Cocoon Maldives to host Dance Festival with One Maldivian and Like Lisbon-Lisbon’s International Kizomba Energy

Have you ever dreamt of dancing and relaxing on a tropical island? Cocoon Maldives giving you a chance to experience one of the most anticipated dance festivals in the Maldives with renowned instructors, great food, music and a chance to interact with the dance community!

Cocoon Maldives plans to host one of the most luxurious Dance Festival in collaboration with One Maldivian and Like Lisbon- Lisbon’s International Kizomba Energy from 04th -12th December 2021 for Afro-Latin Dance Holidays.

You will get to experience progressive Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba and Tarraxinha dance style workshops with instructors, Social Dancing Nights and Sunset Parties with one of the finest DJs to make your vacation even more memorable.

Cocoon Maldives music festival — *Image: Cocoon Maldives*

Joao & Giedre

Joao & Giedre are specialized in Kizomba and have been teaching together since 2012. They lived in Stockholm from 2012 till mid-2015 creating and developing the Kizomba scene. In 2015 they moved to Frankfurt (Germany) and own a Kizomba school called “Kizomba Fabrik”, where they give weekly classes and organize parties.

They are a part of different Kizomba festivals and weekenders all around the world teaching in over 40 countries. Their classes are known as very detailed and highly technical, they focus on Kizomba, Samba and Tarraxinha, pay a lot of attention to the Angolan culture. They created a modern class of Kizomba fusion with tango in 2011, which has become one of their most popular classes together with musicality

Mark-Anthony & Olesia

Mark-Anthony & Olesia were among the first ones to teach kizomba in Ukraine. Their classes are fun, full of cultural information, great knowledge about music and history and they have the ability to teach students with different dance experiences and make it easy and fun at the same time. They teach all styles of Latin dances along with Kizomba, Semba & Taaraxinha.

Robert & Jean

Robert & Jean started learning Cuban and Colombian Salsa in 1992 with the first generation of instructors in the UK: Xihomara Granados, Nelson Batista, and Ramiro Zapata and Zina. They were later introduced to New York-style ‘cross-body’ Salsa by Pedro Gomez, a Puerto Rican teacher based in Italy.

Since then they have studied with many famous US proponents of that style including Eddie Torres, Nelson Flores of Descarga Latina Dance Company, Tomas Guerrero of Santo Rico Dance Company and Frankie Martinez.

They started teaching and founded Mambo City in 1999. Both Robert and Jean teach at Mambo City venues and Robert also DJs (as Cruz and Bobby Blanco). He has a diverse musical background and is a former session musician who has played Reggae and R&B on a semi-professional basis.

They have been teaching at Depo dance Café for the past 6 years and Ravado Studio for around 10 months. They have travelled the world entertaining audiences with their creative shows and fun workshops. When the music speaks you should listen. Their motto is “Dance, Live, Laugh, Connect.” and we might as well just do what they say.

All of the resort’s in-house guests will have the opportunity to participate in this festival for a special rate of USD150 per day pass per person and USD400 weekly pass per person. Likewise, Cocoon Maldives offers special discounts for couples looking to join this exclusive festival.

Book your holidays now to experience this one-of-a-kind event in Cocoon Maldives; The First Design Hotel in the Maldives located in stunning Lhaviyani Atoll.

Feature image by Cocoon Maldives

The Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of luxury resorts invites families to embark on an unforgettable journey. With these exclusive ‘Ultimate Family Summer Getaway’ packages, families can immerse themselves in the harmonious blend of opulence and natural beauty. Guests can explore this package at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Embrace luxury island living in any of the resort’s two or three-bedroom overwater and beach pool villas, providing guests with 24-hour personalized signature ‘Aris Meeha’, St. Regis Butlers, and ‘Thakuru’ butler services that cater to their every need.

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Family Fun Getaway at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils its exclusive summer program. The resort invites families to embrace the island life against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Indian Ocean. The resort’s thoughtful curation entices guests with transformative travel experiences. Guests can explore epicurean journeys with Michelin-starred guest chefs to wellness retreats guided by leading names. Additionally, guests can also go on adventurous surfing retreats with surf icons.

