Action
NIYAMA Maldives conducts Muay Thai boot-camp with world champion Saiful Merican
Maldives Promotion House – Per AQUUM’s latest guest experience, the Residents@NIYAMA programme kicks off with a 10-day Muay Thai bootcamp by Saiful Merican, World Muay Thai Association’s (WMA) world number one 57kg featherweight champion. From March 9th – 18th, 2013, Saiful and Owner/ Trainer of Merican Muay Thai, Dzianti Merican will be conducting a 10-day, one-on-one and group session bootcamp at Active. With highly trained fitness instructors and leisure managers on board, Active is your one-stop, go-to playground at NIYAMA.
A form of martial arts originating from Thailand, Muay Thai uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques and is known as the ‘art of eight weapons’ because of its characteristic combined use of fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet. With 125 pro-Muay Thai fights under his belt today, Saiful says his inspiration is Muay Thai legend, Samart Payakaroon. “Muay Thai is not only a self defense sport, it helps you stay focused and disciplined, it helps you lose weight and keeps you fit. You lose 1,500 calories at every one hour intensive workout! It is a sport for all genders and age group, even kids”, says Saiful. Research shows the increase in speed, agility, strength and cardiovascular endurance of a regular Muay Thai practitioner. Women will be interested to know that Muay Thai also releases toxins and waste from the body resulting in better and glowing complexions.
Dzianti Merican, Founder and Trainer at Merican Muay Thai and also Saiful’s other half, has been training Muay Thai for eleven years and is living out her life-long passion. “Muay Thai is not only my daily fitness regime; it thought me self discipline, self empowerment and self respect,” says Dzianti. She has put together a 10-day Fighter’s Diet that will be available daily at Epicure for breakfast. To stay lean and toned, Dzianti recommends half boiled eggs, wholemeal toast, fruit smoothies with low fat milk and oats.
The 10-day Muay Thai Bootcamp at Active:
One-On-One Private Sessions US$75++
Duration: One hour
One round: 3 minutes, 1 minute break
- Stretching – 5 minutes
- Warm-up (Skipping/ Jumping Jacks) – 2 rounds
- Shadow Boxing (Basic Muay Thai Techniques) – 3 rounds
- Padwork – 3 rounds
- Speed Punches and Speed Kicks – 5 minutes
- Light Weight Training – 5 minutes
- Sit-Ups/ Push-Ups – 5 minutes
- Stretching (Cool Down) – 5 minutes
Group Sessions (Complimentary)
Duration: 1 hour
- Warm-up (Light Jog/ Skipping) – 5 minutes
- Stretching – 5 minutes
- Punch/ Elbow Combinations (Tae Bo Style) – 10 minutes
- Kick/ Knee Combinations (Tae Bo Style) – 10 minutes
- Muay Thai Techniques (Guests’ Pair Up) – 15 minutes
- Strength and Conditioning Exercises – 10 minutes
- Stretching (Cool Down) – 5 minutes
*Muay Thai is also suited for kids ages 5 and up.
Action
Siyam World Maldives to host international football camps this Easter
This Easter, Siyam World Maldives, part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection, is clicking its ruby slippers and transforming into the magical World of Oz from From March 31st – April 17th, 2026 with not one, not two, but three international football legends arriving on island. Yes, while the Wizard may rely on smoke and mirrors, Massimo Ambrosini, Javier Saviola and Gary Cahill are very real, and they will be hosting exclusive football camps throughout April for young players and fans ready to sharpen their skills in paradise.
But that is only the beginning because, unlike Dorothy, you might not want to go home.
Alongside these star-studded camps, Siyam World’s Easter celebrations invite guests to follow the Yellow Brick Road into the World of Oz, where the island comes alive with magical shows, playful races, kid-friendly carnivals, and high-energy island adventures.
The journey begins with Dorothy’s Arrival, a sunset gathering at Together Beach where emerald lights glow, music fills the air, and the first clues of the Oz adventure begin to unfold. Guests are then invited to follow the Yellow Brick Road across the island, discovering surprises along the way. The highlight of the Easter programme is the spectacular Journey to the Emerald City Stage Show, featuring dazzling dance performances, aerial artistry, fire acts, and immersive visuals that bring the magic of Oz to life.

