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OZEN LIFE MAADHOO introduces grand tennis holiday experience with coach Marcus Drien
Every day is an adventure at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. And recently appointed resident tennis coach Marcus Drien takes the fun times a notch higher with bespoke sports experiences as well as an opportunity to enjoy exclusive tennis holidays in the Maldives.
Marcus Drien is an ITF level 2 tennis professional. He has over 10 years of coaching experience having mentored players of all ages and tennis levels. Additionally, Marcus is a certified fitness coach with experience in improving physical skills including correct body mechanics and cardiovascular activities.
Marcus’s results-driven tennis lessons make for a truly uplifting experience and are a standing testament to his global repertoire. Along with technical and tactical improvements, he also focuses on physical development to ensure improvement both on and off the court.
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO features a stunning artificial grass tennis court at the southern end of the island. The court is floodlit, allowing for exciting games even under the stars.
Elevating this sports experience, is the resort’s partnership with RTC Sports (Recreational Tennis Coaching) who provide highly qualified and experienced tennis coaches on a rotation basis. Here, the focus is on continuous learning with lessons to build up the guest’s game, be it at a novice, intermediate or advanced skill level.
Marcus will be at the resort for three months, following which there will be other professional coaches on rotation.
“I look forward to this new, very exciting chapter at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. Tennis is my passion since I was a youngster. And now it is my passion to pass my tennis wisdom and knowledge to others who are seeking to learn something new or simply improve their skills. I am happy seeing clients enjoying my lessons and even more when they leave satisfied,” says Marcus Drien.
A flexible approach with three courses and bespoke lessons ensures there is something for everyone.
- TRY TENNIS FOR FREE: An introductory programme inviting guests to try their hand at tennis for the first time and pick up some tips. The open session is held for beginners every Saturday at 5pm.
- FUN CARDIO TENNIS BEFORE BREAKFAST: Tennis-enthusiasts can hit some balls with Marcus during the high intensity group games held Monday to Friday at 8 in the morning. This experience can be prebooked on additional charges.
- RTC Courses For Beginners and Advanced Players: There are four RTC Levels – Level 1, Level 2, Advanced and Master – for both adults and children. Guests can choose to focus on specific skills: forehand, backhand, serve and return, slice and drop shot, volley and smash, tennis strategies and tactics, conditioning for tennis, mental toughness, tennis routines and specialty shots.
For guests who would like to design their own courses, there is also the option of booking private individual and couples’ sessions.
Henar Gil Rios, the General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, says, “I am passionate about curating an inspiring lifestyle for our guests, for a lingering holiday experience leaving them relaxed, rejuvenated and enriched with timeless experiences. Having a resident tennis coach on the island will not just add to the sports and recreation activities but also allow serious tennis players to work on their game while they enjoy a serene getaway in the Indian Ocean.”
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a tranquil palm-painted oasis of elegance set in the exotic turquoise hues of South Malé Atoll. Dotted with 94 gracefully designed villas and one exclusive Residence, the resort offers inspiring experiences and a lively island lifestyle. All the elements of an unsurpassed holiday, from underwater dining at M6m to exhilarating ocean excursions, combine to form an idyllic Maldives stay.
THE OZEN COLLECTION creates timeless sanctuaries that exude tranquillity and inspiration. An abundance of sophisticated experiences seamlessly blended with a grand sense of space and design, tailored wellness journeys and an enriching culture set apart the brand’s two resorts in the Maldives.
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the first resort under this brand, opened in July 2016. THE OZEN COLLECTION’s success story continues in the Maldives with the addition of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, launched in December 2020. OZEN SECLUDED TANGALLE takes the brand to the south coast of Sri Lanka and is scheduled to be launched in 2023.
Excursions
Discover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026
Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a new collection of curated dive packages, inviting guests to explore the exceptional underwater world of the Maldives through programmes designed for beginners, aspiring divers and certified enthusiasts alike.
Located in the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides access to vibrant house reefs, calm lagoon conditions and several of the region’s most celebrated dive sites, including the renowned Ifuru Thila. The newly launched dive packages are crafted to combine professional training, guided exploration and the convenience of a premium island stay.
The collection begins with an introductory diving experience tailored for first-time divers seeking to discover the underwater world in a safe and relaxed setting. Guests undergo lagoon-based training before progressing to the house reef, offering an ideal entry point into scuba diving with no prior experience required.
For guests ready to advance further, the resort offers a globally recognised scuba certification course. Designed for confident swimmers and snorkellers, the programme includes professional instruction, open water dives and an internationally valid certification, opening access to dive destinations worldwide.
Certified divers can choose a three-day dive escape that highlights the best sites in Raa Atoll. Featuring guided morning dives across renowned locations, the experience showcases the atoll’s rich marine biodiversity, striking reef structures and clear waters.
“Diving is an essential part of the Maldivian experience, and we wanted to create a collection that feels both accessible and exceptional,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether it marks a guest’s first dive or their next significant underwater journey, these packages are crafted to offer confidence, comfort and memorable experiences beneath the surface.”
All dive packages may be booked alongside the resort’s premium accommodation offerings, including the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal plan, daily resort touches, complimentary non-motorised water sports, snorkelling equipment and return domestic flight transfers for qualifying stays.
The dive packages are available for booking and travel throughout 2026 and must be confirmed ahead of arrival. Package rates apply in addition to accommodation and are subject to availability.
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Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue
Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.
Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.
Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.
While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.
Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.
“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”
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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.
Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.
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