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The Underwater Festival returns to LUX* Maldives, 16 – 20 April 2014

Maldives.net.mv – LUX* Maldives is proud to announce the third edition of the ‘Underwater Festival’, taking place on the island from 16 to 20 April 2014. Co-sponsoring the event, the leading diving company Euro-Divers presents an array of activities ranging from scuba diving to few of the most beautiful dive sites in the word, freediving with the whale sharks, under-the-stars evening screenings with the resident marine biologist as well as free diving and apnea courses. Following a successful week of apnea courses held at the resort last November 2013, Austrian world champion freediver Christian Redl returns to LUX* Maldives to host freediving courses during the Underwater Festival.
‘I am truly excited to return to LUX* Maldives and work with the Euro-Divers team for the Underwater Festival’ says Christian Redl ‘I am always keen to promote freediving around the world and the Maldives are the perfect settings for this event.’ Christian Redl currently holds several freediving world records ranging from two distance world records under ice: 100 meters with fins and 150 meters aided by a scooter as well as a dive through a 101m long cave in Mexico.
Operating several diving centers worldwide, Euro-Divers is one the leading diving operators in the Maldives and now offers PADI freediving course throughout their diving centers in the country. Jean-Jacques Mayol, son of freediving legend Jacques Mayol, as well as English world champion freediver Sara Campbell are among the freedivers that have been working with the team of Euro-Divers in the past to further enhance the professionalism of the course.
During the Underwater Festival Euro-divers team will also present a selection of new freediving equipment recently launched by Aqua Lung. The range of equipment will be available during the courses for all the participants and will then become an official part of the daily freediving courses offered at the resort. ‘The Maldives are renowned for their incredible underwater scenery and the dive sites around LUX* Maldives are listed among the best in the country’ says Kai Hromadko, Regional Operations Manager of Euro-Divers Maldives ‘the Festival gives us the opportunity to showcase this hidden beauty both scuba diving and freediving. It is a pleasure to welcome back Christian Redl to our team and we look forward to a great week of underwater fun!’
LUX* Maldives is an active supporter of the researches conducted to develop the South Ari Marine Protected Area and operates a Marine Biology Center to enhance guests’ awareness on marine life and year-round presence of whale sharks along the back reef of the resort.
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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