JLF SONEVA FUSHI
May 13–22, 2022
The Maldives
The ‘greatest literary show on Earth’ is coming to Soneva Fushi
For the first time ever, Soneva has partnered with Teamwork Arts, producer of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival, to bring JLF to Soneva Fushi.
Spread over 10 days and two weekends, events will be held at stunning locations across the island, celebrating the theme of ‘Slow Life’, including topics as varied as travel, fiction, food, art, wellness, climate change and the environment. The Festival will welcome a line-up of world-renowned authors, fascinating workshops, music, art and culture.
A truly bespoke experience, JLF Soneva Fushi will feature morning yoga sessions, stimulating workshops, delectable international cuisine and jaw-dropping sunsets against a languorous blue sea. JLF Soneva Fushi is an opportunity to reconnect with the joys of live performances of art, music and literature on the idyllic island of Kunfunadhoo in the beautiful Baa Atoll.
SPEAKERS
Speakers – Weekend 1
13 – 15 May 2022
André Aciman
Author & Memoirist
Film and Adaptation,
Wings of Fiction,
Footloose: On Travel Writing
Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi
One of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People
Politics and the World Order
David Wallace Wells
Magazine Editor & Author
Science, Innovation and Environment
Huma Abedin
2009 US Deputy Chief of Staff
Politics and the World Order
Mira Nair
Academy Award-nominated director
Film and Adaptation
Mahmood Mamdani
Author & Professor
Politics and the World Order
Namita Gokhale
Festival Director & Writer
Wings of Fiction
Peter Frankopan
Historian & Author
Science, Innovation and Environment, History, Footloose: On Travel Writing
William Dalrymple
Historian, Writer & Broadcaster
Film and Adaptation
Puneeta Roy
Media Professional
BN Goswamy
Historian
Poetry, Music and the art of the Miniature, History
Sanjoy K. Roy
Festival Director
Science, Innovation and Environment, History, Politics and the World Order
Francesca Cartier Brickell
Author
History
Patrick Radden Keefe
Writer & Author
Politics & the World Order
SPEAKERS
Speakers – Weekend 2
20 – 22 May 2022
Namita Gokhale
Festival Director & Writer
Wings of Fiction
Gopalkrishna Gandhi
Professor & Columnist
History
William Dalrymple
Historian, Writer & Broadcaster
Film and Adaptation
Marcus du Sautoy
Professor & Mathematician
Ranjit Hoskote
Poet
Poetry, Music and the art of the Miniature
Roger Highfield
Author & Science Journalist
Science, Innovation and Environment, History
Shashi Tharoor
Author & Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram
Politics and the World Order
Sobhaa De
Author
Vikas Swarup
Diplomat & Writer
Navdeep Suri
Former Diplomat
History
Pavan K. Varma
Poet Diplomat & Politician
History
Elif Shafak
Novelist
Matthew Syed
Lifestyle & Non-Fiction
PROGRAMME
The festival will be held from May 13 to 22, 2022. The Weekend programmes will focus on the festival’s flagship events, while weekdays consist of workshops and more intimate sessions.
