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W Hotels Launch DJ Lab With Burn

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Maldives Promotion House – W Hotels Worldwide, in collaboration with “burn Studios”, an innovative music platform developed by “burn”, a globally leading energy drink from “The Coca-Cola Company”, recently unveiled the W Hotels and burn studios DJ Lab, a unique approach to supporting rising music talent.

The DJ Lab has been designed to bring together the most exciting new DJ talent from around the globe and provide them with tools, information and mentorship to enhance their skills and help them realize their full potential. W Hotels and burn studios, with support from SAE Institute and Avid pro audio equipment, created this original weeklong program, which will commence at W Barcelona and conclude at the burn studios Hacienda in Ibiza, Spain.  The chosen participants will polish their skills during this DJ “boot camp” in preparation for a global tour hosted by W Hotels in various locations around the world.

“The W Hotels and burn studios DJ Lab is a fantastic initiative for training and mentoring emerging DJs,” Global Brand Leader of W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien, Eva Ziegler said.  “With programs such as the W Hotels Designers of the Future Award and W’s Fashion Next program, and now the DJ Lab, we are able to identify and support rising stars in design, fashion and music, providing them with a global platform to showcase what’s new and next around the world.”

W Hotels Global Music Director Michaelangelo L’Acqua along with burn studios asked six promising DJs to join them for the first-ever DJ Lab experience. Building upon the W Hotels mission of music discovery of “what’s new and next”, the DJ Lab will enroll six rising talents who embrace and embody these ideals.  Hailing from key international cities across the globe, the selected DJs are:

DJ Angus Wong of Hong Kong

Lincoln Madley of New York, also known as DJ Bouji

Miaou Mix, comprised of Noemi Sunshine Ferst and Judith Dju (Tête d’Affiche, Paris)

Stopmakingme of London, also known as Daniel Avery

Eiko of Tokyo

“W Hotels is getting ahead of the curve by selecting and mentoring these rising DJs,” Michaelangelo L’Acqua said, “We are thrilled to be giving these cutting-edge artists a platform to perfect their craft at the burn studios Hacienda and later expose them to what is sure to be their future fan base through our upcoming DJ Lab Global Tour at the most iconic W destinations around the world.”

The up-and-coming DJs will convene this week in Ibiza for a DJ “boot camp”, where they will be mentored by the Master Tutors, including Arthur Baker, Jason Bentley and Michaelangelo L’Acqua.  Beyond the classroom, DJs will be charged with spinning for various events, including a sunset cruise on a catamaran, where nightlife gurus from Eclipse (Ignite Group) will create their signature martini and burn cocktails. To cap off the weekend, the DJs will participate in a W Happening at La Plage, one of Ibiza’s best beach clubs, and spin alongside their mentors.

The DJ Lab Global Tour at W Hotels will commence as soon as the DJs complete their “Master Class” sessions and workshops at the burn studios Hacienda.  On this worldwide tour, crisscrossing the globe, these DJs will spin at W Happenings and other sought-after events, providing a fresh soundtrack for W Hotels guests and music fans alike. The global tour will include exclusive events at W Hotels, including New York, Miami, Hollywood, London, Barcelona, Istanbul, Doha, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Maldives, Bali, Koh Samui, and Vieques.

To fully provide a global platform for exposure, W Hotels will also feature exclusive mixes created by this group in the DJ Lab at the burn studios Hacienda on the music tab of the recently launched W Hotels iPhone application. This app features an integrated music platform with exclusive and thoughtfully curated playlists in addition to the app’s Insider tips, access to W The Store, and social media channels for all W Hotels.  The DJ Lab mixes will also be available through MIX.dj, a DJ community and database available online and via mobile devices.

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Go behind scenes at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives with new immersive tour

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At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, the allure of turquoise waters and golden sunsets is only part of the journey. As part of its Week in Paradise initiative, they have introduced a rare and eye-opening experience that takes guests behind the scenes—offering a deeper appreciation for what it truly takes to keep island life thriving.

Titled the Explore Our Resort Tour, this guided walkthrough is designed to go beyond the beach, spotlighting the systems, spaces, and people that quietly power of its island. It’s an invitation to witness the inner workings of paradise, where sustainability, efficiency, and teamwork come together in perfect harmony.

The tour begins at their Eco Park, where guests learn about our waste management operations—specifically the incinerator and digestor systems that play a critical role in reducing the resort’s environmental impact. From there, they visit the sewage treatment plant, where water is processed responsibly to maintain a clean and eco-conscious environment.

A stop at the diesel tanks and generator systems offers insight into the island’s energy supply, revealing how carefully calibrated operations ensure uninterrupted comfort for guests and colleagues alike. The RO (reverse osmosis) plant—another key highlight—demonstrates how seawater is converted into fresh, usable water through advanced desalination technology.

Guests also visit the laundry facilities, where mountains of linen are refreshed daily, and the often unseen administrative offices and associate accommodation units, which form the backbone of daily resort life. It’s a behind-the-curtain view of the dedication and effort that go into creating the effortless luxury that defines the Cinnamon experience.

More than just an operational tour, Explore Our Resort is about storytelling. It’s about giving guests a richer understanding of the care, coordination, and innovation that support each moment of their stay—from the spotless sheets to the lights that twinkle across the lagoon at night.

By launching this initiative, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives invites travellers to connect with the island on a deeper level—not just as guests, but as curious explorers of the world that quietly exists beyond the beach.

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Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

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Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.

This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:

  • 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
  • 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
  • 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.

These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.

Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.

This immersive day features:

  • Guided dives to the shipwreck
  • Underwater treasure hunts
  • Marine conservation talks
  • Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals

The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.

Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.

  • 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
  • 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
  • 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.

The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.

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COMO Maalifushi and Cocoa Island join global tribute to women divers on 10th PADI Dive Day

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In celebration of the 10th anniversary of PADI Women’s Dive Day, COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island will host dedicated dive experiences in tribute to the passion, resilience, and adventurous spirit of women divers worldwide. Scheduled for Saturday, 19 July 2025, this global initiative brings together divers in a united effort to increase female participation in scuba diving, while also promoting marine conservation and inclusivity beneath the waves.

On this date, both COMO properties in the Maldives will organise specially guided dives exclusively for certified female guests. These experiences offer participants the chance to explore the region’s thriving marine ecosystems and connect with a broader movement that champions gender inclusivity and environmental stewardship in the diving community.

Situated in the unspoilt waters of the Maldives, COMO Maalifushi provides access to a range of renowned dive sites, including coral gardens and manta ray cleaning stations. These underwater landscapes are ideal for divers seeking meaningful interactions with marine life in a setting of natural splendour.

Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives, commented, “At COMO, we are committed to empowering women not only on land but also beneath the surface of the ocean. PADI Women’s Dive Day gives us a platform to honour values such as inclusivity, passion, and marine conservation — all of which resonate strongly with our brand ethos. We are proud to create experiences that allow our guests to forge lasting connections with the natural world in transformative and memorable ways.”

At COMO Cocoa Island, participants can expect similarly enriching experiences, with access to gentle reef slopes, crystal-clear lagoons, and a diversity of marine life. Supported by expert marine guides, the dives are designed to be both empowering and educational, fostering a deeper appreciation of the ocean’s delicate balance.

First launched in 2015, PADI Women’s Dive Day has grown into the world’s largest celebration of women in diving. This year, both COMO resorts aim to inspire a new wave of female divers while reinforcing the importance of sustainability and unity beneath the surface.

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