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The Third Annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival Returns to South Ari Atoll

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whale sharkMaldives Whale Shark Research Programme [MWSRP] is collaborating with Maldivian Artists to celebrate the whale shark in the Maldives third annual Whale Shark Festival.

Hosted on the beautiful local island of Dhidhoo, this year’s Festival will be the culmination of months of creative workshops and collaboration in which community members work together to create incredible art work representing their island culture and celebrating the marine diversity of South Ari atoll and it’s Marine Protected Area (the S.A.MPA).

This unique Festival, driven by national and international collaborations between dynamic Maldivian artists, marine biologists, and scientific researchers, places island communities at the forefront of creative decision making. Promoting intergenerational exchange, the Festival provides vital opportunities to celebrate both the rich cultural heritage of the atoll and it’s internationally renowned marine environment.

Building on the success of last year’s festival, this year the festival will be bigger and bolder than ever before. The Festival will take advantage of its new position in the Maldives national calendar on the weekend of International Whale Shark Day, beginning with a ‘ScienceFEST’ mini-conference on Friday 28th August for teachers, community leaders and marine biologists before the whole community travels to the Dhidhoo for the main event on Saturday 29th August.

whale shark festival

Dhidhoo, a small island with a big personality will host the 2015 event in style, festooned with vibrant costumes, banners, flags and puppets, it will host hundreds of school children and community members from across the atoll.

Festival Co-Director Kareen Adam and Story-Telling artist Fazail Lutfi will be working again with each participating island to share and celebrate the unique stories of each island’s community, weaving traditional Maldivian dance and music with contemporary art work to entertain and inform a diverse audience of Island residents, Maldivian creatives, scientists, and international visitors.

Under the guidance of professional artists like Nadee Rachey each participating island will create a large scale kinetic whale shark sculpture from recycled materials for the procession to be accompanied by endangered reef fish inspired art work and costumes. From the Peacock mantis shrimp to the noduled sea star (Fas Ingili), this is an opportunity for artists and marine biologists to design a dynamic learning opportunity, full of independent investigation and discovery, ensuring that conservation and awareness underpin the whole of the Festival Programme.

For the young Maldivian artists involved, this event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase and share their skills, Ms Rachey said of last year; ”It is hard to explain it in words how much fun I had working on the festival last year. Working with the local community and collaborating with so many different artists was a really inspiring and rewarding experience”.

Festival Co-Directors Kareen Adam and Chloe Osborne, are designing a series of multidisciplinary art workshopsfor participating islands. Ms Osborne enthused that ‘the workshops and Festival will build on the incredible collaborations and partnership work that we witnessed in the build up to last years festival. The creative ideas and technical skills on every island we worked with far surpassed our expectations – we have had to work hard to raise the bar for this year’s festival!’ Co-director Ms Adam added, ‘I’m feeling excited to see the children and adults from seven islands come together with colourful props and costumes to celebrate their unique environment and whale sharks”.

The event hopes to attract festival goers from across the atoll, Male and beyond as a yearly opportunity to celebrate the craftsmanship and creativity of the island communities and to celebrate the area’s unique role in International whale shark ecology.

The 2015 festival has been created with support from Artist Sponsor LUX* Maldives, Festival Partners Allied Insurance, Visit Maldives, Mirihi Resort, Carpe Diem and Flyme, Hydration Partner 100Plus, Print Partner Novelty Print, Online Partner Maldives.com, Design Partner Emau Saleem and Audio-Visual partner DOAV, along with the support of Festival Friends; Friend of the Sea, Voyages Maldives, We Care Maldives, LaMER and Cyprea Pvt Ltd.

MWSRP programme coordinator Ibrahim Shameel concluded, “for me the Festival has proved it can bring people together from all walks of life to celebrate and take creative inspiration from the whale shark and our marine environment. Last year it was made spectacularly clear how much this opportunity meant to the community of South Ari, and the MWSRP are hugely excited to see the scale and reach of this event grow year on year”.

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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru honour women with curated experiences

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This International Women’s Day, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru celebrate the important women in our lives through meaningful island experiences inspired by connection with self, nature and our loved ones.

The celebration begins beneath the surface of the sea with a Women’s Snorkelling Session, bringing guests from both resorts together for a guided exploration of the house reef. Guided by the resorts’ Marine Lab, explore vibrant coral gardens and observe marine life flourishing within one of the Maldives’ most carefully preserved reefs – a reflection of Banyan Group’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship since the island first welcomed guests more than three decades ago.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: A Day of Meaningful Connection to the Nature and Wellbeing

In the afternoon, Saffron presents a Women’s Day Cooking Class, where fragrant herbs and vibrant spices come together in a hands-on journey through authentic Thai flavours.

