Back by popular demand, Niva Kuramathi Maldives has announced the return of Campioni Soccer Academy for 2027. Taking place over Easter 2027 and Summer 2027, the football academy for aspiring young players aged 4-16, is a celebration of sport, sunshine and island spirit.

Week One, Easter 2027: 29th March to 3rd April 2027 | Led by Andy Cole and UEFA ‘A’ Licensed coach Adrian Whitbread

Week Two, Summer 2027: 26th – 31st July 2027 | Led by Stuart Pearce MBE and UEFA ‘A’ Licensed coach Adrian Whitbread

Experience the ultimate family getaway with Campioni and Niva Kuramathi; set against the turquoise backdrop of the Indian Ocean, Campioni transforms Niva Kuramathi’s pristine football pitch into a training ground led by former Premier League players and UEFA coaches. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to be coached for two-hours, daily, whilst on holiday, by legendary players who have played and managed teams at the highest level.

Welcoming one of England’s best known and most loved football icons Stuart Pearce MBE, and one of the Premier League’s all-time great strikers Andy Cole, each joined by UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach Adrian Whitbread, this year Campioni promises two unforgettable weeks of daily training sessions in paradise.

Andy Cole is best known for his hugely successful spell at Manchester United, where he won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League as part of the historic 1999 Treble-winning side. Cole brings world-class experience and inspiration to Campioni Soccer Academy; renowned for his sharp finishing, professionalism, and winning mentality. His involvement gives young players a unique chance to learn from a true legend and understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

One of England’s most respected football legends, Stuart Pearce plays an inspiring role at Campioni Soccer Academy, where he helps train and mentor young players. Known for his passion, leadership, and determination both on and off the pitch, Pearce brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious career, which includes captaining England and managing at the highest levels of the game. His involvement at Campioni provides aspiring footballers with a unique opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s greats, gaining valuable insights into teamwork, discipline, and what it truly takes to succeed in football.

The week-long Academy begins with an oceanfront welcome reception where families meet the legends, collect their bespoke training kits, and toast to the week ahead.

From Monday to Saturday, children take part in daily interactive training sessions under the expert guidance of the pros, focusing on technical skills, game awareness and overall development using the FA’s 4 Corner Model. Learning the importance of teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship, this is a chance for boys and girls of all abilities to learn from the best in the game while creating unforgettable memories.

Parents can unwind across the resort knowing their children are safe, active, and inspired – or lace up their own boots for the Parents’ Game midweek – a crowd favourite that turns the pitch into a playground for all ages.

“I can’t wait to return to Niva Kuramathi for the Campioni Soccer Academy in Summer 2027. Last year’s academy was such a memorable experience, and I’m excited to meet another group of families and young players. What makes Campioni so special is seeing the confidence and potential that comes through in every session. It’s about more than football, it’s about encouraging young people to believe in themselves, aim high and enjoy the journey along the way,” said Stuart Pearce MBE.

“Campioni Soccer Academy is always an incredible experience, and I’m really looking forward to joining the team at Niva Kuramathi next Easter. It’s always rewarding to see families come together and watch kids learn, grow and have fun through football, while also enjoying everything a destination like the Maldives has to offer. I’m sure this will be a truly memorable academy, and I can’t wait to see the young players embrace the experience, make new friends and create memories that will stay with them long after they leave the island,” said Andy Cole.

The soccer academy reaches beyond the resort. Local Maldivian football clubs will once again join, with young players receiving special coaching sessions led by Cole and Pearce – inspiration and skills passed to the next generation of island footballers.

The Campioni Football Academy places children on the pitch each morning – skills sharpening, friendships forming, the ocean a constant presence at the edge of play. When the final whistle sounds at the end of each daily session, an entire island opens up.

Bageecha Kids Club – complimentary for children aged three to twelve – offers botanic walks, marine encounters, creative workshops, open-air movies, and beach barbecues unfold across a two-week rotating programme designed so that curiosity never runs dry. Open daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm, with babysitting available until midnight with 24 hours’ notice.

The Eco Centre invites families to learn about the reef, meet resident marine experts, and take part in coral planting. At the Hydroponics Garden, young explorers discover how the island grows its own produce. Beneath the surface, the house reef reveals grey reef sharks, turtles, and manta rays – reached by guided snorkelling safaris or semi-submarine. On the water, windsurfing and catamaran sailing await, with private lessons available for children aged twelve and above.

