Though holidaymakers the world over dream of visiting the Maldives, they have rarely ventured to this island nation in pursuit of tennis. Still, for some time now guests at Vakkaru Maldives in the idyllic Baa Atoll have been supplementing spa visits and snorkelling excursions with matches on the resort’s two cobalt-blue courts. Those sessions are now set to become far more intensive, with the arrival of Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis.

Founded by former World No. 8 tennis player Janko Tipsarevic, Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis at Vakkaru Maldives will see some of the world’s most accomplished tennis professionals visit the resort for short-term residences. It means guests will have the opportunity to attend tennis clinics and tutorials led by some of the world’s best players - and if they are brave, they can even try their hand in a game against them.

Still heavily engaged with the highest echelons of tennis, Janko Tipsarevic will introduce overseas sessions at the resort himself from 10 November 2020 to 24 November 2020. During this tenure he will be joined by Germany’s Rainer Schuettler, formerly ranked as the world’s No. 5 tennis player, from 12 November to 21 November, and Germany’s Angelique Kerber, a former world No. 1 and winner of three Grand Slam tournaments, from 11 November to 21 November. Subsequent sessions will feature the likes of Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, currently ranked No. 12 in the world and Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic.

Avid tennis fans need not worry if their visit does not coincide with an internationally recognised tennis legend’s tenancy, however. To celebrate Vakkaru’s partnership with Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis and in recognition of the resort’s new hospitality concept Vakkare, which places the concept of physical, mental and emotional care at the core of all that Vakkaru provides, Serbian tennis pro Barbara Bonic has just joined the wellness team as Vakkaru’s resident tennis coach. She will happily lead training sessions for guests of all levels year-round, whether they want to get to grips with the basics or are keen for a vigorous game against a formidable opponent.

A lifelong tennis fan who is also happy to compete with guests on the court, Vakkaru Maldives General Manager Iain McCormack said: “I am excited to announce that our amazing tennis facility will be occupied by Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis. We have partnered with Janko Tipsarevic and introduced our very own resident ATP player-coach to provide the highest level of tennis offerings in the Maldives, and we are looking forward to welcoming the many international players who will hit the court with our guests throughout the year. If you want a smashing time, there is only one place to be!”

With Vakkaru Maldives’ tennis courts accessible from 6.00am to 8.00pm, guests will have complete flexibility to play at a time that suits them - be it a sunrise bout or a late-night session under the glow of floodlights. Private sessions for adults’ cost from US$120++ for one hour or US$180++ for two hours, while five-hour packages and 10-hour packages to be used throughout a tenancy cost US$440++ and US$660++ respectively. For children aged below 12 years old, one-hour sessions cost US$95++ while two-hour sessions cost £160++; five-hour packages cost US$380 and 10-hour packages cost US$570.

Getting There

Vakkaru Maldives promises an intimate slice of paradise, designed to create timeless memories, effortlessly. Whether travelling as a couple or family, guests can book direct their long-awaited getaway with Escape Awaits Reopening Offer starting from US$900++ per room per night in the Beach Pool Villa. Available for stays between 1st August and 22nd December 2020, this exceptionally generous offer includes a 40% discount on accommodation and an array of benefits including complimentary transfers for up to two adults and two children, daily breakfast, complimentary daily dinner as well as a 60-minute relaxing body massage at Merana Spa.

For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact [email protected]. For real-time updates, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/vakkarumaldives, Instagram @vakkarumaldives and Twitter @vakkarumaldives.

About Vakkaru Maldives

Nestled in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru Maldives is a timeless sanctuary intuitively designed for guests seeking unassuming luxury and cherishable experiences. A scenic 30- minute seaplane journey from Male International Airport takes you to this secluded reef island blessed with timeless ocean views, powder-soft white sand beaches, unique deep blue holes and spectacular marine biodiversity. The 113 beautifully appointed Over Water and Beach Villas are elegantly designed to respect the surrounding tropical nature and Maldivian charms. Additionally, indulgent dining choices, a world-class wine cellar – home to a curated selection of fine vintage and non-vintage offerings from Old to New World as well as curated leisure activities and amenities create enriched experiences for everyone.