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Velaa Private Island opens exclusive golf academy by José María Olazábal

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Maldives.net.mv – Signature designer José María Olazábal has unveiled a new golf academy, featuring a nine hole par three course, at the Velaa Private Island resort in the Maldives.

The island, home to 48 villas, is part of the Noonu Atoll, just north of Malé, the Maldivian capital. Owner Jiri Smejc and his wife Radka acquired the island with the intention of creating what they call ‘the most private place on earth’.

The course comprises six green complexes; all surrounded by bunkering and water features. Nine tee options give guests a range of hole choices at a variety of lengths, with the option for guests to book private tuition and reserve the academy for exclusive use at select times.

“I have never seen such a luxurious location,” said Olazábal . “I have had the pleasure of working on some remarkable projects, but what Jiri and Radka have created here is simply awe-inspiring. Through careful use of the landscape guests can hit all the shots imaginable, from mid-irons to wedges and short game. With six greens and nine tees we have been able to also create an exciting and challenging nine hole par three layout.”

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W Maldives brings fast-growing sport of padel to the island

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W Maldives has introduced the FIT Padel Court, a dynamic open-air sporting space that brings one of the world’s fastest-growingsports to the island in signature W style.

Set within the resort’s lush greenery, the FIT Padel Court is more than just a game. Designed as both a sporting arena and social hub, it welcomes beginners and seasoned players alike to rally, connect, and compete in an effortlessly vibrant setting. Open daily and availablefor private bookings, the court brings a fresh rhythm to island days, blending movement with moments that matter.

Elevating the experience further, the resort’s FIT team completed an intensive training with the Asia Pacific Padel Academy (APPA), the region’s leading institution for padel education and coach development. Designed to sharpen both technical precision and on-court strategy, the program ensures that every guest interaction is guided by knowledge, confidence, and an intuitive understanding of the game.

Led by a certified coach and national athlete, Karyn Emeralda, the training immersed the team in the fundamentals of technique, tactical play, and smart positioning, equipping them to deliver engaging, high-quality sessions tailored to every level. From first-time players discovering the sport to those looking to refine their edge, guests can now tap into beginner-friendly sessions and social matches designed to spark both skill and connection.

“Padel is more than a sport, it is a social movement, and we are excited to bring that energy to the island,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “With the launch of the FIT Padel Court and a team trained to guide and inspire, we are creating an experience that is equal parts playful, dynamic, and elevated. It is about giving our guests new ways to move, connect and feel the pulse of the destination.”

As part of W Maldives’ ever-evolvingapproach to fitness and lifestyle, the FIT Padel Court reflects a broader commitment to experiences that are immersive, social, and distinctly of the moment. Here, every serve is set against a soundtrack of ocean waves, every match unfolds under Maldivianskies, and every guest is invited to play their way.

For those looking to extend the experience, the Original Wave maker package offers the perfect invitation to stay longer and dive deeper. With a minimum stay of four nights, the package includes seaplane transfers and a half-board meal plan for two adults, ensuring a seamless and elevated island getaway.

For more information, visit www.wmaldives.com or connect with the resort’s team at reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.

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Meyyafushi brings professional padel experience to Maldives with Dilara Torssell

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From 8th to 12th June 2026, Meyyafushi Maldives invites its guests to experience an unforgettable blend of padel, luxury and island living as professional player Dilara Torssell takes up an exclusive guest residency at the resort.

Ranked as Türkiye’s No.1 female padel player, Dilara Torssell has reached a career-high world ranking of 141 and continues to compete internationally on the Premier Padel and International Padel Federation tours. Now based in Dubai, she represents Türkiye on the global stage while actively promoting the sport through exhibitions, partnerships and international collaborations.

Known for her dynamic playing style, competitive spirit and engaging approach to the game, Dilara Torssell will host interactive padel experiences designed for players of all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. To make the experience even more memorable, games will be enjoyed at Meyyafushi’s iconic overwater padel tennis court – recognised as the world’s first fixed overwater padel court – offering guests a truly one-of-a-kind sporting experience in the Maldives.

