Award-winning luxury resort Vakkaru Maldives has announced the arrival of Navneet Verma, as its new wellness team leader.

Navneet is a certified yoga instructor and has a Master’s degree in Yoga and Science of Living from Jain Vishva Bharati Institute in India. He also has a post-graduate Diploma in Yoga from Kaivalyadhama, India, one of the oldest pioneering yoga institutes in the world. Additionally, he has various certifications in food and nutrition, Western spa massages, fitness training, aerial yoga, Ayurvedic massage, Yin yoga and sound healing.

With Navneet’s arrival, guests at the resort can immerse themselves in a unique blend of holistic activities. From the ethereal tones of Crystal Singing Bowl and Sound Bath Meditation to the soulful rhythms of Mantra Chanting Sessions, every experience promises serenity. Younger guests will find joy in specially curated Kids’ Yoga sessions.

Fitness enthusiasts can partake in an array of sessions, such as Island Runs with Navneet, Super Stretch Sessions, and invigorating Beach Workouts.

Those seeking a one-of-a-kind celestial experience will find solace in the monthly Full Moon Yoga combined with Crystal Singing Bowl Meditation.

For guests aiming for a more personalised touch, Navneet will craft customised wellness programmes to meet individual preferences and requirements.

Navneet is passionate about helping guests achieve their wellness goals and creating a truly holistic experience. He is also committed to providing guests with a fun way to get fit and healthy.

“I am excited to join the team at Vakkaru and to share my passion for wellness with guests from all over the world. I believe that wellness is not just about physical fitness, but also about mental and emotional well-being,” he says.

Luxury resort group, Coco Collection, is hiring for the role of Beach.

The successful applicant will spend 10 nights on the picturesque shores of the island of Coco Bodu Hithi, with minimal responsibilities and a whole host of employment benefits available to them.

From Barbie’s Malibu Beach to Beach in the Maldives. Coco Collection – the luxury resort group– has announced they are hiring for the role of Beach, to give one lucky fan who has had Kenough of the Real World the chance to spend 10 nights living Ken’s job of the last 60 years. The first role of its kind outside Barbie Land is now available to apply for via www.cococollection.com/en/coco/hes_just_ken  

The successful candidate will be flown out to the breathtaking Coco Bodu Hithi resort, where they will take up the role of Beach for 10 days out from reality, while the Real World Kentinues on without them. Located in North Malé Atoll, Coco Bodu Hithi offers picture perfect white sandy beaches, not to be Kenfused with your average coastline. With the island boasting beautiful shorelines the entire way around, the winner can quite literally Beach on whatever side of the beach they want to Beach on.

Like all job applications, prospective candidates must meet the below criteria:  

• Ability to stand proudly in the sand 
• Spend endless hours staring out over the Indian Ocean 
• Keep track of the morning waves
• Empty their head of all thoughts
• Have their rollerblades with them at all times (though good luck using them on the sandy beaches of the island…)
• Be comfortable performing a moody solo musical number and/or group dance sequence
• Proficient at guitar
• Know the words to “Push” by Matchbox Twenty by heart
• Have at least two pairs of sunglasses at all times
• Hold and lean on a surfboard
• Have 60 years experience as Beach (preferred but not essential) 

The role excludes:

• Any Real World stress or actual work
• Lifeguard responsibilities
• Surfing dangerous waves
• Any of the sort of spirituality that comes with surfing
• Horses… or the patriarchy
• Medical training
• Beach-offs (strictly due to health & safety reasons)

Job benefits:

• Your own Dream Beach House – or shall we say Mojo Dojo Casa House – located conveniently on a beach 
• Guaranteed tan (perfect hair at Beach’s discretion)
• No official uniform but access to a wardrobe of stylish accessories 
• No actual responsibilities
• Perfect weather, all the time
• Unlimited time to socialise
• 10 nights stay at Coco Bodu Hithi for Beach plus a partner or Allan of their choosing
• Return economy flights from UK to Malé & resort transfers
• Full board meal plan at a select resort restaurant 
• One massage each at the Coco Spa (as Beach is tiring work) 

Coco Collection’s Director of Marketing, Shafa Shabeer says “Beach is one of the most important jobs in the Maldives and at Coco Bodu Hithi, we have a lot of Beach. We look forward to seeing the Kenergy that entrants bring to their applications, and can’t wait to welcome the successful Beach candidate to Coco Bodu Hithi!” Applicants do not need to have previous experience, but they must be a registered UK resident over the age of 18 years, and have serious Kenergy, whether they are a Barbie, Ken or Allan. Prospective Beach goers will need to submit 150 words explaining why they are Kenough for the role. Applications are open now on www.cococollection.com/en/coco/hes_just_ken and will close at 4pm (MVT) on 31st August 2023. Coco Collection will select the winner by 30th September 2023.

The Maldives China Tourism Association (MVCTA), a non-governmental and non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism in the Maldives to the Chinese market, has announced its upcoming roadshow in China. Founded in 2023 and registered in the Maldives, the MVCTA aims to provide information about the Maldives as a destination to the Chinese public and strengthen ties between the travel industries of China and the Maldives.

The MVCTA’s efforts include participating in regional travel exhibitions and roadshows, advertising and promotions, organizing familiarization trips for the travel trade and media, and maintaining contacts with government tourism bodies, travel agencies, and associations in China. By working together with various stakeholders, the association strives to advance the Maldives’ travel and tourism industry and enhance the country’s tourism image in the Chinese market.

To further their promotional activities, the MVCTA is pleased to announce its first roadshow in China, scheduled to take place in September 2023. The roadshow will span four cities, namely Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Beijing, from the 15th to the 21st of September. This significant event aims to showcase the unique attractions and experiences the Maldives has to offer to Chinese travelers.

The MVCTA’s roadshow in China presents an excellent opportunity for Chinese travelers to discover the allure of this tropical paradise. As the association embarks on its inaugural roadshow, it anticipates a successful event that will contribute to the growth and development of tourism between China and the Maldives.

Following the resumption of outbound travel from China in January 2023, the Maldives has seen a significant resurgence in Chinese tourist arrivals. Prior to the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, China held the top position as the leading inbound market for the Maldives. Although currently ranked as the sixth largest source market, Chinese arrivals have already accounted for 5.8% of the total tourist influx to the Maldives, with an impressive 48,668 Chinese tourists visiting by June 6th, 2023. These figures are expected to surge further in the coming years, as China’s appetite for international travel continues to grow, cementing its crucial role in the Maldives’ thriving tourism industry.

For further information, email to pr@mvcta.com