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Celebrate World Cup with football camp at Lily Beach Resort by Football Freestyle Guinness World Record Holder Marcel Gurk
The Football World Cup 2022 is right around the corner – the lively football event is set to start in November of this year. Let’s celebrate the World Cup by having a Football Camp in the Maldives where guests can learn some Football Freestyle tricks from the best and also have some Football Training as well. Lily Beach Resort & Spa in the Maldives is set to welcome multiple Guinness World Record holder for football freestyle, Marcel Gurk, in October of this year. The German football freestyle star will be leading workshops at the premium all-inclusive resort in the Maldives for one week – as well as basking in the Maldivian sunshine & hospitality and living the Lily Life.
During Marcel’s stay at the leading all-inclusive resort in the Maldives, as part of World Cup Football Camp event, he’ll be offering guests lessons and workshops, and sharing some of his professional tips and tricks. Guests will be able to enjoy his complimentary 5-day football freestyle clinic as well as opt for private lessons on request for a fee. He also will have a 2-day Football Training class specially curated from his many similar camps that he conducts all around the world. While during his stay, he will also be putting on two football freestyle shows for the guests, showing off the best Guinness World Records-worthy tricks. In addition to that, there will be some fun football matches together with him and other football fans on the island to have not only some learning of tricks but also getting active and burning some calories after eating all that tasty food at the resort.
There is much in store to celebrate the World Cup while at the resort. For instance, on the food & beverages side during this period for a limited time only, the resort will be offering some speciality drinks and food of the major teams competing in the World Cup. In addition, guests joining the football event will get awesome goodies with t-shirts and water bottles and other awards up for grabs when winning special games held everyday after the trainings. The resort plans to have face painting available during this period as well so that guests can showcase their favourite team with fun face paint. The resort urges all guests staying during this period to get in on the fun by bringing along and proudly wearing a jersey of your favourite World Cup team and also to make sure to bring a fun costume to wear during our annual Halloween Parade which happens on the 31st of October. Marcel will be also joining in with the Halloween festivities by bringing his own unique costume this year as well.
Marcel Gurk is the reigning German football freestyle champion, a successful book author, holds 10 Guinness World Records, and is one of the best football freestylers in the world. He made it to the semi-finals in ‘Das Supertalent’, and travels around the world as a football freestyler and social media star – thrilling the audience with his extraordinary tricks.
Lily Beach’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Desislav Gospodinov said: “After multiple successful collaborations with him and receiving glowing feedback from guests for creating an unforgettable experience for their kids and themselves, we knew that we had to bring him and his team back again. During this Halloween and a time leading up to World Cup, to have someone like Marcel coming here is a huge opportunity for our guests to learn something novel such as football freestyling from one of the best freestylers in the world. This exciting activity happening in tandem with celebrating the World Cup and your favourite teams, will certainly be a highlight for our guests of all ages during this School Holidays period (in Europe) and also an opportunity for some of our repeater guests who experienced the camp previously to come again and show how much they have improved and learn more tricks from Marcel as well.”
Marcel will be on hand at Lily Beach from October 22nd to October 31st, just in time to enjoy the resort’s Halloween celebrations happening at the end of October. As Marcel says, “All you need is a ball,” so come on down to Lily Beach during this vacation to have a ball of a time.
He will also be showcasing the resort on his social media – doing some football freestyle tricks throughout the island.
To find out more about the World Cup Football Camp happening this October at Lily Beach and book a stay at the resort, send an email to: reservations@lilybeachmaldives.com
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Diving into a milestone: Monika’s 3333th dive at Ellaidhoo Maldives
In the crystal-clear waters surrounding Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, each dive holds the promise of discovery. Known for its thriving reef ecosystem, this haven is where explorers return drawn by the lure of discovery and for Monika Anna Herbstrith Lappe— physicist, neuroscientist, motivational psychologist, and author—it was only natural to celebrate her 3333rd dive at this remarkable destination, where she could immerse herself in the beauty and mystery of the ocean she holds dear.
The journey to 3333 dives
Monika’s journey to over 3000 dives began in 1989 and has spanned oceans around the world, from Indonesia and the Philippines to her beloved Maldives. Since 2020, she has made Ellaidhoo her diving home, captivated by the island’s traditional charm and the freedom to explore. Her dives are more than just adventures; they’re a blend of exploration and insight. She uses her experiences beneath the waves as metaphors in her work, drawing on the mysteries of the ocean to offer practical advice for lightness and resilience in everyday life.
Diving into the depths of Ellaidhoo’s reef
Known for its house reef, a stunning underwater habitat that supports a thriving community of marine species, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers divers a front-row seat to nature’s underwater symphony. The clear waters reveal a kaleidoscope of colors: bright corals, shimmering schools of fish, and the thrilling presence of grey sharks. For Monica, these waters are a special kind of home—”Coming home” is how she sums up the experience. “Ellaidhoo truly feels like coming home for us. While we’re very familiar with its beautiful reefs, it’s the warmth of the dive center team that makes this place so special. Many staff members have been here for years, and their genuine kindness turns each visit into a reunion with friends rather than a business encounter. Their service is exceptional, offered with genuine enjoyment in helping us, which makes each dive experience truly wonderful.”
