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Winners’ welcome: Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis launch brings world’s best tennis players to Vakkaru Maldives
The Maldives has never been associated with world-class tennis, until now!
In the idyllic Baa Atoll, Vakkaru Maldives’ partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis was launched on the resort’s cobalt-blue courts on November 16; it will see some of the world’s top players lead tennis clinics and tutorials exclusively for guests of the luxury resort.
Indicative of the calibre of the player set to appear at Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis (TLT) sessions at Vakkaru in future, the inaugural TLT training programme runs until November 21 and features residencies from former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber, former World No. 5 Rainer Schuettler, and TLT founder Janko Tipsarevic, himself a former World No. 8.

The short-term residencies give exclusive opportunities for guests to have one-to-one sessions with the tennis pros while staying at Vakkaru.
What’s more, visitors to Vakkaru will find the property’s facilities more than meet their playing requirements — a three-time Grand Slam tournament winner, Angelique Kerber has been using the resort’s sports fields and wellness amenities to train for the 2021 Australian Open, taking place in Melbourne in January.

Alongside these players, Vakkaru Maldives’ owner, Vice Chairman of Travco Group, Karim El Chiaty, and his wife, Ana Beatriz Barros, as well as the resort’s General Manager Iain McCormack attended the launch event.
Serbian tennis pro Barbara Bonic, who has just joined the Vakkaru team on a full-time basis as a resident tennis coach and Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis ambassador, was also present at the event.
A tightly fought exhibition match, with Janko and Rainer taking on Angelique and Barbara, provided a thrilling highlight to the day’s proceedings.

TLT’s high-profile debut at Vakkaru will be followed in fast, and fine, fashion by a short-term residency from Canadian tennis pro Denis Shapovalov, currently ranked 12th in the world.
The youngest player to crack the top 30 since 2005, Shapovalov’s career-high ATP singles ranking is No. 10 in the world. He will lead an exclusive tennis clinic for Vakkaru guests from November 22 to the end of the month.
Janko Tipsarevic is committed to ensuring Vakkaru’s guests can enjoy competitive tennis games beyond compare in the Maldives, be they with a world-renowned player making a fleeting visit or against Barbara Bonic throughout the year.
“Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis is dedicated to bringing the world’s best players to train with holidaymakers in some of the world’s most beautiful places, and we are thrilled to partner with Vakkaru Maldives,” Janko said.
“Whether trying their hands against a world-renowned athlete hosting a short-term residency or competing against our exceptionally skilled resident coach Barbara Bonic, guests of all abilities can expect a standard of training that surpasses anything else on offer in the Maldives.”

The launch follows the introduction of Vakkaru’s new hospitality concept Vakkare, which places the concept of physical, mental and emotional care at the core of all that Vakkaru provides.
“We are honoured to welcome some of the world’s best tennis players to our private-island home and know that our guests will relish the chance to play against such esteemed athletes,” General Manager Iain McCormack said.
“With our overwater spa and gym, the beauty of Baa Atoll and all of our world-class amenities at their full disposal, opportunities for post-match relaxation and recovery are also plentiful. There is simply nowhere else to play world-class tennis quite like this.”

Nestled in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru is a timeless sanctuary intuitively designed for guests seeking unassuming luxury and cherishable experiences.
A scenic 30- minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island blessed with timeless ocean views, powder-soft white sand beaches, unique deep blue holes and spectacular marine biodiversity.

The 113 beautifully-appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect the surrounding tropical nature and Maldivian charms.
Indulgent dining choices, a world-class wine cellar – home to a curated selection of fine vintage and non-vintage offerings from Old to New World — as well as curated leisure activities and amenities create enriched experiences for everyone.
For more information about Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis residencies and programme at Vakkaru Maldives, please visit vakkarumaldives.com/experiences/sports-fields. For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
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Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives expands sustainability efforts with coral restoration
The vibrant coral reefs surrounding Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives play a vital role in sustaining the island’s rich marine biodiversity. Recognising the growing threats faced by coral ecosystems worldwide, the resort has introduced a coral restoration initiative aimed at supporting the long-term recovery of its house reef.
Coral reefs are among the most sensitive and fragile ecosystems on the planet and are increasingly affected by environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, and human activity. These ecosystems not only support thousands of marine species but also play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and protecting coastlines.

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has taken proactive steps to assist reef regeneration through a structured coral restoration programme. The initiative recently saw the installation of 25 coral frames, each carefully planted with coral fragments collected from naturally broken corals found within the surrounding lagoon and reef areas.
Over time, these fragments will grow and fuse with one another, gradually forming new coral colonies that contribute to rebuilding the reef structure. As the corals mature, they create shelter and feeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life, helping restore the ecological balance of the reef ecosystem.

