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Rafa Nadal Academy, COMO Maalifushi partner for exclusive padel camp

Experience the thrill of padel tennis at COMO Maalifushi from 20th to 26th October 2024, with exclusive coaching from the renowned Rafa Nadal Academy. This partnership celebrates the launch of COMO Maalifushi’s new padel court, set in the resort’s stunning tropical paradise.
Participants in this unique retreat will master padel fundamentals, enhancing their skills and overall fitness. Under the expert guidance of Rafa Nadal Academy coaches, attendees will push their physical and mental boundaries through tailored workouts, ensuring rapid and effective improvements in technique, agility, and endurance.
“We are excited to offer our guests this exclusive opportunity to learn from the best in padel tennis on our brand new court that we just opened this year. This camp highlights our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences,” said Mohamed Sobah, General Manager of COMO Maalifushi. “Our guests can look forward to an exceptional blend of professional coaching from the team at Rafa Nadal Academy amidst the breath-taking beauty of the Maldives, ensuring an unforgettable retreat that combines sport, wellness, and luxury.”
This padel camp with Rafa Nadal Academy is a part of the Group’s COMO Journeys which are intimate travel experiences rooted in mastery. COMO Journeys encourage discovery, contemplation, compassion, open-mindedness, and ultimately personal transformation.
Padel is a challenging and fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton. Whether an experienced player or new to the sport, guests will experience personalised coaching, professional tips, and intensive training sessions, all against the stunning backdrop of the idyllic Maldivian paradise.
“We are so excited to bring our training methodology to a unique and beautiful location,” said Maribel Nadal, Co-Director of the Rafa Nadal Academy. “We look forward to providing guests with an unforgettable experience set in the Maldives.”
The six -day event will see coaches from the Rafa Nadal Academy provide padel training sessions tailored for all skill levels, with sessions available daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There will also be padel sessions for children, offering fun and friendly activities to help younger guests develop a feel for the ball and improve hand-eye coordination.
Guests will also be able to engage with Anabel Medina Garrigues in a COMO Conversation. The former world number 16 and 2008 Olympics tennis doubles silver medallist will share insights into her illustrious career and her experience of the game both on and off the court. Additionally, participants can enjoy a BBQ lunch on Lavadhoo with Garrigues, the academy team, and fellow guests.
Book a trip to learn from the experts at Rafa Nadal Academy and enjoy an Island Indulgence experience which includes full-board gourmet dining at Madi restaurant and Thila bar, as well as selected beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails. More information on the programme can be found online.
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Ifuru Island Maldives takes part in Burunu Boma sport fishing tournament

Ifuru Island Maldives has announced its participation in the inaugural Burunu Boma Sport Fishing Tournament, taking place from 2 to 4 May 2025. Organized by the Visit Maldives Club (VMC), this premier event aims to position the Maldives as a leading destination for sustainable sport fishing.
As one of the select resorts competing in this prestigious tournament, Team Ifuru Maldives will showcase its commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism. The competition emphasizes “catch and release” practices, aligning with global efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.
Participants will target species such as marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, swordfish, and bigeye tuna, with a grand prize of USD 25,000 awarded to the top-performing team. The event also features live entertainment and a festive atmosphere, celebrating the Maldives’ rich fishing heritage.
“We are thrilled to be part of Burunu Boma and to represent Ifuru Island Maldives in this landmark event,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Our participation underscores our dedication to sustainable practices and our passion for the ocean that surrounds us.”
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Sirru Fen Fushi to host ‘One Ocean, One Breath’ with Freedive Maldives to mark World Oceans Day

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, invites ocean lovers and adventure seekers to a purposeful World Oceans Day celebration in partnership with Freedive Maldives, Guinness World Record Holder for the Most People Performing Static Apnea held last October 2022.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the largest natural lagoons and house reefs in the Maldives, the event promises a deep connection to the ocean through expert-led PADI Freediving courses, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Participants will have the opportunity to earn their freediving certification, explore Sirru’s 9-kilometer-long house reef, and admire vibrant marine biodiversity, including manta ray cleaning stations, nurse shark points, flourishing coral gardens, and turtle habitats, home to 93 resident turtles and 11 successful hatchings this year alone.
“Our house reef, one of the longest and most vibrant in the Maldives, is a sanctuary for marine life and a symbol of our deep commitment to ocean conservation,” said Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “We are honoured to collaborate with Freedive Maldives in celebrating World Oceans Day, not only to offer our guests an unforgettable underwater journey, but also to empower local talents and inspire our community to protect what lies beneath the surface.”
The initiative aligns with the resort’s ongoing sustainability commitments, including regular lagoon cleaning programs and support for local marine conservation efforts. This collaboration further emphasizes a shared mission to preserve the Maldives’ rich underwater heritage and engage the local community in meaningful environmental action.
In a broader commitment to sustainable tourism, Freedive Maldives has also signed a partnership agreement with the Baa Atoll Council to host another record-breaking freediving event in October 2025, coinciding with World Tourism Day, reinforcing Baa Atoll’s position as a leader in eco-conscious marine tourism.
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Napoli back on top of Serie A as De Laurentiis celebrates in Maldives

Aurelio De Laurentiis, owner and chairman of SSC Napoli and one of Italy’s leading film producers, is celebrating his club’s return to the top of Serie A while holidaying in the Maldives.
Napoli secured a crucial 2–0 victory over Torino in the 34th round of the league, taking full advantage of Inter Milan’s 1–0 loss to Roma. With the win, Napoli now lead the table with 74 points, three points clear of Inter, with four matches remaining in the season.
Many had expected De Laurentiis to be present at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for such a pivotal match. However, according to Italian media reports, he remained in the Maldives. After the match, the Napoli president posted a message from afar, encouraging his team to stay composed during the decisive final stretch of the season: “Cool heads. Calm and steady. Forza Napoli Sempre!”
The radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli suggested that De Laurentiis’ decision to stay in the Maldives, distant from Italy, reflects his strategy of giving space to the team and coaching staff while firmly maintaining control over the club’s direction.
Following Napoli’s historic league triumph in 2023, their first in over three decades, the club endured a turbulent season marked by coaching changes and management instability. Many attributed last season’s struggles to the lack of continuity.
Determined to rebuild, De Laurentiis appointed Antonio Conte, a proven winner, as head coach ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, a move that is already delivering results.
As the race for the Scudetto intensifies, Napoli’s dream of winning a second title in three years remains very much alive, with De Laurentiis steering the course even from thousands of miles away.
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