Luxury hospitality brand Soneva has joined forces with Swedish contemporary artist Jacob Felländer to transform one of its most recognisable signatures, the overwater waterslide, into a sculptural installation exploring movement, memory and the joy of play.
Jacob Felländer
Titled Soneva × Jacob Felländer: Joy Takes Form, the work was unveiled on 23 September at Slakthusområdet, Stockholm’s historic Meatpacking District, where it will remain on display until 31 December 2026. Set within a repurposed industrial space, the installation brought together friends of the brand and longstanding guests for an evening of art, gastronomy and conversation inspired by the spirit of Soneva’s Maldivian resorts.
The installation reinterprets the sweeping waterslide that has become synonymous with Soneva’s overwater villas, translating its playful silhouette into a contemporary artwork. Comprising three distinct materials, the sculpture moves through past, present and future. Weathered metal evokes memories and the passage of time, while a mirrored surface reflects the light and movement of the present. A final, lighter layer represents the possibilities that lie ahead.
For Soneva, the collaboration reflects its evolved Bare Luxury philosophy, which seeks to strip away the unnecessary to make room for wonder, curiosity, discovery and human connection.
“The slide was never just a slide. It is a reminder that luxury should make us feel something,” said Neil Gallagher, chief executive officer of Soneva. “By reimagining the slide through his artistic lens, Jacob has captured the sense of curiosity, freedom and joy that has always been at the heart of Soneva.”
The evening also explored the relationship between art and gastronomy. Celebrated chefs Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman created a menu inspired by the elemental character of Soneva’s three Maldivian resorts: Earth, reflecting the lush jungle of Soneva Fushi; Water, drawing on the luminous surroundings of Soneva Jani; and Air, inspired by the remoteness of Soneva Secret. The experience concluded with a final course aptly named Whimsy.
The creative exchange will continue in the Maldives from the 12th to the 24th of November 2026, when Felländer takes up residence at Soneva Fushi as a Soneva Star. During his stay, the artist will lead workshops inviting guests to explore their own creativity and intuition through experimentation and play.
“In today’s world, it’s increasingly important that we remember and develop what makes us distinctly human: imagination, intuition, empathy and our capacity for play,” said Felländer. “Art has a vital role in this.”
By bringing an object rooted in resort life into a wider cultural setting, Soneva and Felländer offer a fresh perspective on the intersection of hospitality, art, design and the enduring importance of play.
