Featured
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ annual Camp-cation back with fun, family-focused offerings
Are your kids looking for a summer camp-cation experience of a lifetime? Look no further than Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, the go-to destination for a family-friendly summer holiday.
The kids summer camp-cation programme offers an array of activities and amenities unlike any other. Kids will have the opportunity to take part in fun creative activities such as self-defence, aerial arts, painting and crafting, and explore the wonderful Island life.
In addition to having access to the fun-learning activities, camp-cationers will get to enjoy the signature Hard Rock Hotel Maldives experience. Professionals in each area will provide guidance and support throughout the programme, ensuring that all camp-cationers are having the best time possible. Each session will also feature special events, including pool parties, amazing outdoor activities, and famous Rock ‘n’ Roll jamming sessions.
After two consecutive successful years of the programme, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ Summer Family Camp-Cation has returned. Due to the success of the past two years, the hotel is once again hosting the Summer Family Camp-Cation 3.0, featuring three distinctive curriculums including sports, crafts, and arts, giving an assurance for an awesome fun-filled with discovery for little Rock Stars, while parents can look forward with their much-needed “me time” for a relaxing massage at the Rock Spa or join the fun that will keep the entire family busy and entertained.
The ‘Kid-Friendly, Teen Approved’ customises various experiences for adults and kids alike, elevating every moment as a ‘Hard Rock state of mind’ – reconnecting families in creating long-lasting memories and also giving little Rock Stars a space to get creative and active during their stay at the hotel.
“As we embark on our third year, we feel proud to continue with the annual summer camp-cation program at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Our programme stands out from the rest in the Maldives, as we constantly push the boundaries of what is possible in this breathtaking destination. We pride ourselves on offering a truly unique experience that combines the best of family holidays with an exceptional kids’ camp for our little Rockstars, and it has been a tremendous success for the past two years. Our tailored-made experiences for parents and children alike aim to create a ‘Hard Rock state of mind’ in every moment. We aspire to reconnect families and establish cherished memories while providing our little Rockstars a place to be creative and active throughout their stay. Join us again for an extraordinary summer camp-cation at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, and let us take your family holiday to a new level.” said Tolga Unan, Managing Director, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and The Marina @ CROSSROADS.
Expect the programme to be jam-packed with fun-play-based learnings and experiences for the little Rock Stars to engage, including but not limited to the sports curriculum with Aerial Arts at The Stage, aerial arts studio with award-winning aerial instructor ‘Lauren Ault’ introducing a new form of art to the little Rock Stars, improve their coordination and gain superhero balance and strength as the little Rock Stars familiarise themselves with the apparatus such as silks, hoop, juggling, trapeze, and hammock.
Through ‘Street Safe’, a special self-defence programme designed by Master Leo Vieira of CHECKMATE Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy and facilitated by the Gold Medalist and Brown Belt Miguel Gomez, this allows the little Rock Stars to develop their confidence among others through social discipline while introducing them to basic skills of body movement, leverage, and flow.
Equally, the arts and craft curriculum guarantees an exhilarating time with a range of different activities, from dance lessons, music classes, gardening tutorials, marine life discovery classes, educational tours, and many more. With these activities, little Rock Stars enjoy the camaraderie and fun of making new island friends, creating magical moments that will last a lifetime.
Stunning views and legendary amenities take the summer family camp-cation at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives to the next level with 178 extravagant guestrooms, suites, villas, and overwater pool villas. No matter how big or small your family is, there is an accommodation that suits everyone’s requirements that comes with complimentary junior Rock Stars in-room amenities and perks.
Little Rock Stars will enjoy Hard Rock’s Roxity Kids’ Club® and Teen Spirit® hanging with the coolest crew around, the Roxtars—colourful, music-inspired characters that will keep them entertained so you can shop, eat, sleep, or relax. With both indoor and outdoor venues, the resort completes a family trip to the Maldives for kids with space for performances as well as grassy and sandy spaces outdoors for them to explore. Weekly highlights such as s ’mores bonfire, glow party, family funfair, and pool party are the perfect family pastimes not to be missed.
At the end of their time at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, all kids will walk away with a certificate of completion, memories and experiences that will last them a lifetime. Join the fun this summer and let your kids embark on an unforgettable camp-cation experience!
Summer Family Camp-Cation 3.0 will start on 1 July 2023 and end on 31 August 2023.
