Connect with us

News

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

Published

on

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”.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Action

W Maldives sets coral restoration benchmark with Sea of Stars activation

Published

on

Following the launch of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives has successfully concluded a landmark week of sustainability-driven experiences that brought guests, marine experts, and the resort team together in celebration of ocean conservation and creativity.

The event kicked off on 26 October with an exclusive screening of Peixinho (Little Fish) at FIRE, hosted by award-winning wildlife filmmaker and conservation biologist, Kaushiik Subramaniam. The film, a moving story of ocean stewardship and intergenerational change, was followed by a mix-and-mingle session where guests connected with Kaushiik to discuss the power of storytelling in inspiring environmental action, along with the MARS Sustainable Solutions team on the reef restoration project.

The momentum carried into the following days as the W Maldives team, led by the resort’s Sustainability Manager, Harald Schaller, together with MARS Sustainable Solutions, completed the installation of 400 Reef Stars and 6,000 coral fragments across the resort’s house reef on 28 and 29 October. Guests joined the marine biologists in assembling and deploying the hexagonal reef structures, turning collaboration into tangible impact. The two-day reef star creation and installation marked a key milestone in one of the Maldives’ largest coral restoration projects.

“With all Reef Stars successfully installed, we’re excited to see this restored reef become a thriving ecosystem,” says Kate Janetski, Marine Program Lead for Maldives & Caribbean and Global Training Manager at MARS Sustainable Solutions. “The partnership with W Maldives shows what can happen when science, hospitality, and community come together for a shared purpose. Seeing guests and the resort team work side by side to restore this reef is a powerful reminder that protecting our oceans can be a collective and inspiring experience.”

With the success of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives is setting its sights even higher, Under the vision of Amila Handunwala, the resort’s General Manager and Chair of the Marriott Maldives Business Council, this activation marks just the beginning of a wider movement to make W Maldives, and eventually, Marriott International properties in the Maldives, a driving force in coral restoration across the archipelago.

“Our reef has always been the heart of W Maldives,” says Amila Handunwala. “SEA OF STARS is more than a single event, it’s the spark of a long-term journey. Our goal is to strengthen W Maldives’ stance as a leader in marine restoration and to extend this initiative to other Marriott resorts in the Maldives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and set a new benchmark for sustainability in hospitality.”

The W Maldives team will continue to collaborate with MARS Sustainable Solutions to monitor coral growth and reef resilience in the coming months and years. Guests are also invited to be part of this journey by joining guided house reef snorkeling sessions with the resort’s marine biologist to learn more about the ongoing coral restoration program.

This initiative is part of W Maldives’ evolving and growing sustainability strategy, which extends beyond its reef restoration work. The resort continues to enhance its biogas plat, waste management system, and solar energy operations, building a more self-sustaining and environmentally conscious island ecosystem. Each initiative reflects the resort’s approach to modern luxury, one that connects guests to nature through innovation, community, and car.

Continue Reading

News

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives launches biggest Black Friday sale with up to 80% off, free transfers

Published

on

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Maldives has launched its most significant Black Friday offer to date, giving travellers the chance to experience the Maldives with exceptional value. With up to 80% off stays and complimentary round trip transfers, the promotion brings the beauty of the Maldives within closer reach for guests seeking turquoise lagoons, soft white sands, and the signature warmth of the brand’s hospitality.

This year’s Black Friday promotion also includes a selection of Book Direct Benefits available once during the stay. Guests may choose from exclusive dining experiences, spa treatments, marine excursions, or resort credits depending on the property, enabling them to personalise their island holiday with added value.

Set in the sparsely populated Vaavu Atoll, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers guests uninterrupted access to abundant marine life, a wide lagoon, and expansive ocean views. Its contemporary overwater villas and strong culinary positioning, including the acclaimed Marlin Restaurant, make it ideal for travellers seeking tranquillity with a touch of adventure. Guests booking direct can further enhance their stay with experiences such as a dolphin watching excursion, one of the resort’s available Book Direct Benefits, offering the chance to witness pods of spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. View offer.

Spanning a spacious island, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is ideal for families and travellers seeking a lively atmosphere, offering a range of activities for both adults and children, from water sports to guided excursions. Its close proximity to Malé makes it a convenient choice for both long and short stays. Guests booking direct can enhance their experience with a swim and snorkel excursion, one of the available Book Direct Benefits, providing the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life. View offer.

Now elevated as a five star adults only island, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a peaceful escape shaped by expansive white sand banks and a distinctive split island concept. Designed for travellers seeking quiet seclusion and an unhurried pace, it is an ideal choice for couples. Guests booking direct can indulge in a 45 minute spa treatment, one of the available Book Direct Benefits, for a rejuvenating experience that blends traditional techniques with ocean view serenity. View offer.

Recognised for its easily accessible house reef, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is well suited for divers and snorkellers eager to explore marine life directly from the resort. Its strong diving heritage and intimate island layout make it a favourite among underwater enthusiasts. Guests booking direct can enjoy a sunset fishing excursion, one of the available Book Direct Benefits, offering the chance to experience Maldivian waters as the sun sets over the horizon. View offer.

The Black Friday offer applies to a minimum stay of four nights. Booking is valid from 18 November to 4 December 2025 and stay dates run from 18 November 2025 to 30 November 2026. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, stay dates are available until 31 March 2026 due to renovation schedules.

Travellers seeking more information or wishing to make a reservation may visit the dedicated Black Friday page here

Continue Reading

News

Milaidhoo introduces new spa menu featuring exclusive, innovative treatments

Published

on

Milaidhoo Maldives has announced the launch of its new Serenity Spa menu, introducing a collection of therapies designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. The refreshed menu encourages guests to relax, reconnect and experience moments of calm on the boutique island.

Set above the turquoise waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers an elevated setting for rest and renewal. With four overwater treatment suites and an oceanfront yoga pavilion, the spa provides an environment where guests can slow down and unwind. From facials and body treatments to massages, each experience is crafted to guide guests towards a sense of inner peace.

Wellbeing at Milaidhoo follows a holistic philosophy, drawing on natural elements and time-honoured healing traditions. The new therapies reflect this approach, offering intuitive, personalised care that aims to restore balance. Each treatment is designed with the understanding that wellness is individual, and the spa team tailors every session to meet the guest’s specific needs.

A highlight of the new menu is the LYMA Laser, a skin treatment available exclusively at Milaidhoo in the Maldives. Using advanced technology, the LYMA Laser promotes skin regeneration, reduces fine lines and improves overall tone, providing visible results without invasive procedures. Guests can enjoy the treatment while taking in the soothing atmosphere of the island.

The updated spa menu also features treatments using premium products from Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates and Obsidian Skincare for Men, selected for their quality and effectiveness. Locally inspired remedies, informed by island traditions, complement the offering, bringing together authenticity and contemporary wellbeing. Milaidhoo has also partnered with Margaret Dabbs London to introduce its globally recognised nail and grooming services to the resort.

Personalisation remains central to Milaidhoo’s approach to wellbeing. This extends beyond the spa to include nourishing cuisine and opportunities for digital disconnection, encouraging guests to experience the island at an unhurried pace. The aim is to create an atmosphere where relaxation emerges naturally.

Serenity Spa is positioned not only as a place for pampering but as a refuge for reflection and reconnection. It offers guests the chance to engage with the island’s calming environment and rediscover a sense of equilibrium.

Guests wishing to explore the full menu of treatments can download the new Serenity Spa brochure, which outlines the complete range of offerings available at the spa.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.