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W Maldives Brings in the London Beats Duo

Published

13 years ago

May 31, 2012

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 10^th 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.

Related Topics:Ameet ‘El Bongo’ Jugnauth DJ Klaus Featured News W Retreat & Spa - Maldives

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Nova Maldives, PADI partner for transformative Ocean Adventure Week with India Black this July

Published

1 week ago

March 25, 2025

m@ldives

This summer, Nova Maldives, the soulful island resort, is proudly partnering with the world’s leading scuba diving organisation, PADI, to host a unique ocean adventure week from 13 to 20 July, in celebration of PADI’s 11th Women’s Dive Day on 19 July 2025.

Nova & PADI’s Transformative Ocean Adventure Week will be co-hosted by PADI AmbassaDiver, conservation advocate, and broadcaster India Black, and PADI Regional Manager for the Maldives Matt Wenger, inviting ocean lovers from around the world to immerse themselves in diving, conservation, and community, while discovering the transformative power of the ocean and promoting sustainable diving practices.

Taking place at Nova’s stunning South Ari Atoll location, this event will feature guided dives, marine conservation workshops, and sustainability-focused training. Guests will have the rare opportunity to explore the protected pristine waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), witness diverse marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks, and deepen their understanding of ethical diving and ocean stewardship.

Leading the way alongside PADI AmbassaDiver India Black is PADI Regional Manager Matt Wenger, who brings nearly three decades of experience as a PADI Pro. Now in his tenth year overseeing PADI’s presence in the Maldives, Matt has played a key role in expanding PADI’s reach across both luxury resorts and emerging local island destinations. His dedication to sustainability and marine conservation aligns closely with PADI’s Three Pillars of Change, ensuring that responsible diving and environmental awareness remain at the heart of this experience. A passionate storyteller and advocate for ocean conservation, India Black has dedicated her career to inspiring people to adventure further, care for themselves, and protect the planet. Having spent time rehabilitating sea turtles in the Whitsundays, paddling 110km across Hawaii’s Alenuihaha Channel, and championing marine protection initiatives worldwide, her connection to the ocean runs deep. For India, the water has always been a place of healing and personal growth, and she hopes this event will encourage others to experience the same. With Matt’s deep expertise in the Maldives diving scene and India’s mission to connect people with the ocean, this event promises to be an inspiring, educational, and immersive week for all participants.

“The ocean has given me so much — peace, perspective, and connection — and I’m so passionate about helping others find that too,” says India Black. “This week is about more than just diving; it’s about learning how we can all play a part in protecting the marine world while building unforgettable memories in it.”

Hosted at Nova’s soulful island resort located in the breathtaking South Ari Atoll, the event offers guests a curated programme of conservation-focused activities, dives, and educational workshops designed to deepen their understanding of ocean protection. With India and Matt’s expertise, throughout the week, guests will experience:

Manta Quest Snorkelling – Head off in search of majestic manta rays in their natural habitat.
Whale Shark Snorkelling – Swim alongside the Maldives’ gentle giants in an unforgettable encounter.
Turtle Quest – Discover the Maldives’ endangered sea turtles while learning about conservation efforts to protect them.
Ocean Clean-Up Dive – Take hands-on action by removing marine debris from the reef.
Blue Planet Movie Nights – Unwind under the stars with screenings of BBC’s Blue Planet series, deepening appreciation for the underwater world.
Marine Conservation Talks & Workshops – Attend presentations on whale shark research, coral conservation, and PADI AWARE’s initiatives[ma1] , exploring sustainable diving and marine protection.
Women’s Dive Day Celebration – A special PADI Women’s Dive Day event to encourage and empower more women to embrace diving and ocean conservation.

As partners of the MWSRP (The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme) and accredited by Manta Trust as Responsible Manta Tourism Operator Nova is proud to support the conservation of the Maldives’ beautiful gentle giants. At the heart of the event is a commitment to sustainable tourism, ocean conservation, and community connection, values that align closely with India’s own mission. Having built a platform dedicated to encouraging others to adventure further, love themselves better, and protect the planet, India hopes to inspire attendees to see themselves as stewards of the ocean.

“My journey with the ocean has shaped who I am today, and I’ve learned that once you truly connect with the sea, you can’t help but want to protect it,” she says. “I’m so excited to dive alongside Nova’s guests, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully spark that same love for the water in them.”