Young adventurers can explore the Wizard’s Kidz Carnival, packed with games, face painting, and playful characters, while guests ready for a challenge can join The Amazing Race – Wizard of Siyam Edition, racing around the island in a series of fun challenges inspired by brains, heart, and courage.
Meanwhile, the SW 3K Easter Run adds an extra splash of fun with bubble tunnels, misty surprises, and plenty of laughter along the way.
And for football lovers, the island’s pitch becomes the ultimate training ground with three exclusive camps:
- Massimo Ambrosini Football Camp (2–4 April) – The AC Milan midfield legend known for leadership and tactical brilliance
- Javier Saviola Football Camp (5–10 April) – The lightning-fast Argentine forward “El Conejo,” famed for creativity and clinical finishing.
- Gary Cahill Football Camp (13–17 April) – The England international and former Chelsea captain celebrated for his defensive strength and leadership.
With world-class football, magical storytelling, and island adventures around every corner, The World of Oz at Siyam World promises an Easter celebration where fantasy, sport, and pure fun collide.
Because at Siyam World, the adventure never ends, it simply follows the Yellow Brick Road.
For more information and to book your stay or check out the full Easter programme, please visit the resort’s website.
Action
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives expands sustainability efforts with coral restoration
The vibrant coral reefs surrounding Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives play a vital role in sustaining the island’s rich marine biodiversity. Recognising the growing threats faced by coral ecosystems worldwide, the resort has introduced a coral restoration initiative aimed at supporting the long-term recovery of its house reef.
Coral reefs are among the most sensitive and fragile ecosystems on the planet and are increasingly affected by environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, and human activity. These ecosystems not only support thousands of marine species but also play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and protecting coastlines.

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has taken proactive steps to assist reef regeneration through a structured coral restoration programme. The initiative recently saw the installation of 25 coral frames, each carefully planted with coral fragments collected from naturally broken corals found within the surrounding lagoon and reef areas.
Over time, these fragments will grow and fuse with one another, gradually forming new coral colonies that contribute to rebuilding the reef structure. As the corals mature, they create shelter and feeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life, helping restore the ecological balance of the reef ecosystem.

The restoration project also serves as an important platform for raising awareness among guests and team members about the importance of marine conservation. By nurturing these coral frames and monitoring their progress, the resort contributes to strengthening the resilience of its surrounding reef while supporting broader efforts to safeguard the Maldives’ underwater ecosystems.
Action
Sun Siyam Olhuveli invests in staff wellbeing with upgraded sports facilities
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has unveiled newly upgraded volleyball and futsal grounds for team members, reaffirming its commitment to employee wellbeing while advancing responsible, future-focused operations. The renovated volleyball grounds were officially inaugurated on 14 February, while the upgraded futsal ground opened earlier this year—together creating dedicated spaces for recreation, connection, and healthy competition across the island.
Designed to encourage regular physical activity and camaraderie beyond the workplace, the improved sports facilities represent a thoughtful investment in social infrastructure. They reflect a belief that wellbeing is fundamental to long-term performance, nurturing morale, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging among team members.

Alongside these developments, the resort has implemented NO BIN DAY every Tuesday, a practical initiative aimed at minimising food waste across operations. By encouraging mindful planning and responsible consumption, the initiative challenges teams to rethink habits around food—transforming sustainability into a shared, everyday discipline.
“Taking care of our people and the environment must go hand in hand. By investing in spaces that support our team’s wellbeing and introducing simple disciplines like NO BIN DAY, we are building a culture where responsibility is lived every day—naturally, collectively, and with purpose,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Both initiatives form part of Sun Siyam Care, the group’s corporate social responsibility platform, and align with the Social Infrastructure and Responsible Consumption and Production pillars under the GDS framework. Together, they reflect a people-first approach to sustainability—where everyday actions create lasting impact for teams, operations, and the wider community.
Sun Siyam Care is committed to creating a positive impact for people, communities, and the environment through responsible operations, social investment, and long-term sustainability actions across its destinations in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Guests are encouraged to learn more about these initiatives by visiting the Sun Siyam Care website at sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-care.
-
News1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives included in Tatler Travel Guide 2026’s top hotels
-
Family1 week agoSheraton Maldives to host ‘Soft Horizons’ themed Easter festivities for families
-
Family7 days agoArt, gastronomy and island adventure headline Easter at JOALI Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoSO/ Maldives unveils elevated Sky Dining Experience with panoramic island views
-
News7 days agoPay 4, Stay 6: Grand Park Kodhipparu rewards guest loyalty with new summer offer
-
Family4 days agoEaster in Maldives: COMO Cocoa Island and Maalifushi launch curated festivities
-
Family6 days agoIfuru Island Maldives introduces Easter festivities inspired by Chocolate Factory concept
-
News5 days agoThe Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort launches immersive experiences to enhance meaningful travel


