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Soneva welcomes star-studded line-up of sporting legends

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Pioneering luxury resorts brand Soneva is inspiring a lifetime of rare experiences through its Soneva Stars calendar, an ever-changing roster of visiting experts and one-of-a-kind guest experiences at its resorts in the Maldives. This year is shaping up to be exceptionally exciting for sports fanatics in particular, with a highly anticipated line-up of football, rugby and cricket legends from around the world landing on the shores of Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, including World Cup champion David Villa, former FC Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez and football freestyling sensation Marcel Gurk.

As part of the upcoming summer 2022 programme, international sporting superstar David Villa will be at Soneva Jani from July 20 – 31. Hailed as one of the best football strikers of all time, Villa is a FIFA World Cup champion, UEFA Champions League winner and the Spanish National Team’s all-time leading goal scorer. After his retirement, he founded his own company, DV7 Group, offering football camps, clinics and other curricula to boys and girls around the world.

Regarded as one of the best Mexican players of all time, Rafael Márquez also recently joined the summer roster at Soneva Fushi. The current youth coach of Spanish Tercera División club Alcalá, he will be putting Young Sonevians through their paces during a series of football camps from July 25 – August 8.

Adding to the high-flying excitement, football freestyling sensation Marcel Gurk will be hosting daily workshops from July 1–13 for both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani’s youngest guests too.

Looking ahead to the October half-term break, from October 15 – 30 world cup-winning English rugby player Ben Cohen will be helping guests stay in shape during his renowned fitness workshops at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.

Following his visit to Soneva Fushi during Easter, Soneva Stars’ regular Mikaël Silvestre will be making a welcome return to the Maldives to host his ever-popular children’s football camps during the October half-term and December festive breaks at Soneva Jani. The former French international player will later be returning to Soneva Fushi too as a commentator for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place in Qatar this year from November 21 – December 18.

Joining him in the commentators’ booth but from the sandy shores of Soneva Jani is professional footballer Yaya Touré. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, he has represented his country at an international level since 2004 and has become one of the most influential players from the continent of Africa.

Kicking off the star-studded roster, Rohit Sharma recently shared his experiences and leadership lessons during a one-off Talkers’ Table at Soneva Jani. The current captain of the Indian Men’s National Team and captain of IPL’s Mumbai Indians, Rohit is widely acknowledged as one of cricket’s most outstanding and gifted batsmen.

Launched in early 2020, the annual Soneva Stars programme promises that every Soneva stay is utterly unique, curating an eclectic and thought-provoking line-up that includes legendary sportsmen and women, Michelin-starred chefs, leading wellness specialists, acclaimed artists, best-selling authors and more. No matter what time of year they visit, guests can enjoy an array of unforgettable experiences, from intimate dinners hosted by the world’s top chefs and engaging talks with luminary experts to one-on-one coaching from sporting heroes or healing sessions with leading wellness therapists.

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Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens Marine Biology Unit

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Regarded by ‘Lonely Planet’ as one of the premier destinations for diving, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a tropical haven where lush greenery meets the expansive ocean. Surrounded by vibrant coral reefs brimming with marine life, the resort offers a rare combination of tranquility and adventure, providing guests with an extraordinary connection to nature. However, with global challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution threatening marine ecosystems, the Maldives faces an urgent need to protect its delicate underwater environments.

In response to this growing responsibility, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has taken a significant step in environmental conservation by establishing a dedicated Marine Biology Unit. This initiative aims to promote marine conservation and inspire a collective sense of responsibility among guests, staff, and the local community.

The Marine Biology Unit, formerly the resort’s library, has been transformed into an educational hub promoting sustainable tourism and ecological awareness. Led by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ first and only female marine biologist, the unit brings a unique and empowering perspective to marine conservation efforts. It provides an interactive space for guests to explore the intricate world of marine life, covering topics such as coral health and the behaviour of local fish species.

Daily educational sessions offer insights into the complex ecosystems of the ocean, with topics ranging from the marvels of coral reefs to the fascinating behaviours of the region’s marine life. To spark interest, the unit displays the day’s featured topic at its entrance, encouraging guests to participate. Fish identification checklists are also made available, helping visitors enhance their knowledge as they explore Ellaidhoo’s vibrant reefs.

General Manager of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sanjeeva Perera, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “The launch of our Marine Biology Unit is the realisation of a long-awaited dream and a meaningful contribution to our ESG initiatives. Our mission is to empower guests and staff to become true stewards of the ocean, fostering a deep respect for marine life that will resonate long after their stay at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. We hope this initiative not only enriches their experience but also builds a foundation of environmental responsibility that extends to the wider community.”

