The legendary British sailor and international tennis icon are both set to host exclusive coaching sessions in the Maldives this November

As part of Soneva’s upcoming Winter Collection in the Maldives, tennis icon Daniil Medvedev and renowned British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston will be visiting Soneva Fushi, the award-winning barefoot luxury resort in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to host a series of exclusive guest experiences.

From November 22 to December 1, 2023, Sonevians of all ages at can take part in one-on-one coaching sessions and friendly matches with Daniil at the resort’s openair or covered Olympic-sized tennis courts. Currently ranked world No. 3, the 27-yearold Russian player and former world No. 1 made history in 2022 by becoming the first player outside of the ‘Big Four’ to claim the top spot in over 18 years. This year alone, Daniil has already won the Rotterdam Open, Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, Miami Open as well as the Italian Open, which is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious clay tennis tournaments, and reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon.

To continue this stellar line up, from November 23 to December 1, 2023, guests at Soneva Fushi will also be able to join celebrated British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to hear thrilling tales from his voyages and take part in one-of-a-kind sailing lessons aboard the luxury 23-metre Soneva in Aqua, exploring the waters of the Indian Ocean like never before. Sir Robin is renowned for taking on the legendary Sunday Times Golden Globe race and becoming the first man to sail non-stop solo around the world by finishing on April 22, 1969, after 312 days at sea. In 1994, he won the Jules Verne trophy, alongside Peter Blake, for the fastest non-stop circumnavigation of the world in just 75 days. Knighted in 1995, he went on to create the Clipper Around the World Yacht Race a year later, offering amateur sailors the chance to experience the thrill of ocean racing. He also became the oldest yachtsman to complete a round-the-world solo voyage in the Velux 5 Oceans at the age of 68.

Sir Robin first sailed onboard Soneva in Aqua in 2017, experiencing Soneva’s signature hospitality combined with the freedom of a private charter first-hand. Setting sail from Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, the luxury two-bedroom yacht is available for bespoke voyages that range from serene day trips to longer, liveaboard adventures complete with an experienced crew that includes a dedicated Barefoot Guardian for 24/7 butler service, a private chef and wellness therapist.

These are just two of the many rare experiences on offer as part of the ever-evolving Soneva Stars calendar, which features culinary pop-ups by Michelin-starred chefs, coaching with sporting legends, wellness journeys by acclaimed therapists, and much more.

Diving with tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah is an unforgettable experience that every adrenaline junkie should add to their bucket list. Located in the southern Maldives, Fuvahmulah is getting popular with divers as one of the best places in the world to dive with tiger sharks.

Diving spot popularly known as the tiger zoo is located just next the island’s harbour. As soon as we descended into the depths of about 10 metres above the reef top, we could see the majestic tiger sharks swimming gracefully in the distance. Our experienced dive guide carefully led us closer to the sharks, ensuring that we stayed safe at all times.

The first thing that struck me was the size of the sharks. They were much larger than I had expected, with some of them reaching up to 15 feet in length. Despite their intimidating appearance, they were surprisingly gentle and didn’t seem to be bothered by our presence.

As we followed the sharks, they seemed to be curious about us and came closer to investigate. We were able to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures, watching them swim effortlessly through the water. It was an amazing feeling to be so close to such powerful animals in their natural habitat.

One of the highlights of the dive was when we came across a group of sharks feeding on a school of fish. It was a truly incredible sight to see these predators in action, with the sharks diving down to catch their prey. Despite the intensity of the situation, we were able to observe the sharks from a safe distance, without disturbing their natural behavior.

Overall, diving with tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah was a thrilling and unforgettable experience. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who are looking for a unique and exciting adventure, it’s well worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

In addition to the tiger sharks, there are also many other dive sites around the island with a wide variety of other marine life to be seen, including colourful coral reefs, oceanic mantas, thresher sharks, mola molas. From colorful coral reefs to schools of tropical fish, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the incredible marine life, Fuvahmulah also boasts beautiful beaches and lush vegetation.

Fuvahmulah is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in the Maldives. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to relax and unwind, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful island paradise.

Daily flights are available from Velana International Airport to Fuvahmulah and there are wide range of accommodation options available including full service hotels and guesthouses.

Photos by Ahmed Inah, Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah. Pelagic Divers is a PADI 5* dive center offering daily diving excursions around Fuvahmulah. Visit www.pelagicdiversfuvahmulah.com to explore more.