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Learning to swim the Maldivian way

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soneva swimming

Maldives.net.mv – Seven Grade 3 children join hands in a circle in the shallow turquoise water of Soneva Fushi, Maldives. On the count of three they duck, submerging their faces into the warm water. Seconds later they jump up, squealing with contagious delight. With their instructors, they float on their backs and kick in the shallows, their giggles drowning out the sound of the waves.

So far, not so unusual. But for many of these island nation children, this is their first ever swimming lesson. Despite living on Eydhafushi, an island less than 1km long by half a kilometre wide and just one metre above sea level, most of these children are unable to swim. Unusually dark skies, intermittent rain and choppy water cannot dampen the excitement of the children as they receive their first proper instruction in the water.

Federica Siena, marine biologist at Soneva Fushi, is the lead of the two week learn-to-swim programme Her small stature belies a strength of focus, both in and out of the water. In a lilting Italian accent, she explains the motivation behind the programme:

“The idea came from the 2013 SLOW LIFE Symposium which is an annual environmental event hosted by Soneva. We had lots of conversations with marine experts and we thought that teaching kids seemed the most important way to inform the people around Soneva Fushi about protecting the ocean. It’s the first step in a bigger goal of environmental protection. Giving lectures and presentations wouldn’t work – the kids need to have a passion and start loving the sea.”

swimming at soneva

Filmmaker and six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council Jon Bowermaster, is making a documentary film of the swim programme, with the aim of promoting swimming worldwide. He asks the children where they go to swim. We don’t, they respond. Why not? It is dangerous. There are dangerous fish and it is dirty.

The dangerous fish is questionable. But without doubt the shoreline at Eydhafushi is dirty. The parents refuse to let their children take their swimming lessons there and with good reason. The contrast between the litter-strewn beaches of local islands and the clean white sand of resort islands like Soneva Fushi is impossible to ignore. In a nation with few municipal waste facilities and huge stress on the limited available land, the sea has traditionally been a useful dumping ground. But just one or two generations ago that waste would have been food waste and biodegradable matter. Today it is plastic bottles, plastic packaging and aluminium cans.

“I have travelled around the world studying the way people who live on the edge of the ocean react to it, treat it. Sadly there are many places where the ocean has been abused by people mistreating it for decades,” says Jon.

“The goal with our learn-to-swim programme is to teach kids, and parents, to swim, to gain a confidence that will keep them safe in the ocean, but also encourage them to be better protectors of the ocean. Once they’ve swum here, seen the sandy bottom and the fish, they’ll become stewards of taking care of it.”

swimming at soneva

Earlier in the day, 17 mothers of the same group of children join for their first lesson. The lesson begins with simple steps. They start with feeling comfortable with their faces in the water. They learn to exhale through the nose and inhale through the mouth, and progress to floating on their backs. The sound of their laughter competes with that of the children.

Lead instructor for the swim programme is Nathan Tschohl from Diversity in Aquatics, a non-profit committed to reducing annual drowning statistics and to increasing diversity in the profile of swimmers worldwide. A staggering 1.2m people drown worldwide each year, a figure Nathan is determined to see fall. He looks satisfied as he waves the mothers off at the end of class. “This was 100 times more than I was hoping for. There was no fear among these women. They will go home and tell their friends and family. This could be a really important stepping stone.”

Meanwhile, it is the turn of the children. Nine year old Iraahath is not so sure as the mothers. She arrives in tears, probably afraid of the water, possibly feeling shy, yet within minutes she has her face in the water and excitement conquers fear. “Vaagi dhookollaa!”, her instructor tells her – relax!

Drying off over sweet pastries, the exhilarated children share stories of their first swimming lesson. Nine year old Ida has a huge smile. The slogan on her bright green t-shirt screams Don’t Look At Me but it is hard not too. She confidently tells me that today she was very scared when she put her face in the water for the first time but that at the end of two weeks she will be snorkelling on the reef. “I will go into the deep. Because I will learn!”

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Catch the wind with Kitesurfing World Champion Youri Zoon at COMO Cocoa Island

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Embark on an exhilarating kitesurfing odyssey from May 6th to 20th, 2024, at COMO Cocoa Island alongside Youri Zoon, celebrated for seizing the kitesurfing world championship twice. Under his seasoned guidance, amplify your kitesurfing prowess, whether you’re a neophyte craving the fundamentals or a seasoned aficionado striving for intricate manoeuvres and airborne thrills.

Kitesurfing merges windsurfing, surfing, and wakeboarding for a dynamic water sport. Using controllable kites, riders harness wind power to glide across the ocean’s surface while being set against the backdrop of endless horizons and azure waters.

Throughout his residency, Zoon will conduct guided kitesurfing sessions, offering novices a gentle introduction to the sport or empowering veterans to elevate their abilities. Additionally, Zoon will host enlightening COMO Conversations, delving into his personal journey to kitesurfing eminence and the obstacles he surmounted along the way.

Guests may arrange activities with Zoon at their leisure, with plenty of time to make the most of our private island comforts, from massage treatments at COMO Shambhala to sandbank dinners under the stars and more.