Nova’s General Manager, Abdulla Aboobakuru, adds: “This event embodies everything we stand for at Nova — community, connection, and sustainability. Partnering with PADI and India Black gives us an incredible opportunity to not only showcase the natural beauty of the Maldives but also inspire guests to become lifelong ocean advocates.”

The Nova x PADI Transformative Ocean Adventure Week from 13 to 20 July 2025 is available to book exclusively through Nova , with limited spots available. Full Board Plus rates start at USD 493/night in a Beach Villa and USD 694/night in a Water Villa (inclusive of tax) based on two adults sharing when booked direct.

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Join football legend Teddy Sheringham at Amilla Maldives

Published

3 weeks ago

March 17, 2025

m@ldives

Amilla Maldives has announced that football legend Teddy Sheringham will be returning to the resort this April. From 2nd to 8th April, Sheringham, celebrated for his pivotal role in Manchester United’s treble-winning team, will be inspiring the next generation of footballers with a series of training sessions.

Sheringham, whose 24-year career has cemented him as one of football’s most respected figures, will lead daily sessions from 4:00pm to 6:00pm for young football enthusiasts aged 4 and above. The week-long experience will offer a unique opportunity to train under the guidance of a world-class footballer.

“We are delighted to welcome Teddy back to Amilla Maldives,” said Narelle McDougall, General Manager. “His passion and commitment to inspire young players makes this a truly special event.”

Football fans need no introduction to Sheringham’s remarkable career, and this event promises to be a memorable week of football, camaraderie, and the chance to train with one of the greatest players of his generation.

For reservations, contact reserve@amilla.com.

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Vieri brothers to lead football camp at Siyam World Maldives this April

Published

3 weeks ago

March 14, 2025

m@ldives

Calling all parents whose kids spend more time perfecting their goal celebrations than, actually passing the ball! This April 19th to 21st, 2025, Siyam World Maldives is bringing football royalty to the island, as legendary striker Christian Vieri and pro coach Max Vieri host an unforgettable kids football camp. This is not your usual “run drills until your legs give up” training. It’s about skills, fun, friendships, and, let’s be honest, giving parents a little peace and quiet.

This fun-filled camp is designed for kids aged 5 -12 years, and promises to focus on developing real football skills, building new friendships, and soaking in the Maldivian magic. And don’t worry parents, you’ll have some well-deserved time to relax, or at least enjoy a break from being the constant referee.

Christian Vieri, Serie A Golden Boot winner, goal-scoring machine, and all-around football icon has scored over 230 goals for clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, and Atlético Madrid. Now, he’s heading to Siyam World’s pitch to pass on his legendary skills to the next generation.

And because we all know kids listen better to someone other than their parents, his brother, Max Vieri, former pro footballer and expert youth coach, will be on hand to keep them focused on actual training).

Why This Camp is Unmissable:

Kids train with legends – Hands-on coaching from Christian & Max Vieri.
Late afternoon sessions – No 5 AM wake-ups, just football under the golden Maldivian sky.
A holiday for the whole family – Kids play, parents relax (or cheer from a sun lounger).
It’s football, but fun – No pressure, just unforgettable memories on and off the pitch.

A Mother’s Perspective: It’s More Than Just Football

Jessica Gasper, whose children Preston and Sienna attended the January football camp with Daniel Agger, shares her experience: “I thought my kids would have fun, but I didn’t expect the confidence and friendships they’d come away with. Watching them train with a footballing legend, play on a world-class pitch, and come home each day buzzing with stories, it was priceless. And let’s be honest, having a few hours to myself each afternoon? It was the first time in years my husband and I truly relaxed on vacation. A holiday within a holiday! If you’re thinking about it, just do it, your kids will thank you forever.”

Following in the Footsteps of Football Greats

Siyam World Maldives has a rich legacy of hosting world-class football camps, having featured some of the biggest names in football history, including: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Agger, Esteban Cambiasso and more.

With Christian and Max Vieri now joining this lineup, Siyam World continues to be the ultimate destination for young footballers and their families.

When & Where?

Where: Siyam World Maldives
Date: April 19th to 21st, 2025
Ages: 5-12 years old
How to Book: Visit Siyam World or email stay@siyamworld.com.
Limited Spots Available!
This exclusive football camp is expected to sell out fast.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience combines professional football training with the fun and relaxation of a tropical holiday. Parents, this might be your only chance to watch your kids practice without worrying about shattered living room vases.