With Easter fast approaching, idyllic island Amilla Fushi has raised the game for family holidays in the Maldives. The laidback resort will be hosting their first ever football training camp exclusively for kids in partnership with FUTBOLTEC.
The Sydney-based football programme owned by Asian Champions League winner Jason Trifiro and his brother, current Sydney United 58 player Glen Trifiro, is inviting young guests to train and perfect their skills through elite coaching on the island’s very own full-sized pitch.
“Bringing their passion to the Maldives, the extraordinary three-day football camp focuses on teamwork tactics and individual techniques, including dribbling, footwork, passing and receiving,” an announcement by Amilla read.
“At the end of the three days, players will go head to head in a fun-filled match before a crowd of their loyal fans. Each player will be fully kitted with an exclusive training shirt, shorts and socks from premium athletic clothing brand ALPHA Gear to ensure they are fully equipped – and look the part.”
The three-day camp is available just for Easter from March 31 to April 2, and invites all levels of skill from beginners to budding professionals. The Junior Camp welcomes players aged from 5-11 years, while the Senior Camp is open to those aged 12-16 years.
Families staying at nearby fun-loving sister island Finolhu can also be part of the action with complimentary daily speedboat transfers between the resorts.
Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from the main Velana International Airport, Amilla offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestled amongst lush tree tops or huggin the shores of pristine white sand. Additionally, eight spectacular four to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy are also available.
Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop and Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses.
With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club, Amilla is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.
Just 30 minutes by speedboat from sister resort Amilla, Finolhu is a stylish and eclectic retreat with a buzzy bon-vivant vibe and a refreshing, retro-inspired burst of fun for the region. Bringing toes-in-the-sand relaxation to fun-loving beach-erati alongside the best DJs, live acts and most fabulously chic parties in the Maldives. Finolhu’s 125 villas come on the ocean, the lagoon or by the beach, with or without pool in either one or two bedroom options being the ultimate island experience for chic couples, fun-loving families and gatherings of friends alike.
Recently recognised among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, the house reef at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, The Centara Collection (formerly known as Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa), offers an extraordinary experience for divers and snorkelers alike. The South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is renowned for its exceptional diving sites, snorkelling, and marine adventures, and the resort’s house reef only enhances this natural beauty with its rich marine biodiversity, thriving coral gardens, and easy access from the shore.
The Machchafushi house reef is approximately five times larger than the island itself, encircling a breathtaking lagoon. Most of the coral reef lies on a gentle slope, descending to depths of 15 – 20m, where it then flattens out into a sandy seabed. At around 30m from the top of the reef, guests can explore a remarkable shipwreck. This sunken treasure is home to a variety of marine species, including glassfish, stonefish and nurse sharks.
Among the largest coral species found on any house reef, the Machchafushi house reef is home to rare varieties such as Acropora granulosa and Acropora latistella, found exclusively on the wreck. The surrounding coral gardens showcase vibrant Blue Coral and Staghorn Coral, creating a stunning display of marine biodiversity.
Marine life thrives around the house reef, with seven resident Nurse sharks, including three adults, one sub-adult, and three juveniles. White Tip Reef sharks, the most curious of the reef’s sharks, are often seen coming close to snorkelers and divers. Other notable species include
Black Tip sharks, Lemon sharks, Leopard sharks, Guitar sharks, and various rays. The Black Blotched Stingrays, known for their friendly nature despite their large size, are a common sight, especially around feeding areas and the reef’s shallow waters. The barbless male rays are particularly known for their gentle interactions with guests.
Sustainability is at the heart of Machchafushi Island Resort’s philosophy. Coral protection, reef conservation, and restoration projects are continuously rolled out, ensuring that the house reef remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations. Guests are regularly educated about the reef’s delicate ecosystem, its abundant marine life, and the resort’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices.
Sharing his views, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, Francesco Pompilio said, “This honour reflects not only the natural beauty of our house reef, but also the unwavering commitment of our team to its protection and preservation. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we remain dedicated to safeguarding this vibrant marine sanctuary for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and patronage.”