The restoration project also serves as an important platform for raising awareness among guests and team members about the importance of marine conservation. By nurturing these coral frames and monitoring their progress, the resort contributes to strengthening the resilience of its surrounding reef while supporting broader efforts to safeguard the Maldives’ underwater ecosystems.
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Sun Siyam Olhuveli invests in staff wellbeing with upgraded sports facilities
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has unveiled newly upgraded volleyball and futsal grounds for team members, reaffirming its commitment to employee wellbeing while advancing responsible, future-focused operations. The renovated volleyball grounds were officially inaugurated on 14 February, while the upgraded futsal ground opened earlier this year—together creating dedicated spaces for recreation, connection, and healthy competition across the island.
Designed to encourage regular physical activity and camaraderie beyond the workplace, the improved sports facilities represent a thoughtful investment in social infrastructure. They reflect a belief that wellbeing is fundamental to long-term performance, nurturing morale, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging among team members.

Alongside these developments, the resort has implemented NO BIN DAY every Tuesday, a practical initiative aimed at minimising food waste across operations. By encouraging mindful planning and responsible consumption, the initiative challenges teams to rethink habits around food—transforming sustainability into a shared, everyday discipline.
“Taking care of our people and the environment must go hand in hand. By investing in spaces that support our team’s wellbeing and introducing simple disciplines like NO BIN DAY, we are building a culture where responsibility is lived every day—naturally, collectively, and with purpose,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Both initiatives form part of Sun Siyam Care, the group’s corporate social responsibility platform, and align with the Social Infrastructure and Responsible Consumption and Production pillars under the GDS framework. Together, they reflect a people-first approach to sustainability—where everyday actions create lasting impact for teams, operations, and the wider community.
Sun Siyam Care is committed to creating a positive impact for people, communities, and the environment through responsible operations, social investment, and long-term sustainability actions across its destinations in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Guests are encouraged to learn more about these initiatives by visiting the Sun Siyam Care website at sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-care.
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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon celebrates sixth anniversary of Reefscapers collaboration
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa marks the sixth anniversary of its partnership with Reefscapers on February 19, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to protecting and restoring the Maldives’ fragile reef ecosystems. Since launching the partnership in 2020, the resort and Reefscapers have worked together to restore coral habitats, support marine biodiversity, and engage guests in meaningful conservation experiences. The milestone also marks one year since the successful relocation of approximately five tons of coral to the resort’s house reefs — one of the partnership’s most significant conservation initiatives.

Over the past six years, the partnership has become a defining pillar of the resort’s sustainability journey, blending scientific restoration with purposeful guest engagement. To date, the initiative has resulted in the planting of 898 coral frames, supporting approximately 33,000 coral colonies now growing across the restoration sites. Through coral propagation, reef monitoring, and awareness programmes, these efforts continue to regenerate reef structures while deepening understanding of the essential role coral ecosystems play in sustaining marine life and protecting coastlines. Each thriving coral frame reflects a shared dedication to preserving the natural wonders that make the Maldives one of the world’s most extraordinary marine destinations.

“What makes this partnership special is seeing how small, consistent actions turn into real change underwater. Watching the relocated corals settle, survive, and begin to grow over the past year has been incredibly rewarding for us and the guests who return and witness how they’ve helped restore a living reef,” shares Katelyn, the resort’s Marine Biologist.
A defining achievement of the collaboration has been the coral relocation project, which carefully transferred coral colonies from Ras Malé, also known as the Maldives Eco City, to the resort’s dedicated restoration site, safeguarding them from potential threats linked to land reclamation activities in the Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon. One year on, these corals continue to flourish beneath the surface, strengthening reef resilience and contributing to the long-term health of the surrounding ecosystem.

At the heart of the partnership lies the resort’s Adopt a Coral programme, part of the Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy initiative, which encourages guests to travel with intention through meaningful environmental experiences. Through this hands-on activity, visitors can adopt and name a coral frame while learning directly from marine experts about coral ecology and the importance of protecting marine habitats.
To deepen this connection beyond the stay, guests receive growth updates on their adopted corals every six months, allowing them to follow the progress of their living contribution to the reef. As these corals grow over time, they become enduring symbols of renewal and shared responsibility, transforming a holiday memory into a lasting environmental legacy, and reflecting how travel can positively support local ecosystems and communities.

“Our island is surrounded by a remarkable marine environment, and protecting it is a responsibility we take seriously. Our partnership with Reefscapers reflects our belief that hospitality should go hand in hand with stewardship. Seeing the reef restoration progress over the past six years, and the involvement of our guests and associates in that journey, makes this anniversary especially meaningful for all of us,” comments Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.
Through its continued collaboration with Reefscapers, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa remains dedicated to advancing marine conservation while creating purposeful guest experiences rooted in sustainability, education, and connection to nature.

To discover more about the resort’s sustainability initiatives, join the Adopt a Coral programme, or plan a stay that supports reef conservation, visit sheratonmaldives.com or contact the reservations team at Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com.
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