Action
W Hotels Worldwide Selects Rising International DJs to Participate In 2012 W Hotels & Burn Studios DJ Lab
Maldives Promotion House – W Hotels Worldwide, in collaboration with burn studios, an innovative music platform developed by burn®, a globally leading energy drink from The Coca-Cola Company, has announced the new international DJs who have been selected to participate in the second annual W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab. In addition, a global search has launched on whotels.com/music to find the final DJ, representing Asia, to join the curated group. The DJ Lab is designed to bring together the most exciting rising DJ talent from around the globe and provide them with unprecedented mentorship and valuable tools to help them realize their full potential. The chosen participants will polish their skills during a weeklong DJ ‘boot camp’ at W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak this July in preparation for a global tour hosted at W Hotels and Retreats around the world.
“We are thrilled to welcome a new group of rising global artists to join the 2012 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab,” said Vincent Gillet, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “Supporting emerging talent is a core value of the W brand, and through our partnership with burn studios, we are continuing to provide a global platform that identifies and supports these up-and-coming artists, while showcasing what’s new and next in music at our hotels worldwide.”
W Hotels Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L’Acqua, along with burn studios, has identified seven promising DJs to join the program at W Bali this year. Hailing from global gateway cities across the world, the 2012 DJs are, Dogus Cabakcor, from Istanbul, Posso (aka Marylouise Pels and Vanessa Giovacchini), from Los Angeles, Vitor Kurc, from São Paulo, Klaus Rosa De Macedo and Ameet Jugnauth, from London, and Aline Magnier, from Berlin.
When the new class of emerging DJs convene at W Bali, they will be mentored by industry experts, including Rob Garza (Thievery Corporation), Paul Nolan (SAE) and Jason Bentley (Music Director, KCRW) along with L’Acqua. After honing their craft in “master classes,” each DJ will be given the chance to put their skills into practice by spinning at signature W Happenings and other sought-after W Hotels events, providing a fresh soundtrack for W guests and local music fans alike.
“Through our partnership with W Hotels, the burn studios DJ Lab is providing another opportunity for artists to meet and learn from some of the industry’s biggest names,” said Prinz Pinakatt, Global Director, burn, The Coca-Cola Company. “Our programming nurtures and showcases aspiring DJs looking to break onto an international stage”
For the first time ever, the eighth and final DJ, representing Asia, will be found through an online talent search held by W Hotels Worldwide, in partnership with MIX.dj. Starting today through June 15, aspiring DJs can go to whotels.com/music to upload their mix for the chance to join the 2012 DJ Lab. Uploaded mixes will automatically be entered into the MIX.dj platform where sharing and voting by the public will commence. Those DJs with the highest number of votes will then be selected by the DJ Lab Mentors to perform at various W Hotels in Asia in May and June, showcasing their unique, cutting-edge sounds.
The first of these events will kick off at W Taipei on May 18, where L’Acqua will be on-site at the official Show Off party to witness firsthand the DJs who have submitted mixes for consideration. On May 26, W Hong Kong will host its first Summer Series pool party of the season, giving the DJs additional platforms for exposure. Finally, W Seoul will welcome 2011 DJ Lab participant, DJ Angus Wong, on June 1 for a W Happening featuring select DJs from the online search, industry tastemakers and VIPs. The search will end on June 15 and the winner announced as the 2012 DJ Lab commences in July.
“The search for the final DJ allows W the opportunity to engage legions of enthusiastic electronic music fans to help us in selecting this last participant,” said Michaelangelo L’Acqua, W Hotels Global Music Director. “It is important that each DJ who joins the program demonstrate not only cutting-edge talent, but also passionate resolve, and through this online platform, we’re able to ensure our final DJ encompasses all of these qualities.”
For the third consecutive year, W Hotels Worldwide will again partner with the Ibiza International Music Summit (IMS), a high level music industry conference attended by global leaders in the dance music scene. As part of the commitment, on May 25, W Hotels will host an industry panel discussion on “Empowering Women in Electronic Music”. The following day, W Hotels together with ‘Shut Your Pretty Mouth’ (SYPM), a magazine and club night dedicated to female creative talent, will host the official IMS after-party at Blue Marlin, featuring an all-female DJ line-up, including Sister Bliss (Faithless) and Scarlett Etienne, as well as the 2012 W Hotels & burn studios DJ Lab artistsPosso. On May 27, IMS and SYPM will travel to the W Barcelona Wet Deck as the hotel celebrates the kick-off of its summer season.
Action
COMO Maalifushi highlights uncrowded surf access across southern atolls
COMO Maalifushi presents a considered approach to surfing in the Maldives—one shaped by access, expertise, and the quiet privilege of space.
Located in the remote Thaa Atoll, the resort offers entry to a network of lesser-travelled breaks across the southern atolls, where consistent Indian Ocean swells meet uncrowded line-ups. Here, surfing unfolds without urgency—guided by natural rhythm rather than routine.
At the core of the experience is COMO Maalifushi’s long-standing partnership with Tropicsurf, daily sessions are shaped by real-time ocean conditions, with coaching that adapts intuitively to each guest—whether taking to the water for the first time or refining technique across more complex reef formations.
Guests are given access to a curated selection of breaks across Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll—each offering a distinct character. From the long, forgiving rides of Farms to the more technical, fast-moving rights of ‘Machine’, the programme is designed to evolve with both conditions and capability.
“Surfing at COMO Maalifushi is defined by its sense of space and possibility,” says Peter Nilsson, Managing Director, COMO Maldives. “Our location allows access to some of the Maldives’ most consistent yet uncrowded waves, and through our partnership with Tropicsurf, we’re able to offer an experience that is both highly personalised and quietly exceptional—true to COMO’s way of doing things.”
The season, which runs from April through October, brings steady swells from the southern Indian Ocean. Yet beyond seasonality, it is the absence of crowds that defines the experience—allowing guests to engage with the ocean on their own terms.
Surfing at COMO Maalifushi sits naturally within the wider rhythm of the island. Time in the water is balanced with restorative treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, unhurried dining, and the simplicity of island life—creating a sense of flow between activity and stillness.
Here, surfing is guided with care, framed by nature, and experienced without excess.
For more information, please visit the resort’s website.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
-
Honeymoon1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
-
Awards1 week agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
-
Action1 week agoFour Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to stage 14th edition of Surfing Champions Trophy
-
Cooking1 week agoBaros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
-
Drink1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi showcases mixology collaboration during Easter programme
-
Featured1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
-
Awards1 week agoCinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
-
News7 days agoSt. Regis Maldives expands and upgrades Two-Bedroom Ocean Villa