The hotel also offers direct access to The Marina @ CROSSROADS Maldives, where an array of shops and over 12 restaurants, all styled on the chic elegance of a European Riviera, await. From authentic American cuisine at Hard Rock Cafe to the acclaimed flavors of Ministry of Crab’s award-winning dishes and finely curated local specialties, the culinary offering sees a collision of cultures come together to offer an array of exotic international cuisines.
Featured
AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost
Maldives recently welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists. Operated primarily for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, the ship arrived on December 8, 2024, from Muscat, Oman. This visit marks the first cruise ship arrival since regulatory changes were implemented at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).
The AIDA’s stopover is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists is likely to benefit various businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guesthouses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé. This surge in activity is anticipated to further solidify the Maldives’ position as a leading cruise destination in the region.
This milestone underscores the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. Beyond its economic impact, the AIDA’s visit is expected to enhance foreign reserves and contribute to broader national economic growth. The vessel is scheduled to depart the Maldives on December 9, 2024, at 6 PM, after a brief yet impactful visit.
The Maldivian tourism industry continues to thrive despite global challenges. This achievement follows recent accolades, including being named the World Travel Awards’ (WTA) World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and earning the title of World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time. The successful introduction of cruise tourism marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, with future visits poised to further invigorate the industry and local economy.
Celebration
A Soaring Festive: celebrate the season in style at Ifuru Island Maldives
This festive season, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to a tropical paradise celebration under the theme ‘A Soaring Festive.’ Taking place from December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the event promises a vibrant, entertainment-filled program designed to create joy, excitement, and lasting memories.
Catering to diverse preferences, A Soaring Festive offers an array of experiences, from dynamic nightlife and unique performances to relaxed island vibes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Renowned DJ Rawlo will headline the nightly entertainment, captivating audiences with high-energy performances and dynamic beats. Breaking away from conventional DJ stereotypes, Rawlo’s electrifying sets promise to keep guests dancing under the stars until late into the night.
Adding to the festive lineup, the talented duo Synthetic Seduction—comprising Evgeniya and Olcay—will deliver versatile performances, including soulful saxophone melodies, lively DJ sets, and engaging duo band shows. Whether guests are enjoying cocktails by the pool or dancing on the sand, this duo creates the perfect ambiance for both relaxation and high-energy fun.
For those seeking visual artistry, Jonas and Aygul will dazzle with awe-inspiring fire shows, mesmerising LED displays, skillful juggling acts, and elegant belly dancing. Their multi-faceted performances promise to light up the island with unforgettable entertainment.
Complementing the headline acts, ‘A Soaring Festive’ features a variety of activities designed to enhance the holiday experience. Guests can participate in beach games, competitions, and themed culinary events that celebrate the flavors of the season, ensuring a celebration filled with joy and excitement.
Featured
New deep-sea fish species discovered in Maldives: Chromis Abadhah
In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which funded the research.
The fish was first spotted near Maafilaafushi in the Kaafu Atoll. Subsequent studies revealed that the species inhabits multiple regions of the Maldives, ranging from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. Researchers documented the fish in eight distinct locations, indicating that it may be distributed across various parts of the country.
Chromis Abadhah resides at depths between 95 and 110 metres, in the mesophotic zone, where sunlight begins to fade. This habitat sets it apart from other species in its family, which are typically found in shallower waters of around 30 meters.
The new species belongs to the ‘Dan’ba’ family, a group of damselfish commonly found in Maldivian seas. However, Chromis Abadhah is distinct from its relatives in several ways:
- Unlike other Chromis species, it lacks the characteristic black cross line near the neck.
- Its upper shell comprises 14 bones, compared to the typical 13 seen in related species.
While other Chromis species, such as Chromis axillaris, Chromis pelora, and Chromis woodsi, are found in various parts of the world, Chromis Abadhah appears to be endemic to the Maldives, making it a unique addition to the region’s biodiversity.
The study was a collaborative effort involving Maldivian experts and international scientists. To better understand the species, researchers captured four specimens using a specialised net. Their findings, published in a scientific paper, highlight the importance of deep-sea exploration in uncovering hidden marine treasures.
The identification of Chromis Abadhah underscores the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity and the critical role of research in its preservation. This discovery also emphasises the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats, which often harbour unique and endemic species.
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