Exploring Culinary Journeys at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

Families can embark on a gastronomic journey, enjoying a Michelin-starred dining experience at the resort. From July 31 to August 1, Chef Bruno Verjus will bring a taste of his two-star Michelin Parisian restaurant Table by Bruno Verjus to the Beach Shack. He will also offer an exclusive masterclass for guests. From August 10 to 11, Chef Pam Soontornyanakij, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 and chef-patron of the one-Michelin-star Restaurant Potong, will present a bespoke menu. Guests can explore her progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine at the Summer Pavilion.

Healing Journey this Summer

In a ‘Summer of Renewal,’ celebrity healer Susy Markoe Schieffelin will lead her signature sound baths. Guests can explore this experience under the Maldivian skies from July 19 to 23. Renowned practitioner Abi Adams will also guide guests through emotional and hormonal balance journeys. Abi will be using breath, meridian dancing and yoga from August 15 to 19. Last but not least, Surf enthusiasts can learn to master the four most popular waves in the North Malé Atoll. The resort is bringing championship surf heroes Nic von Rupp from June 8 to 11 and Victor Bernardo from July 3 to 6.

Something Exciting for the Young Explorers

Young explorers from ages 4 to 12 can ignite their imaginations at Ritz Kids and learn about marine life, nature and sustainability. Young guests can go on an adventure with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. Children can dive into the action at Ritz Kids, a futuristic indoor-outdoor haven filled with interactive playgrounds, napping pods, cinematic movie experiences, and an adrenaline-pumping pool complete with slides and jets.

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Ultimate Summer Escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, situated on a private natural island in one of the destination’s most exclusive atolls, welcomes families for a luxurious summer getaway in the Maldives. Guests can explore the breathtaking surroundings, complemented by the resort’s distinctive design inspired by nearby marine life, including the atoll’s house reef. Along with The St. Regis Butler Service – a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to excellence – a dedicated St. Regis Butler is available to curate tailored experiences and meet every need of the guests.

Exploring the Local Culture

Families can delve into local culture with thrilling expeditions on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni, from dolphin sightings to sunset fishing. The resort also offers marine conservation experiences through unique interactive classes and activities for both children and adults with the resident Marine Biologist. Adults can revel in luxurious amenities and exquisite dining experiences, while young travellers will find an abundance of excitement on the island. At the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club, children aged 4 to 12 can partake in yoga classes, painting, origami, and other creative crafts. Kid-friendly snacks and refreshing juices are available from the private dining menu. For teens ages 16 and older, the Socialite Club boasts an open-door recreation area with a variety of entertainment, including table tennis, foosball, billiards, and air hockey, as well as video and board games.

Families booking the ‘Ultimate Family Summer Escape’ package will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including a special welcome amenity for kids, daily breakfasts at ALBA, dinners at select restaurants, kid-sized luxuries like robes and treats, and complimentary access to the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club. Guests can choose from a variety of elegantly designed villas set amidst lush forest surroundings or with breathtaking ocean views, including the award-winning John Jacob Astor Estate, Caroline Astor Estate, Knickerbocker Villa, or Cesar Balsa Villa each featuring family-friendly amenities such as private plunge pools and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

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Tropical Summer Fun at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Nestled on Vagaru Island overlooking the azure waters of Shaviyani Atoll in the Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to its multi-generational luxury resort for an immersive and eco-friendly holiday experience. Families can bask in the unspoiled beauty of the island’s pristine white beach, savour diverse dining experiences, and embark on daily excursions for diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching, and sunset fishing to explore the vibrant marine life.

FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club

Travelling with children is now even easier with FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club. The club provides a captivating and educational environment for young adventurers on Vagaru Island. The club runs over 100 activities. This ranges from arts and crafts to cooking classes. Some of these activities are specially designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Fine Dining Experiences

Fine dining experiences can be elevated through bespoke destination dining services. This ranges from in-villa barbecue dinners and traditional Maldivian Malafaaiy dinners on the beach to a sublime eight-course interactive Indian fusion dinner in the hidden oasis of RIHA. The resort’s sustainability efforts are centred on the vibrant JW Garden, which sources fresh produce for creative cuisine. The JW Garden to Table concept celebrates locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a farm-to-table experience for eco-conscious travellers. This summer, guests can delight in a new vegan menu with innovative plant-based dishes. Explore dishes crafted from homegrown JW Garden ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and wellness.

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