Hailing from the Netherlands, Zoon’s affinity for kiteboarding burgeoned at the tender age of 13. A prodigious talent, he swiftly amassed accolades, securing victories at the Junior European Championships and Dutch Nationals in his inaugural year. Subsequently clinching the world title in 2011 and 2012, Zoon’s enduring passion for the sport fuels his ongoing commitment to mentorship and coaching, ensuring his legacy endures both on and off the water.

Nestled within South Male Atoll, COMO Cocoa Island beckons discerning travelers with its intimate enclave of 33 overwater villas. Renowned for its iconic Dhoni Water Villas, which pay homage to Maldivian maritime heritage, this idyllic retreat offers a sanctuary of tranquillity and indulgence. Accessible via a scenic 40-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, COMO Cocoa Island promises an unrivalled blend of luxury and seclusion.

For details on COMO Hotels and Resorts or to plan your next escape, please visit https://www.comohotels.com/cocoaisland.

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Sheraton Maldives hosts successful second season of Full Moon Futsal Cup

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa celebrated the culmination of the highly anticipated Full Moon Futsal Cup on March 31, 2024. The tournament, which commenced on March 17th, brought together 12 teams from neighboring resorts in Malé Atoll, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.

SO/ Maldives emerged victorious after a thrilling final match, securing the coveted title of Full Moon Futsal Cup Champions 2024. Mohamed El Aghoury, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, presented the winning team with the Championship trophy and gold medals during a closing ceremony. Additional prizes, medals, and certificates were awarded to recognize the exceptional talent displayed by all participants.

“We are honored to have hosted and participated in such a vibrant tournament,” Mohamed El Aghoury commented, reflecting on the event’s success. “The Full Moon Futsal Cup celebrates not only sportsmanship but also fosters strong bonds within the resort community.”

Throughout the tournament, all teams showcased exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork, captivating spectators and fellow competitors alike. Notably, Sheraton Maldives’ own associate teams, Team Sheraton and Team Furana FC, participated with commendable spirit.

This involvement aligns with Marriott International’s Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) initiative, which prioritizes fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued. The participation of the Young Professionals ARG team specifically exemplifies the group’s dedication to community building, skill development, and mentorship. The tournament provided a platform to spotlight the energy and potential of young professionals, promoting their growth and contributing to the organization’s future success.

Extending beyond a sporting event, the Full Moon Futsal Cup embodies the values of unity, friendship, and healthy competition. This aligns with Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa’s commitment to fostering community connections and Marriott International’s TakeCare philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of physical well-being among associates.

The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa extends its sincere gratitude to all participating teams, supporters, sponsors, and organizers who contributed to the resounding success of the Full Moon Futsal Cup 2024. The resort eagerly anticipates continuing this tradition of sporting excellence and camaraderie in the years to come.

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Dive into memorable underwater adventure with Baros Maldives’s Eco Explorer Experience

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In today’s world, where the fragile balance of marine ecosystems teeters on the edge, to call for sustainable tourism practices resonates louder than ever. Baros Maldives, deeply rooted in its respect for nature, leads the way in conservation and preservation. Baros’s Eco Explorer Experience stands as a testament to the island’s commitment, inviting guests to not just observe but to actively contribute to the safeguarding of our underwater sanctuaries.

Nestled on a lush, natural island paradise, Baros is a sanctuary surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life, boasting a world-class house reef, celebrated for its unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, attracting adventurers and nature lovers alike.

The Eco Explorer Experience is a carefully curated immersive experience designed for those who seek to delve deeper into the mysteries of the ocean. This experience is more than an adventure; it’s a journey of discovery and contribution, offering intimate encounters with the marvels of the sea, all while promoting marine conservation.

With this experience, Baros guests enjoy a myriad of enriching activities, culminating in a bespoke photobook documenting the essence of their Eco Explorer journey beneath the waves.

Coral Restoration and Conservation: Participants will immerse themselves in coral ecology, by planting personal coral gardens under the guidance of Baros’s resident Marine Biologist. This hands -on experience not only fosters coral growth but also contributes to the restoration of these vital habitats. Through the Coral Cube initiative, guests will apply innovative techniques like using fast plug cement to build thriving underwater ecosystems. The Baros marine team will share bi-annual updates with the guests so that they can follow the growth of their corals.

Marine Life Identification: This educational session equips guests with the knowledge to identify different fish species and understand their vital roles within the marine ecosystem. Equipped with snorkelling gear and new insights, guests will explore Baros’s world- class house reef during a snorkelling tour, guided by the resident marine biologist, to witness the vibrant marine life.

Night Snorkelling and Bioluminescence: As night falls, the reef reveals a different kind of beauty. With UV lights, guests will explore this nocturnal wonderland, observing the reef’s inhabitants in a new light. This magical experience is not only enchanting but also educational, offering insights into coral health and the ecosystem’s delicate balance.

Baros recognises the fragility of the marine environment and is committed to fostering sustainable tourism practices. The Eco Explorer Experience is more than a holiday activity, it’s an invitation to become part of a larger movement, advocating for the protection and preservation of our marine environments.

Join the Baros marine team on this extraordinary journey. Together, dive deeper, explore further, and unveil the boundless wonders of the ocean, ensuring they remain vibrant for generations to come.

For bookings and more information, please visit www.baros.com or contact Baros directly at reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 26 72.

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