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Kuda Villingili, Thulusdhoo host football match with Chelsea legend John Terry

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By Shamman Zahir

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives and Thulusdhoo island has organised a friendly futsal match between the two, in association with the Secretariat of the Thulusdhoo council. John Terry, the former England and Chelsea FC captain who is in the Maldives with his family, was invited as the guest of honour along with the tourism minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom for the special match on Sunday.

The family was greeted upon arrival at the Thulusdhoo jetty by members of the council and the tourism ministry, to be escorted by the sound of boduberu (traditional Maldivian drums) and youth in traditional attire.

The event was kicked off by Bandiyaa jehun – a traditional Maldivian dance. Terry greeted both teams and wished them luck prior to the match. He was presented token of appreciation in the form of traditional Maldivian woodwork on behalf of the council. Terry himself chose the man of the match going to Kuda Villingili.

Speaking after the match, the tourism minister thanked the island council and Kuda Villingili for organising such an event which is beyond expectations, with a great crowd turnout as the Maldives continues to do its best in showcasing tourism as the country celebrates 50 years of tourism. Terry spoke a few words, that it was an excellent match hinting at the fact Maldivians should aim to go to the top level of football. He thanked all parties involved in making the event a success.

After the event, John took the time to sign jerseys and pose for pictures with fans and children alike before being escorted to the Seasons Paradise guesthouse in Thulusdhoo where a refreshment was hosted for the parties involved with the Terry family.

When asked by media how Chelsea FC were doing and his predictions for this season, Terry said it’s just the start of the season and the hope is always for the best possible outcome. Terry currently works as a development coach with the Chelsea Academy at Cobham. Since his retirement, his focus has shifted to football management at the topflight having been the assistant manager for the premier league side Aston Villa prior to changing to his current role at Chelsea FC. We asked Terry, what he hopes to achieve at Cobham and what this means to his coaching career.

“The current role provides a good balance of life for me now with my family. I wait to see where my coaching career takes me. With regards to Chelsea, I hope Chelsea continues under the new ownership and continue to win trophies,” he said.

Asked about the famous video of Chelsea FC’s new signing, Kalidou Koulibaly, calling to ask permission to use the number 26 which had not been used since Terry retired in 2017, the Chelsea legend initially thought it was perhaps a prank call.

“It an iconic number for me and for him as well since he has played at Napoli with the number 26. I respect him calling me because it means a lot to me, and I am pleased to see him scoring on his debut,” Terry said.

Chelsea FC is now under new ownership, led by the Ted Boehly – Clearlake consortium.

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Siyam World Maldives to host international football camps this Easter

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This Easter, Siyam World Maldives, part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection, is clicking its ruby slippers and transforming into the magical World of Oz from From March 31st – April 17th, 2026 with not one, not two, but three international football legends arriving on island. Yes, while the Wizard may rely on smoke and mirrors, Massimo Ambrosini, Javier Saviola and Gary Cahill are very real, and they will be hosting exclusive football camps throughout April for young players and fans ready to sharpen their skills in paradise.

But that is only the beginning because, unlike Dorothy, you might not want to go home.

Alongside these star-studded camps, Siyam World’s Easter celebrations invite guests to follow the Yellow Brick Road into the World of Oz, where the island comes alive with magical shows, playful races, kid-friendly carnivals, and high-energy island adventures.

The journey begins with Dorothy’s Arrival, a sunset gathering at Together Beach where emerald lights glow, music fills the air, and the first clues of the Oz adventure begin to unfold. Guests are then invited to follow the Yellow Brick Road across the island, discovering surprises along the way. The highlight of the Easter programme is the spectacular Journey to the Emerald City Stage Show, featuring dazzling dance performances, aerial artistry, fire acts, and immersive visuals that bring the magic of Oz to life.

Young adventurers can explore the Wizard’s Kidz Carnival, packed with games, face painting, and playful characters, while guests ready for a challenge can join The Amazing Race – Wizard of Siyam Edition, racing around the island in a series of fun challenges inspired by brains, heart, and courage.

