Connect with us

Action

‘The Last Wilderness’ Unique Ocean Experience at Soneva Fushi

Published

on

Snorkeling at Soneva Fushi

Maldives.net.mv – Soneva Fushi has partnered with the I AM WATER Ocean Conservation Foundation to host an exclusive Ocean Experience, where participants will learn the art of freediving from some of the world’s best instructors and have a once-in-a-lifetime marine wildlife adventure.

The ‘Last Wilderness’ Ocean Experience will be held at Soneva Fushi, located in the Baa Atoll, Maldives, from October 05 – 10 and November 25 –December 02, 2015. The events are timed to coincide with favourable conditions in the Baa Atoll, which in turn attracts vast flocks of feeding Manta Rays and occasionally Whale Sharks.

Over the course of five days, participants will learn the physiology of the human body underwater and practice breathing techniques that will enable them to share unique encounters with marine creatures. The classes will be taught by Hanli Prinsloo, South African Freediving Champion; and Peter Marshall, an eight times Backstroke World Record Holder. A maximum of five people can participate in each of the two courses.

“This is once-in-a-lifetime transformational experience in one of the world’s best dive locations, staying in one of the world’s best resorts. In the past we have had students who have gone from thinking that they can’t hold their breath for 30 seconds, to holding their breath underwater for between two to five minutes. At the end of this course, participants will go from being surface snorkelers to a 50 foot freediver and experience the ocean in an entirely new way,” said Hanli Prinsloo, founder of the I AM WATER Ocean Conservation Foundation and Principal Freediving Instructor.

The Ocean Experience is open to all ages and fitness levels, and the programme is customized according to ability and comfort of the participants. The course fee will cover an inclusive stay for five nights at Soneva Fushi, including transfers, room, full board and all tuition. Plus, proceeds will go towards ocean awareness and experience programmes supported by I AM WATER Ocean Conservation Foundation in underprivileged communities around the world. Also included in the fee is professional freediving equipment; a custom-made freediving wetsuit and carbon fiber fins, a mask, weight-belt, weights, snorkel and dive socks in addition to a yoga mat, sweater, t-shirts and rashguards. All interested participants will also be provided with copies of personalized underwater ‘Last Wilderness’ photographs.

“Freediving is not something I ever considered learning, but hearing Hanli speak at a Philanthropy event inspired me to explore this new world. From learning to hold my breath, slow down my heart-rate to diving deep on one breath and then using all these new skills to interact with animals under water is probably one of the most exciting things I have ever done! I AM WATER combines world class instructors and coaching with a very strong conservation ethic, and of course knowing that my experience gets underprivileged kids in the water makes this one of the best holidays of my life,” said Nina Hoas, Executive Director, UBS Philanthropy Advisory.

The I AM WATER Freediving Instructors have taught freediving around the world and worked with top athletes, celebrities and individuals with debilitating aquatic phobias.

Hanli Prinsloo is the South African Freediving Champion and ocean conservationist. With a competitive freediving background, Hanli has a keen sense of interacting with large creatures. Her deep respect and love for the ocean has led her to dedicate her life to Ocean Conservation through Human Experience.

Peter Marshall is an eight times Backstroke World Record Holder who does the videography for The Last Wilderness. Filming on freedive and natural light, Peter captures the encounters in a uniquely intimate manner.

Action

Six Senses Laamu celebrates anniversary of Sea Hub of environmental learning in Laamu

Published

on

Six Senses Laamu commemorates the one-year anniversary of its Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL), highlighting the resort’s steadfast dedication to marine conservation and environmental education.

In March 2023, Six Senses Laamu unveiled the SHELL on its sunset beach, marking a pivotal milestone in the journey toward fostering environmental awareness and education. The 2,336 square-foot (217 square-metre) immersive exhibition space invites resort guests, hosts, and Maldivian residents to explore and learn about the colorful and vibrant local marine life. Investing further in marine conservation, the SHELL houses a working marine laboratory run by the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), a collaborative endeavour featuring marine biologists from Six Senses Laamu, working hand in hand with three partnering NGOs: Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and Olive Ridley Project. Currently, the research team comprises over ten marine biologists.

Collaborative Research Efforts Yield Remarkable Results

The SHELL has expanded MUI’s research capabilities, with notable projects including coral larval restoration and sea turtle DNA analysis. Ten thousand baby corals from over five different species are currently grown at the SHELL. Over 12 million coral larvae have already been released onto the resort’s house reef. The turtle genetics project involves taking genetic samples from deceased hatchlings and continues to contribute to a better understanding of the Maldivian sea turtle population.

In addition to these projects, the MUI team has conducted numerous research initiatives, such as the identification and registration of over 1,000 turtles and more than 140 manta rays in Laamu Atoll. These research projects contribute to a wider understanding of Laamu’s marine life and environment, resulting in the publication of a peer-reviewed scientific paper on marine megafauna and blue carbon analysis of seagrass and mangrove habitats.

Community Engagement and Recognition

Throughout the past year, the SHELL has welcomed 24 distinguished visitors, including renowned naturalist and BBC presenter Steve Backshall. Engagements with university professors, researchers, and even astronauts during Karman Week, have led to valuable partnerships and research collaborations.

