Canareef Resort Maldives achieved a historic milestone by hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress 2024, a prestigious event that enhanced both the resort’s reputation and the Maldives’ prominence in international sports.

From November 5th to 11th, 2024, over 450 athletes and delegates from 41 countries gathered at Canareef Resort to compete in one of the year’s most significant bodybuilding events. The resort’s exclusive villas, lush tropical surroundings, and turquoise lagoons created an ideal setting for the competition, while its exceptional hospitality contributed significantly to the event’s success.

The championships’ opening ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Mr. Lawrence Leow, Chairman and CEO of Crescendas Group (owner of Canareef Resort Maldives), the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, H.E. Munu Mahawar, and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives, H.E. Ranga Goonawardena. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and Canareef’s commitment to delivering a memorable experience.

The event schedule included key moments that highlighted its significance:

• November 1-5: Arrival of Executive Council members, Sub-Committee Members, teams, delegates, and officials.
• November 6: Team Managers’ and Judges’ meetings, the WBPF Executive Council discussions, and the WBPF Electoral Congress.
• November 8/9: The Opening Ceremony marked the official start of the championships, drawing significant attention from audiences and media.
• November 10: The championships concluded with the Closing Ceremony and Final Prize Distribution, celebrating athletes’ achievements.

The Maldives National Bodybuilding Team delivered an impressive performance, winning three medals: two Gold and one Silver. Key highlights included:

• Shaheen Ibrahim Didi: Gold in Men’s Bodybuilding 55 Kg.
• Azneen Rashad: Gold in Sports Physique 170 cm.
• Yoosuf Ayaan Rizvee: Silver in Junior Men’s Bodybuilding up to 75 Kg.

Other notable performances included top placements by Mohamed Nahyan Khan, Shaalu Ibrahim, Abdulla Ahsan, and Ismail Shuau Abdulla in their respective categories.

In the team rankings, India won the Men’s Team Championship, Vietnam secured the Women’s Team Championship, and Saravanan Mani of India was named Overall Champion.

Datuk Paul Chua, President of the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, commended the event’s success and the resort’s warm hospitality. He remarked on the beauty of the island and expressed enthusiasm about returning to Canareef, even outside of championship events.

Ahmed Hamza, Director of Canareef Resort Maldives, expressed pride in hosting the event, emphasising its positive impact on Addu and the southern Maldives. Mohamed Jaish Ibrahim, AGM, lauded the teamwork and resilience that contributed to the event’s success.

Hosting the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Electoral Congress has firmly established Canareef Resort Maldives as a premier venue for international sports events. This accomplishment not only highlights the resort’s capabilities but also reinforces its status as a destination where luxury, hospitality, and world-class events converge.

Looking forward, Canareef Resort remains committed to hosting significant global events and welcoming guests to experience its unparalleled beauty, tranquility, and hospitality.

Snorkeling at Kandolhu Maldives provides an exceptional underwater experience, renowned for its vibrant, well-preserved coral formations and diverse marine life. The house reef serves as a sanctuary for various marine species, including colourful fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray, ensuring each snorkelling session is uniquely engaging. The sight of hawksbill turtles gliding gracefully through the water is particularly enchanting, creating an unforgettable highlight. Schools of snappers, fusiliers, and moorish idols move in harmonious formations, completing the vivid underwater scenery.

Kandolhu’s distinction lies not only in the richness of its marine ecosystem but also in the expertise and dedication of its local guides and instructors. These professionals offer personalised guidance, ensuring that participants of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned snorkelers, feel at ease and confident. The resort strongly emphasises eco-friendly practices, encouraging guests to use reef-safe sunscreens and avoid touching or disturbing marine life to protect the reef’s delicate balance. This mindful approach enables a respectful and enjoyable exploration of the underwater world while preserving it for future generations.

The house reef at Kandolhu is easily accessible from both the beach and jetty, making it ideal for spontaneous snorkelling at any time of day. Strategically placed life rings around the island add an extra layer of safety, providing peace of mind for those exploring the waters. The resort’s dedication to conservation is evident through regular reef cleanups, which contribute to maintaining the ecosystem’s health and vibrancy. Kandolhu invites visitors to immerse themselves in this captivating underwater paradise, where every dive celebrates the ocean’s splendour and fosters a deeper connection with nature.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island is hosting Karol Krauser III, a renowned wellness expert with more than 35 years of experience, for an exclusive “Journey of Renewal” residency from 15 November to 18 December 2024. Recognised as the visionary behind FitwellX, Krauser is celebrated for his holistic approach to health, which merges modern sports medicine with traditional mind-body practices. During his residency, he will provide personalised training experiences aimed at restoring and rejuvenating guests amidst the serene surroundings of Olhahali Island.

Krauser’s extensive global expertise reflects a profound belief in the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Over his career, he has developed tailored wellness and recovery programs for clients around the world, including locations such as Thailand, Hawaii, and London. His specialties include martial arts, therapeutic bodywork, corrective exercise rehabilitation, and stress-relief techniques like Tai Chi and Chi Kung meditation. Each of his programs is customised to align with the health goals of individuals, accommodating guests of all ages and fitness levels.

Commenting on Krauser’s residency, Mohamed Ashraf, General Manager of Jumeirah Olhahali Island, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are excited to bring Karol’s wellness expertise to our guests. His personalised programs offer a transformative experience, leaving guests feeling revitalized, balanced, and deeply connected to both themselves and the tranquil environment around them,” he said.

Featured Experiences:

• Martial Movement Therapy: Private sessions integrating martial arts and functional fitness to enhance overall strength, balance, and focus while promoting mental clarity.
• Mindfulness & Meditation: Daily guided practices, including Tai Chi, Chi Kung meditation, and chakra-balancing sessions, designed to reduce stress, improve resilience, and foster mindfulness.
• Corrective Exercise Rehabilitation: One-on-one sessions featuring medical massage and personalised exercises to address pain, recovery from injury, and structural imbalances, focusing on healing and improving flexibility.
• Intuitive Bodywork: Private 60- or 90-minute sessions offering diverse healing techniques such as Hawaiian Lomi Lomi and Reiki for deep relaxation and energy balancing.

Situated in the tranquil Maldives, Jumeirah Olhahali Island provides the ideal backdrop for the “Journey of Renewal” experience. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s year-round wellness activities, including oceanside group fitness classes, spa treatments with panoramic marine views, beachside tennis, rooftop yoga, and Moonlit Sandbank Massages beneath the stars. With its expansive beachfront and overwater villas, serene spa, and a range of activities from PADI diving to coral restoration, the resort offers an unparalleled setting for a transformative and restorative retreat.