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No more ‘bored at the beach’ as Kanuhura Maldives reimagines luxury travel as carefree paradise

Those who are tempted by a luxury break in the Maldives and want more from their holiday than a good tan need to take a look at Kanuhura Maldives. In keeping with its “gypset” style [a combination of gypsy and jet-set which describes a lifestyle that blends the vibrant free-spirited life of the gypsy and the speed and opulence of jetsetters] the private-island resort has created over 50 activities, which is in addition to eight restaurants and bars and an active children’s club. All this in a five-star setting and some of the longest and widest beaches in the country.
Designed for guests who want to be free, unconventional and in the moment, activities vary from castaway picnics on deserted islands – Kanuhura has two such islands that are exclusively for the use of its guests – to Maldivian warrior workouts, piloxing and outdoor cinema under the stars. All have been created for the playful guest who demands both luxury and style that matches their bohemian lifestyle and modern sophistication.
Turning convention on its head, activities at Kanuhura have a free-spirited appeal.
For example, every guest has their own bicycle to explore the island, which at 1.4km is one of the largest in the Maldives, while the boxing ring is set on the beach and has an inspiring lagoon view. Two beachfront bars offer a full range of tropical tipples by resident mixologists, but the individualist mix-it-yourself traveller is also welcome to create their own concoctions under a teepee on the beach. World-travelers who want to learn how the locals used to stay fit, can sweat it out during a Maldivian warrior workout inspired by the traditions of the Maldives before the invention of gyms and air-conditioning. In addition to a visit to the gym, tennis or squash courts, those who want to work out in the heart of Mother Nature can enjoy a full body workout by stand-up paddle boarding across the resort’s lagoon or joining the resident personal trainer for an early morning jog around the island. A full range of water sports activities, fishing, snorkelling and diving are on hand for water babies.
At Kanuhura it’s not only about physical exercise; however peaceful moments are a daily option with complimentary meditation and yoga classes led by the resident yogi and a full range of further yoga classes for all levels.
Foodies are well catered for with a choice of eight restaurants and bars around the island. An absolute must-do is a visit to Drift, a café-grill on a deserted island adjoining Kanuhura reached by a five-minute boat ride. Here tables and chairs are adrift on the beach under shady palm trees while hermit crabs, rabbits, hens and their chicks wander through the untamed jungle-like interior of the tiny island. This is a true Robinson Crusoe style escape that’s a million miles from the stresses of everyday life.
Activities at Kanuhura Maldives:
- Castaway picnic on a deserted island
- Two private deserted islands for day visits, snorkelling and exploring
- “Gypset” sunset drinks in teepee on the beach
- Maldivian warrior workout
- Piloxing – (Pilates and boxing)
- Functional fitness classes
- Outdoor cinema under the stars
- Nature walk around the island
- Coconut tree climbing show
- Visit to Kanuhura’s orchid gardens
- Dolphin and manta safaris by speedboat
- Visit to a local Maldivian village to see island life and the turtle sanctuary
- Traditional Maldivian hand line fishing
- Fly fishing
- Big game fishing
- Beach boot camp
- Magical sunset cruise
- Private boat hire
- Jet skis and jet-lev flyer
- Stand up paddle boarding (SUP)
- Windsurfing
- Canoeing
- Wake boarding, mono-skiing and waterskiing
- Catamaran sailing
- Banana boat and fun tubes
- Morning jogging
- Pilates
- Personal fitness training
- Circuit training
- Kick boxing
- Beach boxing
- Beach Zumba
- Aqua fitness
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Swimming in the lagoon
- Snorkelling excursions to coral reefs
- Diving to over 40 incredible dive sites
- Turtle hatching on Kanuhura’s beaches (seasonal)
- Tennis and tennis coaching
- Squash
- Hermit crab racing
- Cooking classes
- Wine tasting sessions with sommelier
- Whisky tasting
- Coffee and chocolate mixology
- Full moon dinner on the beach
- “Dig In” dining on the beach
- Picnics – ‘grab and go’ from The Deli
- Spa; one of the widest choices of treatments in the country
- Sauna, jet and plunge pool, and steam room
- Hair and beauty salon
- Wedding ceremonies
- Indoor game room (pool table, table tennis, table soccer, darts, board games, video games, card games)
- Eating well: eight restaurants and bars
- Kids’ club with daily activities programme
Room rates in December start at USD 866 per night for two adults staying in a Beach Bungalow.
