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Four Seasons Explorer announces 2019 Manta Trust Expeditions

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The graceful ballerinas of the ocean, highly curious manta rays have the largest brain of all the world’s fish. Under threat, they still have much to teach us. Do you want to immerse yourself in their elusive world to discover more?

The Four Seasons Explorer, dubbed a luxurious “floating research lab”, will host two active research expeditions this year: from August 29 to September 5, and September 12 to 19.

Manta Trust Expedition onboard Four Seasons Explorer places participants at the forefront of cutting-edge research. It’s a rare and thrilling opportunity to contribute to this incredible field of science and experience a wonder most can only dream of – regardless of whether an adventure-seeking family, a couple seeking an alternative vacation, or an individual who’s passionate about conservation.

To understand the power and presence of these marine marvels – and the work being done to protect them in the Maldives – one has to go back to 2003, when a then-Four Seasons marine biologist Dr. Guy Stevens encountered his first manta ray and, in doing so, discovered his life’s passion and work: to conserve these captivating creatures through active research and education.

Fast forward over a decade and Guy is now one of the world’s leading manta ray experts; the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMPR) that he first established at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is now the founding project of the world’s largest manta ray charity, The Manta Trust; and his team operates projects in more than 20 different counties around the world.

Four Seasons Explorer’s Manta Trust Expeditions offer a rare insight into the pioneering research that Guy’s team has developed over the years. Participants of all ages are encouraged to free-dive and snorkel with mantas alongside a team of specialist marine biologists, recording critical environmental information, taking manta ID photos, and joining in the ID process – including naming any newly sighted mantas.

“From population size, migratory routes and life history strategies, to social interactions, growth rates, life span, reproduction and more, every time we enter the water with manta rays, we improve our knowledge of them – and the global steps required to protect them,” Guy Stevens, Chief Executive and Founder of The Manta Trust, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“Escorting these trips has the added benefit of transporting me back to that incredible moment when I first swam with a manta ray as guests have their own first manta encounter. It was life-changing for me and I never tire of seeing the impact it has on others too.”

Four Seasons Explorer is a floating PADI five-star dive centre, a Manta Trust research Lab, a championship surfing venue, an exclusive-use party pad and more. It offers Four Seasons-style accommodation and activities for up to 22 guests across three luxurious decks; a team of 25 adventure-seeking crew; effortless access to up to six different atolls; and many less-expected resort-style benefits too. Spa treatments (on deck or a secluded sandbank); remote island village visits; desert island BBQs; kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing and windsurfing; handline or bottom-line fishing from a dhoni; sunbathing decks; evening stargazing by telescope; gourmet dining; and chill-out days on snuggly sofas in the large air-conditioned Lounge.

Refurbished in 2017, the boat is a vision of sleek finishes and stylish soft furnishings across its entire 39 metre / 128 foot expanse. The 10 State Rooms and signature Explorer Suite (complete with a wall of windows and private sun-bathing terrace) all feature upgraded bathrooms, new artworks, plush carpets and curtains, and re-upholstered sofas and headboards. Tropical-coloured chairs in the huge open-plan Dining Room complement the new layout and flexible furniture in the adjacent Living Room and Library. And across the boat, a cool blue, grey and white palette, accentuated by rich dark wood furnishings, showcases contemporary nautical living at its luxurious best.

In addition to the ExplorerFour Seasons runs three resorts in the Maldives: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, and the exclusive-use private island retreat of Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah.

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

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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,’.

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

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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

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

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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.

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