SOUL, in collaboration with Soneva and ORGANIC INDIA, has unveiled its captivating festival schedule filled with enlightening discussions, guided wellness sessions, and enriching treatments. This extraordinary event will bring together renowned visionaries, thought leaders, and wellness pioneers from around the world to the picturesque Maldives. Taking place from September 29th to October 8th, 2023, the festival will be held at Soneva Fushi, an acclaimed resort nestled within the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Emphasising a holistic approach to well-being, the festival aims to explore various aspects of health and wellness, encompassing both personal and planetary dimensions. Guests can easily reach Soneva Fushi via Velana International Airport in the capital Malé, or Maafaru International Airport in the Noonu Atoll.
Image: SOUL Festival – In Villa Treatment at the Soneva Fushi Water Reserve
What to Expect at the SOUL Wellness Festival
Over the course of ten days and two weekends, the SOUL Festival will provide attendees with a chance to delve into the intersection of ancient healing practices and contemporary science and medicine. To kick off the inaugural edition, the festival will commence with a memorable opening ceremony featuring sunset cocktails on the sandbank and a delightful plant-based gala dinner by the beach. This will be followed by a captivating live music performance and an enchanting stargazing experience at Soneva Fushi’s island observatory.
The SOUL Wellness Festival has an exciting lineup of global speakers prepared for guests. You will find acclaimed individuals such as Damon Gameau, an esteemed screenwriter, activist, and documentary maker known for works like ‘That Sugar Film’ and ‘2024’; Bruce Lipton, a recipient of the Goi Peace Award; Jo Marchant, a New York Times bestselling author; and Farida Irani, a pioneer in Ayurvedic aromatherapy. Luke Coutinho, a lifestyle ambassador and advocate for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India Movement’ will also be present. These are just a few of the remarkable individuals who will be part of the festival’s lineup.
A Blissful and Well Curated Day at the SOUL Wellness Festival
As the Maldivian sun rises each morning, guests at the festival will have the opportunity to embrace the day with a range of invigorating activities. They can start their mornings with group yoga and meditation sessions on the sandbank, immersing themselves in the serene surroundings. For those seeking fitness challenges, bootcamps at the island’s jungle gym offer the chance to set and achieve new goals. Guided paddle boarding excursions allow guests to explore the hidden gems of the Indian Ocean, while hot glassblowing introduces them to a new art form.
In addition, expert-led nutrition masterclasses shed light on the importance of gut health and provide valuable insights. Throughout the day, guests can indulge in daily healing rituals to reconnect with themselves and experience a sense of renewal. Stimulating panel discussions expand their horizons, fostering intellectual engagement. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary one-on-one conversations with the esteemed speakers, gaining personalised insights and perspectives. To delve deeper into the concept of true health, a carefully curated menu of treatments awaits guests during the SOUL Wellness Festival.
Enhancing the ambiance of the event will be captivating live musical performances by esteemed artists. Ustad Kamal Sabri, a renowned Indian classical composer, will grace the festival with his melodic compositions. Kristin Hoffman, an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and sound healing practitioner, as well as Bawari Basanti, a contemporary Indian poet and storyteller, are amongst the talented line-up of musicians.
Special Offers at the SOUL Wellness Festival
Image: SOUL Festival – Alan Dolan Breath Coach Session
Guests are invited to partake in the exclusive offerings of Soneva’s SOUL Wellness Festival through specially tailored packages of three, five, or ten nights. These packages, starting from USD 7,600 for a three-night stay for two at Soneva Fushi, provide a host of enticing benefits. Included in the offer are complete access to the festival’s diverse program, luxurious private villa accommodations, daily full board dining, and convenient round-trip domestic transfers. To add further value, bookings made before August 31, 2023, will enjoy an additional 10% reduction on the package rate.
As a festival with a purpose, The SOUL Wellness Festival aims to enrich lives while making a positive impact. Proceeds from the sale of festival tickets will be directed towards the Soneva Foundation and the ORGANIC INDIA Foundation. These funds will be utilised to support the development of projects that demonstrate a commitment to environmental preservation, social well-being, and sustainable economic growth.