Beyond research, the SHELL serves as a space for exploration and education. Six Senses Laamu has welcomed over 300 community members to the SHELL over the past year. A key initiative, the “Hello Hallu” program, was designed to inspire and motivate students to actively participate in preserving their local ecosystems. The program achieved widespread impact by reaching every school across Laamu Atoll, engaging 237 students in total. Together, with the MUI team, students explored the habitats of Laamu, including mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs, as well as sustainable fishing practices and megafauna.

The SHELL was honoured with the Aspire Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award in 2023, recognising the groundbreaking sustainability efforts by Six Senses Laamu and showcasing the resort’s commitment to marine conservation.

“The SHELL is an incredible achievement from our efforts in research, education and community engagement,” says Lawrence Menz, Six Senses Laamu’s Director of Sustainability and Conservation. “It began as a dream over 5 years ago and marks several milestones in Laamu Atoll’s marine conservation. Since its opening, we were able to welcome over 6,000 guests and members of the local community in the SHELL. The greatest reward for us is hearing local students expressing their newfound inspiration for their island home, stating that visiting the SHELL has encouraged them to share the importance of conservation with their parents, family, and friends.”

Six Senses Laamu’s General Manager, Marteyne van Well, commented, “The SHELL serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, providing a dynamic platform to inspire, educate, and contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in the Maldives.”

Van Well has also recently been recognised in Forbes magazine as one of ‘4 Women Creating Ways To Protect The Ocean,’.

Continue Reading

Action

Diving Dreams Take the Plunge: New PADI Five Star Academy Opens in Maldives

Published

on

Maldives’ first and only PADI Five Star Career Development Center, the Maldivian Academy of Diving, has officially opened its doors in K. Himmafushi. This new academy signifies a major step forward for professional dive training in the Maldives.

The Academy is dedicated to providing top-tier, professional-level dive training programs that meet the most rigorous standards set by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). They recently concluded their inaugural PADI Instructor Development Course on March 3rd, and their next PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course is scheduled for July 29th to August 13th, 2024.

Leading the Academy is Adam Ashraf, a PADI Platinum Course Director for both 2022 and 2023. For the past decade, Ashraf has been running Dive Desk, a highly successful dive center in Malé. In fact, Dive Desk was the most successful PADI professional development center in the Maldives in 2023, earning the prestigious PADI EMEA Platinum Professional Development Excellence Award. This award recognizes the center’s exceptional performance in training new dive professionals, with Dive Desk being the only Maldivian center and one of only ten in the entire Europe, Middle-East & Africa (EMEA) region to receive this recognition.

Platinum status for both the Course Director and the Dive Center is not given lightly. It’s awarded based on a strict criteria of the number of professional-level certifications issued by PADI. Adding to Dive Desk’s accolades, they were also awarded the PADI Outstanding Contribution to People and Humanity Award last month for their dedication to fostering opportunities for Maldivians in the diving industry.

Despite a decade of success and consistently running the top PADI professional development programs in the Maldives for the past seven years, Dive Desk faced challenges. Limited space at their facility and the high cost of accommodation for students staying in Malé for extended periods were significant hurdles.

The Maldivian Academy of Diving was established specifically to address these issues. Located in Himmafushi, the Academy offers a more spacious learning environment and affordable accommodation options for students, all within close proximity to the capital city. The Academy will soon be offering on-site dorm rooms as well.

The Academy caters to all levels of diving experience, from those just beginning their underwater journey to seasoned divers seeking to become instructors. They offer a comprehensive range of courses and certifications to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their diving goals.

The opening of the Maldivian Academy of Diving represents a significant milestone in Adam Ashraf’s ongoing mission to empower Maldivian youth to pursue careers in the diving industry.

For more information dive into www.divedesk.mv

Continue Reading

Action

Jawakara Islands Maldives Partners with LUX Tennis for Unforgettable Tennis and Padel Getaways

Published

on

Jawakara Maldives announces a new partnership with LUX Tennis, a premier tennis management company. This collaboration elevates the resort’s offerings, providing guests with an exclusive tennis and padel program in a stunning beachfront setting.

Unparalleled Island Retreat

Jawakara Maldives is a haven of luxury, seamlessly blending traditional Maldivian warmth with modern amenities. Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Guests can choose from exquisite overwater villas and beachfront accommodations, all designed for ultimate comfort and privacy.

A Paradise for All Preferences

Spanning two interconnected islands, Jawakara offers a diverse range of accommodations catering to every taste. Culinary delights await at the resort’s eclectic restaurants, featuring Teppanyaki, Asian, Mediterranean, and international buffets. From indulgent spa treatments to thrilling water sports and exploration of the vibrant underwater world, the resort caters to all interests.

Elevated Tennis and Padel Experience

The collaboration with LUX Tennis introduces a unique program designed to improve guests’ tennis and padel skills. Boasting a tennis court and three padel courts (two covered), Jawakara ensures uninterrupted play. Personalized coaching, structured practice sessions, and exciting events cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Whether guests prefer one-on-one coaching, group sessions with experienced professionals, or tournaments, LUX Tennis offers a range of options.

Expert Guidance for All Levels

Leading the program is Afonso Matias, a distinguished LUX Tennis professional with over a decade of experience. Afonso’s dedication and expertise have earned him recognition as a certified coach by the Portuguese Tennis Federation. He currently holds the esteemed position of Tennis Director at Jawakara Islands Maldives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.