Friday May 13
18.00–19.00: Welcome cocktails on Turtle Beach and inaugural address by Eva and Sonu Shivdasani, Namita Gokhale, William Dalrymple and Sanjoy K. Roy
19.00–19.20: Keynote address, We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
19:30 onwards: Gala dinner on the beach with a musical performance by Sonam Kalra
Saturday May 14
8.00–9.00: Your choice of morning activity: yoga or meditation with the Soneva Soul Yoga Master; guided snorkelling with Soneva’s Marine Biologist at Bar(a)Bara; Glassblowing demonstration at the Soneva Art & Glass studio
9.00–10.30: Breakfast at Mihiree Mithaa
10.00–10.30: Morning music by Sukriti Sen and Sharat Chandra Srivastava at Down to Earth
10.30–11.15: Keynote session with Huma Abedin at Down to Earth
11.30–12.30: Your choice of intimate sessions with authors Topics in conversation:
– Find me: André Aciman in conversation with Shivani Sibal in Villa 11
– Flora and Fauna Miniature: BN Goswamy in conversation with Olivia Fraser in Villa 14
– The Personal and the Political: Mira Nair in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy at Down to Earth
12.45–13.45: Your choice of intimate sessions with authors Topics in conversation:
– Rogues: True stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks: In conversation with Patrick Radden Keefe at Villa 11
– Travel session: André Aciman, Peter Frankopan and William Dalrymple in Villa 14
– Good Muslim Bad Muslim: Mahmood Mamdani in conversation with Huma Abedin at Down to Earth
14.00–15.30: Lunch at Mihiree Mithaa, hosted by JLF Soneva Fushi authors and speakers
15.30–17.00: Leisure time: enjoy Soneva Fushi’s white sandy beaches, water sports, Soneva Soul wellness centre, unique experiences or join the treasure hunt
17.00–17.45: Keynote session with Peter Frankopan at Down to Earth
18.00–19.30: Sunset cocktails on the Sandbank, departing from the main jetty
19.30–20:00: Monsoon Wedding: Mira Nair in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy at Cinema Paradiso
20:15 onwards: Dinner at Out of the Blue
21:45/22:00 onwards: Monsoon Wedding: film screening with Mira Nair at Cinema Paradiso
Sunday May 15
8.00–9.00: Your choice of morning activity: yoga; meditation; dance by Gilles Chuyen and Puneeta Roy; guided snorkelling with Soneva’s Marine Biologist; Glassblowing at Soneva Art & Glass; aluminium recycling at the Makers’ Place
9.00–10.30: Breakfast at Mihiree Mithaa
10.00–10.30: Morning music by Harpreet at Down to Earth
10.30–11.15: The Promise: Damon Galgut at Down to Earth
11.30–12.30: Your choice of intimate sessions with authors
Topics in conversation:
- Being Chimamanda: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in Villa 11
- Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds: Huma Abedin in Villa 14
- Adaptations: André Aciman and Mira Nair in conversation with William Dalrymple at Down to Earth
12.45–13.45: Your choice of intimate sessions with authors
Topics in conversation:
- The Uninhabitable Earth: David Wallace Wells in conversation with Peter Frankopan in Villa 11
- Women Who Wear Only Themselves: Sources of Yoga: Arundhathi Subramaniam in conversation with Puneeta Roy in Villa 14
- Good Muslim Bad Muslim: Mahmood Mamdani at Down to Earth
14.00–15.30: Lunch at Mihiree Mithaa, hosted by JLF Soneva Fushi authors and speakers
15.30–17.00: Leisure time: enjoy Soneva Fushi’s white sandy beaches, water sports, Soneva Soul wellness centre, unique experiences or join the treasure hunt
17.00–17.45: The Cartiers: Francesa Cartier Brickell and Radhikaraje Gaekwad in conversation with Sarah Miller at Down to Earth
18.00–19.30: Sunset cocktails on the Sandbank, departing from the main jetty
19.45–20.30: Conversation on Monsoon Wedding/Salaam Bombay with Mira Nair at Cinema Paradiso
20.30–onwards: BBQ dinner at Cinema Paradiso
21.30– 23.30: Film screening: Monsoon Wedding
Monday May 16
8.00–9.00: Your choice of morning activity: qi gong at the Yoga Champa; stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking at the Watersports Champa
9.00–10.30: Breakfast at Mihiree Mithaa
10.30–11.15: Intimate session with Damon Galgut at Down to Earth
11.45–13.15: Your choice of workshops: Creative Arts, Performance Poetry Masterclass, Creative Writing or Ayurveda at Soneva Soul
13.00–15.00: Lunch at Mihiree Mithaa or Out of the Blue
16.00–17.30: Your choice of workshops: Nature Walks or Permaculture at Eco Centro