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Nova Maldives, PADI partner for transformative Ocean Adventure Week with India Black this July

This summer, Nova Maldives, the soulful island resort, is proudly partnering with the world’s leading scuba diving organisation, PADI, to host a unique ocean adventure week from 13 to 20 July, in celebration of PADI’s 11th Women’s Dive Day on 19 July 2025.
Nova & PADI’s Transformative Ocean Adventure Week will be co-hosted by PADI AmbassaDiver, conservation advocate, and broadcaster India Black, and PADI Regional Manager for the Maldives Matt Wenger, inviting ocean lovers from around the world to immerse themselves in diving, conservation, and community, while discovering the transformative power of the ocean and promoting sustainable diving practices.
Taking place at Nova’s stunning South Ari Atoll location, this event will feature guided dives, marine conservation workshops, and sustainability-focused training. Guests will have the rare opportunity to explore the protected pristine waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), witness diverse marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks, and deepen their understanding of ethical diving and ocean stewardship.
Leading the way alongside PADI AmbassaDiver India Black is PADI Regional Manager Matt Wenger, who brings nearly three decades of experience as a PADI Pro. Now in his tenth year overseeing PADI’s presence in the Maldives, Matt has played a key role in expanding PADI’s reach across both luxury resorts and emerging local island destinations. His dedication to sustainability and marine conservation aligns closely with PADI’s Three Pillars of Change, ensuring that responsible diving and environmental awareness remain at the heart of this experience. A passionate storyteller and advocate for ocean conservation, India Black has dedicated her career to inspiring people to adventure further, care for themselves, and protect the planet. Having spent time rehabilitating sea turtles in the Whitsundays, paddling 110km across Hawaii’s Alenuihaha Channel, and championing marine protection initiatives worldwide, her connection to the ocean runs deep. For India, the water has always been a place of healing and personal growth, and she hopes this event will encourage others to experience the same. With Matt’s deep expertise in the Maldives diving scene and India’s mission to connect people with the ocean, this event promises to be an inspiring, educational, and immersive week for all participants.
“The ocean has given me so much — peace, perspective, and connection — and I’m so passionate about helping others find that too,” says India Black. “This week is about more than just diving; it’s about learning how we can all play a part in protecting the marine world while building unforgettable memories in it.”
Hosted at Nova’s soulful island resort located in the breathtaking South Ari Atoll, the event offers guests a curated programme of conservation-focused activities, dives, and educational workshops designed to deepen their understanding of ocean protection. With India and Matt’s expertise, throughout the week, guests will experience:
- Manta Quest Snorkelling – Head off in search of majestic manta rays in their natural habitat.
- Whale Shark Snorkelling – Swim alongside the Maldives’ gentle giants in an unforgettable encounter.
- Turtle Quest – Discover the Maldives’ endangered sea turtles while learning about conservation efforts to protect them.
- Ocean Clean-Up Dive – Take hands-on action by removing marine debris from the reef.
- Blue Planet Movie Nights – Unwind under the stars with screenings of BBC’s Blue Planet series, deepening appreciation for the underwater world.
- Marine Conservation Talks & Workshops – Attend presentations on whale shark research, coral conservation, and PADI AWARE’s initiatives[ma1] , exploring sustainable diving and marine protection.
- Women’s Dive Day Celebration – A special PADI Women’s Dive Day event to encourage and empower more women to embrace diving and ocean conservation.
As partners of the MWSRP (The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme) and accredited by Manta Trust as Responsible Manta Tourism Operator Nova is proud to support the conservation of the Maldives’ beautiful gentle giants. At the heart of the event is a commitment to sustainable tourism, ocean conservation, and community connection, values that align closely with India’s own mission. Having built a platform dedicated to encouraging others to adventure further, love themselves better, and protect the planet, India hopes to inspire attendees to see themselves as stewards of the ocean.
“My journey with the ocean has shaped who I am today, and I’ve learned that once you truly connect with the sea, you can’t help but want to protect it,” she says. “I’m so excited to dive alongside Nova’s guests, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully spark that same love for the water in them.”
