Soneva Fushi in Maldives has announced plans to host highly regarded and celebrated academic, author and speaker Peter Frankopan this December.

Soneva has long been considered a pioneer in luxury travel and sustainability, as well as a desert island escape for myriad key thinkers from across the globe. As part of founder Sonu Shivdasani’s ongoing commitment to inspiring and educating guests at Soneva resorts, Frankopan will be visiting Soneva Fushi this December to share with curious guests his mastery on geopolitics.

An expert historian and Professor of Global History at Oxford University, Frankopan is best known for his intricate knowledge on the histories of the Middle East, Central Asia and China and his ground-breaking book, The Silk Roads: A New History of the World. Published in 2015, the book was a non-fiction New York Times bestseller and topped literary charts in UK, India and China. Just last year, it was named as one of the 25 most important books to have been translated into Chinese over the last four decades, along with The Great Gatsby and Pride and Prejudice.

Professor Frankopan will be hosting a series of talks and intimate dinners for guests at Soneva Fushi surrounding his most recent book, The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World, in addition to opening up the table for debate and wider discussion on the topics raised.

Following on from his previous works’ success, his latest masterpiece has been described as ‘masterly mapping out of a new world order’ (Evening Standard) and takes readers on an educational journey that is both challenging and exciting. Frankopan’s work has been read across the world and he is regularly referenced as one of the most important minds globally today.

Frankopan will be based at Soneva Fushi from the December 14-23 to share his wisdom with fortunate guests. Whether it’s learning more about geopolitics, the Crusades, or better understanding Frankopan’s role as Senior Advisor and Academic Expert to a major project for the World Bank and Department for International Development (DFID) on Transport Corridors in South Asia, guests eager to learn more will be invited to listen to his opinions. With Frankopan also working as advisor to governments, inter-government agencies, multi-lateral institutions and corporations around the world, his is a voice not be ignored.

Guests staying at Soneva Fushi during Peter Frankopan’s residency will also be able to experience the skills of world-renowned therapist Roger Moore and former tennis professional Jonas Bjorkman.

The practitioner has a wealth of wellness knowledge thanks to his residencies across Asia and Europe, with his skills ranging from the western medical and scientific approach to health, to the Eastern Shamanic, esoteric and spiritual approach to wellbeing and happiness.

Moore will be at Soneva Fushi from December 13 to January 3, 2020.

Jonas Bjorkan was a former No. 4 singles tennis player in the world, winning six ATP Singles titles during his career. Jonas was also a former No. 1 doubles player, winning a total of 9 Grand Slams and 54 ATP Doubles titles. After retiring as a professional tennis player in 2008, Jonas now coaches other skilled players. In 2015, he was the coach of World No. 1 player Andy Murray (July 2017), and has now been coaching World No. 5, Marin Cilic, since 2016.

Jonas will be at Soneva Fushi from December 15-26 and will be offering tennis coaching for guests.

World-leading luxury resort operator Soneva runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.

Sixty-two private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.

Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options. In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing.

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

Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.

Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.

Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.

Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.

Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.