18.00–19.00: Reading session with David Wallace-Wells at Out of the Blue
19.00 onwards: Dinner at leisure
Tuesday May 17
8.00–9.00: Your choice of morning activity: dance session with Gilles Chuyen at Cinema Paradiso; family yoga at The Den; guided snorkelling with Soneva’s Marine Biologist at Bar(a)Bara
9.00–10.30: Breakfast at Mihiree Mithaa
10.30–11.15: Intimate session with BN Goswamy on Flora and Fauna Miniatures at Down to Earth
11.45–13.15: Your choice of workshops: Ranjeeta Kant or Creative Writing
13.00–15.00: Lunch at Mihiree Mithaa or Out of the Blue
16.00–17.30: Your choice of workshops: Glassblowing Session at the Soneva Art & Glass Studio or Bollywood Dance Workshop with Gilles Chuyen
19.00 onwards: Dinner at leisure
21.00 onwards: Film screening: Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman at Cinema Paradiso
Wednesday May 18
8.00–9.00: Your choice of morning activity: morning meditation and yoga by the Soneva Soul Yoga Master at the Yoga Champa; fitness bootcamp at Cinema Paradiso; stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking at the Watersports Champa
9.00–10.30: Breakfast at Mihiree Mithaa
10.30–11.15: Intimate session with Pranay Lal on The Earth Beneath Your Feet at Down to Earth
11.45–13.15: Your choice of workshops: Creative Writing or Workshop with Olivia Fraser
13.00–15.00: Lunch at Mihiree Mithaa or Out of the Blue
16.00–17.30: Your choice of workshops: Discover the Ocean with Soneva’s Marine Biologist or Glassblowing Session at the Soneva Art & Glass Studio
18.00-19.00: Author reading session with Namita Gokhale at Out of the Blue
19.00 onwards: Buffet night at Down to Earth
Thursday May 19
8.00–9.00: Your choice of morning activity: dance by Gilles Chuyen at Cinema Paradiso; family yoga at The Den; guided snorkelling with Soneva’s Marine Biologist at Bar(a)Bara
9.00–10.30: Breakfast at Mihiree Mithaa
10.30–11.15: Intimate sessions with authors
11.45–13.15: Your choice of workshops: Creative Arts, Creative Writing or Performance Poetry Masterclass
13.00–15.00: Lunch at Mihiree Mithaa or Out of the Blue
16:00–17.30: Your choice of workshops: Puppet Making or Bollywood Dance
18.00- 19.00: Author reading session at Out of the Blue
19.00 onwards: Dinner at leisure
Friday May 20
8.00–9.00: Your choice of morning activity: qi gong at the Yoga Champa; island run from the main area; stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking at the Watersports Champa
9.00–18.00: Leisure time: enjoy Soneva Fushi’s dining destinations, white sandy beaches, water sports, Soneva Soul wellness centre or unique experiences
18.00–19.00: Welcome cocktails on Turtle Beach hosted by Eva and Sonu Shivdasani, followed by an address by Namita Gokhale, William Dalrymple and Sanjoy K. Roy
19.00–19.10: Stand-up by Shashi Tharoor
19.15–19.40: Keynote address, Politically Incorrect by Shobhaa De
20.00 onwards: Performance by Bindu Malini and Verdanth, followed by dinner at Turtle Beach
Saturday May 21
8.00–9.00: Your choice of morning activity: dance by Gilles Chuyen; guided snorkelling with Soneva’s Marine Biologist at Bar(a)Bara; Glassblowing demonstration at the Soneva Art & Glass studio
9.00–10.30: Breakfast at Mihiree Mithaa
10.00–10.30: Morning music by Harpreet
10.30–11.15: Keynote address, Ideas of a Nation by Shashi Tharoor at Down to Earth
11.30–12.30: Your choice of intimate sessions with authors Topics in conversation:
– Restless As Mercury: My Life as a Young Man: Gopalkrishna Gandhi, introduced by Namita Gokhale in Villa 14
– To Hell With It/Starry Nights; The Life and Times of Shobhaa De: Shobhaa De in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy in Villa 11
– Invisible Empire: The Natural History of Viruses: Pranay Lal in conversation with Roger Highfield at Down to Earth
12.45–13.45: Your choice of intimate sessions with authors Topics in conversation:
– Innovation (Eco Tourism): Amitabh Kant, Hardeep Singh Puri and Eva Malmström Shivdasani in conversation in Villa 14
– Thinking Better: The Art of the Shortcut: Marcus Du Sautoy in conversation with Roger Highfield in Villa 11
– Khooni Vaisakhi: The Blood Red Spring: Navdeep Suri and Harpreet in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy at Down to Earth
14.00–15.30: Lunch at Mihiree Mithaa, hosted by JLF Soneva Fushi authors and speakers
15.30–17.00: Leisure time: enjoy Soneva Fushi’s white sandy beaches, water sports, Soneva Soul wellness centre or unique experiences
