Featured
Maldives ranks second for most popular Zoom background destinations
Holiday-style Zoom backgrounds have soared in popularity, with Google Trends data showing a 9,900 per cent increase in searches. And it turns out Maldivian scenery is the second most popular!
UK-based travel company Kuoni has crunched the numbers to find out where video call users are going on their ‘virtual holidays’, revealing the Caribbean as the top spot, followed by a tie between the Maldives and Australia.
Here are the most popular Zoom backgrounds, according to Kuoni:
- Caribbean: +9,900 per cent
- Maldives and Australia: +9,800 per cent
- Vietnam, New Zealand and Sweden: +9,700 per cent
- Philippines: +8,800 per cent
- Canada and Brazil: +8,500 per cent
- The US: +8,100 per cent
- Ireland +7,200 per cent
- India +6,500 per cent
- Portugal +5,000 per cent
- Spain +4,900 per cent
As for holiday types, safari was the most popular, followed by mountain, cityscape, beach and waterfall.
Here are the top 10 by landscape:
- Safari: +9,900 per cent
- Mountain: +9,800 per cent
- Cityscape: +8,100 per cent
- Beach: +7,800 per cent
- Waterfall: +6,600 per cent
- Sea: +6,400 per cent
- Rainforest: +5,000 per cent
- Field: +4,000 per cent
- Desert: +3,200 per cent
- Lake: +1,500 per cent
Kuoni has also provided a set of 14 images and videos to be used as Zoom backgrounds to reflect some of their most popular destinations. You can download them here.
If you are looking to transport yourself from your bedroom to a powder soft white sand beach in the Maldives and your living room to one of its turquoise lagoons, check out these free Zoom backgrounds by Maldivian hotel group Coco Collection.
Zoom has risen in popularity as a go-to platform for video conference calls, get-togethers and celebrations during the current coronavirus pandemic. One advanced (free) setting of the app allows users to disguise their backgrounds to something else entirely.
How to upload a Zoom background
Once you’ve downloaded a background, follow these simple steps:
- Download the Zoom app for Mac or Windows
- Open the app and sign in
- In the upper right corner, click your profile picture and then click on ‘Settings’
- In the left menu, click ‘Virtual Background’ (if you don’t see this, log in to the Zoom website, go to ‘Settings’ and toggle on ‘Virtual Background’)
- In the ‘Virtual Background’ menu, click the (+) icon
- Select and upload your chosen background
- For best results, make sure you have a plain background behind you such as a wall.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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