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France legend Marcel Desailly inspires football spirit at Jumeirah Vittaveli in Maldives

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Former France international Marcel Desailly has visited the Maldives twice before, the latest being a couple of years back. The football legend is back in the island paradise for a third time, and he could not be happier. In fact, he is so happy that he has already shared with his fans around the world his signature “Ah Ha Ha Ha” laugh from the turquoise waters surrounding Jumeirah Vittaveli, where he is staying.

 “This place is just amazing! It’s so great to be here,” Desailly told Maldives Insider.

“You’ve preserved your environment. It’s well-organised. The community is benefitting [from] the works done by the hotels in the system. Tourism is something very important [to] you. Tourism and sports; those can be very effective here.”

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True to that understanding, his third visit to the Maldives is special. Desailly has already graced the opening ceremony of Ooredoo Dhivehi Premier League — the Maldives’ top football league — and shared his inspiration with fellow professional footballers from the island nation that aspire to follow in the footsteps of legends like him.

And just a day before ending his six-day visit to the Maldives, Desailly inspired the spirit of football in an altogether different bunch of people; the team members at Jumeirah Vittaveli. The friendly fustal match was held Monday afternoon at the futsal grounds of the island resort, and was played between a team led by The Rock — a nickname he has been given due to his consistency, strength and hard-tackling playing style — and another selected from amongst the resort staff.

France football legend Marcel Desailly plays futsal with the staff at Jumeirah Vittaveli on Monday. PHOTO/ JUMEIRAH

On the pitch, the former defensive midfielder awed the spectators, comprising staff members as well as several guests holidaying on the island, with his skills, and played an instrumental role in leading his team to an 8-4 win.

But the most defining moment came right after the 40-minute game, when he just could not get off the pitch! Improvising the carefully curated programme for the afternoon, the former AC Milan and Chelsea star went on teaching football tactics to some enthusiastic staff members.

“We’re always here to promote football, from the grassroots. … But [when you’re in the Maldives], you’ve holiday, entertainment, and you promote my passion, which is sports,” he said.

France football legend Marcel Desailly coaches a staff member after the futsal match at Jumeirah Vittaveli on Monday.

Desailly was presented with a plaque by Amit Majumder, the General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli, as he thanked the Frenchman for staying at the resort. Desailly, on his part, heaped praise on the resort, describing it as “the full package”.

“Good hotel. Good food. … I was given a very warm welcome,” he said.

Amit Majumder, the General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli, presents a plaque to France football legend Marcel Desailly after the futsal match at the resort on Monday.

Located a short 20-minute ride aboard a luxurious motorised catamaran from the main Velana International Airport, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or an exotic destination for your family.

In addition to the recently launched Royal Residence, the resort comprises of 89 villas and suites each with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The private and spacious villas are available with one or two bedrooms making them the ideal accommodation for both families and couples. Highlights are the free-standing Ocean Suites, located only a heartbeat away from the main island and accessible by complimentary boat service.

France legend Marcel Desailly autographs a football for Jumeirah Vittaveli General Manager Amit Majumder after the futsal match at the resort on Monday. PHOTO/ JUMEIRAH

In the Maldives, Desailly, who was a member of the France international squads that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, also spoke about the latest happenings in the world of international football, including Barcelona star Neymar’s recent move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a record-breaking €222 million deal.

“I’m part of the people who don’t see any problem with it. You deal with talent. For a film, when they invest [USD] 400 million to make a movie, and they pay Brad Pitt for three months of work USD 30 million, nobody says anything,” he told Mohamed Hamdhoon, a sports journalist from local daily Mihaaru, after the futsal match with the Jumeirah Vittaveli team.

“I consider that Neymar coming to France will raise the profile of Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain will have a huge return on sponsorship and they will gain on merchandising. It’s business. It’s the fans and the media that have to understand that football has now become a business on its own. Taxi driver, tourism, broadcast, hotel — everybody will benefit. The Chinese will come to Paris again more and more to have a look at the picture of Neymar and to have a look at the stadium.”