While children play, LIME Wellbeing draws on ancient Maldivian ritual and natural oils. Offering a quiet return to balance, the lagoon close and still. As the day eases into evening, the island’s rhythm shifts. Live music and DJ sets create a soundscape across the island, from mellow sunset sessions to late night, upbeat tempos. Parents slip away for cocktails at Laguna Bar or Champagne at the Loft. Dinner unfolds across nine à la carte restaurants: The Reef, La Belle Vie, the theatre of Kobe, Tandoor Mahal, and Siam Garden.

Eleven villa categories open onto sand or sea – from palm-fringed Beach Bungalows to the expansive Two-Bedroom Beach House, a duplex for up to six adults or four adults and two children, with separate living spaces and lagoon views that stretch to the horizon. All Campioni academy participants are required to stay at Niva Kuramathi Maldives for the duration of the programme.

For further information and reservations, please call +960 666 01 50 or email: reservations@nivakuramathi.com. For more inspiration visit, www.nivakuramathi.com.

Renowned as one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house-reef destinations, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO continues to attract divers and snorkelers from around the world. With direct access to thriving marine life, strong currents that draw pelagic species, and proximity to some of the atoll’s most sought-after dive sites, the island offers an immersive underwater experience for both seasoned divers and casual explorers alike.

Building on this exceptional positioning, the resort has unveiled Thundi Beach Bar, a tranquil new beachside addition designed for effortless relaxation and refreshment just steps from the shoreline.

Set between two stunning oceanfronts, Thundi Beach Bar offers a serene, barefoot retreat where guests can unwind while soaking in uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Open daily from 10:00hrs to 13:00hrs and 15:00hrs to 19:00hrs, the bar presents a curated selection of beverages under the OBLU Island Plan™, including unlimited beers, wines, soft drinks, canned juices, tea, and coffee.

Perfectly positioned for convenience, Thundi Beach Bar is an ideal stop for guests enjoying Helengeli’s vibrant house reef. Whether returning from a snorkeling session or spending the day in and around the water, guests can easily drop by for a quick drink or refreshing pause without straying far from the beach.

Commenting on the launch, Alain Trefois, General Manager, shared: “At Helengeli, so much of the guest experience revolves around the ocean. Whether diving, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the reef. With Thundi Beach Bar, we wanted to create a space that feels naturally connected to these moments, offering guests a convenient and relaxed spot to pause, refresh, and continue their island journey without interruption.”

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, an award-winning island resort, is located just a 50-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. It offers 153 appealing villas, family-friendly amenities and private pool options. Guests stay on the OBLU Island Plan™, which curates a carefree, wholesome getaway with delectable world cuisine, wines and beverages, a nature-inspired kids club, unforgettable snorkelling, ELE|NA Ayur Spa, non-motorised watersports, ocean excursions and exciting daily and seasonal activities.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its 2026 festive programme, themed ‘12 Pearls of the Ocean’.

Inspired by the beauty and rarity of the ocean’s treasures, the concept invites guests on a festive journey, with each pearl revealing a new chapter of surprise, celebration, and discovery. Taking place from 20 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the programme will feature an exceptional line-up of events, residencies, and special guest appearances.

Among the highlights of the season is an exclusive New Year’s Eve performance by internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Pixie Lott. Set against the resort’s stunning backdrop, the chart-topping artist will welcome 2027 with her biggest hits and dynamic stage presence.

Other guest experiences include visiting holistic wellness practitioner Braj Raj Singh, whose expertise blends therapeutic healing traditions with modern practices to nurture physical balance, emotional clarity and overall wellbeing. For those looking to express their creativity, artist and scientific illustrator, Janavi Kramer, will bring the beauty of the underwater world to life through her intricate watercolour works, inspired by years of diving around the globe. Through art, conversation, and shared experiences, she will invite guests to connect more deeply with the extraordinary marine environment surrounding the resort.

Between 20 December to 7 January, 12 days will be dedicated to one of the 12 Pearls, unveiling a bespoke programme of entertainment and special events that invite guests to discover the magic of the Maldives through a collection of unforgettable festive moments. Experiences will be complemented by memorable Christmas events for all the family, a New Year’s Eve cocktail party and gala dinner, curated culinary journeys and immersive opportunities to explore the natural wonders of the Maamunagau Lagoon.

Please see the full schedule in the brochure here.