Nova’s General Manager, Abdulla Aboobakuru, adds: “This event embodies everything we stand for at Nova — community, connection, and sustainability. Partnering with PADI and India Black gives us an incredible opportunity to not only showcase the natural beauty of the Maldives but also inspire guests to become lifelong ocean advocates.”
The Nova x PADI Transformative Ocean Adventure Week from 13 to 20 July 2025 is available to book exclusively through Nova , with limited spots available. Full Board Plus rates start at USD 493/night in a Beach Villa and USD 694/night in a Water Villa (inclusive of tax) based on two adults sharing when booked direct.
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Join football legend Teddy Sheringham at Amilla Maldives

Amilla Maldives has announced that football legend Teddy Sheringham will be returning to the resort this April. From 2nd to 8th April, Sheringham, celebrated for his pivotal role in Manchester United’s treble-winning team, will be inspiring the next generation of footballers with a series of training sessions.
Sheringham, whose 24-year career has cemented him as one of football’s most respected figures, will lead daily sessions from 4:00pm to 6:00pm for young football enthusiasts aged 4 and above. The week-long experience will offer a unique opportunity to train under the guidance of a world-class footballer.
“We are delighted to welcome Teddy back to Amilla Maldives,” said Narelle McDougall, General Manager. “His passion and commitment to inspire young players makes this a truly special event.”
Football fans need no introduction to Sheringham’s remarkable career, and this event promises to be a memorable week of football, camaraderie, and the chance to train with one of the greatest players of his generation.
For reservations, contact reserve@amilla.com.
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Vieri brothers to lead football camp at Siyam World Maldives this April

Calling all parents whose kids spend more time perfecting their goal celebrations than, actually passing the ball! This April 19th to 21st, 2025, Siyam World Maldives is bringing football royalty to the island, as legendary striker Christian Vieri and pro coach Max Vieri host an unforgettable kids football camp. This is not your usual “run drills until your legs give up” training. It’s about skills, fun, friendships, and, let’s be honest, giving parents a little peace and quiet.
This fun-filled camp is designed for kids aged 5 -12 years, and promises to focus on developing real football skills, building new friendships, and soaking in the Maldivian magic. And don’t worry parents, you’ll have some well-deserved time to relax, or at least enjoy a break from being the constant referee.
Christian Vieri, Serie A Golden Boot winner, goal-scoring machine, and all-around football icon has scored over 230 goals for clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, and Atlético Madrid. Now, he’s heading to Siyam World’s pitch to pass on his legendary skills to the next generation.
And because we all know kids listen better to someone other than their parents, his brother, Max Vieri, former pro footballer and expert youth coach, will be on hand to keep them focused on actual training).
Why This Camp is Unmissable:
- Kids train with legends – Hands-on coaching from Christian & Max Vieri.
- Late afternoon sessions – No 5 AM wake-ups, just football under the golden Maldivian sky.
- A holiday for the whole family – Kids play, parents relax (or cheer from a sun lounger).
- It’s football, but fun – No pressure, just unforgettable memories on and off the pitch.
A Mother’s Perspective: It’s More Than Just Football
Jessica Gasper, whose children Preston and Sienna attended the January football camp with Daniel Agger, shares her experience: “I thought my kids would have fun, but I didn’t expect the confidence and friendships they’d come away with. Watching them train with a footballing legend, play on a world-class pitch, and come home each day buzzing with stories, it was priceless. And let’s be honest, having a few hours to myself each afternoon? It was the first time in years my husband and I truly relaxed on vacation. A holiday within a holiday! If you’re thinking about it, just do it, your kids will thank you forever.”
Following in the Footsteps of Football Greats
Siyam World Maldives has a rich legacy of hosting world-class football camps, having featured some of the biggest names in football history, including: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Agger, Esteban Cambiasso and more.
With Christian and Max Vieri now joining this lineup, Siyam World continues to be the ultimate destination for young footballers and their families.
When & Where?
- Where: Siyam World Maldives
- Date: April 19th to 21st, 2025
- Ages: 5-12 years old
- How to Book: Visit Siyam World or email stay@siyamworld.com.
- Limited Spots Available!
- This exclusive football camp is expected to sell out fast.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience combines professional football training with the fun and relaxation of a tropical holiday. Parents, this might be your only chance to watch your kids practice without worrying about shattered living room vases.
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