Vakkaru Maldives is thrilled to announce the return of former World No.1 men’s doubles tennis player Mate Pavic to the luxurious island paradise. For the second time, from 9 to 11 November, Mate Pavic will be offering the resort’s guests the extraordinary opportunity to partake in an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime tennis experience.

The Croatian tennis sensation has left an indelible mark on the world of professional tennis as a former world No. 1 in doubles. He has consistently showcased his remarkable talent on the court with an impressive record of six Grand Slam championships, including triumphs at the 2018 Australian Open alongside Oliver Marach and the 2020 US Open with Bruno Soares. In 2021, he teamed up with Nikola Mektić to win the doubles title at the Wimbledon Championships and an Olympic gold medal. Most recently, he won the mixed doubles title at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships with Lyudmyla Kichenok.

From 9 to 10 November 2023, Pavic will hold one exclusive tennis clinic per day for a few lucky guests who will get the rare opportunity to play and learn from the best. Additionally, Pavic will play one exhibition match against the resort’s resident coach, Miha Plesnik, on 11 November.

This second collaboration with Mate Pavic reaffirms Vakkaru’s position as one of the best destinations in the Maldives for guests looking for a world-class tennis experience. Since 2020, the resort has elevated its guest experiences with an intensive tennis programme in partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis – founded by former World No. 8 tennis player Janko Tipsarevic. The resort’s cobalt -blue courts were recently refurbished and resurfaced by the same company responsible for the Australian Open tennis courts and other international-level courts worldwide.

During his stay at the island resort, Pavic will bask in a luxurious villa with panoramic ocean views and a private infinity pool. He will also enjoy top-tier amenities and the renowned Vakkaru hospitality that the island is celebrated for, including various wellness treatments at the Merana Spa, exquisite dining options, and a chance to explore the marine wonders of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Award-winning luxury resort Vakkaru Maldives has announced the arrival of Navneet Verma, as its new wellness team leader.

Navneet is a certified yoga instructor and has a Master’s degree in Yoga and Science of Living from Jain Vishva Bharati Institute in India. He also has a post-graduate Diploma in Yoga from Kaivalyadhama, India, one of the oldest pioneering yoga institutes in the world. Additionally, he has various certifications in food and nutrition, Western spa massages, fitness training, aerial yoga, Ayurvedic massage, Yin yoga and sound healing.

With Navneet’s arrival, guests at the resort can immerse themselves in a unique blend of holistic activities. From the ethereal tones of Crystal Singing Bowl and Sound Bath Meditation to the soulful rhythms of Mantra Chanting Sessions, every experience promises serenity. Younger guests will find joy in specially curated Kids’ Yoga sessions.

Fitness enthusiasts can partake in an array of sessions, such as Island Runs with Navneet, Super Stretch Sessions, and invigorating Beach Workouts.

Those seeking a one-of-a-kind celestial experience will find solace in the monthly Full Moon Yoga combined with Crystal Singing Bowl Meditation.

For guests aiming for a more personalised touch, Navneet will craft customised wellness programmes to meet individual preferences and requirements.

Navneet is passionate about helping guests achieve their wellness goals and creating a truly holistic experience. He is also committed to providing guests with a fun way to get fit and healthy.

“I am excited to join the team at Vakkaru and to share my passion for wellness with guests from all over the world. I believe that wellness is not just about physical fitness, but also about mental and emotional well-being,” he says.

Luxury resort group, Coco Collection, is hiring for the role of Beach.

The successful applicant will spend 10 nights on the picturesque shores of the island of Coco Bodu Hithi, with minimal responsibilities and a whole host of employment benefits available to them.

From Barbie’s Malibu Beach to Beach in the Maldives. Coco Collection – the luxury resort group– has announced they are hiring for the role of Beach, to give one lucky fan who has had Kenough of the Real World the chance to spend 10 nights living Ken’s job of the last 60 years. The first role of its kind outside Barbie Land is now available to apply for via www.cococollection.com/en/coco/hes_just_ken  

The successful candidate will be flown out to the breathtaking Coco Bodu Hithi resort, where they will take up the role of Beach for 10 days out from reality, while the Real World Kentinues on without them. Located in North Malé Atoll, Coco Bodu Hithi offers picture perfect white sandy beaches, not to be Kenfused with your average coastline. With the island boasting beautiful shorelines the entire way around, the winner can quite literally Beach on whatever side of the beach they want to Beach on.

Like all job applications, prospective candidates must meet the below criteria:  

• Ability to stand proudly in the sand 
• Spend endless hours staring out over the Indian Ocean 
• Keep track of the morning waves
• Empty their head of all thoughts
• Have their rollerblades with them at all times (though good luck using them on the sandy beaches of the island…)
• Be comfortable performing a moody solo musical number and/or group dance sequence
• Proficient at guitar
• Know the words to “Push” by Matchbox Twenty by heart
• Have at least two pairs of sunglasses at all times
• Hold and lean on a surfboard
• Have 60 years experience as Beach (preferred but not essential) 

The role excludes:

• Any Real World stress or actual work
• Lifeguard responsibilities
• Surfing dangerous waves
• Any of the sort of spirituality that comes with surfing
• Horses… or the patriarchy
• Medical training
• Beach-offs (strictly due to health & safety reasons)

Job benefits:

• Your own Dream Beach House – or shall we say Mojo Dojo Casa House – located conveniently on a beach 
• Guaranteed tan (perfect hair at Beach’s discretion)
• No official uniform but access to a wardrobe of stylish accessories 
• No actual responsibilities
• Perfect weather, all the time
• Unlimited time to socialise
• 10 nights stay at Coco Bodu Hithi for Beach plus a partner or Allan of their choosing
• Return economy flights from UK to Malé & resort transfers
• Full board meal plan at a select resort restaurant 
• One massage each at the Coco Spa (as Beach is tiring work) 

Coco Collection’s Director of Marketing, Shafa Shabeer says “Beach is one of the most important jobs in the Maldives and at Coco Bodu Hithi, we have a lot of Beach. We look forward to seeing the Kenergy that entrants bring to their applications, and can’t wait to welcome the successful Beach candidate to Coco Bodu Hithi!” Applicants do not need to have previous experience, but they must be a registered UK resident over the age of 18 years, and have serious Kenergy, whether they are a Barbie, Ken or Allan. Prospective Beach goers will need to submit 150 words explaining why they are Kenough for the role. Applications are open now on www.cococollection.com/en/coco/hes_just_ken and will close at 4pm (MVT) on 31st August 2023. Coco Collection will select the winner by 30th September 2023.