Adam Holtzinger and Susan Špiranović.
What if a holiday could include a conversation with an astronaut, a tennis lesson with a former world No. 8 or dinner prepared by an acclaimed chef?
That is the premise behind Soneva Stars, the resort group’s ongoing programme of residencies that brings personalities from space, sport, gastronomy, craftsmanship and wellbeing to Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret in the Maldives.
This year’s calendar places particular emphasis on encounters that extend beyond the usual resort experience, giving guests the opportunity to learn directly from people whose careers have taken them into very different worlds.
Looking To The Stars
Tim Peake.
One of the headline residencies comes from Tim Peake, the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station.
At Soneva Fushi from 19 to 29 December, Peake will lead talks, interactive sessions and stargazing experiences, drawing on his career in space exploration while making use of the Maldives’ exceptionally dark night skies.
The celestial programme is further supported by astronomers Dr James Gilbert and Dr Lars Lindberg Christensen.
Lessons From The Sporting World
Leo Neugebauer.
Sport takes another prominent place on the calendar.
Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole will lead football sessions from 25 October to 1 November, while former world No. 8 Marcos Baghdatis and ATP player Karen Khachanov will host tennis experiences from 25 October to 5 November and 12 to 22 November respectively.
Karen Khachanov.
Earlier in the season, Olympic medallist and world champion decathlete Leo Neugebauer will lead a session at Soneva Fushi’s outdoor gym.
The emphasis is less on watching elite sport than participating in it — learning techniques, hearing stories and experiencing training from those who have competed at the highest level.
Beyond Sport
Chantelle Nicholson.
The programme extends into food, creativity and wellbeing. Chefs Chantelle Nicholson, Niclas Jönsson and Jamie Lee will host culinary experiences, while glass artists Adam Holtzinger and Susan Špiranović will lead a residency at Soneva Fushi’s glass studio.
Guests can also work with facialist Sarah Chapman, osteopath Hortensia Corredoira, performance coach JP Liendi and other specialists across a range of wellbeing disciplines.
Sarah Chapman.
For Soneva CEO Neil Gallagher, the value of the programme lies in what happens between the scheduled activities.
“The most memorable moments unfold through the power of human connection,” he said.
That idea perhaps explains the appeal of Soneva Stars better than the list of names itself. Rather than simply adding another activity to a resort stay, the programme uses the setting as a place for encounters — between guests and experts, different disciplines and, occasionally, ideas that might not otherwise meet.