As the golden sunset colours the sky, a beachfront yoga session invites a moment of stillness. Guided by breath and gentle movement, the rhythm of the waves deepens your connection with nature and the beauty of being fully present.

In the evening, Sangu Garden, the resort’s beachfront restaurant, presents a Special Women’s Day Buffet Night, where live BBQ stations showcase freshly grilled seafood and international flavours beneath the evening sky. Ocean breezes, cosy ambience and the aroma of the grill create a warm tropical setting, while each female guest is welcomed with a special surprise gift during the evening.

Dhawa Ihuru: Vibrant Island Flavours

Across the lagoon, Dhawa Ihuru brings its lively island energy to the occasion with experiences designed for fun and connection.

Later in the day, after the snorkel safari to the house reef, savour a Women’s Day Special BBQ Lunch at Riveli Restaurant, where vibrant island flavours and international favourites come together in a lively beachfront setting.

In the afternoon, a Sri Lankan Cooking Class invites guests to discover bold spices and traditional techniques in a lively hands-on culinary experience.

Together, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru offer a meaningful way to celebrate the women who inspire us, through moments of exploring wellness, discovery and joyful connection surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives.

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Fushifaru Maldives celebrates Women’s Day with art, community and ocean conservation focus

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Fushifaru Maldives is marking International Women’s Day 2026 with a series of activities under the theme “Waves of Kindness – #GivetoGain,” celebrating empowerment, community and ocean conservation.

The programme reflects the resort’s message of being “Empowered by Kindness, Inspired by the Ocean,” bringing together guests and team members through art, appreciation and shared experiences.

As part of the celebrations, the resort will welcome artist Rachel Brooks, who will host a live art workshop on 7 March. During the session, Brooks will create a painting inspired by marine life, drawing attention to the colours and forms found beneath the ocean’s surface.

Her work highlights the connection between creativity and environmental awareness, emphasising the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. The workshop will also serve as an opportunity for guests and residents to engage with the artist and learn about the inspiration behind her work.

The celebrations will continue on 8 March with activities marking International Women’s Day alongside the resort’s residents and guests. The theme #GivetoGain focuses on mutual support, the creation of opportunities, and the empowerment of women through collaboration and shared encouragement.

In the evening, Fushifaru Maldives will host a Women’s Day Cocktail Party, where gentlemen will present roses to women on the island, including guests and team members. The gesture is intended as a sign of appreciation and respect.

The celebration will continue with a DJ evening, providing a setting for guests and staff to gather and mark the occasion together.

According to the resort, the event is also an opportunity to recognise the contribution of women within the Fushifaru community. Female guests, residents and team members from different backgrounds and cultures will be acknowledged as part of the celebrations.

The resort said the initiative reflects the diversity and individuality of the women who form part of the Fushifaru Maldives community, while reinforcing the broader message of kindness, empowerment and environmental awareness associated with this year’s International Women’s Day.

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German winemaker Patrick Jacklin to host exclusive tasting at Constance Moofushi

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Constance Moofushi Maldives is set to welcome Patrick Jacklin of Weingut Heitlinger, Germany, for an exclusive wine tasting experience on 9th March from 06:00pm to 07:30pm. Set on a sunset sandbank, this unique experience will feature a curated selection of biodynamic wines, paired with refined canapés in an unforgettable Indian Ocean setting. During his visit, Patrick Jacklin will also conduct a dedicated masterclass with the resort’s sommeliers, offering an opportunity to further expand their knowledge and understanding of biodynamic wines and viticulture.

At Constance Hotels & Resorts, wine is an integral part of the guest experience, shaped by passionate sommeliers and a long-standing culture of discovery. At Constance Moofushi, this dedication is reflected in Alizée Restaurant being recognized by The World of Fine Wine for its Best All-Inclusive Wine List, highlighting the resort’s carefully curated selection and pairing philosophy. This intimate tasting continues that spirit, celebrating terroir, craftsmanship, and meaningful encounters between guests and winemakers.

Raised in the Kraichgau region of Baden, Patrick Jacklin comes from a family deeply rooted in winemaking. Alongside his brother Philip, he represents the next generation of the Weingut Heitlinger bringing fresh energy and vision to the estate.

Passionate about biodynamic viticulture Patrick plays an active role in shaping the estate’s style and guiding its evolution in both cellar and vineyard.

Located in Östringen‑Tiefenbach, Weingut Heitlinger, is recognised among Germany’s leading organic and biodynamic estates. The winery is also part of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) Since 2012, Germany’s most respected association of top-quality wine estates — a distinction that reflects a shared commitment to origin, craft, and rigorous standards.

“This evening with Patrick Jacklin is a celebration of what we love most – exceptional wines, generous sharing, and the magic of a Maldivian sunset. We look forward to welcoming our guests for this intimate moment of discovery,” says Mevin Ramasamy, General Manager of Constance Moofushi.

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