JLF Soneva Fushi to debut in the Maldives in May 2022

This international extension of the iconic Festival will bring a line-up of world-renowned authors, interesting workshops, music and art to the award-winning resort in the Baa Atoll

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 2021: Teamwork Arts, producer of the iconic annual Jaipur Literature Festival and its international JLF extension events, and world-renowned resorts operator Soneva, have partnered to launch the first-ever JLF Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. Taking place from May 13 to 22, 2022, the arts and literary Festival will be held at the award-winning luxury resort, which is located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Jaipur Literature Festival is held annually in the pink city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, with yearly iterations of JLF in London, Belfast, New York, Colorado, Houston, Adelaide, Toronto and Doha. Teamwork Arts believes in the spirit of community and the hope, strength and vitality that literature and knowledge give to people. JLF’s international series, held across the world, has showcased the multilingual literary heritage of South Asia with the distinct flavour of its host regions, bringing together a diverse and engaged community of booklovers, thought leaders and influencers.

After global travel restrictions and lockdowns, JLF Soneva Fushi will be an opportunity to reconnect with the joys of live performances of art, music and literature against the backdrop of this idyllic island resort in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by pristine nature. In keeping with JLF’s international programming vision, the Festival will reinforce South Asia’s unique literary heritage with a caravan of globally celebrated authors and thinkers taking part in a range of stimulating panels, workshops, music, poetry readings and film screenings. Spread over ten days and two weekends, events will be held at stunning locations across the island, with themes as varied as travel, fiction, food, art, wellness, climate change and the environment.

A truly bespoke experience, JLF Soneva Fushi will be a study in Slow Life, with morning yoga sessions, stimulating workshops, delectable international food and jaw-dropping sunsets against a languorous blue sea. 

H.E. Sunjay Sudhir, High Commissioner of India to Maldives, said, “I am delighted that the first-ever edition of JLF Soneva Fushi Maldives will debut in this beautiful island nation soon. We believe JLF will provide an exceptional platform for a global audience to engage with India, its cultural and literary heritage as well as strengthen cultural and bilateral ties between India and the Maldives. Maldives will be the first country in India’s neighbourhood to find a place in JLF’s global footprint.”

Namita Gokhale, author and Festival Co-director, said, “JLF Soneva Fushi Maldives will be an inspirational journey where we will explore new horizons, celebrating the elements and sharing the power of words and ideas, of poetry and music.”

William Dalrymple, writer, historian and Festival Co-director, said, “This is JLF's most exotic and pleasurable adventure yet. I can't wait!”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, producer of the Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “We are delighted to partner with Soneva Fushi, which represents excellence in the world of experiential hospitality, in bringing JLF to the Maldives – with the best writers, thinkers, film-makers and thought leaders from across the world and India.”

Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Joint Creative Director, Soneva, said, “We are really excited to be partnering with Teamwork Arts to bring JLF to Soneva Fushi. Together, we will bring authors and artists from all over the world to celebrate literature, music and art. Learning is a key component of our brand values and, with this Festival, Soneva offers all the attractions of a stunning Maldivian backdrop, while feeding the need for self-enrichment and cultural curiosity. We look forward to welcoming guests to this very special event, taking place over 10 days, full of truly unique sessions, events and workshops.” To view the announcement video of Sonu Shivdasani please click here.

A true advocate of literary and artistic traditions and democratic discourse, the Festival will bring together a diverse mix of the world’s greatest writers, thinkers, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders and entertainers on one stage to champion the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue. The list of eminent speakers released today* includes Italian-American writer, André Aciman; Festival Co-director and award winning eminent author Namita Gokhale; celebrated author of the bestselling books The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, The First Crusade: The Call from the East and The New Silk Roads, Peter Frankopan; author, politician and former international civil servant Dr Shashi Tharoor; Indian columnist and novelist, Shobhaa De; and Festival Co-director, historian and celebrated author, William Dalrymple.

