What’s On at Soneva

Ken Kiriyama was a martial arts prodigy in his teens and for the past three decades he has immersed himself in freediving, swimming, meditation, pranayama, Ayurveda, yoga and fitness, and personal development. He is a student of Umberto Pelizzari, who trained under the legendary Jacques Mayol. He currently holds four national records for Japan in deep freediving and has held the following world rankings: 16th, 10th, 8th (twice) and 6th. He can hold his breath for nearly 8 minutes and dive to 94m on a single breath. Ken is a returning resident specialist at Soneva Fushi, where he is known to help guests overcome their fears and move beyond their perceived limitations. He emphasises that guests have a unique learning experience rediscovering their potential both mentally and physically. Ken has taught people of all ages how to use authentic techniques to enrich their lives and enhance health, well-being and vitality.

Lulu Winfield has been practising reflexology since 2001 and is much sought after as a women’s wellness specialist in London. She is a bodyworker, senior women’s health yoga teacher and teacher trainer, birth coach and an original founding member of Doula UK.      Lulu specialises in supporting people through conception, the pre- and post-natal period and the stages of menopause. She also practices reflexology with couples and treats whole families together. She subtly weaves breathwork and meditation into each bespoke treatment to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce stress and access a state of profound relaxation, leaving her clients feeling centred and in a state of deep and blissful peace.  

Lorna Green brings over 30 years of spa and wellness expertise, blending ancient wisdom with modern technology for transformative results. A yoga teacher and wellness consultant, she designs exclusive spa menus, trains therapists and champions hands-on techniques like manual lymphatic drainage. Inspired by her personal journey, Lorna fosters connection through warmth and humour, empowering clients to embrace mindful simplicity, holistic care, and the healing power of nature.

Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen is an acclaimed American glass artist known for her nature-inspired sculptures. Her work, often created in collaboration with her husband, Jasen Johnsen, combines technical precision with a deep reverence for the natural world. She has received numerous accolades, including the Acquisition Award from the Tacoma Art Museum (2006) and a Louis Comfort Tiffany Award nomination (1994). Willenbrink-Johnsen’s work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including the Corning Museum of Glass and the 52nd Annual International Glass Invitational at Habatat Galleries (2024). As a dedicated educator, she has taught at the Corning Museum of Glass and Pilchuck Glass School. With her innovative approach and passion for nature, Willenbrink-Johnsen continues to make a significant impact on the world of contemporary glass art.

A medalist in the prestigious international culinary competition Bocuse d’Or, Viktor’s gastronomic career was inspired by his father and brother, who were also chefs. Over the past 20 years, the multiple award-winning chef has mastered his skills under the guidance of some of the most well-known Michelin-starred culinary legends from around the world, including Björn Frantzen at Frantzén in Stockholm, David Muños at StreetXO in Madrid, and Christian Puglisi at Relae in Copenhagen. Currently, Viktor is the brand chef at Rodina restaurant in Dubai, UAE, a sophisticated fine-dining establishment that artfully blends Russian classics with Mediterranean flair. He also serves as the concept chef and managing partner of The Forest restaurant in Ust Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, where he oversees a unique European cuisine menu with strong Kazakh gastronomic influences. The Forest offers a combination of comfort, an ethnic-style interior, and high-end fusion cuisine, perfectly complementing its upscale location

Chef and culinary artist Nawal Alkhalawi is a Saudi entrepreneur & seasoned Le Cordon Bleu-trained nutritional chef. After years of local and international experience between Saudi Arabia and London, she found her passion and niche in sustainable food practices. The preservation of heritage, art and culture is reflected in curating culinary experiences that bridge her appreciation for traditional cuisine with her global outlook & multicultural exposure. In 2019, she founded Asfar, a cultural culinary pop-up concept in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, to curate events, workshops and VIP dinners to showcase local Saudi heritage and culture through food. She has since expanded her services to include concept and recipe development for cafes, restaurants, private dinners, art galleries, holistic health facilities and clinics.