Meanwhile, the SW 3K Easter Run adds an extra splash of fun with bubble tunnels, misty surprises, and plenty of laughter along the way.

And for football lovers, the island’s pitch becomes the ultimate training ground with three exclusive camps:

  • Massimo Ambrosini Football Camp (2–4 April) – The AC Milan midfield legend known for leadership and tactical brilliance
  • Javier Saviola Football Camp (5–10 April) – The lightning-fast Argentine forward “El Conejo,” famed for creativity and clinical finishing.
  • Gary Cahill Football Camp (13–17 April) – The England international and former Chelsea captain celebrated for his defensive strength and leadership.

With world-class football, magical storytelling, and island adventures around every corner, The World of Oz at Siyam World promises an Easter celebration where fantasy, sport, and pure fun collide.

Because at Siyam World, the adventure never ends, it simply follows the Yellow Brick Road.

For more information and to book your stay or check out the full Easter programme, please visit the resort’s website.

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Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives expands sustainability efforts with coral restoration

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The vibrant coral reefs surrounding Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives play a vital role in sustaining the island’s rich marine biodiversity. Recognising the growing threats faced by coral ecosystems worldwide, the resort has introduced a coral restoration initiative aimed at supporting the long-term recovery of its house reef.

Coral reefs are among the most sensitive and fragile ecosystems on the planet and are increasingly affected by environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, and human activity. These ecosystems not only support thousands of marine species but also play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and protecting coastlines.

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has taken proactive steps to assist reef regeneration through a structured coral restoration programme. The initiative recently saw the installation of 25 coral frames, each carefully planted with coral fragments collected from naturally broken corals found within the surrounding lagoon and reef areas.

Over time, these fragments will grow and fuse with one another, gradually forming new coral colonies that contribute to rebuilding the reef structure. As the corals mature, they create shelter and feeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life, helping restore the ecological balance of the reef ecosystem.

The restoration project also serves as an important platform for raising awareness among guests and team members about the importance of marine conservation. By nurturing these coral frames and monitoring their progress, the resort contributes to strengthening the resilience of its surrounding reef while supporting broader efforts to safeguard the Maldives’ underwater ecosystems.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli invests in staff wellbeing with upgraded sports facilities

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has unveiled newly upgraded volleyball and futsal grounds for team members, reaffirming its commitment to employee wellbeing while advancing responsible, future-focused operations. The renovated volleyball grounds were officially inaugurated on 14 February, while the upgraded futsal ground opened earlier this year—together creating dedicated spaces for recreation, connection, and healthy competition across the island.

Designed to encourage regular physical activity and camaraderie beyond the workplace, the improved sports facilities represent a thoughtful investment in social infrastructure. They reflect a belief that wellbeing is fundamental to long-term performance, nurturing morale, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging among team members.

Alongside these developments, the resort has implemented NO BIN DAY every Tuesday, a practical initiative aimed at minimising food waste across operations. By encouraging mindful planning and responsible consumption, the initiative challenges teams to rethink habits around food—transforming sustainability into a shared, everyday discipline.

“Taking care of our people and the environment must go hand in hand. By investing in spaces that support our team’s wellbeing and introducing simple disciplines like NO BIN DAY, we are building a culture where responsibility is lived every day—naturally, collectively, and with purpose,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Both initiatives form part of Sun Siyam Care, the group’s corporate social responsibility platform, and align with the Social Infrastructure and Responsible Consumption and Production pillars under the GDS framework. Together, they reflect a people-first approach to sustainability—where everyday actions create lasting impact for teams, operations, and the wider community.

Sun Siyam Care is committed to creating a positive impact for people, communities, and the environment through responsible operations, social investment, and long-term sustainability actions across its destinations in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Guests are encouraged to learn more about these initiatives by visiting the Sun Siyam Care website at sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-care.

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