Sharing his thoughts, historian and writer Peter Frankopan said, “Climate and environmental change are the two biggest challenges that we face in the coming years and decades. Indeed, some believe that our survival as a species is dependent on preparing for and addressing these twin dangers. Soneva Fushi’s focus on sustainability and biodiversity has been its signature since it first opened. I can’t think of a more magical and appropriate setting to gather to share some invaluable lessons that history teaches about past periods of ecological and climate change – and how to learn from them.”

Novelist and columnist Shobhaa De said, "The magic of the Maldives will be enhanced many times over with the premier edition of the ‘World's Biggest Lit Fest’, on its silver shores. This is bound to create a unique and soul-gratifying literary experience – with poetry readings under the stars, and intimate interactions with writers from across the world sharing their work on pristine beaches. I am hoping for a few underwater sessions as well! When a deep respect for the environment meets an equally deep respect for literature and the arts, one can look forward to an 'out of the world' event like no other.”

An ideal setting and host for JLF’s ninth landmark international extension, Soneva Fushi is the Maldives’ original barefoot hideaway, inspiring the imagination with striking beachfront villas and Water Retreats. Everything about the resort feels otherworldly, from the crystal-clear turquoise ocean and dolphins at sunset to the delicious meals available at the resort’s multiple dining destinations. Nature is nurtured, from the sustainable design and furnishings of the villas to the operations and Waste-to-Wealth Centre, all of which truly define the essence of ‘barefoot luxury’. Along with its naturally remote location, Soneva Fushi has implemented stringent health and safety protocols to safeguard the wellbeing of all guests, with on-arrival PCR testing in the comfort of their own private villas. Following a negative test result, guests can relax and enjoy everything the resort has to offer, mask-free – a welcome return to pre-pandemic normality (for detailed information about Soneva’s COVID-19 policy, go to this link ).

Soneva is offering an exclusive package to guests attending JLF Soneva Fushi. Priced from USD 2,310 nett per night, per villa, it includes full access to the Festival sessions, events, activities and workshops, daily full board (with breakfast, lunch and dinner at selected restaurants), return shared seaplane transfers between Malé and Soneva Fushi, and complimentary full board stays for up to two children under seven (when staying with two paying adults). All guests will also enjoy Soneva Fushi’s complimentary experiences, including a 24/7 Barefoot Butler, children’s activities at The Den, access to the renowned chocolate, ice cream and cheese parlours, and so much more.

JLF Soneva Fushi promises to deliver a dynamic programme encompassing readings, discussions, performances and culinary offerings through an exciting and many-hued Festival. Stay tuned for detailed programme announcements in the coming weeks.

To view a video re JLF Soneva Fushi please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOE6zp2NvFo

--ENDS--

*Please note that the list of authors is subject to change

About Jaipur Literature Festival:

Described as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, the Jaipur Literature Festival is a sumptuous feast of ideas.

The past decade has seen it transform into a global literary phenomenon having hosted over 2,000 speakers and welcoming over a million book lovers from across India and the globe.

Our core values remain unchanged: to serve as a democratic, non-aligned platform offering free and fair access.

Every year, the Festival brings together a diverse mix of the world’s greatest writers, thinkers, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders and entertainers on one stage to champion the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue.

Writers and Festival Directors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple, alongside producer Teamwork Arts, invite speakers to take part in the five-day programme set against the backdrop of Rajasthan’s stunning cultural heritage and the Diggi Palace in the state capital Jaipur.

Past speakers have ranged from Nobel Laureates J. M. Coetzee, Orhan Pamuk, Malala Yousafzai, Muhammad Yunus and Joseph Stiglitz; Man Booker Prize winners Ben Okri, Douglas Stuart, Margaret Atwood and Paul Beatty; Sahitya Akademi winners Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, M. T. Vasudevan Nair, as well as the late Girish Karnad, Mahasweta Devi and U. R. Ananthamurthy; along with literary superstars including Amish Tripathi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Vikram Seth. An annual event that goes beyond literature, the Festival has also hosted Amartya Sen, Amitabh Bachchan, the late A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Bill Gates, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Stephen Fry, Thomas Piketty and former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai.

