W Maldives is set to add an exciting sporting experience to its luxury island offering this December, welcoming two-time Olympic badminton gold medalist Wang Chi-Lin for an exclusive stay at the resort from 1 to 3 December 2026.
During his visit, the Taiwanese badminton star will host a complimentary one-hour coaching session for resort guests, offering travellers the rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the world’s most accomplished badminton players while enjoying a tropical escape in the Maldives.
Wang Chi-Lin, who specialises in men’s and mixed doubles, has established himself among the leading names in international badminton. His career includes consecutive Olympic gold medals in men’s doubles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Paris 2024 Olympics. Recognised for his powerful playing style, consistency and determination, Wang has become an influential figure for badminton fans and aspiring athletes around the world.
Located in the heart of North Ari Atoll, W Maldives combines contemporary luxury with the natural beauty for which the Maldives is internationally renowned. The private island resort is accessible by a scenic 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé, providing guests with sweeping aerial views of turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and tropical islands before arriving at the resort.
The resort offers an immersive island experience for couples, families, groups of friends and solo travellers, with stylish villas, distinctive dining experiences and an extensive collection of ocean-based activities. Its celebrated house reef allows guests to explore a thriving underwater environment filled with colourful marine life, while snorkelling excursions, sunset cruises and other tailored experiences provide different ways to discover the surrounding Indian Ocean.
Guests seeking an even more private escape can visit Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ exclusive castaway island. Surrounded by clear waters and untouched tropical scenery, the private island provides an intimate setting for personalised experiences and secluded dining, further expanding the range of experiences available during a stay at the resort.
The collaboration with Wang Chi-Lin will also feature an exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience, giving members an opportunity to bid for a private badminton coaching session with the Olympic champion together with a four-night stay at W Maldives from 2 to 6 December 2026.
The package for the winning member and one guest includes accommodation in a Premier Overwater One-Bedroom Villa, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner with non-alcoholic beverages at selected dining venues, and a private one-hour badminton coaching session with Wang Chi-Lin on the resort’s paddle court.
The experience also includes an intimate sunset visit to Gaathafushi with canapés, a 60-minute signature treatment for each guest at AWAY Spa, guided snorkelling at the resort’s award-winning house reef, and shared return seaplane transfers between Velana International Airport and W Maldives.
“We are always looking for unexpected ways to bring together passion, play, and meaningful experiences for our guests,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. He said Wang Chi-Lin’s visit would bring another exciting dimension to the resort experience, creating a memorable opportunity for both badminton enthusiasts and travellers seeking distinctive experiences during their Maldives holiday.
Marriott Bonvoy members can bid for the exclusive experience until 14 November 2026.
The programme further strengthens the Maldives’ appeal as a destination capable of combining world-class hospitality with exclusive international sporting and lifestyle experiences. With its exceptional natural surroundings, vibrant marine environment and distinctive private-island offerings, W Maldives continues to introduce experiences designed to make a Maldivian getaway memorable well beyond the traditional beach holiday.
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