17.15–18.00: Keynote session on travel at Down to Earth
18.00–19.30: Sunset poetry cruise, hosted by Ranjit Hoskote and Pranay Lal, departing from the main jetty
19:45-20:30: Slumdog Millionaire: Vikas Swarup in conversation at Cinema Paradiso
20.30 onwards: Dinner at Out of the Blue
21.30– 23.30: Slumdog Millionaire: film screening at Cinema Paradiso
Sunday May 22
8.00–9.00: Your choice of morning activity: morning meditation and yoga by the Soneva Soul Yoga Master; guided snorkelling with Soneva’s Marine Biologist at Bar(a)Bara; glassblowing demonstration at the Soneva Art & Glass studio
9.00–10.30: Breakfast at Mihiree Mithaa
10.00: Morning music by Ambi Subramaniam and Bindu at Down to Earth
10.30–11.30: Keynote address, The World Opening Up Post Pandemic by Hardeep Singh Puri, introduced by Sanjoy K. Roy at Down to Earth
11.30–12.30: Your choice of intimate sessions with authors Topics in conversation:
– What Makes Shashi Run?: Shashi Tharoor in Villa 11
– The Science of Harry Potter: Roger Highfield in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy in Villa 14
– The Essential Elif Shafak: Elif Shafak in conversation at Down to Earth
12.45–13.45: Your choice of intimate sessions with authors Topics in conversation:
– Hunchprose: Ranjit Hoskote in conversation in Villa 11
– The Blind Matriarch: Writing the Pandemic: Namita Gokhale in conversation at Villa 14
– Matthew Syed in conversation with Marcus du Sautoy at Down to Earth
14.00–15.30: Lunch at Mihiree Mithaa, hosted by JLF Soneva Fushi authors and speakers
15.30–17.00: Leisure time: enjoy Soneva Fushi’s white sandy beaches, water sports, Soneva Soul wellness centre or unique experiences
17.00–17.45: Poetry Reading: Ranjit Hoskote at Down to Earth
18.00–19.30: Music boat cruise with Harpreet, departing from the main jetty; Poetry reading by Ranjit Hoskote at Bar(a)Bara
19.30 onwards: Soneva Journey and Gala Dinner, followed by evening music by Kutle Khan Project at Mihiree Mithaa and Down to Earth
*Programme is subject to change
**Pre-registration is required for selected activities and intimate sessions with authors
***All guests can enjoy the usual experiences and activities available at Soneva Fushi & Soneva Soul
JLF SONEVA FUSHI SPECIAL OFFER
Reconnect with the joys of art, music and literature as the Jaipur Literature Festival comes to the Maldives for the first-ever JLF Soneva Fushi from May 13 to 22, 2022. Enjoy a full-board, four-night stay from USD 6,800 for two guests, with complimentary domestic transfers and full access to the inspiring festival programme. Book by March 15, 2022 for an additional 10% Early Bird reduction on your villa rate.
Signature Experiences at Soneva Fushi
Diving, Snorkelling and Watersports
Discover a wide array of ocean activities, such as guided snorkelling with our Marine Biologists, eco-friendly surfing, freediving and so much more
Sonu’s Picnic
Take your castaway experience to another level, and try Sonu’s favourite – lunch on a deserted island prepared by your own personal chef
Soneva Soul
Reconnect mind, body and soul through intuitive treatments and therapies that unite ancient healing wisdom with the latest science and innovation.
The Dolphin Safari
Prepare for one of the most exhilarating experiences of your stay. Watching dozens of playful dolphins in the light of the setting sun as you cruise along the ocean waves.
The Observatory
Get drawn into a world of celestial glory as you gaze at the night sky through the lens of our state-of-the-art telescope.
The Den
The Den is a playground for the imagination for our youngest guests. With a pirate ship, two swimming pools, a Lego room, a dress-up area, a cinema, a library, a learning area, a music room and more, there’s also a fun-packed daily activity programme.
Signature Soneva Fushi Culinary Experiences
Once Upon A Table
This culinary theatre showcases some of the biggest names in fine dining. There is no menu, allowing the creativity and skills of the chef to take centre stage.
Flying Sauces
Experience the world’s first fine dining zipline, with a delectable gourmet menu, breath-taking views over the leafy forest and the adrenaline rush of ziplining through the treetops.
Shades of Green
This plant-based dining experience is set within Soneva Fushi’s organic island gardens, taking diners on an immersive culinary journey that ignites all the senses.