A longstanding advocate for eco-friendly practices, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognises the critical importance of preserving the island’s extraordinary natural beauty. By involving guests as active participants in environmental protection, the resort aims to create a lasting positive impact, cultivating a shared commitment to safeguarding the pristine marine environment for future generations.

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Uncover the ocean’s secrets at Cinnamon Dhonveli

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Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives invites you to plunge into an underwater wonderland where adventure meets unparalleled beauty. As one of the Maldives’ most sought-after diving destinations, the resort offers access to breathtaking dive sites that showcase the incredible diversity of marine life, creating a unique dive experience that beckons adventurers from around the globe.

With the expertise of Dive & Sale Maldives, a trusted name in the diving industry for over 03 decades, guests are ensured a top-tier diving experience. Their seasoned instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for the ocean, guiding you through renowned sites like Aquarium, HP Reef, Maldives Victory, Madi Miyaru Kan, Lankan Manta Point, Banana Reef, and Colosseum and much more. Each excursion reveals a vibrant underwater world filled with stunning corals and a kaleidoscope of fish, where graceful manta rays, majestic eagle rays, and playful turtles await your discovery.

The dedicated team from Dive & Sale Maldives enriches your diving adventures with insights into the intricate relationships within this underwater paradise, ensuring that your experience is not only thrilling but also educational. Their commitment to safety and marine conservation further enhances your dive, allowing you to explore with peace of mind while contributing to the preservation of this magnificent ecosystem.

At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, we believe in celebrating the beauty of our oceans while promoting sustainability and conservation. Our commitment to protecting the marine environment means that guests can dive with a sense of purpose, knowing they are contributing to vital conservation efforts.

Whether you are a seasoned diver or just starting your journey, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a captivating blend of adventure, beauty, and serenity. Discover the depths of the Indian Ocean, create lasting memories, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Maldives. For those seeking more than just an escape, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives invites you to uncover the wonders that lie beneath the waves, forging unforgettable moments in a world where nature’s beauty remains untamed and eternal.

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Velassaru Maldives’ Coral Project invites guests to help rebuild Maldives’ reefs

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Velassaru Maldives has announced the launch of the Velassaru Coral Project, a new initiative designed to engage guests in marine conservation while supporting coral restoration and promoting marine biodiversity. This immersive project allows guests to actively participate in building an artificial reef, fostering a deeper connection with the environment during their stay.

As part of this initiative, guests can purchase a coral frame, which is adorned with coral fragments collected and secured by Velassaru’s marine team. Each frame includes a personalised plaque, offering participants the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in the Maldives. Over the following two years, guests receive biannual updates on the progress of their coral, with photos and videos documenting its growth and development.

Velassaru’s dedication to education ensures that participants understand the essential role coral reefs play in sustaining marine life and supporting local communities. Though they cover only a small fraction of the ocean floor, coral reefs are home to 25% of all marine species, providing shelter and sustenance to fish, invertebrates, and other sea creatures.

Certified and novice divers alike are invited to explore the artificial reef near the Immersion Dive Centre, where professional guides lead dives and offer insights into the coral regeneration process and the thriving marine ecosystem around the reef.

A highlight of this manmade reef is “The Dome,” an impressive 4-meter by 6-meter structure situated 10 meters below the water’s surface. Sunk on September 12, 2024, The Dome offers an accessible dive site for Velassaru guests to explore and nurture. During underwater excursions, divers are encouraged to monitor the health of the corals, maintaining fragments secured with zip ties and fishing line.

In addition to enhancing guest experiences, the Velassaru Coral Project aims to gather essential data for coral research. Each dive at the artificial reef includes an assessment of coral health, with detailed records on coral colour, size, and species. Regular checks also monitor environmental factors such as water temperature and quality, as even a two-degree rise can cause coral bleaching. The team will remain vigilant in observing common coral diseases like white syndrome and pests that threaten coral health.

Sharks have occasionally been sighted near smaller reefs close to the artificial site, and the Velassaru team hopes to see more shark sightings as coral and fish populations grow. These predators play a vital role in balancing the ecosystem and ensuring the health and diversity of the surrounding reefs.

All data collected from the Velassaru Coral Project will be shared with Coral Watch, a global database that compiles information on coral health and conservation efforts. Through this contribution, Velassaru guests are not only helping restore the Maldives’ reefs but are also supporting coral research and preservation worldwide.

By involving guests in this unique, hands-on experience, Velassaru Maldives aims to encourage coral growth, enhance marine biodiversity, and provide a meaningful, educational experience for all visitors. Together, these efforts contribute to a sustainable future for the oceans.

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