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After sharing his passion for football with professionals as well as his hosts at Jumeirah Vittaveli, Desailly leaves the Maldives on Tuesday, but only to return. Like many sports legends, including Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Carlos Tevez, Arjen Robben, Miroslav Klose and Franz Beckenbauer, Desailly has also fallen in love with the white sand beaches and the blue skies of the Maldives.

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Mischa Zverev returns to JOALI BEING to host tennis workshops in August

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JOALI BEING invites German tennis professional, Mischa Zverev, to host tennis workshops between 9th and 19th August 2024. Young guests are welcome to join the Ace Academy workshops this Summer, where they can learn to become tennis pros through a variety of class levels that focus on the fundamentals of tennis all the way up to exciting tennis matches. Zverev will also host a tennis workshop for teenagers from the local community, supporting youngsters with diabetes as part of the Alexander Zverev Foundation.

Mischa Zverev had achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 25. At the 2017 Australian Open, Zverev defeated world No. 1 Andy Murray in four sets. Zverev began playing tennis at the age of two with his father, Alexander, a former ATP pro and his coach from who he drew inspiration. Zverev is the elder brother of Alexander Zverev, who was ranked by the ATP as high as world No. 2. Together, they were the first brothers to reach 3R at the same Grand Slam event since Byron and Wayne Black in the 1998 Australian Open.

The B’Kidult Summer Programme – Ace Academy Tennis Camp

The B’Kidult Summer Programme took flight on 1st July 2024, welcoming adventurers of all ages to embark on a shared journey of joy, discovery and connection. Mischa Zverev will lead two sessions of the Ace Academy camp in August; the first workshop on 15th August 2024 and the second workshop on 17th August 2024.These workshops will focus on hand and eye coordination, foot work drills and cardio. Guided by Zverev, young players can start their tennis journey on the right foot, to develop essential life skills and a love for the game in a fun, supportive environment. Along with boosting speed and agility, the tennis workshops will also foster resilience and teamwork. Youngsters can learn to command the court with confidence and share their progress with the rest of the family.

Community Wellbeing and Inspiration

Following a successful local community workshop with the Zverev brothers in 2022, JOALI BEING is excited to welcome back Mischa Zverev to further inspire a group of teenagers from a neighbouring local island. “I am deeply honoured to return to the island of wellbeing, where we have created moments of joy and inspiration together with the team, guests and local community. I am very much looking forward to sharing my passion and motivate youngsters once again. JOALI BEING is truly my favourite place on earth” says Zverev.

Multi-generational play and learning

At JOALI BEING, we cater to multi-generational travellers, a place where every individual discovers and embarks on a journey of transformation and transcendence. Making the most of its remote tropical island setting, B’Kidult weaves elements of nature into each space and activity, awakening the senses and fostering a closer relationship with the earth. From crystalline waters and warm sunshine to soft sands and lush palms, nature’s sensory gifts set the stage for a memorable family journey that unites discovery, learning and wellbeing. The Four Pillars of JOALI BEING: Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy are brought to life through experiential learning and active engagement. Mischa Zverev will be visiting JOALI BEING with his family and will experience an array of multi-generational activities that nurture connection; from culinary classes, herbology workshops, yoga and sound baths, to marine conservation, snorkelling adventures and transformational wellbeing.

Since JOALI BEING opened its doors in late 2021, the wellbeing island has continuously strived to support and inspire local communities. In November 2022, the Zverev brothers visited JOALI BEING as part of tennis star Aleksander Zverev’s recovery journey from a past injury. Together, they hosted tennis workshops for guests and children from a local neighbouring island, supporting youngsters with diabetes. The Alexander Zverev Foundation had then been launched to help young people with diabetes to avoid limiting themselves because of the condition. The foundation particularly supports children with type 1 diabetes and aims to help prevent type 2 diabetes by encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. At JOALI BEING, the wellbeing island’s philosophy of “Joy of Weightlessness” had well resonated with Aleksander Zverev at every level during his stay.

JOALI BEING has villas from $2700 per night based on two persons sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a B&B basis. Wellbeing Programmes start from $1,693 per person based on a five-night programme.

For bookings and further information, please contact reservations.being@joali.com.

