When Frank and Heike Reestorff returned to Villa Nautica for the third time, they had one rather unusual plan for their 25th anniversary: to get married underwater.

The couple had mentioned the idea to the diveOceanus team during a stay the previous November. Both are divers, and what they had in mind was relatively simple: a small ceremony at a shallow site, with their family and closest friends alongside them.

For their return, the team settled on Maagiri Reef, where a sandy section of the top reef provided the setting.

The ceremony itself was built around a heart-shaped frame, with streams of bubbles rising around the wedding party from cylinders positioned nearby. As talking underwater was obviously out of the question, Frank and Heike’s wedding words were engraved onto wooden plaques in German.

Their son and his girlfriend joined them, as did two close friends who had never dived before. The pair completed Discover Scuba Diving with diveOceanus at Villa Nautica before the wedding so they could take part rather than watch from the boat. diveOceanus Villa Nautica is a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort, with programmes ranging from first-time scuba experiences through to further dive training.

Villa Nautica Dive Center Manager Mohamed Arzan officiated the ceremony underwater. Earlier this year, Arzan was named Diving Personality of the Year at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026, where he was recognised for his leadership of dive operations, marine knowledge, mentoring and service quality.

The wedding spread beyond the dive site. Back on the island, the Villa Nautica team helped prepare the boat for the occasion, arranged details for the couple’s return and made sure the day was recorded underwater and from the air.

For a resort used to honeymoons, anniversaries and weddings, the setting was new. This was Villa Nautica’s first underwater wedding.

It also came with a nice sense of continuity. Frank and Heike were not guests who had chosen the island from a wedding brochure; they had already stayed twice, had dived there before, and returned with an idea they had first discussed with people they already knew.

Villa Nautica’s romance credentials extend beyond this one ceremony. The resort has received three consecutive nominations for Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort at the World Travel Awards from 2023 to 2025, and was selected for National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s Luxury Collection 2025 and 2026. Its pool was also named Best Resort Pool in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific in both 2025 and 2026.

The couple’s verdict was shorter.

“Everything was simply perfect and beyond expectations.”

Heike was moved to tears when she saw the underwater setting. When the couple left Villa Nautica, the German wedding plaques and congratulations banner went home with them.

For the resort, it was a first. For Frank and Heike, it was how they chose to mark 25 years together.

On October 31, Oaga ArtResort invites guests on a Dhathuru to the island of Maaranfushi, where a day of beachside BBQ, traditional Maldivian picnic fare, live music and games slowly gives way to something much darker.

As sundown approaches, Dhon Hassanube makes his first appearance at Oaga, introducing guests to the story of the Vigani, a mysterious demon once bound to Maaranfushi to protect the islands of the Maldives from its curse. But with the Vigani said to have returned, Hassanube has some explaining to do.

The story will unfold across the island, with new characters and mysterious entities revealed along the way. Guests are guided through an island tour, meeting those caught within the curse and uncovering fragments of its story as they go. What begins as a Dhathuru soon becomes a Cursed trick or treating Island Tour, leading to unexpected encounters, storytelling and a Halloween special dinner at Kaa Kada.

The soundtrack to the story comes courtesy of Project Groove, bringing live music to the Dhathuru, while Amney and Faudi take the stage at Kaa Kada for an evening of live storytelling and music. The final chapter unfolds at Raa Baa, where Suvāsthi’s Unethical Projection brings the tale of the Vigani to life before Cursed Groove takes over for a night of Halloween revelry.

For families and younger guests, Fiyoh Kids Club has its own little Dhathuru of Halloween fun, with trick or treat basket decorating, costume making, games and playful activities for young explorersto create their own chapter of the story.

From the first clues at Maaranfushi to the final chapter at Raa Baa, this Halloween invites guests to become part of a story that unfolds around them. Come curious, follow the clues and keep an eye out for who, or what, you might meet along the way.

The Curse of the Vigani awaits at Oaga Art Resort this Halloween.

Nine divine years of this exquisite island paradise in Lhaviyani Atoll… Fushifaru Maldives gears up to celebrate its ninth anniversary this October with a special programme of experiences taking place from 20 to 24 October 2026, culminating in the resort’s official anniversary celebration on 24 October.

Over the past nine years, Fushifaru has established itself as an award-winning boutique resort in The Maldives known for its intimate barefoot island atmosphere, personalised service, rich Maldivian character and memorable guest experiences.

To mark the occasion, the resort has created a programme designed to bring guests, team members and the island community together in true #FeelingFantastic spirit. Celebrations will begin with Bodukakka–Guest Chef Challenge, inviting guests to team up with Fushifaru’s culinary team for a friendly cooking competition inspired by local flavours. Guests can also take part in a SUP Race around the island, with the winner receiving a romantic sandbank dinner for two.

Guests will also witness Fushifaru’s connection to the natural environment through Coral Planting and Guided Snorkelling, offering guests the opportunity to contribute to marine conservation while exploring the island’s underwater world.

The celebrations will culminate on 24 October with Fushifaru’s official 9th Anniversary Celebration, bringing together guests and the Fushifaru team for an evening dedicated to nine years of memories, friendships and exceptional experiences. The milestone reflects Fushifaru’s continued focus on creating meaningful and authentic Maldivian experiences while building lasting relationships with guests from around the world.

For Fushifaru sales enquiries and bookings, please contact reservations@fushifaru.com or visit www.fushifaru.com.