A destination for ocean lovers
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a haven for divers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. Known for its exceptional dive sites and sustainable practices, the resort allows guests to experience marine life up close, while ensuring that these vibrant reefs will remain pristine for future generations. Whether you’re diving the Ellaidhoo House Reef like Monika or taking in the night dive with its thrilling shark encounters, this destination promises an unforgettable journey beneath the waves. Click here to watch her journey and immerse yourself in the experience.
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Global athletes converge at Canareef Resort for historic 2024 Bodybuilding Championships
Canareef Resort Maldives achieved a historic milestone by hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress 2024, a prestigious event that enhanced both the resort’s reputation and the Maldives’ prominence in international sports.
From November 5th to 11th, 2024, over 450 athletes and delegates from 41 countries gathered at Canareef Resort to compete in one of the year’s most significant bodybuilding events. The resort’s exclusive villas, lush tropical surroundings, and turquoise lagoons created an ideal setting for the competition, while its exceptional hospitality contributed significantly to the event’s success.
The championships’ opening ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Mr. Lawrence Leow, Chairman and CEO of Crescendas Group (owner of Canareef Resort Maldives), the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, H.E. Munu Mahawar, and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, H.E. Ranga Goonawardena. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and Canareef’s commitment to delivering a memorable experience.
The event schedule included key moments that highlighted its significance:
- November 1-5: Arrival of Executive Council members, Sub-Committee Members, teams, delegates, and officials.
- November 6: Team Managers’ and Judges’ meetings, the WBPF Executive Council discussions, and the WBPF Electoral Congress.
- November 8/9: The Opening Ceremony marked the official start of the championships, drawing significant attention from audiences and media.
- November 10: The championships concluded with the Closing Ceremony and Final Prize Distribution, celebrating athletes’ achievements.
The Maldives National Bodybuilding Team delivered an impressive performance, winning three medals: two Gold and one Silver. Key highlights included:
- Shaheen Ibrahim Didi: Gold in Men’s Bodybuilding 55 Kg.
- Azneen Rashad: Gold in Sports Physique 170 cm.
- Yoosuf Ayaan Rizvee: Silver in Junior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 75 Kg.
Other notable performances included top placements by Mohamed Nahyan Khan, Shaalu Ibrahim, Abdulla Ahsan, and Ismail Shuau Abdulla in their respective categories.
In the team rankings, India won the Men’s Team Championship, Vietnam secured the Women’s Team Championship, and Saravanan Mani of India was named Overall Champion.
Datuk Paul Chua, President of the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, commended the event’s success and the resort’s warm hospitality. He remarked on the beauty of the island and expressed enthusiasm about returning to Canareef, even outside of championship events.
Ahmed Hamza, Director of Canareef Resort Maldives, expressed pride in hosting the event, emphasising its positive impact on Addu and the southern Maldives. Mohamed Jaish Ibrahim, AGM, lauded the teamwork and resilience that contributed to the event’s success.
Hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress has firmly established Canareef Resort Maldives as a premier venue for international sports events. This accomplishment not only highlights the resort’s capabilities but also reinforces its status as a destination where luxury, hospitality, and world-class events converge.
Looking forward, Canareef Resort remains committed to hosting significant global events and welcoming guests to experience its unparalleled beauty, tranquility, and hospitality.
Excursions
Snorkelling adventures at Kandolhu Maldives
Snorkeling at Kandolhu Maldives provides an exceptional underwater experience, renowned for its vibrant, well-preserved coral formations and diverse marine life. The house reef serves as a sanctuary for various marine species, including colourful fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray, ensuring each snorkelling session is uniquely engaging. The sight of hawksbill turtles gliding gracefully through the water is particularly enchanting, creating an unforgettable highlight. Schools of snappers, fusiliers, and moorish idols move in harmonious formations, completing the vivid underwater scenery.
Kandolhu’s distinction lies not only in the richness of its marine ecosystem but also in the expertise and dedication of its local guides and instructors. These professionals offer personalised guidance, ensuring that participants of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned snorkelers, feel at ease and confident. The resort strongly emphasises eco-friendly practices, encouraging guests to use reef-safe sunscreens and avoid touching or disturbing marine life to protect the reef’s delicate balance. This mindful approach enables a respectful and enjoyable exploration of the underwater world while preserving it for future generations.
The house reef at Kandolhu is easily accessible from both the beach and jetty, making it ideal for spontaneous snorkelling at any time of day. Strategically placed life rings around the island add an extra layer of safety, providing peace of mind for those exploring the waters. The resort’s dedication to conservation is evident through regular reef cleanups, which contribute to maintaining the ecosystem’s health and vibrancy. Kandolhu invites visitors to immerse themselves in this captivating underwater paradise, where every dive celebrates the ocean’s splendour and fosters a deeper connection with nature.
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