coverage,  Cricket’s famed Ashes Series between Australia and England and all the Grand Slam tennis coverage for the Nine Network Australia as well as expert commentary for the BBC at Wimbledon.

Barbara Schett is one of the most successful athletes Austria has ever produced and Austria’s highest-ranked female tennis player ever. She reached the Top 10 in both singles and doubles. A native of Innsbruck, her career-high singles ranking at the WTA Tour was World No 7. Her Career High in doubles was World No. 8. Shortly after her retirement from professional tennis, Barbara started an international business career. Among other business activities, she is still a popular celebrity endorser and brand ambassador representing various brands and companies worldwide. Besides that, she works as an expert and presenter for Eurosport, the N°1 European TV sports channel, reporting live from Grand Slam Tournaments and is the host of the award-winning show “ Game Schett and Mats “ along with 7-time Grand Slam Champion Mats Wilander.

Reeya is a renowned Reiki master and crystal healer who has risen to establish herself as one of the UK’s leading Reiki masters. Operating from her private practice in London’s Mayfair, she has worked with many clients from across the globe; from celebrities and politicians to business leaders and corporate professionals, all of whom have benefited from her healing. Reeya regularly appears in the UK’s national press and has made several keynote addresses on Reiki and crystal healing.

At the age of 18, professional padel player Max was ranked no. 3 in Sweden.  He is currently ranked in the world’s top 85 and is on track to enter the top 20 this year. Working closely with padel tennis pioneer and one of the best players in the sport’s history, Willy Laholz, Max strives to constantly evolve as both a player and a coach. As an internationally qualified coach, he works with beginners and professionals alike to develop their game and take it to the next level.