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World Surfaris to manage surf operations at Hudhuranfushi Resort, Maldives

Maldives.net.mv – Management at Hudhuranfushi Resort, Maldives have taken a welcome step to managing on island surfer numbers by appointing World Surfaris as their official surf operations manager & offering a new surfer management plan that will limit surfers permitted to a maximum of 35 during March to October season.
The new surfer package is only available through international surf adventure company World Surfaris and their affiliate agents and promises to free up the house break ‘Lohi’s’ from the annual abundance of visiting surfers.
Fostering a ‘less is more for everyone’ attitude World Surfaris owner Shaun Levings has indicated that this is a positive step in managing surfer numbers in the North Male’ atoll of the Maldives.
“Surfer numbers visiting North Male’ atoll & Hudhuranfushi Resort have considerably increased in recent years. The resulting influx has often left guests frustrated to say the least with a bad atmosphere in and out of the water. After all who’d want to travel to this dream destination and have to share the line up with an excessive crowd? The new surf management plan means less people in the water with more waves for your money and a great vibe throughout your holiday.” Levings stated.
ADS Resorts Pvt Ltd, the leaseholders of Lohifushi Island now known as Adaaran ‘Select’ Hudhuranfushi Resort are granted private use of the house reef which includes ‘Lohis left’. This is indeed quite controversial in the world of surfing however in the Maldives; the tourism laws grant most resorts a boundary for privacy reason that often includes the surf break. Surfers have flocked to the resort to surf ‘Lohis for many years however on island surfer numbers have spiralled out of control and the break was fast losing its reputation as a desirable location.
Mr Mohamed Lantra, General Manager of marketing at Adaaran Resorts was quoted the following when questioned about limiting surfing numbers. “With regard to the surf operation, the company has taken a decision to manage it well and uplift the standard of the Lohis surf break as well as the property as such, we have appointed World Surfaris to manage the surf operation. The above decision was taken after reviewing for almost 2 years and to maintain discipline among surfers. No surfers will be allowed to surf ‘Free’ at Lohis without a paid surf pass”.
The new surfer package will limit surfers on Island to a maximum of 35. The lucky 35 surfers at the resort can also sample the other North Male’ atoll jewels with guided boat trips to the 6 other breaks within 30 minutes. Right pits at Cokes or warm water J’bay at Jails, all within 20 minutes from the resort. Resident surf guides Richard & Amy Kotch are thrilled by the development.
“Quite simply, Hudhuranfushi is the best place to be based for a surf trip in the Maldives. ‘Lohis’, the island left that is exclusive to Hudhuranfushi guests is one of the most consistent in the world, for 8 months of the year there is a rideable wave pretty much every day of the season. Managing surfer numbers on the island means that you can surf perfect, uncrowded waves in paradise without the hassles that we’ve seen developing in previous years. It’s an awesome initiative by Adaaran Resorts!” Richard said.
The new surfer package will also include the addition of two new local expert guides. With four guides on the island, surfers and visitors can expect to receive the best possible service and care throughout their stay.
With the new package only recently released spaces are wide open for the 2014 season March – October. With only 35 surfer spaces available for sale to surfers all over the world, a space in the line-up at Lohi’s break will become highly sought after.
The surf package is only available through World Surfaris and affiliate agents. So, if you’re chasing uncrowded waves in the beautiful Maldives in 2014, you must act now.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’
Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.
With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).
“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”
As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.
By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.
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