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W Maldives Brings in the London Beats Duo
Maldives Promotion House – Surprisingly enough, it actually starts with your feet. You’re sitting down at a table, making small talk with your friends and before you know it, your fingers are moving. Then your hands slowly start drumming on the table. You start feeling hazy, and then the energy hits you. Just as you’re about to realise the motion of your head, the rhythms envelop you. The beats muffle out the voices of the excited crowd, and you lose control of your entire body. The flashing disco lights blind you, and you slip off your seat and the dance floor becomes the only world you exist in.
It is a very unique kind of music that can do that to you. Every DJ can’t do that, and every party can’t bring out that side of you that no one knew existed. But here are two DJs who can. Hailing from two very different parts of the world, DJ Klaus from Brazil and Ameet ‘El Bongo’ Jugnauth from the Mauritius are famously known as the London Beats. I was lucky enough to experience their vibes during their performance for the guests at W Retreat & Spa Maldives, earlier this week.
With a unique combination of traditional club DJ and raw live music, London Beats is one of London’s top act responsible for some of the wildest and craziest performances. The pair have played all over the world with a host of celebrity DJs and stars including Pete Tong, Shakira, Hot Chip and Bob Sinclair. Besides their London based residencies in Eclipse Bar and Boujis nightclubs, the duo also take London Beats abroad with regular performances at W Barcelona and W Doha. They have also performed in Taipei, St Petersburg, Barcelona, Doha, Hong Kong, Miami, and now Maldives
A DJ since 17, DJ Klaus spent half of his childhood in Brazil. He explained, “For me the whole DJ thing actually came from Brazil. My cousin was a DJ and that’s how I got into DJ. I did a lot of clubs in Brazil and then I moved to UK. Then back in London I did this gig in a club. The owners of the club also owned a couple of bars in London. So in 2008 for the 10th anniversary in one of the bars called Eclipse, they asked me to play.”
“Apparently Eclipse also had a guy who played percussion there. I had never heard of him or met him. So I was doing my set and he turned up, because he was going to play anyway. And the place just went wild, and I thought ‘wow’ this is actually pretty cool. So we ended up doing another gig together, and Eclipse wanted to use more DJs on the weekends so we started off playing regularly every Friday,” Klaus told me the story of how London Beats came to be.
“It was very unique and different because eclipse was very much a bar than a club, and unlike Europe, in London they’re both very different places. Klaus was very well known for what he was doing in the clubs and I was very well known for what I was doing in the bar. There were a lot of people who wanted to see the two of us come together. Everyone would talk about it, but they never really put us together until that day,” Ameet added.
In October 2009 when W Barcelona opened with an Eclipse bar, part owned by the W Brand, the duo was once again called to perform during the launch. That would be their first trip together and also the beginning of what is now known as London Beats. While most people would think that London beats started in London, it actually started in Barcelona. What kicked off as a theme night was named as London Beats to define where the beats of the duo come from.
The uniqueness and the sheer beauty of their performances, that has mesmerised audiences from all over the world, come from deep within their persona. “What we are actually trying to create is that fusion of live music and the DJ vibe. It’s a risky mix, because it either works really well, or it doesn’t work at all. And for us, the crowd speaks success,” says Ameet. “W has got a very strong brand so it’s relatively the same in every destination, but what’s interesting is that, it’s always a different crowd. Because the people are different, and that is our challenge.”
What DJ Klaus and Ameet ‘El Bongo’ Jugnauth performs is not just art. It’s not just music. It’s not just rhythms either. It goes far deeper than that. It mixes with the very essence of our inner child. The tunes reverberate through our body and mind and linger around us. It brings out the children in us, once again opening the flood gates to the innocence of youth. For a moment, everything stops, and the beats disappear into the night, along with the worries and stress of responsibilities. And all that is left is the floor, the lights and the energy that flows.
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, a distinguished 5-star deluxe property and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced a collaboration with Filippo Volandri, the esteemed coach of the Italian National Tennis Team.
From February 21 to 28, 2025, Volandri will conduct six exclusive tennis masterclasses, designed to cater to both children and adults seeking to improve their skills on the court.
As the coach behind Italy’s 2024 Davis Cup victory and a key figure in the Italian national tennis team, Volandri brings extensive expertise and a passion for the sport. Known for his strategic approach and ability to inspire players of all levels, he offers a coaching experience that is both insightful and engaging.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to enhance their tennis abilities under Volandri’s tailored guidance. Whether seasoned players or newcomers to the sport, attendees will benefit from expert insights into technique, strategy, and gameplay. These sessions will take place at the resort’s world-class tennis facilities, set against the serene backdrop of the Maldives, creating an unforgettable environment for skill development.
