Dilara Torssell at Meyyafushi Maldives: World’s First Overwater Padel Residency
Serving Up Paradise: A New Kind of Maldivian Escape
20 May, 2026
Imagine this: you are suspended above a crystal-clear lagoon, a racquet in your hand and the Indian Ocean stretching endlessly around you. The sun is setting, painting the horizon in shades of gold and pink, and the gentle sound of waves laps beneath your feet. You’re not just playing padel; you’re playing on the world’s first fixed overwater padel court at Meyyafushi Maldives. And soon, this already surreal experience will be elevated to new heights as Meyyafushi welcomes Dilara Torssell, Türkiye’s No.1 female padel player, for an exclusive guest residency.
From 8th to 12th June 2026, this five-star Premium All-Inclusive resort in the Lhaviyani Atoll transforms into a playground for padel enthusiasts and luxury travellers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to refine your game or a curious beginner eager to learn, this is your chance to experience sport at the intersection of performance and paradise.
Meyyafushi Maldives: A Sanctuary for Luxury and Wellness
Opened in early 2026, Meyyafushi Maldives is more than just a resort; it is a carefully curated sanctuary designed to help guests connect—within themselves, with their loved ones, and with the extraordinary natural beauty of the Maldives.
Nestled within the tranquil waters of the Lhaviyani Atoll, just a 35-minute scenic seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, this boutique resort offers a seamless blend of indulgence and adventure. With a collection of 94 elegantly appointed villas and suites—each featuring a private pool—guests can choose between beachfront serenity or overwater escapism, with some villas even featuring private slides that plunge directly into the lagoon.
But what truly sets Meyyafushi apart is its bold vision for experiential hospitality. The resort boasts an impressive array of world-class facilities, including:
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Bubble Underwater Restaurant: Dine beneath the ocean surrounded by vibrant marine life.
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Overwater Wine Cellar: A sophisticated space for curated tastings and premium pairings.
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Adults-Only Sky Lounge: Unwind at the Sky Bar and Sunken Lounge, complete with a glass-bottom infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.
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Overwater Fitness Centre & Yoga Deck: Stay active with panoramic ocean views.
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Recreation Centre: From a mini-bowling lane and futsal field to a skate ramp and wall climbing, there’s something for everyone.
Every element of Meyyafushi has been designed to inspire connection, adventure, and well-being, offering travelers something beyond the traditional Maldives escape.
The World’s First Overwater Padel Court: A Game-Changer
At the heart of Meyyafushi’s innovative spirit is the world’s first fixed overwater padel tennis court—an architectural masterpiece suspended above the shimmering lagoon. This isn’t just a sports facility; it’s an experience. Players can engage in a friendly rally while surrounded by panoramic ocean views, with the soothing rhythm of the sea beneath their feet. As part of the Premium All-Inclusive package, guests are invited to enjoy one hour of complimentary padel tennis during their stay.
As Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager of BeKind Hotels & Resorts, perfectly captures it: “Playing on water, surrounded by endless blues, transforms the game into something transcendent – it’s active luxury at its finest.”
Dilara Torssell: Bringing Pro-Level Padel to Paradise
From 8th to 12th June 2026, this iconic court will become an exclusive sporting stage as Dilara Torssell, Türkiye’s No.1 female padel player, takes up a guest residency at Meyyafushi.
Who Is Dilara Torssell?
Ranked as Türkiye’s top female padel player, Dilara Torssell has reached a career-high world ranking of 141 and continues to compete internationally on the prestigious Premier Padel and International Padel Federation (FIP) tours. Now based in Dubai, she represents Türkiye on the global stage while actively promoting the sport through exhibitions, partnerships, and international collaborations.
Known for her dynamic playing style, competitive spirit, and engaging approach to the game, Dilara is not just a player but a true ambassador for the sport.
What to Expect During the Residency
Throughout her five-day residency, Dilara will host a series of interactive padel experiences designed for players of all levels—from complete beginners to experienced enthusiasts. Here’s what guests can look forward to:
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Personalised Coaching: Enjoy friendly matches while receiving personalised tips, techniques, and insights from a professional.
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Pro-Am & Exhibition Matches: Witness thrilling Pro-Am matches and a series of exhibition matches that showcase padel at a professional level, transforming the overwater court into one of the Maldives’ most unique sporting stages.
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All Levels Welcome: Whether you’ve never held a padel racquet or you’re a seasoned player, Dilara’s warm and engaging approach ensures an unforgettable experience for everyone.
According to Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager, “Hosting Dilara Torssell on our overwater padel court brings together sport, connection and the beauty of the Maldives in a truly unforgettable way.”
What This Means for Padel Lovers and Travellers
A Growing Trend: Padel in the Maldives
Dilara’s residency at Meyyafushi arrives at a time when padel is experiencing explosive growth worldwide—and the Maldives is no exception. Luxury resorts across the archipelago are increasingly embracing the sport, recognising its appeal to active, health-conscious travellers. In fact, padel has become one of the fastest-growing racquet sports globally.
Meyyafushi’s overwater padel court is the crown jewel of this trend, offering an experience that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. As travel experts note, travellers in 2026 increasingly filter specifically for “resorts with padel,” and Meyyafushi is positioning itself as a leader in this movement.
Why This Residency Matters for Your Travel Planning
For travellers seeking a truly unique active-luxury experience, this residency presents a rare opportunity. Not only do you get to stay at one of the Maldives’ most innovative new resorts, but you also gain access to professional coaching from a top-ranked international player—all set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops on Earth.
Tip: Given the exclusive nature of this event, early booking is highly recommended. For enquiries and reservations, contact the resort directly at [email protected] or visit www.meyyafushi.com.
More Than a Game: A Commitment to Connection and Sustainability
Dilara’s residency is more than just a series of padel matches; it is part of Meyyafushi’s growing calendar of lifestyle collaborations and curated guest experiences, designed to offer travellers something beyond the traditional Maldives escape—a place to connect, within and beyond.
True to this philosophy, Meyyafushi is also a leader in sustainable luxury. The resort recently installed a large-scale solar energy system across the island, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and “Kindness to the Environment”.
Your Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Padel Escape to the Maldives
Best Time to Visit
The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate year-round. The dry season (November to April) offers the most stable weather, while the wet season (May to October) can bring brief showers but often comes with lower rates and fewer crowds. The Dilara Torssell residency falls in June, offering excellent conditions for outdoor sports.
How to Get There
Meyyafushi Maldives is accessible via a 35-minute scenic seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport (MLE). Upon arrival, a dedicated Meyyafushi Airport Host will assist with luggage and seaplane check-in.
What to Pack
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Sports gear: Lightweight, breathable activewear and non-marking court shoes for padel.
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Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
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Evening wear: Smart-casual attire for the underwater restaurant and sky lounge.
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Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for those villa pool slides!
Combine Padel with Wellness
Make the most of Meyyafushi’s Overwater Fitness Centre and daily yoga sessions on the outdoor yoga deck to balance high-energy padel matches with restorative wellness.
Conclusion: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience Awaits
The Dilara Torssell residency at Meyyafushi Maldives is more than just a holiday—it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the world’s most spectacular padel court under the guidance of a true professional. Whether you’re a padel fanatic, a luxury travel connoisseur, or simply someone seeking an unforgettable escape, this is your moment to serve up paradise.
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