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef, where exceptional diving, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life meet, all set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ unparalleled natural beauty.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a multi-award-winning luxury destination located in the northern Maldives in Haa Alifu Atoll, has unveiled a new addition to its exceptional wellness and recreation amenities: an indoor pickleball court, housed within the newly established Hideaway Pickleball & Badminton Centre.
This latest enhancement further expands the resort’s impressive array of recreational activities, underlining its commitment to health, fitness, and the concept of active luxury living.
The indoor pickleball facility offers rental options for rackets, shoes, and balls, along with the flexibility to book the court either with or without a coach or hitting partner. The court has been professionally surfaced to ensure optimal playing conditions. As a chargeable experience, it guarantees premium quality, privacy, and personalised service.
This new addition complements a wide selection of fitness and recreational facilities already available at the resort, including badminton within a newly renovated, spacious fitness centre, a fully equipped games room with foosball, table tennis, and billiards, and a Fitness Bar serving protein shakes and other wellness beverages. These amenities ensure a wide range of engaging experiences, regardless of weather conditions.
The resort’s full spectrum of sporting and wellness offerings now includes:
Indoor Golf Simulator
Putting Green
Fitness Centre
Water Sports
Games Room
Wellness Studio
Basketball
Football
Beach Volleyball
Floating Aqua Park
Padel
Table Tennis
Pickleball
Badminton
These facilities place Hideaway among the top 5-star luxury resorts in the Maldives, distinguished by one of the most extensive sports offerings in the region.
In addition to its active pursuits, Hideaway also features the tranquil Hideaway Spa, nestled within the island’s lush tropical surroundings. Each spa treatment is designed as a holistic ritual, complemented by natural soundscapes—rustling palms, birdsong, and gentle breezes—to promote deep relaxation and rejuvenation for both body and mind.
Renowned for its 360-degree privacy, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is enveloped in verdant vegetation and offers expansive, well-separated villas. Each villa includes a personal butler to provide tailored service, reflecting the resort’s philosophy that true luxury lies in space and seclusion. Guests can also enjoy immediate access to the island’s double house reef, ideal for snorkelling and marine exploration just steps from the shore.
With its blend of untouched natural beauty, exclusive privacy, and heartfelt Maldivian hospitality, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa continues to redefine luxury in the Maldives—offering exceptional experiences across wellness, adventure, and relaxation for the discerning traveller.
If you’ve ever dreamed of playing your favourite sport with the sound of the ocean in your ears and palm trees swaying overhead, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, may have just made that dream a reality. The resort has unveiled its latest lifestyle-driven feature – the first-ever GZ19 padel tennis courts in the Maldives – and it might just be the most breathtaking setting for a game of padel anywhere in the world.
Nestled on the white sands of SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the award-winning CROSSROADS Maldives integrated destination, the courts are set against a stunning backdrop of turquoise waters, lush coconut palms, and an endless blue sky. Whether you’re a seasoned padel enthusiast or a curious beginner, this idyllic setting adds an unforgettable layer to your sporting experience.
The courts are open to both in-house guests and the local community, aligning with the resort’s vision of promoting wellness and active lifestyles while connecting with the surroundings. It’s not just a facility; it’s an invitation to stay fit, have fun, and soak in the Maldives’ natural beauty in a completely new way.
Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, recently shared his excitement about this new addition, highlighting the group’s commitment to enriching the guest journey through innovative and health-conscious experiences.
“At S Hotels & Resorts, we’re always looking for fresh ways to elevate the guest experience and support wellness through lifestyle-driven offerings,” he noted.
Padel tennis – a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis and squash – has been making waves globally, and now guests at SAii Lagoon can be part of the trend while enjoying world-class views. The addition of the GZ19 courts not only adds a dynamic recreational option for guests but also strengthens the resort’s position as a hub for premium leisure and wellbeing in the Maldives.
Whether you’re smashing volleys at sunset or rallying with friends under the tropical sun, this may just be the most scenic padel match you’ll ever play.