Rohit Chhettri, General Manager of Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The collaboration with Filippo Volandri provides our guests with an extraordinary opportunity to learn from one of tennis’s finest coaches while enjoying the unmatched luxury and natural beauty of our resort.”
Families seeking the ultimate summer escape in 2025 will find the perfect destination with Kuramathi and Campioni. These two exceptional partners offer a holiday experience where children can combine their love for football with the thrill of training alongside former Premier League players and UEFA coaches at breathtaking resorts. The exclusive Campioni football training camps cater to children aged 4-15 years, running across two weeks with three football legends. Liverpool and England star John Barnes MBE, accompanied by a UEFA coach, will lead sessions from July 28th to August 1st. Meanwhile, England icons Harry Redknapp and Stuart Pearce MBE will join from August 4th to August 8th, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for budding young footballers.
Campioni’s ethos, “Train Like A Pro,” offers a unique chance for children to be coached for two hours daily by some of English football’s most celebrated figures. These interactive and engaging sessions focus on fundamental skills while emphasising teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. With personalised guidance provided throughout, participants gain invaluable insights from the experts and create unforgettable memories.
While children hone their skills on the pitch, parents are free to unwind in a variety of ways. They can relax on the beach, explore the island, work out in the gym, visit the spa, or simply enjoy the vibrant energy of the training sessions from the sidelines.
The Campioni experience extends beyond football. Families are invited to participate in additional activities, such as welcome drinks at the start of the week, a mid-week parents’ game featuring the football legends, and an end-of-week medal and certificate presentation. These events ensure everyone in the family enjoys a dynamic and engaging holiday.
Kuramathi, a renowned Maldivian resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for this unique experience. Famous for its winding white sandbank and tropical jungle spanning the 1.8km island, the resort features 12 room categories, 12 restaurants, 6 bars, evening entertainment, and an array of facilities. Options range from one-bedroom Beach Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Houses to overwater villas perched above the island’s turquoise lagoon, making it a perfect choice for families.
Off the field, Kuramathi’s complimentary Bageecha Kids’ Club caters to children aged 3-12 years with indoor and outdoor play areas, arts and crafts, splash pads, and a large swimming pool. Activities for older children include badminton, football, ping pong, baseball, and basketball. For couples seeking a romantic evening, extended kids’ club hours are available at an additional charge, alongside 24-hour babysitting for younger children.
The resort also offers unique environmental activities, such as eco-centre presentations, hermit crab trails, tree planting, and visits to hydroponics gardens, encouraging younger guests to learn about sustainable practices.
For adventurous families, Kuramathi provides a fully equipped dive school with multilingual instructors who guide participants through PADI and SSI courses, including options for children as young as eight. Guests can also explore the ocean through snorkelling safaris, turtle discovery trips, dolphin excursions, and semi-submarine tours. Water sports such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and catamaran lessons are available for children aged 12 and above.
While children are occupied, parents can relax at the spa or enjoy evening cocktails at the Champagne Loft or pool bars. Dining options include international cuisine at the buffet restaurant and specialty venues like The Reef, La Belle Vie, and Siam Garden. Nightlife on the island is vibrant, with live music, beachside movie nights, DJ performances, and more.
Kuramathi and Campioni promise a summer holiday filled with excitement, learning, and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Tennis enthusiasts of all levels are encouraged to participate in an engaging five-day tennis camp hosted by former British tennis star Naomi Cavaday, as part of JA Manafaru’s ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’
From January 1st to 5th, 2025, Naomi Cavaday will provide expert coaching to both adults and children at the resort’s tennis court from 4 to 5 pm daily. With a career that includes competing at Wimbledon and in all four Grand Slam tournaments, Naomi offers players a unique opportunity to receive personalised guidance from a former WTA professional. Whether participants are beginners or advanced players aiming to refine their skills, her competitive spirit and passion for coaching promise to elevate their performance.
The tennis camp aims to deliver an inspiring and dynamic experience for all participants, offering a chance to learn from Naomi’s extensive expertise. Guests will benefit from high-quality coaching and gain valuable insights into the sport, all within a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Jason Kruse, General Manager at JA Manafaru, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Naomi Cavaday to host our tennis camp as part of our ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’ Her vast experience and genuine love for the game will undoubtedly inspire guests of all ages, helping them improve their skills and enjoy a memorable tennis experience during their stay.”
Naomi Cavaday, a former British tennis player, turned professional in 2006 and competed in WTA events and all four Grand Slam tournaments. She represented Great Britain as the number one player in the Billie Jean King Cup and has achieved significant victories, including matches against top players such as Venus Williams and Martina Hingis. Beyond her playing career, Naomi is a respected commentator for Sky, Eurosport, and the BBC, where she shares her expertise with global audiences. As a coach, she is dedicated to mentoring and developing new generations of tennis players.
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