What’s On at Soneva Fushi

Kim Chan is a celebrated acupuncturist, shiatsu therapist and fertility expert with over 30 years of clinical experience in West London. Renowned for her innovative and intuitive approach, she combines treatments like acupuncture, shiatsu, myofascial release, Qi Gong and breathwork to address a wide range of health concerns, from physical injuries to emotional stress, while promoting profound relaxation and vitality. A senior lecturer and clinical supervisor at the College for Integrated Chinese Medicine, Kim developed its Qigong program and co-founded the UK’s first Chinese Medicine Gynaecology and Obstetrics Diploma, mentoring and supporting the acupuncture profession nationwide.

Soneva has partnered with Oppidan Education, a British-based mentoring firm that supports children through academic mentoring and personal development programmes. The Oppidan Education team will be helping young Sonevians learn outside of traditional classrooms and reach their full potential. The exciting winter programme sees mentors Annabel and Imogen host engaging activities at The Den at Soneva Fushi, including complimentary drop-in workshops with fun, educational activities and private, one-on-one appointments, which can be scheduled each afternoon for an additional fee. We are also delighted to welcome our incredible new ‘Mr Friends’ James and Thomas this season. They will be bringing energy, creativity and endless ideas while also leading dedicated activities crafted specifically to make this holiday unforgettable for teenagers from December 15, 2024 to January 11, 2025.

Paradiso, an award-winning bar in Barcelona, creates an experience that rivals the city’s most iconic attractions, such as Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. Concealed behind a fridge door in a modest pastrami shop, Paradiso reveals a space designed to evoke the inside of a whale, with grand wooden curves resembling ribs that instantly immerse guests. Paradiso’s ever-evolving menu explores a new theme beyond conventional cocktails. This season’s focus is The Mysteries of the Universe, inspiring drinks that push the boundaries of mixology with complex flavours and striking presentation. Each cocktail is crafted in the Paradiso Lab, where the team’s creativity shapes unique offerings that redefine what a bar experience can be. This dedication to innovation led to Paradiso’s recognition as No. 1 on The World’s 50 Best Bar list in 2022 and continuing to rank on the list at No. 10 in 2024. Guests can look forward to enjoying Paradiso’s exceptional cocktail menu in the Maldives at Soneva Fushi for a cocktail experience full of artistry and wonder by Paradiso’s owner Giacomo and bartender Margaret.

Soneva Art & Glass at Soneva Fushi is delighted to host Benjamin Cobb for an art residency from  November 15 to December 5, 2024.  Cobb’s art is a profound exploration of the intersection between nature and human biology through captivating abstract glass forms. With over 25 years of experience in glassblowing, he has honed his expertise while collaborating with esteemed artists globally. Originally from the East Coast and a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, Cobb has demonstrated his craft at prominent studios across Sweden, the Czech Republic, Italy and France. Since 2002, he has served as Lead Glassblower and Director of the Hotshop at the renowned Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington.

The Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Musical Theatre, one of Moscow’s leading cultural institutions, is renowned for its world-class ballet and opera productions that blend Russian classical traditions with innovative contemporary works. For the first time, the theatre’s most celebrated dancers, Evgenii Zhukov, Ksenia Shevtsova, Polina Zayarnaya, Elena Solomyanko and Innokenty Yuldashev, will perform at Soneva Fushi in January. Evgenii, a leading soloist since 2018, has earned acclaim for his versatile performances in classical roles like The Nutcracker’s Prince and Albert in Giselle and his works across acclaimed contemporary projects. Ksenia, the theatre’s prima ballerina since 2019, has starred in major roles including Odette/Odile in Swan Lake and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, also making her mark as a guest artist with the Bayerisches Staatsballett in 2024. Polina, a first soloist since 2020, is known for her dynamic interpretations in both classical ballets such as Don Quixote and modern works by Jiří Kylián and Akram Khan. Elena, a leading soloist, has captivated audiences with her performances in Swan Lake and The Nutcracker while excelling in modern pieces like Wings of Wax and Suite in White. Innokenty, a principal dancer since 2023 and a graduate of the Academy of Russian Ballet named after A.Ya. Vaganova, has earned acclaim for his versatility across both iconic classical roles, such as Basilio in Don Quixote and Prince in The Nutcracker. Guests at Soneva Fushi can experience the magic of ballet with spectacular performances and specialised workshops by Evgenii Zhukov, Ksenia Shevtsova, Polina Zayarnaya, Elena Solomyanko and Innokenty Yuldashev.

Michael Ballack is an iconic figure in German football, widely regarded for his exceptional skill and leadership on the field. Ballack’s football journey began at a young age and saw him rise to become one of the most accomplished midfielders of his generation where he was known for his incredible vision, precise passing and powerful shots. Over the course of his career, he played for top European clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Kaiserslautern. Additionally, Ballack was a pivotal player for the German national team, representing his country in multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships Since retiring, Ballack has stayed connected to the sport, sharing his expertise as a pundit, commentator and ambassador. This festive season in the Maldives, guests will have the rare opportunity to train under his guidance, learning valuable skills during an exclusive football camp.