Italian luxury fashion brand Aquazzura has partnered with JOALI Maldives, located on the Muravandhoo island in northern Maldives, to launch a special limited-edition tropical capsule collection. Inspired by the lush, art-immersive island, together the brands collaborated on a beautiful sandal and matching clutch. The capsule collection is available in the island’s boutique, Maison de JOALI.

Crafted in Italy, Aquazzura’s first Maldives collaboration was inspired by the brand’s founder and creative director Edgardo Osorio’s love of the sun, sea and passion for diving. The collection consists of a sandal slide and matching clutch in white leather, with a refined beaded embroidered motif depicting pristine blue water and cerulean sky with coconut palms. Fresh and casual but refined and bold, those wearing the items will be transported on an exotic journey. JOALI clutch features the spectacular arrival jetty at JOALI Maldives, inspired by the ocean’s ebb and flow to set the tone for an enchanting stay in the Maldives.

The turquoise colour of the sea surrounding JOALI ties to the inspiration behind Aquazzura, ‘Aqua’ blue, and the philosophy of sharing infinite joy with the world has created a remarkable synergy, reflected in this one-of-a-kind capsule collection. Praising the partnership, Edgardo Osorio, the founder and creative director of Aquazzura, complements, “I began diving in the Maldives a few years ago and was immediately captivated by the vibrant nature and stunning colours of its coral reefs. During a recent visit to JOALI Maldives, I was enchanted by the resort’s beautiful architecture, exceptional service, and wellness rituals. As a devoted admirer of the sun and the sea, I collaborated with JOALI Maldives to create something special, culminating in the exclusive launch of the first Aquazzura pop-up collection in the Maldives.”

Discover Aquazzura Casa collection at JOALI Maldives for a limited time only from 20th December 2024. The Secret Garden line showcases an enchanting tableware selection of botanical elements in lush, verdant tones inspired by 18th-century Chinese porcelain. Combined with a carefully crafted menu by Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser, guests will be able to enjoy a perfect evening at the resort’s restaurant Bellinis with authentic Italian flavours.

JOALI Maldives has villas from $2,928 per night based on two persons sharing a Water Villa with Pool on B&B basis. For further details and booking, please visit joali.com.

Indian cricket star Suresh Raina recently celebrated his birthday in style at Cocoon Maldives, a luxury resort nestled in the pristine waters of Lhaviyani Atoll. The former Indian cricketer, who is renowned for his stellar performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket, shared his birthday moments with fans on Instagram, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and wishes.

“I’m completely overwhelmed with gratitude! I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for the amazing birthday wishes! Your kind words & messages truly made my special day unforgettable. I feel so loved and grateful for the incredible people in my life. Thank you again for being part of my journey and for making my birthday so memorable! #thanks #blessed @cocoonmaldives, @thecocooncollection. #cocoonmaldives, #thecocooncollection, #tawifacilities,” Raina captioned his post.

Suresh Raina is a household name in Indian cricket, known for his explosive batting and exceptional fielding. A left-handed middle-order batsman, Raina has represented India in all formats of the game, making significant contributions during his career. He was a vital part of India’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning team and remains one of the top run-scorers in the IPL, where he played a key role for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Raina retired from international cricket in 2020 but continues to be a beloved figure in the cricketing world, engaging in philanthropic work and business ventures.

Cocoon Maldives, part of The Cocoon Collection, is a five-star luxury resort that offers a seamless blend of Italian design and Maldivian hospitality. Located on Ookolhufinolhu Island, the resort is known for its contemporary interiors, world-class amenities, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Guests can indulge in an array of activities, from diving and snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to relaxing at the award-winning spa or savoring gourmet cuisine at one of the resort’s exquisite restaurants.

The resort is a popular destination for celebrities and travelers seeking tranquility and luxury, making it a fitting choice for Suresh Raina’s birthday celebration. With its serene ambiance and exceptional service, Cocoon Maldives provided the perfect backdrop for the cricket star’s special day.

Raina’s Instagram post quickly garnered attention from fans and followers, with many expressing admiration for the picturesque setting and sending their best wishes to the cricketer. His celebration at Cocoon Maldives is yet another example of the Maldives’ growing reputation as a premier destination for luxury travel and celebrity getaways.

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.