The Jaipur Literature Festival is a flagship event of Teamwork Arts, which produces it along with over 25 highly acclaimed performing arts, visual arts and literary festivals across more than 40 cities globally.

Website: www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org

About Teamwork Arts:

For over 30 years, Teamwork Arts has taken India to the world and brought the world to India, presenting the finest of Indian performers, writers and visual artists in the cultural and art space in India and abroad.

Every year, it produces over 25 performing, visual arts and literary festivals in several countries including Australia, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, the UK and USA, as well as many eclectic festivals across India. It produces the world's largest literary gathering: the annual Jaipur Literature Festival; JLF international now travels to the US, UK, Canada, Qatar and Australia.

Even amidst the upheaval and unsettling times of 2020, Teamwork Arts successfully launched the digital series, JLF Brave New World and WORDS ARE BRIDGES, which were viewed by over 4.8 million people in their first season. Through its digital avatar, the Jaipur Literature Festival reached over 19 million viewers in January 2021 and brought together the world’s leading commentators and writers. The musical extravaganza, Bollywood Love Story - A Musical, continues to tour the world with sold-out shows everywhere it is held.

More information at: www.teamworkarts.com

About Soneva Fushi:

In 1995, Sonu and Eva Shivdasani pioneered the concept of barefoot luxury on their private island resort, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. They focused on providing exemplary service in beautiful surroundings, with a focus on sustainable yet ultra-luxurious accommodation. Twenty-five years on, the resort still operates under its SLOWLIFE ethos. Returning guests find a chance to disconnect, with intuitive service facilitated by Barefoot Butlers, who know what you want before you want it.

Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 63 one- to nine-bedroom beachfront villas and eight one- and two-bedroom Water Retreats, located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Everything about the resort feels otherworldly, from the crystal-clear turquoise water and dolphins at sunset, to the delicious meals available at the resort’s multiple dining venues. Nature is nurtured at this beautiful resort, from the sustainable design and furnishings of the villas, through to the operations and Waste-to-Wealth centre, which truly defines luxury that treads lightly on the earth.

Watch classic and contemporary movies at the outdoor Cinema Paradiso, unwind at the on-site spa. Choose from nine different dining options, five hundred wines and 14 types of pillows. Nature’s resources are transformed into art at the Soneva Art and Glass Studio, while The Den gives children the freedom to live their island dream. The enormous children’s wonderland includes two swimming pools, a pirate ship, a Lego room, music room, a movie theatre, and much more.

Glorious days are spent stargazing at the Observatory or sampling plant-based delicacies at Shades of Green. Dine over-water at one of four restaurants at Out of the Blue, or deep in the jungle at Fresh in the Garden. Opportunities to venture beyond the island include cruises, picnics on private sandbanks or deserted islands, breathtaking diving, or fascinating cultural visits to nearby islands. Soneva Fushi is the ultimate pioneer of memory-making experiences.

If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: no news, no shoes. No pretensions either.

For more information, go to www.soneva.com/soneva-fushi

Media contacts:

Manash Pratim Deka

Public Relations& Media Communications

Teamwork Arts Pvt. Ltd.

Mansarovar Building, Plot No 366 Min, Sultanpur, New Delhi 110030

M: +91 9953970829 | E: manash@teamworkarts.com | jaipurliteraturefestival.org

Donna Campbell

Communications Director

Soneva

19/F Two Pacific Place, 142 Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok 10110, Thailand

M: +66  954522750 | E: donna@soneva.com | www.soneva.com

Andrea Wubben

Q Communications

M: +971523603125 / E: andrea.w@qcomms.ae