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JA Manafaru Maldives appoints Karen Merrick as General Manager

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JA Resorts & Hotels has appointed Scottish national Karen Merrick to take over the operation of its multi award-winning private island resort in Maldives, JA Manafaru.

Karen is the second female General Manager in the JA Resorts & Hotels’ portfolio of eight properties, and currently one of few female General Managers in the Maldives.

She joins the JA Manafaru team to maintain the island’s longstanding popularity with international guests and to communicate the unique soul of the island with her innate understanding of Maldivian culture and heritage.

This will be Karen’s fifth leadership role in the Maldives, having previously served at iconic Maldivian resorts such as Soneva Fushi, LUX* South Ari Atoll, The Rania Experience, and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. She also has a personal connection to the area with a home on the southernmost atoll of Addu with her Maldivian husband Alim.

Karen’s career spans 30 years across a variety of boutique hotels in the Indian Ocean and Europe.

Prior to joining JA Resorts & Hotels, Karen has spent the last three years running the Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia. Her previous tenures include The Taaras Resort & Spa in Malaysia, Kemang Icon by Alila in Indonesia, and Ackergill Tower in Scotland.

At JA Manafaru, Karen will be leading a team of 350 associates in the idyllic five-star luxury island resort. Her aim is to bring the Maldivian culture to life on the island and ensure that guests experience both seamless five-star service whilst also enjoying the freedom to roam as an explorer on the raw, remote beauty of the island.

Fringed with exquisite powder beaches in pristine, lagoon ringed Haa Alifu Atoll, at the northern tip of the Maldives, the chic tropical hideaway features 84 luxurious beachfront and overwater villas and bungalows, each with their own private plunge pool.

Seven scenic dining destinations provide a culinary journey with traditional Indian Ocean cuisine, international fare and seafood feasts. China’s most renowned chef, Da Dong, brings his Michelin acclaim to White Orchid Asian restaurant with a collaborative menu launched in 2019.

World-class recreational facilities include Calm Spa, a fully equipped dive, water sports and excursion centre, plus a Marine Research Centre to conserve local ecology.

JA Manafaru is one of the Indian Ocean’s most sought-after holiday destinations and a popular choice for both couples and families. ‘Legend’ hotels by Preferred Hotels & Resorts are the ultimate collection of extraordinary properties in the world’s most remarkable destinations and JA Manafaru is the only property selected in the Maldives.

At the 2019 World Travel Awards, JA Manafaru was named as ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2019’, the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite 2019’ and ‘Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite 2019’. With a five-star rating on Trip Advisor, JA Manafaru was also selected for a Travellers Choice Award in 2019.

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Siyam World welcomes Javier Saviola for youth football extravaganza

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Siyam World Maldives is inviting young football enthusiasts to take part in an extraordinary experience with Argentine football legend Javier Saviola. From April 24th to 28th, 2025, aspiring players aged 5 to 12 will have the unique opportunity to train with the former FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Argentina national team star in an action-packed Football Camp at the resort’s FIFA-sized stadium.

Following in the footsteps of football icons such as Alessandro Del Piero, Esteban “Cuchu” Cambiasso, Carles Puyol, Marco Materazzi, Robert Pirès, Rio Ferdinand, and Pepe Reina, this five-day camp promises intensive coaching sessions, interactive drills, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with Saviola. The camp will take place daily from 16:30 to 18:00, providing young players with a rare chance to refine their skills under the mentorship of a world-class footballer. With limited spots available, early reservations are strongly recommended.

Javier Saviola, a retired Argentine footballer, is renowned for his exceptional dribbling and goal-scoring abilities. His career highlights include league titles with Barcelona and Benfica, a UEFA Europa League victory with Sevilla, and an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2004. Additionally, he was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1999 at just 18 years old.

Siyam World is already recognised for redefining island escapism, and its commitment to delivering remarkable sporting experiences is no exception. Whether hosting high-energy football camps or curating a lineup of world-class events, the resort continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and luxury in the Maldives.

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Echoes of tradition: timeless rhythm of Boduberu at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

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Steeped in history and rhythm, the Boduberu drummers have echoed for centuries, carrying with them stories of seafarers, islanders, and a culture deeply connected to the ocean. Among the drummers at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is Naseem, whose grandfather was a renowned Boduberu performer in his home island of Lhaviyani Atoll. As a child, Hassan would sit by the beach, mesmerised by the powerful drumbeats that seemed to summon the sea breeze itself. His grandfather would recount a time when Boduberu was not merely music but a tradition passed down through generations, binding communities through song, dance, and shared history.

