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Smashing time with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis at Vakkaru Maldives

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Though holidaymakers the world over dream of visiting the Maldives, they have rarely ventured to the island nation in pursuit of tennis.

Still, for some time now, guests at Vakkaru Maldives in the idyllic Baa Atoll have been supplementing spa visits and snorkelling excursions with matches on the resort’s two cobalt blue courts.

Those sessions are now set to become far more intensive, with the arrival of Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis.

Founded by former World No. 8 tennis player Janko Tipsarevic, Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis at Vakkaru will see some of the world’s most accomplished tennis professionals visit the resort for short-term residences. It means guests will have the opportunity to attend tennis clinics and tutorials led by some of the world’s best players — and if they are brave, they can even try their hand in a game against them.

Still heavily engaged with the highest echelons of tennis, Janko will introduce a range of eminent athletes to Vakkaru over the months to come.

To kick things off, he will oversee sessions at the resort himself from November 10-24. During this tenure, he will be joined by Germany’s Rainer Schuettler, formerly ranked as the world’s No. 5 tennis player, from November 12-21, and Germany’s Angelique Kerber, a former world No. 1 and winner of three Grand Slam tournaments, from November 11-21.

Subsequent sessions will feature the likes of Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, currently ranked No. 12 in the world, and Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic.

“Alongside the entire Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis team, I am extremely excited to partner with Vakkaru Maldives. Our shared goal is to completely enhance the tennis experience on offer in the country. Whatever their ability, every participant who takes part in our programmes will experience a whole new way of playing tennis,” Janko said.

“For lovers of the game, competing with globally renowned players on Vakkaru’s brilliantly blue courts while surrounded by all the beauty of the Maldives promises to be a holiday experience like no other.”

Avid tennis fans need not worry if their visit does not coincide with an internationally recognised tennis legend’s tenancy.

To celebrate Vakkaru’s partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis and in recognition of the resort’s new hospitality concept Vakkare, which places the concept of physical, mental and emotional care at the core of all that Vakkaru provides, Serbian tennis pro Barbara Bonic has just joined the wellness team as Vakkaru’s resident tennis coach. She will happily lead training sessions for guests of all levels year-round, whether they want to get to grips with the basics or are keen for a vigorous game against a formidable opponent.

“I am excited to announce that our amazing tennis facility will be occupied by Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis,” Vakkaru Maldives General Manager Iain McCormack, who is a lifelong tennis fan and is happy to compete with guests on the court, said.

“We have partnered with Janko Tipsarevic and introduced our very own resident ATP player-coach to provide the highest level of tennis offerings in the Maldives, and we are looking forward to welcoming the many international players who will hit the court with our guests throughout the year. If you want a smashing time there is only one place to be!”

With Vakkaru’s tennis courts accessible from 6am to 8pm, guests will have complete flexibility to play at a time that suits them — be it a sunrise bout or a late-night session under the glow of floodlights.

Private sessions for adults cost from $120++ for one hour or $180++ for two hours, while five-hour packages and 10-hour packages to be used throughout a tenancy cost $440++ and $660++ respectively.

For children aged below 12 years old, one-hour sessions cost $95++ while two-hour sessions cost £160++. Five-hour packages cost $380 and 10-hour packages cost $570.

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Emerald Maldives hosts tennis masterclasses with Filippo Volandr

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Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, a distinguished 5-star deluxe property and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced a collaboration with Filippo Volandri, the esteemed coach of the Italian National Tennis Team.

From February 21 to 28, 2025, Volandri will conduct six exclusive tennis masterclasses, designed to cater to both children and adults seeking to improve their skills on the court.

As the coach behind Italy’s 2024 Davis Cup victory and a key figure in the Italian national tennis team, Volandri brings extensive expertise and a passion for the sport. Known for his strategic approach and ability to inspire players of all levels, he offers a coaching experience that is both insightful and engaging.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to enhance their tennis abilities under Volandri’s tailored guidance. Whether seasoned players or newcomers to the sport, attendees will benefit from expert insights into technique, strategy, and gameplay. These sessions will take place at the resort’s world-class tennis facilities, set against the serene backdrop of the Maldives, creating an unforgettable environment for skill development.

Rohit Chhettri, General Manager of Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The collaboration with Filippo Volandri provides our guests with an extraordinary opportunity to learn from one of tennis’s finest coaches while enjoying the unmatched luxury and natural beauty of our resort.”

