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Vakkaru Maldives wins four times over at 2020 World Travel Awards

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Vakkaru Maldives has a quartet of very good reasons to celebrate over the coming festive season and beyond: launched in 2017, the private-island retreat has just been crowned a winner four times over at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards.

Immensely proud to receive such recognition just three years after opening, the independently run resort has been named Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort 2020 and the World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort.

Additionally, its immense signature four-bedroom overwater villa The Residence has been named both Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite 2020 and Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite 2020.

Established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, the World Travel Awards is recognised internationally as an arbiter of excellence in the luxury-travel sector.

“As we approach the end of such a momentous year, I could not be more thrilled that Vakkaru Maldives has been honoured four times over at the World Travel Awards. These accolades are testament to the tireless effort every Vakkaru team member makes to ensure every guest stay here is as special as can be,” Vakkaru Maldives’ General Manager Iain McCormack said.

“As travellers the world over slowly start to move again, we look forward to welcoming them to our palm-shaded beach villas, timber-framed overwater villas, and the unparalleled — and now multi-award-winning — grandeur and beauty of The Residence.”

The latest accolades consolidate Vakkaru Maldives’ position as one of the country’s most exciting and inviting luxury resorts and come shortly after the launch of its innovative new hospitality concept Vakkare.

A commitment to providing the utmost care in all its forms, the enhanced service standard sees all members of the Vakkaru team make sincere and creative effort to surpass guest expectations.

In addition to enjoying the benefits of Vakkare, holidaymakers who visit the newly crowned Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort will enjoy superlative wellness experiences that range from sunrise yoga sessions to private tennis lessons with some of the world’s greatest players; elevated fine dining that pays particular attention to nourishing and energising dishes; and some of the Indian Ocean’s best diving and watersports experiences thanks to the resort’s enviable location in Baa Atoll, named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011 in recognition of its exceptional ecological value and beauty.

Always honoured to host guests newly commencing married life, Vakkaru’s team members do all they can to make honeymoons particularly special.

Couples who visit the World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort can enjoy romantic experiences that range from exclusive night-time use of the resort’s Overwater Spa, where indulgent treatments will be followed by a healthy and nutritious dinner underneath the stars, to private excursions to a nearby sandbank to enjoy champagne and canapés as they admire another spectacular Indian Ocean sunset.

Guests at The Residence will enjoy all of these benefits and more, alongside the prestige of residing in Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite and Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite.

Perfectly positioned to provide uninterrupted views of the sunset, the four-bedroom, two-storey villa extends to 971 squaremetres and contains all a family or group of friends could possibly want to enjoy the ultimate Maldives holiday in complete exclusivity.

Bordered by a bubbling whirlpool, its infinity pool seems to meld with the turquoise ocean. Around it, a vast open terrace allows for versatile entertaining and includes a dining area, multiple relaxation areas, a private spa pavilion and a staircase that leads directly to the sea.

Inside, sprawling rooms allow for spontaneous get-togethers and extravagant parties alike. For quiet time, bathrooms come with mammoth tubs, private steam rooms and outdoor showers.

But of course, The Residence’s selling points aren’t merely structural.

Every new arrival will be gifted experiences intended to make their stay as effortless as possible and their interactions with friends and family as special as can be. These range from VIP passage through Male’s Velana International Airport to a panoply of in-resort and in-villa privileges efficiently and effortlessly facilitated by their always-on-call butler team.

Among the many benefits included are complimentary sundowners, yoga sessions and spa treatments to be enjoyed on the privacy of their ocean-facing deck, as well as family film nights with limitless popcorn, candyfloss and ice cream, a private beach barbecue and celebratory afternoon teas.

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 reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.

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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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Awards

Sun Siyam Resorts honoured at Target Taste Awards 2024

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Sun Siyam Resorts has announced its receipt of the prestigious 2024 Target Taste Award for ‘Overseas Island Hotel Group.’ The accolade was presented during the ‘Target Taste’ awards ceremony in December 2024, held in Beijing. This event celebrated innovation and excellence within the luxury lifestyle industry.

The 2024 awards, themed ‘Revolutionise and Innovate,’ gathered leading brands and visionaries to highlight advancements in high-end hospitality, design, travel, and culinary arts. Sun Siyam Resorts was honoured for its commitment to redefining island luxury through exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and innovative offerings.

Ashley Zhang, Regional Marketing & Communications Manager for China, accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant milestone for the group.

Target Taste, a prominent Chinese luxury lifestyle magazine established in 2013, has consistently recognised industry pioneers. Its awards serve as a hallmark of innovation, elegance, and excellence in the luxury sector.

Claudia Klingbeil, Group Director of PR & Communications at Sun Siyam Resorts, stated: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to all of us at Sun Siyam Resorts. It reflects the passion, dedication, and heart that our team pours into creating memorable experiences for our guests, and this recognition fuels our commitment to constantly evolve and innovate.”

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Celebration

Tropical elegance meets cultural heritage: SO/ Maldives’ festive celebration

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Step into a realm of unparalleled luxury and avant-garde elegance as SO/ Maldives prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year in high style from 28 January to 31 January 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives, this iconic celebration promises a curated experience of haute cuisine, holistic indulgence, and captivating festivities, transforming the holiday into a statement of sophistication.

Renowned for vibrant celebrations and rich heritage, this year’s Chinese New Year program offers an unforgettable lineup. Highlights include a spectacular light-up ceremony, spellbinding cultural performances, a chic DJ party, and elegant festive fairs, all steeped in glamour and refinement.

The theme for 2025, “Ushering Fortune and Unity for a Prosperous New Year,” emphasises joy, harmony, and good fortune. Anchored in multiculturalism and diversity, the festivities aim to bring families and couples together for a stylish celebration of new beginnings. Through vibrant events and a glamorous ambiance, SO/ Maldives sets the stage for a bright and prosperous year.

Guests can immerse themselves in a fusion of cultural traditions and tropical luxury. Highlights include the energetic Lion Dance, which winds through the resort, and thrilling adventures such as snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Culinary experiences like the Asian Street Market and Beach BBQ showcase Chinese-inspired gourmet delights, while creative workshops such as Handmade Pottery and Canvas Bag Painting ensure magical moments for younger guests.

SO/ Maldives elevates the festive allure with dazzling red lantern installations and breathtaking dragon dance performances on pristine beaches. Villas adorned with bespoke Chinese New Year decor blend cultural heritage with contemporary chic, creating an atmosphere of bold sophistication.

“At SO/ Maldives, we reinvent luxury celebrations, merging vibrant traditions with a cutting-edge, fashion-forward perspective. This Chinese New Year, the experience will be as bold and dazzling as the Year of the Wood Snake itself,” says Olivier MOIESDELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives.

SO/ Maldives invites guests to embrace the finer things in life, where every taste, touch, and moment sparkles with creativity and glamour.

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