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Veligandu Island Resort: where even the sun comes to recuperate

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By Hamza Khaleel

Maldives Promotion House – In the traditional Maldivian language of Dhivehi, the word “Veligandu” means gathered sand or sand dune. In the pretext of Veligandu Island Resort it signifies the white sandy, elongated beach of the island resort. Veligandu is a picturesque example of natural island beauty of Maldives, that is not rivaled anywhere  else in the world.

The moment you take off from the seaplane at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, the aerial sights of Maldivian islands greet you. After the 15 minute ride your plane sets down at the floating dock of  Veligandu. 

Walking along the jetty and towards the front office you cannot but notice the white sandy beaches stretching across, with crystal clear waters pampering it, with gentle waves. When you get to the reception, it is a cozy traditional roofed counter where the staff are extremely well spoken and warm. The rooms of your choice from Beach Side rooms to Water Villas to Jacuzzi Water Villas are available for your choosing.

The resort of  Veligandu has the most laid back and relaxing environment that one would dream of sitting in a busy office, somewhere in the western hemisphere. The coconut palms and beach side greenery surrounds the, lean but long, island of Veligandu. Since the island is so narrow, the gentle sounds of breaking waves can always be heard in the background, where ever you are on the island. Maldives is proud to boast warm sunny weather (except for monsoon season) through out the year, hence Veligandu offers you sunny sunbaths, wonderful snorkeling,exciting scuba diving, adrenaline pumping water sports and just laziness, simply lying on the beach experience; for the busybodies on holiday.

The sports and recreational facilities of Veligandu are more than adequate to fill up your day with some outdoor or indoor games activities. The indoor games room offers pool, Foosball, table tennis and much more. If you wish to do a little shopping for friends and family, there is a small gift shop that offers a wide range of traditional handicrafts, jewelery, ornaments and the odd gifts.

On the island of  Veligandu you simply cannot complete the relaxation experience unless you have been to the Spa. The Spa has 5 treatment rooms that over look the vast ocean and a sauna and shower facilities. The treatment rooms offer the choice of enjoying it with your partner and spouse or all by yourself, if that is what you desire. The body heals not with the oils and the gentle massaging techniques of the professionals alone, but also with the site of nature and the tranquility the island offers.

The resort also has a lovely swimming pool located on the beach on the east end of the island, along with a  kids pool nearby. If the salt water is too much or if you simply wish to lie in the sun with a drink at hand the poolside offers deck chairs and sun beds. It is the ideal place to read that favorite book you just had not had time for.

Veligandu is located in the North Ari atoll of Maldives,which has some of the best scuba dive spots to offer. An hour and half away, is the famous “Maya Thila”, which hosts hammerhead sharks during certain periods of the year. Diving might not be for everyone but anyone with basic swimming skills, with snorkeling gear on, can enjoy a lovely afternoon splattering across the house reef watching diverse  species of mysterious fish and colorful coral gardens.

For the full-board guests (which most guests prefer) breakfast lunch and dinner is laid out in the main restaurant on the eastern beach of the island. The restaurant overlooks the main swimming pool and gazes into the distant horizon. Guests are served tables on a first come first serve basis, so that the early bird, can get a closer view to the ocean or sit in the sun beside the pool. The food on Veligandu is quite reminiscent of a larger establishment, and the menu more diverse than the average resort. Enjoying your favorite drink at the bar that overlooks the long stretching southern sandy tail of the island with the sun setting, one can easily immerse in the depth of relaxation. At night there is crab racing where you can succumb to your chances to win a free drink by guessing the winning crab or sit at the bar enjoying soothing music or simply sit by the pool and count the endless stars.

The beautiful island of  Veligandu definitely is great value for money. While it might not be the upper class luxury resort, what it does offer, is the natural beauty of Maldives, served with the cultural traditions of good hospitality and wonderful memories of a life time. The dedication of the management, to service the rooms and facilities regularly is key for  Veligandu to always guarantee the perfect room for the guest.  Veligandu offers a taste of warmth and hospitality with affordable prices and a simplistic but natural approach, that is signature to the Maldivian island resort, leisure experience.

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Catch the wind with Kitesurfing World Champion Youri Zoon at COMO Cocoa Island

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Embark on an exhilarating kitesurfing odyssey from May 6th to 20th, 2024, at COMO Cocoa Island alongside Youri Zoon, celebrated for seizing the kitesurfing world championship twice. Under his seasoned guidance, amplify your kitesurfing prowess, whether you’re a neophyte craving the fundamentals or a seasoned aficionado striving for intricate manoeuvres and airborne thrills.

Kitesurfing merges windsurfing, surfing, and wakeboarding for a dynamic water sport. Using controllable kites, riders harness wind power to glide across the ocean’s surface while being set against the backdrop of endless horizons and azure waters.

Throughout his residency, Zoon will conduct guided kitesurfing sessions, offering novices a gentle introduction to the sport or empowering veterans to elevate their abilities. Additionally, Zoon will host enlightening COMO Conversations, delving into his personal journey to kitesurfing eminence and the obstacles he surmounted along the way.

Guests may arrange activities with Zoon at their leisure, with plenty of time to make the most of our private island comforts, from massage treatments at COMO Shambhala to sandbank dinners under the stars and more.

