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‘The Last Wilderness’ Unique Ocean Experience at Soneva Fushi

Maldives.net.mv – Soneva Fushi has partnered with the I AM WATER Ocean Conservation Foundation to host an exclusive Ocean Experience, where participants will learn the art of freediving from some of the world’s best instructors and have a once-in-a-lifetime marine wildlife adventure.
The ‘Last Wilderness’ Ocean Experience will be held at Soneva Fushi, located in the Baa Atoll, Maldives, from October 05 – 10 and November 25 –December 02, 2015. The events are timed to coincide with favourable conditions in the Baa Atoll, which in turn attracts vast flocks of feeding Manta Rays and occasionally Whale Sharks.
Over the course of five days, participants will learn the physiology of the human body underwater and practice breathing techniques that will enable them to share unique encounters with marine creatures. The classes will be taught by Hanli Prinsloo, South African Freediving Champion; and Peter Marshall, an eight times Backstroke World Record Holder. A maximum of five people can participate in each of the two courses.
“This is once-in-a-lifetime transformational experience in one of the world’s best dive locations, staying in one of the world’s best resorts. In the past we have had students who have gone from thinking that they can’t hold their breath for 30 seconds, to holding their breath underwater for between two to five minutes. At the end of this course, participants will go from being surface snorkelers to a 50 foot freediver and experience the ocean in an entirely new way,” said Hanli Prinsloo, founder of the I AM WATER Ocean Conservation Foundation and Principal Freediving Instructor.
The Ocean Experience is open to all ages and fitness levels, and the programme is customized according to ability and comfort of the participants. The course fee will cover an inclusive stay for five nights at Soneva Fushi, including transfers, room, full board and all tuition. Plus, proceeds will go towards ocean awareness and experience programmes supported by I AM WATER Ocean Conservation Foundation in underprivileged communities around the world. Also included in the fee is professional freediving equipment; a custom-made freediving wetsuit and carbon fiber fins, a mask, weight-belt, weights, snorkel and dive socks in addition to a yoga mat, sweater, t-shirts and rashguards. All interested participants will also be provided with copies of personalized underwater ‘Last Wilderness’ photographs.
“Freediving is not something I ever considered learning, but hearing Hanli speak at a Philanthropy event inspired me to explore this new world. From learning to hold my breath, slow down my heart-rate to diving deep on one breath and then using all these new skills to interact with animals under water is probably one of the most exciting things I have ever done! I AM WATER combines world class instructors and coaching with a very strong conservation ethic, and of course knowing that my experience gets underprivileged kids in the water makes this one of the best holidays of my life,” said Nina Hoas, Executive Director, UBS Philanthropy Advisory.
The I AM WATER Freediving Instructors have taught freediving around the world and worked with top athletes, celebrities and individuals with debilitating aquatic phobias.
Hanli Prinsloo is the South African Freediving Champion and ocean conservationist. With a competitive freediving background, Hanli has a keen sense of interacting with large creatures. Her deep respect and love for the ocean has led her to dedicate her life to Ocean Conservation through Human Experience.
Peter Marshall is an eight times Backstroke World Record Holder who does the videography for The Last Wilderness. Filming on freedive and natural light, Peter captures the encounters in a uniquely intimate manner.
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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