Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa invites padel aficionados and active travellers to trade the city court for an extraordinary island escape with The Maldives Padel Retreat, from 13 to 23 December 2026. Led by former World No. 1, Juani Mieres, the retreat invites guests to refine their game with a legend of the sport while embracing the pleasures of island life.

The 10-day retreat brings together expert coaching on a state-of-the-art padel court overlooking the turquoise lagoon, island discovery and a curated programme of wellness, recreation and exploration.

Widely regarded as one of the sport’s most respected figures, Juani Mieres reached World No. 1 and won multiple World Championship and World Padel Tour titles. Known as “The Gentleman of Padel” for his elegant playing style and precision, Juani will open up his playbook, giving guests an insider’s look at the techniques, tactics and secrets behind the game at its highest level. Daily small-group clinics, personalised coaching, match play and friendly competition give players the chance to refine their skills while embracing the social spirit that makes padel such a unique and engaging sport.

Designed for players seeking to elevate their game, padel enthusiasts eager to connect through a shared passion, and travellers drawn to an active escape with a sense of adventure, the retreat extends well beyond the court. The programme brings together wellness and relaxation, with sunset yoga rituals, guided stretching and recovery sessions creating a rhythm that moves naturally between energy and the serenity of island life.

“I am delighted to return to Le Méridien Maldives to host a Padel Retreat. Padel has grown at an incredible pace around the world over the past few years, bringing together a global community of players and enthusiasts. I experienced the resort in 2025, and its beautiful island offers a unique backdrop for the sport. I am excited to welcome players from around the world and share my passion for the game in such an inspiring destination,” said Juani Mieres.

Beyond the court, a different kind of adventure awaits. Guests can explore the vibrant housereef and encounter marine life in its natural habitat, glide across turquoise lagoons by kayak and paddleboard, or discover the art of hydroponic farming at one of the Maldives’ largest greenhouses. Five restaurants and bars offer a journey of flavours, from Japanese teppanyaki at Tabemasu to Mediterranean-inspired dining at Riviera, while La Vie, the adults-only bar, offers a relaxed atmosphere for sunset drinks and live music. Days unfold with endless summer moments at Au Soleil pool parties or a private beach picnic by the sea, while evenings invite guests to explore the Maldivian sky alongside the resident astronomer.

For younger guests and families travelling together, the Family Kids Hub offers a world of its own, with creative activities and experiences designed for curious little explorers. From culinary workshops and arts and crafts to marine conservation, children can follow their curiosity and make the most of island life while parents take to the court.

“At Le Méridien Maldives, we strive to create experiences that invite guests to engage, connect and discover. The Padel Retreat brings the spirit of the sport together with the pleasures of island life: a shared passion for padel, learning from an icon of the game and savouring the good life, from the court and the ocean to wellness, gastronomy and adventure,” said Thomas Schult, General Manager of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa.

Located in the Lhaviyani Atoll on the natural island of Thilamaafushi, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a 360-degree chic, eco-conscious island escape surrounded by a pristine lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The resort’s collection of overwater and beach villas, alongside two-bedroom villas ideal for families and groups of friends, offers an idyllic hideaway to indulge in island life, explore the surrounding waters and immerse in the beauty of the Maldives.

The Maldives Padel Retreat with Juani Mieres will take place from 13 to 23 December 2026. The retreat package includes:

• 10-night stay in an Overwater Villa
• Return seaplane transfers
• Full Board dining
• Padel Retreat programme with Juani Mieres
• One 60-minute massage per guest
• Complimentary yoga sessions, guided stretching and recovery sessions
• Complimentary daily watersports, including kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling
• 24/7 access to Waves Fitness Centre
• A collection of complimentary wellness and recreational activities

For more information or to book, please visit lemeridien-maldives.com or contact reservations.maldives@lemeridien.com.

As tennis and padel continue to shape the luxury travel landscape, Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, has welcomed French-Mexican sports professional Stefano as its new Tennis Pro, further elevating the resort’s growing focus on world-class racquet experiences in the Maldives.

