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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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Siyam World kicks off August with star-studded football camps

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No shoes, no stress, just goals! This August, Siyam World Maldives is turning up the heat with not one, not two, but three football legends taking over the island for exclusive five-day Football Residence Camps – Wayne Bridge, Kean Bryan, Andrew Johnson.

Wayne Bridge | August 1–5

A former England international and Premier League left-back with over 300 top-flight appearances, Wayne is best known for his time at Chelsea, Manchester City, and Southampton. His elite-level experience, from Champions League nights to FA Cup triumphs, makes him the ultimate coach for young players looking to level up.

Kean Bryan | August 11–15

A midfield dynamo with a Premier League pedigree, Kean’s career includes spells at Manchester City, Sheffield United, and West Brom. Known for his technical skill and tactical brain, he brings a youth-focused approach packed with energy, precision, and motivation.

Andrew Johnson (AJ) | August 17–21

A former England striker and Crystal Palace legend, AJ lit up the Premier League with his pace and goal-scoring flair. His sessions will bring fast-paced drills, goal-scoring tips, and a whole lot of fun to the pitch.

Each 5-day camp for kids between 5 and 12 years, takes place on the resort’s own World Sports Arena, as part of their exclusive Football Residences programme, designed to inspire the next generation of football stars while having the time of their lives in paradise. Spots are limited, and trust us, they’ll go fast. Give your child the chance to train with football legends, make lifelong friends, and experience the magic of the Maldives—because this is one match they won’t want to miss.

Siyam World has already hosted some of the biggest names in football, with past camps featuring stars like: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Agger or Esteban Cambiasso. Joining this incredible lineup, those football legends in August are making Siyam World the go-to destination for football-obsessed kids and their families.

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Making waves all summer long: Manta rays, mini explorers take over The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

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At The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, July isn’t just another sunny month – it’s when the ocean comes alive. Manta season is in full swing, and Hanifaru Bay (just a splash away from the resort) becomes host to hundreds of reef manta rays performing underwater ballet. Offering a front row seat to all the action is the resort’s Manta Ray Watching Experience package available through October 31.

Suitable for confident snorkelers aged 12+, the three-hour excursion includes roundtrip speedboat rides and all the ocean wonder you can handle. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay’s shape works like a plankton magnet, drawing in marine life for one of the largest known manta feeding frenzies on the planet. As you float just meters above the action, graceful giants barrel rolling through plankton-rich waters in synchrony, with whale sharks making cameo appearances.

Beyond the waves

Kids under 12 are safe from FOMO with the return of the Summer Camp, running from July 1 to August 31. Creative energy gets channeled into arts, crafts, pottery and even directing resort-wide film shorts. Young adventurers can zen out in Lil’ Yogis, work out on the water with SUP, swing rackets with Tennis Titans or shake it off with Zumba. Mini chefs can dive into sushi, cupcake, pizza and mocktail workshops. And those craving star power can choose between karaoke showdowns and splashy pool parties. Language games and Maldivian drumming sessions sneak in a little learning with all that fun.

Family stays

Awarded the ‘Best Resort for Families’ by T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, The Standard Huruvalhi, Maldives makes finding family-friendly accommodation a breeze. Lagoon Overwater Villas are suspended above crystal-clear waters, Ocean Overwater Villas take you from bed straight to the house reef, and Beach Villas are perfect for private poolside moments in lush tropical greenery. Finally, multigenerational families will find just the right balance of privacy and togetherness at the sprawling

The Standard Residence.

Applicable for two adults and two kids below 12 years old (an additional charge of USD 285 per night applies to older kids), the ‘Families That Stay Together’ package includes accommodation in an overwater or beachfront villa, an All-Inclusive Plus Meal Plan, free water sports, laundry and spa credit. Over at Lil’ Shark Kids Club, youngsters dive into complimentary activities ranging from high-energy fun to creative pursuits – whether ruling the roost in the playroom, splashing in the paddling pool, digging into the sandy park or winding down in the movie den. Beyond daily adventures like cooking classes, babysitting services are also available for $35 per hour.

For more information on the Manta Ray Experience, priced at $250 per person, please click here. For the full summer camp programme, visit the link. To book your accommodation, please click here.

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Consistently awarded, beyond compare: Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef

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Recently recognised among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, the house reef at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, The Centara Collection (formerly known as Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa), offers an extraordinary experience for divers and snorkelers alike. The South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is renowned for its exceptional diving sites, snorkelling, and marine adventures, and the resort’s house reef only enhances this natural beauty with its rich marine biodiversity, thriving coral gardens, and easy access from the shore.

The Machchafushi house reef is approximately five times larger than the island itself, encircling a breathtaking lagoon. Most of the coral reef lies on a gentle slope, descending to depths of 15 – 20m, where it then flattens out into a sandy seabed. At around 30m from the top of the reef, guests can explore a remarkable shipwreck. This sunken treasure is home to a variety of marine species, including glassfish, stonefish and nurse sharks.

Among the largest coral species found on any house reef, the Machchafushi house reef is home to rare varieties such as Acropora granulosa and Acropora latistella, found exclusively on the wreck. The surrounding coral gardens showcase vibrant Blue Coral and Staghorn Coral, creating a stunning display of marine biodiversity.

Marine life thrives around the house reef, with seven resident Nurse sharks, including three adults, one sub-adult, and three juveniles. White Tip Reef sharks, the most curious of the reef’s sharks, are often seen coming close to snorkelers and divers. Other notable species include

Black Tip sharks, Lemon sharks, Leopard sharks, Guitar sharks, and various rays. The Black Blotched Stingrays, known for their friendly nature despite their large size, are a common sight, especially around feeding areas and the reef’s shallow waters. The barbless male rays are particularly known for their gentle interactions with guests.

Sustainability is at the heart of Machchafushi Island Resort’s philosophy. Coral protection, reef conservation, and restoration projects are continuously rolled out, ensuring that the house reef remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations. Guests are regularly educated about the reef’s delicate ecosystem, its abundant marine life, and the resort’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices.

Sharing his views, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, Francesco Pompilio said, “This honour reflects not only the natural beauty of our house reef, but also the unwavering commitment of our team to its protection and preservation. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we remain dedicated to safeguarding this vibrant marine sanctuary for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and patronage.”

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef, where exceptional diving, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life meet, all set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ unparalleled natural beauty.

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