Hailing from the Netherlands, Zoon’s affinity for kiteboarding burgeoned at the tender age of 13. A prodigious talent, he swiftly amassed accolades, securing victories at the Junior European Championships and Dutch Nationals in his inaugural year. Subsequently clinching the world title in 2011 and 2012, Zoon’s enduring passion for the sport fuels his ongoing commitment to mentorship and coaching, ensuring his legacy endures both on and off the water.

Nestled within South Male Atoll, COMO Cocoa Island beckons discerning travelers with its intimate enclave of 33 overwater villas. Renowned for its iconic Dhoni Water Villas, which pay homage to Maldivian maritime heritage, this idyllic retreat offers a sanctuary of tranquillity and indulgence. Accessible via a scenic 40-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, COMO Cocoa Island promises an unrivalled blend of luxury and seclusion.

For details on COMO Hotels and Resorts or to plan your next escape, please visit https://www.comohotels.com/cocoaisland.

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Sheraton Maldives hosts successful second season of Full Moon Futsal Cup

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa celebrated the culmination of the highly anticipated Full Moon Futsal Cup on March 31, 2024. The tournament, which commenced on March 17th, brought together 12 teams from neighboring resorts in Malé Atoll, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.

SO/ Maldives emerged victorious after a thrilling final match, securing the coveted title of Full Moon Futsal Cup Champions 2024. Mohamed El Aghoury, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, presented the winning team with the Championship trophy and gold medals during a closing ceremony. Additional prizes, medals, and certificates were awarded to recognize the exceptional talent displayed by all participants.

“We are honored to have hosted and participated in such a vibrant tournament,” Mohamed El Aghoury commented, reflecting on the event’s success. “The Full Moon Futsal Cup celebrates not only sportsmanship but also fosters strong bonds within the resort community.”

Throughout the tournament, all teams showcased exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork, captivating spectators and fellow competitors alike. Notably, Sheraton Maldives’ own associate teams, Team Sheraton and Team Furana FC, participated with commendable spirit.

This involvement aligns with Marriott International’s Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) initiative, which prioritizes fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued. The participation of the Young Professionals ARG team specifically exemplifies the group’s dedication to community building, skill development, and mentorship. The tournament provided a platform to spotlight the energy and potential of young professionals, promoting their growth and contributing to the organization’s future success.

Extending beyond a sporting event, the Full Moon Futsal Cup embodies the values of unity, friendship, and healthy competition. This aligns with Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa’s commitment to fostering community connections and Marriott International’s TakeCare philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of physical well-being among associates.

The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa extends its sincere gratitude to all participating teams, supporters, sponsors, and organizers who contributed to the resounding success of the Full Moon Futsal Cup 2024. The resort eagerly anticipates continuing this tradition of sporting excellence and camaraderie in the years to come.

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Dive into memorable underwater adventure with Baros Maldives’s Eco Explorer Experience

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In today’s world, where the fragile balance of marine ecosystems teeters on the edge, to call for sustainable tourism practices resonates louder than ever. Baros Maldives, deeply rooted in its respect for nature, leads the way in conservation and preservation. Baros’s Eco Explorer Experience stands as a testament to the island’s commitment, inviting guests to not just observe but to actively contribute to the safeguarding of our underwater sanctuaries.

Nestled on a lush, natural island paradise, Baros is a sanctuary surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life, boasting a world-class house reef, celebrated for its unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, attracting adventurers and nature lovers alike.

The Eco Explorer Experience is a carefully curated immersive experience designed for those who seek to delve deeper into the mysteries of the ocean. This experience is more than an adventure; it’s a journey of discovery and contribution, offering intimate encounters with the marvels of the sea, all while promoting marine conservation.

With this experience, Baros guests enjoy a myriad of enriching activities, culminating in a bespoke photobook documenting the essence of their Eco Explorer journey beneath the waves.

Coral Restoration and Conservation: Participants will immerse themselves in coral ecology, by planting personal coral gardens under the guidance of Baros’s resident Marine Biologist. This hands -on experience not only fosters coral growth but also contributes to the restoration of these vital habitats. Through the Coral Cube initiative, guests will apply innovative techniques like using fast plug cement to build thriving underwater ecosystems. The Baros marine team will share bi-annual updates with the guests so that they can follow the growth of their corals.

Marine Life Identification: This educational session equips guests with the knowledge to identify different fish species and understand their vital roles within the marine ecosystem. Equipped with snorkelling gear and new insights, guests will explore Baros’s world- class house reef during a snorkelling tour, guided by the resident marine biologist, to witness the vibrant marine life.

Night Snorkelling and Bioluminescence: As night falls, the reef reveals a different kind of beauty. With UV lights, guests will explore this nocturnal wonderland, observing the reef’s inhabitants in a new light. This magical experience is not only enchanting but also educational, offering insights into coral health and the ecosystem’s delicate balance.

Baros recognises the fragility of the marine environment and is committed to fostering sustainable tourism practices. The Eco Explorer Experience is more than a holiday activity, it’s an invitation to become part of a larger movement, advocating for the protection and preservation of our marine environments.

Join the Baros marine team on this extraordinary journey. Together, dive deeper, explore further, and unveil the boundless wonders of the ocean, ensuring they remain vibrant for generations to come.

For bookings and more information, please visit www.baros.com or contact Baros directly at reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 26 72.

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