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Kandima Maldives remains top choice for sports celebrities; hosts futsal camp with Ricardinho

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Growing in popularity as a holiday hotspot among sports personalities, active lifestyle resort Kandima Maldives with Ricardinho, holding the title of being named the best Futsal player in the World 6 times by the Futsal planet.

The legendary Ricardinho spent a week at the island resort from 30th June to 6th July, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both local youths and Kandima guests.

During his stay, Ricardinho conducted an engaging three-day futsal camp, coaching aspiring players from the local Kudahuvadhoo Island. The camp was open to Kandima’s guests too and provided an amazing opportunity for participants to learn from one of the greatest futsal players of all time.

Throughout the event, Ricardinho actively engaged with visitors, playing matches with fans and futsal enthusiasts, and showcasing his expertise in a community setting. Guests had the rare chance to watch, learn, and interact directly with the futsal legend, making the experience truly anything but ordinary.

“We are honoured to welcome Ricardinho, the world’s top Futsal player, to Kandima,” said Tom van Tuijl, General Manager, Kandima Maldives “This collaboration aligned perfectly with Kandima’s focus on an active lifestyle. Our commitment to promote a fitness-oriented way of life in a tropical island setting and Ricardinho’s visit undoubtedly inspired our guests, especially families with young futsal enthusiasts, to embrace a more sporty lifestyle.”

Kandima is no stranger to hosting renowned athletes from around the world and the UK. In recent years, the island resort has already hosted premium league footballers Liverpool FC’s Joe Gomez, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson Moraes, and freestyle football champion Lia Lewis for a holiday. Innovative in their approach to creating distinct and memorable sports experiences for guests, Kandima continues exploring fun and educational partnerships with esteemed athletes to impress fitness-oriented travellers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kandima Maldives for this exciting football camp,” said Ricardinho.” It was a great opportunity to share my passion for the sport and engaging with the Kandima’s guests, local youths and staff. Together, we created unforgettable memories and inspired a love for football and an active lifestyle.”

For more information about Kandima Maldives and upcoming Uber Kool events, please visit www.kandima.com.

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Tennis pro Dominik Hrbaty to conduct training sessions at Sirru Fen Fushi Maldives

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has announced the arrival of tennis legend Dominik Hrbaty for an exclusive series of training sessions at their luxurious island retreat in collaboration with LUX Tennis Private Coaching Academy. From 6th August to 14th August 2024, guests at this breathtaking Maldivian resort will have the unique opportunity to train personally with Hrbaty, benefiting from his exceptional skills and expertise in the sport.

Born on April 1, 1978, in Slovakia, Dominik Hrbaty is celebrated worldwide for his illustrious career as a professional tennis player. Throughout his tenure on the ATP tour, Hrbaty achieved a highest singles ranking of 12 and doubles ranking of 14, capturing the hearts of tennis enthusiasts with 6 career singles titles and 2 doubles titles. His remarkable achievements include victories at prestigious tournaments such as San Marino, Prague, Auckland, Adelaide, and Marseille, among others.

“We are honoured to host Dominik Hrbaty at Sirru Fen Fushi,” said Wellness & Recreation Manager, Wilfred Suarez. “His presence underscores our commitment to offering unparalleled experiences that combine wellness, fitness, and the pursuit of excellence. Guests will have the extraordinary opportunity to learn directly from one of tennis’s most esteemed figures in our idyllic island setting.”

Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a haven of luxury and tranquility. The resort’s tennis facilities boast a stunning court set beneath swaying palm trees, complete with floodlights for evening games, ensuring an unforgettable tennis experience day or night.

In addition to personalised training sessions with Hrbaty, guests can indulge in a range of wellness activities, including yoga on the beach, rejuvenating spa treatments, and exquisite culinary offerings featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Hrbaty’s visit aligns seamlessly with the resort’s philosophy of promoting overall well-being and personal improvement. His exceptional career achievements and dedication to the sport make him an ideal mentor for guests looking to enhance their tennis skills while enjoying a world-class vacation.

For more information on Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort and to reserve your exclusive training session with Dominik Hrbaty, please visit www.sirrufenfushi.com or contact our reservations team at reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

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