Soneva x Jacob Felländer Transforms Iconic Waterslide Into Contemporary Art

Soneva invites Swedish artist Jacob Felländer to reimagine one of its most recognisable signatures, the waterslide, as a work of contemporary art in Stockholm.

Words: Hanan Khair

Long before waterslides became a familiar sight at luxury resorts in the Maldives, Soneva introduced them to its overwater villas with a simple belief: luxury should never become so serious that it forgets how to play. Since then, this sweeping curve over the Indian Ocean has become unmistakably Soneva and an invitation to let go. Now, it takes on a new form.

For Soneva × Jacob Felländer: Joy Takes Form, the Swedish contemporary artist transformed the iconic Soneva slide into a sculptural exploration of movement, freedom and imagination. Unveiled on 23 September at Slakthusområdet, Stockholm’s historic Meatpacking District, the installation took centre stage in a raw industrial space reinvented for one night. Friends of Soneva and longstanding guests came together for an evening of art, food and conversation, bringing the spirit of the islands to the city: slowing down, connecting and seeing the familiar differently.

Soneva x Jacob Felländer - Joy Takes Form 2 (1)

Soneva x Jacob Felländer - Joy Takes Form 3 (1)

Soneva x Jacob Felländer - Joy Takes Form 4 (1)

The slide unfolds in layers, with three materials flowing into one another in a continuous movement through time. Raw, weathered metal holds the past, carrying the beauty of memories and moments that endure. The mirrored surface captures the present, alive with reflection, light and movement. The final layer opens towards the future, lighter, freer and filled with possibility. Together, they are a reminder that joy is not fixed in time. It carries the past, comes alive in the present and moves towards everything still to come.

Celebrated chefs Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman created a menu inspired by the elemental character of the three islands: Earth, evoking the lush jungle of Soneva Fushi; Water, the luminous world of Soneva Jani; and Air, the remoteness of Soneva Secret. The final course was simply Whimsy. The partnership reflects Bare Luxury, the evolved philosophy that removes the unnecessary to leave more room for what matters: wonder, curiosity, discovery and connection.

Soneva x Jacob Felländer - Chefs Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman

Soneva x Jacob Felländer - Joy Dessert by Adam Albin

“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.”

“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. Art has a vital role in this,” said Jacob Felländer. “I’m excited about my ongoing collaboration with Soneva, a hospitality brand that truly understands the need to create space for curiosity, connection and possibility.”

Soneva x Jacob Felländer - Joy Takes Form 7 (1)

Soneva x Jacob Felländer - Joy Takes Form (1)

Placing something born in the Maldives in the hands of a creative force brings it into a wider cultural conversation, connecting hospitality naturally with art, design and food. The installation remains at Slakthusområdet until 31 December 2026. The creative exchange continues in the Maldives from 12 to 24 November 2026, when Felländer will be in residence at Soneva Fushi as a Soneva Star, leading workshops that encourage guests to explore their own creativity and intuition through experimentation and play.

Visit Soneva’s official website for more details.