Dilara will offer the opportunity for guests to enjoy friendly matches while receiving personalised tips, techniques and insights into the fast-growing sport. The programme will also feature exciting Pro-Am matches, and a series of exhibition matches which will further showcase padel at a professional level, transforming the resort’s overwater court into one of the Maldives’ most unique sporting stages.

“At Meyyafushi, we are continuously looking for meaningful ways to elevate the guest experience through unique lifestyle and wellness experiences,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager of Meyyafushi Maldives and Fushifaru Maldives. “Hosting Dilara Torssell on our overwater padel court brings together sport, connection and the beauty of the Maldives in a truly unforgettable way.”

As a Premium All-Inclusive resort, Meyyafushi continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the Maldives through immersive experiences such as world-class dining, Pool Villas and Suites with Slides, an Underwater Restaurant, an Overwater Wine Cellar and an adults-only Sky Lounge.

Dilara’s residency forms part of Meyyafushi’s growing calendar of lifestyle collaborations and curated guest experiences, designed to offer travellers something beyond the traditional Maldives escape – a place to connect, within and beyond.

For sales enquiries and bookings, please contact reservations@meyyafushi.com or visit www.meyyafushi.com.

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Madifushi Private Island introduces next-generation gaming arcade

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Madifushi Private Island has announced the launch of Thinhama XP, a next-generation entertainment arcade that blends Maldivian heritage with contemporary gaming culture. Designed as a dynamic social space for guests of all ages, Thinhama XP redefines resort entertainment in the Maldives by merging tradition, technology, and interactive play.

The name Thinhama XP draws inspiration from “Thin Hama”, a traditional Maldivian strategy board game that has been played across generations. Known for its intellectual depth and strategic gameplay, “Thin Hama” reflects the rich cultural heritage of Maldivian leisure traditions. The addition of “XP” (Experience Points) introduces a modern gaming dimension, symbolizing achievement, progression, and skill development. Widely used in global gaming culture, XP represents growth through challenges and accomplishments. Together, Thinhama XP reflects the evolution of play—honouring the past while embracing the future.

Unlike conventional resort arcades, Thinhama XP has been thoughtfully designed as an immersive entertainment destination that goes beyond gaming machines. It is a multi-generational space where guests can connect, compete, and create shared memories. Guests can expect state-of-the-art arcade gaming experiences featuring modern titles and timeless classics, immersive interactive games that test reflexes, strategy, and skill, and multi-generational engagement that encourages families to play together. The space also features progression-based gameplay elements that reward continued participation, all within a fully climate-controlled environment ideal for both daytime and evening entertainment.

Thinhama XP strengthens Madifushi Private Island’s vision of delivering meaningful and differentiated guest experiences. It complements existing innovative concepts such as Kokko Learning Studio, further positioning the resort as a leader in experiential hospitality in the Maldives. Whether guests are seeking friendly competition, casual entertainment, or a relaxed indoor retreat, Thinhama XP offers an experience where every visit represents progression, achievement, and memorable island moments.

Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island commented: “Thinhama XP represents our continued commitment to redefining what a luxury island experience can be. We wanted to create a space where families, friends, and guests of all ages can come together through play, while also celebrating an important part of Maldivian cultural heritage. This is more than an arcade; it is a social and emotional experience designed for connection, competition, and joy.”

Ali Shakir, Group General Manager added: “At the group level, we are focused on developing concepts that are not only entertaining but also meaningful and distinctive. Thinhama XP is a perfect example of this vision in action. It bridges tradition and innovation in a way that is authentic to the Maldives, while also meeting the expectations of today’s global traveller who seeks immersive and memorable experiences.”

Madifushi Private Island is a luxury resort in the Maldives dedicated to delivering curated, high-end guest experiences through innovative concepts, personalised service, and culturally inspired programming.

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