All-star football event in the Maldives
Jumeirah Vittaveli had the honour to host an all-star celebrity football match at its own BOLI stadium. Colleagues and guests were invited to join the match and take advantage of this chance to test their skills against some of the best in this sport.
Jumeirah Vittaveli was the holiday home to not only one but four football legends. Carles Puyol, the long-time captain for Barcelona, and part of the Spanish national squad that won the Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup is regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, and has captained the Barcelona team for a memorable 10 years. Scott Parker is a former English professional football player who was signed by Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspurs and Fulham amongst others. His career spanned 20 years and he played 119 league matches for Fulham in both the Premier League and the Championship. Joey Barton is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He has made 240 appearances in the Premier League, including 130 for Manchester City. Gianluca Zambrotta is an Italian former professional footballer, who played as a full-back for such notable clubs as Milan, Juventus, and Barcelona. He played at three FIFA World Cups, three UEFA European Championships, and was a key member of the starting line-up of the Italian squad that won the 2006 World Cup. Mr Zambrotta joined the match as a spectator and cheered on the passionate players on the field.
The friendly football match was watched by dozens of guests and colleagues alike, all cheering on the skilful game on the grass. Puyol and Parker played in one team, while Barton and one of Parker’s sons played in the other, flanked by Vittaveli colleagues and guests. The teams played for two halves of 15 minutes each, and treated their audience to some truly show stopping saves and goals. The final score stood at 10-7 for the team with Puyol and Parker. At the end of the match, Puyol, Parker, Barton, and Zambrotta were all given commemorative plaques by the General Manager of Jumeirah Vittaveli, Amit Majumder, and a football was ceremonially signed by each.
Carles Puyol spent some quality time with his family at Jumeirah Vittaveli and enjoyed his stay at the Royal Residence, the lavish 3,500 square metre private beachfront retreat that opened in March 2017. “It’s been a great pleasure to participate in the friendly football match with the colleagues at Jumeirah Vittaveli! I love football and it’s wonderful to see how passionate everyone here is about my favourite sport! To be able to play with such a diverse team, with its members from so many different nationalities, and all that on a tiny island in the Maldives, is truly exceptional. The goalkeeper in my team was especially outstanding and I hope I’ll get to have him on my team again when I come back! But it’s not just the players, everyone on the resort is so warm and welcoming. We are staying at the Royal Residence and I don't think I could ask for a more luxurious or comfortable holiday.” comments Puyol.
Scott Parker was so kind to bring memorabilia from his former club, the Tottenham Hotspurs – he brought two of the jerseys he himself used to wear when playing for the club, in addition to two sets of football boots. These thoughtful and generous souvenirs were handed over to the colleagues of Jumeirah Vittaveli, many of whom are passionate football fans and could not believe their luck to be meeting one of their personal football heroes and receiving souvenirs from their favourite club on top of it. After a quick group picture, Parker immediately went on to start a small training session together with his sons, where he taught some of his special tricks and skills to Jumeirah Vittaveli colleagues.
“This vacation was my first chance to be with my family and travel since I retired last year and I can’t think of a more perfect place to have come to than Jumeirah Vittaveli. My kids love football and to be able to travel to a country where everyone has such a love for the game is amazing. Being able to play football with my sons and have an amazing time on this vacation made it just so special!” said Parker when handing over the club souvenirs.
Jumeirah Vittaveli offers fun-filled family holidays as well as a host of land- and water-based activities, including aPADI Dive base, water sports centre, four restaurants and two bars. With its focus on cultural connection and organic experiences in a luxurious setting, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers guests a true Maldivian island experience. As crowning glory to a successful year on the awards circuit, the resort was recently named ‘Global Hotel of the Year’ by the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
About Jumeirah Vittaveli:
A 20-minute boat ride from Malé International Airport brings you to Jumeirah Vittaveli. Whether for an intimate escape or an indulgent family retreat, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration. Impeccable choice and seamless service shape the character of this resort paradise, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to inspire journeys of discovery and enjoyment. Whether beach-side or over-water, all villas feature stunning interiors with private pools and access to the sandy shores or glistening waters. The sprawling 5-bedroom Royal Residence comes with private beach, spa, gym, two swimming pools, and its own dedicated restaurant. An inspirational Spa, a well-equipped overwater gymnasium, a children's club and 5 star PADI dive centre mean guests are always able to try something new.
Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts manages properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Kuwait in the Middle East; Frankfurt, London and Mallorca (Spain) in Europe; the Maldives and Shanghai in Asia. Jumeirah Group also runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah LivingTM with properties in London and Dubai; the wellness brand TaliseTM; Jumeirah Restaurant Group DubaiTM; Wild Wadi WaterparkTM; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality ManagementTM; Jumeirah SiriusTM, its global loyalty programme; and isme by Jumeirah™ an app based rewards programme in the UAE. Future openings include luxury hotels in the UAE, Bahrain, Indonesia, China, Oman, Jordan, Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. www.jumeirah.com