Originally from Mexico, Stefano arrives at Finolhu with an extensive background in both tennis and padel. A former competitive athlete who reached No. 4 nationally in Mexico, he has built an international career spanning Mexico, the French overseas region of Guadeloupe and the Maldives, where he has become a familiar figure across several of the country’s leading luxury resorts.

Prior to joining Finolhu, Stefano served as a Tennis and Padel Professional at Patina Maldives. He previously held similar roles at Anantara Kihavah and The St. Regis Maldives, coaching players of all ages and abilities, from first-time enthusiasts to seasoned competitors seeking to refine their game.

At Finolhu, Stefano will lead the resort’s tennis and padel programme, offering private coaching sessions, social matches and bespoke experiences for families, couples and sports enthusiasts. His arrival comes at a time when padel, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, is increasingly finding a place alongside traditional wellness and recreation offerings at luxury destinations.

Known for its playful spirit and vibrant energy, Finolhu complements its two-kilometre sandbank, eclectic dining experiences and extensive activities with dedicated tennis and padel facilities, giving guests the opportunity to stay active while immersed in the natural beauty of Baa Atoll. Whether introducing newcomers to the fast-paced world of padel or helping experienced players perfect their serve, the resort’s racquet sports offering has become an increasingly popular part of the Finolhu experience.

The programme is delivered in partnership with LUX Tennis, the international tennis management company recognised for bringing premium coaching and curated sporting experiences to luxury resorts around the world. Through this collaboration, Finolhu offers guests access to professional instruction and tailored programmes that combine performance, wellness and leisure in an exceptional island setting.

For Stefano, whose journey has taken him from the courts of Mexico and the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, Finolhu represents the latest chapter in a career dedicated to sharing a passion for racquet sports. Whether hosting friendly tournaments beneath the Maldivian sun or introducing guests to a new sport, his focus remains on creating memorable experiences that extend far beyond the court.

To learn more about Finolhu, a Seaside Collection resort, visit finolhu.com. 

Running from June through September under the banner Play, Create, Move, Kandima Maldives’ Summer Kamp 2026 is transforming the resort into a playground of art, sport and active lifestyle experiences, weaving together a landmark biodiversity exhibition, football fever inspired by the world’s biggest tournament, and a summer’s worth of island dining moments.

Match-Days in Paradise

PlaySpace Sports Arena has become the island’s unofficial town square this summer, drawing guests in for every kick-off and the odd late-night finish. The chapter opened with world champion freestyle footballer Lia Lewis putting on a week of ball-skills sessions that turned poolside kids into aspiring pros, and the island hasn’t quite slowed down since.

PlaySpace will also be hosting the season’s biggest watch party for the World Cup Final on 19 July as the tournament crowns its champion.

Colour, Conservation and Creativity

The KULA Art Initiative brings its creative programme to Kandima this summer, working alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Art for Biodiversity – a season-long exhibition displaying shortlisted artists’ work exploring conservation through colour and craft rather than campaigning.

• Art for Biodiversity Opening Ceremony (23 July): the exhibition officially opens, bringing island inspiration and marine conservation into the same frame.
• Resort-Wide Art Trail (from 26 July): a self-guided route threads selected works through the island’s natural landscape, for guests to discover at their own pace.
• Create with the Artists (from 1 August): three local artists and one international guest lead hands-on sessions in colour, craft and storytelling.
• Kids’ Music Lessons (ongoing): younger guests get their first go at a mixing deck in a session built just for them.

An Island Built for Movement

Kandima has always treated activity as part of the scenery rather than an add-on, and this summer’s line-up leans further into that instinct, stretching from the running track to the open water.

• Kandima Running Club x Strava island routes: launched this year, it has turned the island’s shoreline into a proper route map, from unhurried 5k sunset laps to 10k mornings for the more competitive.
• Active Recovery Yoga: morning flow at the Yoga Pavilion, kids’ sessions at Kandiland, and sunset breathwork on Zest Beach cover most moods and most ages.
• Ocean Adventures: jet ski runs, PADI dive certification and turtle or dolphin encounters with the Aquaholics team keep the Indian Ocean part of the daily itinerary, not just the backdrop.