Boduberu, meaning “big drums” in Dhivehi, originated as a form of communal entertainment where islanders gathered to celebrate, sing, and dance in unison. Over time, it evolved into a cherished national art form, performed during festivals, ceremonies, and as a warm welcome to visitors. The music is driven by the deep, resonant beats of large drums, accompanied by rhythmic clapping, powerful chanting, and synchronised movements. As the tempo builds, the energy becomes infectious, culminating in an exhilarating crescendo where dancers lose themselves in the rhythm, embodying the true spirit of the Maldives.

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Boduberu remains a living tradition, offering an invitation to step into the heartbeat of Maldivian culture. Whether performed under the starlit sky by the ocean or woven into intimate celebrations, each performance brings authenticity and excitement, creating a profound connection between guests and the island way of life. Recently, a couple celebrating a birthday at the resort received a heartfelt surprise when the resort’s team arrived with a beautifully crafted cake, accompanied by the powerful beats of Naseem and his fellow drummers. The rhythmic melodies filled the air as staff and performers joined together to sing in Dhivehi, transforming the occasion into an experience far beyond an ordinary birthday celebration.

For Naseem, every performance serves as a tribute to his grandfather, preserving the stories, songs, and rhythms of his ancestors. For the guests of Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Boduberu is more than just entertainment; it is an invitation to experience the Maldives as it has been for generations—alive with music, tradition, and the enduring spirit of its people.

Guests can now enjoy exclusive benefits through Cinnamon DISCOVERY, the brand’s loyalty program in collaboration with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), which connects them to a portfolio of over 800 hotels across 40 brands in 100 countries. As the first Sri Lankan hospitality brand to join GHA DISCOVERY, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers members meaningful rewards, personalised experiences, and access to exceptional stays at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.

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Love, adventure, and island magic at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Valentine’s extravaganza

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This Valentine’s Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will once again serve as the backdrop for an unforgettable celebration of love and harmony with the second season of Paradise Pulse: Hearts in Harmony. From February 12 to 17, 2025, the resort will welcome couples to experience a week-long celebration filled with romance, unforgettable moments, and special experiences designed to make Valentine’s Week truly memorable.

Each day at the resort will begin with intimate culinary delights available for pre-booking, including a dreamy ‘Breakfast in Bed’ and a ‘Romantic Lagoon Mimosa Breakfast,’ allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking sunrises. As the evening unfolds, love will take centre stage with exclusive dining experiences, such as a private ‘Sandbank Dinner’ under a starlit sky, a sophisticated ‘Wine Lover’s Dinner’ with curated pairings, or a relaxed ‘Lovers’ Feast and Beach BBQ.’

This year, Paradise Pulse will enhance the Valentine’s Day experience with a fusion of electronic dance music and sensual belly dancing, building upon the success of the previous year. Throughout the week, world-class entertainment will elevate the romantic atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Celebrated Trance music artist and producer from the UK, DJ Chris Metcalfe, will return to the Maldives, setting the mood with his electrifying beats. Additionally, Brazilian belly dancer Lurdiana Tejas—an internet sensation with 2.5 million followers—will captivate audiences with her enchanting performances, adding an exotic flair to the celebration.

Guests will have the opportunity to celebrate love in an extraordinary way with specially curated Valentine’s experiences. These exclusive offerings will be available for an additional charge, ensuring a truly memorable celebration in paradise. Adventurous couples can embark on thrilling ocean excursions, explore the rich Maldivian marine world, or participate in the extraordinary Whale Shark Mission, providing a rare chance to swim alongside these gentle giants. The excitement can be further elevated with a Jet Car ride, complete with stunning aerial captures, or a romantic Floating Love Experience, allowing couples to drift into serenity together.

For those seeking relaxation, the resort’s award-winning spa will offer couples an opportunity to reconnect and rejuvenate. The ‘You & Me’ experience, an 80-minute synchronised massage designed for ultimate relaxation, and the ‘Be My Valentine’ treatment, a luxurious 105-minute full-body pampering ritual, will provide indulgent moments of tranquility.

Live music and DJ nights at Lagoon Bar and The Bar will set a romantic tone, complemented by dazzling Belly Dance and Fire Show performances. The Retro and White Party will invite guests to dance under the Maldivian sky, while themed games, scavenger hunts, and couple’s challenges will present playful opportunities to celebrate love.

To make the occasion even more special, Sun Siyam Olhuveli will offer a curated Valentine’s Gift Pack, allowing guests to surprise their significant others with thoughtful keepsakes that capture the essence of romance.

With its breathtaking beauty, immersive experiences, and unparalleled luxury, Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Valentine’s Week Celebration promises couples an extraordinary escape filled with love, adventure, and island magic.

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