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Family fun meets Premier League coaching: Kuramathi and Campioni experience

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Families seeking the ultimate summer escape in 2025 will find the perfect destination with Kuramathi and Campioni. These two exceptional partners offer a holiday experience where children can combine their love for football with the thrill of training alongside former Premier League players and UEFA coaches at breathtaking resorts. The exclusive Campioni football training camps cater to children aged 4-15 years, running across two weeks with three football legends. Liverpool and England star John Barnes MBE, accompanied by a UEFA coach, will lead sessions from July 28th to August 1st. Meanwhile, England icons Harry Redknapp and Stuart Pearce MBE will join from August 4th to August 8th, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for budding young footballers.

Campioni’s ethos, “Train Like A Pro,” offers a unique chance for children to be coached for two hours daily by some of English football’s most celebrated figures. These interactive and engaging sessions focus on fundamental skills while emphasising teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. With personalised guidance provided throughout, participants gain invaluable insights from the experts and create unforgettable memories.

While children hone their skills on the pitch, parents are free to unwind in a variety of ways. They can relax on the beach, explore the island, work out in the gym, visit the spa, or simply enjoy the vibrant energy of the training sessions from the sidelines.

The Campioni experience extends beyond football. Families are invited to participate in additional activities, such as welcome drinks at the start of the week, a mid-week parents’ game featuring the football legends, and an end-of-week medal and certificate presentation. These events ensure everyone in the family enjoys a dynamic and engaging holiday.

Kuramathi, a renowned Maldivian resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for this unique experience. Famous for its winding white sandbank and tropical jungle spanning the 1.8km island, the resort features 12 room categories, 12 restaurants, 6 bars, evening entertainment, and an array of facilities. Options range from one-bedroom Beach Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Houses to overwater villas perched above the island’s turquoise lagoon, making it a perfect choice for families.

Off the field, Kuramathi’s complimentary Bageecha Kids’ Club caters to children aged 3-12 years with indoor and outdoor play areas, arts and crafts, splash pads, and a large swimming pool. Activities for older children include badminton, football, ping pong, baseball, and basketball. For couples seeking a romantic evening, extended kids’ club hours are available at an additional charge, alongside 24-hour babysitting for younger children.

The resort also offers unique environmental activities, such as eco-centre presentations, hermit crab trails, tree planting, and visits to hydroponics gardens, encouraging younger guests to learn about sustainable practices.

For adventurous families, Kuramathi provides a fully equipped dive school with multilingual instructors who guide participants through PADI and SSI courses, including options for children as young as eight. Guests can also explore the ocean through snorkelling safaris, turtle discovery trips, dolphin excursions, and semi-submarine tours. Water sports such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and catamaran lessons are available for children aged 12 and above.

While children are occupied, parents can relax at the spa or enjoy evening cocktails at the Champagne Loft or pool bars. Dining options include international cuisine at the buffet restaurant and specialty venues like The Reef, La Belle Vie, and Siam Garden. Nightlife on the island is vibrant, with live music, beachside movie nights, DJ performances, and more.

Kuramathi and Campioni promise a summer holiday filled with excitement, learning, and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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Naomi Cavaday hosts exclusive tennis camp at JA Manafaru

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Tennis enthusiasts of all levels are encouraged to participate in an engaging five-day tennis camp hosted by former British tennis star Naomi Cavaday, as part of JA Manafaru’s ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’

From January 1st to 5th, 2025, Naomi Cavaday will provide expert coaching to both adults and children at the resort’s tennis court from 4 to 5 pm daily. With a career that includes competing at Wimbledon and in all four Grand Slam tournaments, Naomi offers players a unique opportunity to receive personalised guidance from a former WTA professional. Whether participants are beginners or advanced players aiming to refine their skills, her competitive spirit and passion for coaching promise to elevate their performance.

The tennis camp aims to deliver an inspiring and dynamic experience for all participants, offering a chance to learn from Naomi’s extensive expertise. Guests will benefit from high-quality coaching and gain valuable insights into the sport, all within a supportive and enjoyable environment.

Jason Kruse, General Manager at JA Manafaru, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Naomi Cavaday to host our tennis camp as part of our ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’ Her vast experience and genuine love for the game will undoubtedly inspire guests of all ages, helping them improve their skills and enjoy a memorable tennis experience during their stay.”

Naomi Cavaday, a former British tennis player, turned professional in 2006 and competed in WTA events and all four Grand Slam tournaments. She represented Great Britain as the number one player in the Billie Jean King Cup and has achieved significant victories, including matches against top players such as Venus Williams and Martina Hingis. Beyond her playing career, Naomi is a respected commentator for Sky, Eurosport, and the BBC, where she shares her expertise with global audiences. As a coach, she is dedicated to mentoring and developing new generations of tennis players.

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