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.

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.

SO/ Maldives has announced an exciting fitness partnership with GG Elite Fitness, set to take place in the stunning Maldives from November 15 to 29, 2024. This unique program combines the tranquility of beachside surroundings with a comprehensive fitness experience designed for participants of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Against the backdrop of the Maldives’ pristine beaches, participants will engage in workouts aimed at improving balance, coordination, and overall strength, all while enjoying the calming sound of ocean waves. The program promises an ideal setting to achieve fitness goals while rejuvenating the mind and body.

The fitness sessions are led by Gareth Goodger, a highly regarded fitness expert with a distinguished background in muscle competitions. Over the years, Gareth has successfully transitioned from a career in fitness to real estate while continuing to promote health and wellness. His journey began in London, where he cultivated his passion for fitness and competed in numerous events. Later, he relocated to the Algarve, Portugal, where he founded GG Elite Fitness. There, he introduced innovative beach training sessions that merge fitness with the region’s natural beauty. Despite his focus on real estate, Gareth remains committed to fitness and continues to share his expertise.

Participants can attend four complimentary classes each week, enjoying evening workouts on the beach while witnessing breathtaking sunsets. These sessions are tailored to individual needs, offering personalised guidance and encouragement. For those seeking a more customised approach, GG Elite Fitness also provides private training sessions with Gareth, designed to help participants achieve their specific fitness goals effectively.