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South Ari Atoll Celebrates Third Annual Whale Shark Festival

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Maldives.net.mv – The 3rd annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival, organised by Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWRP) was bigger and better than ever before, with participants from local communities, throughout Maldives and from around the world!

This year’s Festival saw the participation of 6 local islands: Dhigurah, Maamigili, Fenfushi, Dhangethi, Mahibadhoo, and Mandhoo, collaborating with our dynamic team of highly experienced Maldivian Artists Maeha Zahir, Jauna Nafiz, Dhahau Naseem, Ali Rishwan and Arizlaan, as well as our Festival Storytelling Facilitator, Fazail Lutfi.

The festival kicked off on Friday with ScienceFEST, a conference of Researchers, Marine Biologists and Community members, in Dhigurah, Alif Dhaal Atoll. A new aspect of the Festival, ScienceFEST was an opportunity to discuss conservation projects in the area, share research and celebrate the work of Conservation NGO’s in the Maldives. The event was a big success with 20 presenters attending including representatives from environmental groups Manta Trust and Damage Control.

“It was really great that we were able to so many people together for the Science FEST to be able to generate some really wonderful discussions between everybody and especially to have the Deputy Minister present as well.” Katie Hindle, In-Field Manager, Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme.

Yesterday, on the island of Maamigili in Alif Dhaal Atoll, 500 people came together to celebrate the marine life of South Ari Atoll and the majestic whale sharks that call it home.

The festivities of the day kicked off with huge inter- island whale shark quiz complete with a life size whale shark “bodumas” assault course and a 20ft interactive world map. Cultural stories from each island came alive with a combination of traditional story telling techniques, raivaru and choreography performed by community members, councilors and school children.

Whale Shark Festival

The procession was a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes glittering in the sunshine, as huge kinetic whale shark sculptures danced their way through the streets of Maamigili, accompanied by 3 bodu-beru bands. Each island donned the costumes and mobile artwork which they had made in collaboration with their festival artist in residence and wove their way through the streets. People of ages came together, inspired by the Whale Shark and Maldivian Marine Life, to be part of the festival, creating a feast of color and music that echoed across the host island.

Afterwards, the three festival judges presented awards to Dhangethi for winning the quiz, Dhigurah for best costume, to Maamigili for best Mascot (Kinetic Whale Shark Sculpture), and to Mahibadhoo for best Story Performance. The island team from Dhigurah was awarded the Festival Trophy for best overall contribution before the Festival finale performance kicked off with performances from Dhigurah, Maamigili and Mahibado Bodu-Beru bands. The whole day was brought to a fantastic conclusion with a performance by the Maldivian singing sensation Unoosha with thanks to our Festival Partner Lux.

“This is more than just a Festival it is a celebration of unity within the community. How much we take care of our natural environment. Great team work. Congratulations to the MWSRP and its festival team. Thank you to LUX* Maldives for inviting me to this event, it’s an amazing event. Hope the event continues, the Festival brings boost for everybody, especially because the message of this Festival to me is that everybody has play their part in preserving the natural beauty of this country”. Unoosha, Singer.

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Master Sommelier Kamal Malik to host exclusive dinner at Ithaa Underwater Gem

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is set to host an exclusive champagne pairing dinner at its iconic Ithaa Underwater Gem on 23 May 2025. Leading the experience is Kamal Malik, India’s only Master Sommelier and judge for the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards.

Guests will indulge in a specially curated six-course menu featuring refined dishes from land and sea, each paired with a selection of Ruinart’s elegant cuvées—including Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blanc and Rosé. This one-night-only event offers a rare opportunity to experience expert wine pairing in one of the world’s most unique dining settings, five meters below the ocean’s surface.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

For more information or to book your experience, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or email mlehi.experiences@conradhotels.com or contact +960 6680629.

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Free transfers, beachside dinners, spa escapes await this summer at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

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If your idea of perfect summer living means uninterrupted 360-degree beach access, private overwater sanctuaries with direct ocean entry, and personalised luxury that lets you craft your own island adventure, then Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is where your sun-drenched story begins. Imagine an intimate dinner beneath a canopy of stars, the gentle touch of a Balinese massage melting away the day’s cares, and dolphins dancing joyfully on the horizon as the sun sets, here, every moment invites you to savour the magic of summer living like never before.

Summer at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is designed for those who seek indulgence and connection in equal measure. The resort features five elegant room categories, including the coveted Sunset Water Bungalows with Jacuzzi. These spacious overwater sanctuaries are ideal for ocean lovers and romantics, offering direct lagoon access where schools of fish glide beneath the surface—and if you’re lucky, a manta ray, reef shark, or even a dolphin may pass by.

This season, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives elevates your summer escape with an exclusive offer for stays of four nights or more. Enjoy complimentary return transfers, the freedom to choose three or more added benefits based on your DISCOVERY loyalty tier or by booking direct, and access to exclusive perks such as complimentary room upgrades and the opportunity to earn DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) to use during your stay or future getaways.

  • • A four-course beach dinner (Seafood or Steak) – Set on a secluded stretch of beach, this candlelit dinner is a sensory celebration of summer. As waves whisper along the shore and the stars shimmer overhead, the evening unfolds into a private moment of flavour, connection, and romance.
  • A 45-minute spa treatment – After a day of snorkelling, diving vibrant reefs, or embarking on a fishing adventure, retreat to the Mandara Spa for a blissful Balinese massage that soothes the body and stills the mind.
  • Island hopping adventure – Step beyond the resort and into the daily rhythms of the Maldives. Visit nearby islands, meet local communities, and experience authentic island life where time slows and hospitality comes naturally.
  • Dolphin watching delight – A sunset cruise becomes truly magical as pods of dolphins leap through the golden waves. These playful encounters often bring smiles that linger long after you’ve returned to shore.
  • USD 200 resort credit – Whether it’s used for signature cocktails, unforgettable meals, or more explorations across the atoll, this credit enhances your freedom to savour every moment as you please.

When it comes to dining, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives delivers variety and flair. With four restaurants and four bars, each meal invites discovery. A standout is the Marlin Seafood Restaurant and while it is a haven for seafood lovers, it also caters to those with a taste for premium meats. From tender lobster and perfectly grilled reef fish to expertly prepared steaks, every dish is elevated by a refined wine selection and the soothing soundtrack of the sea just metres away.

Whether you’re basking in barefoot bliss, discovering coral gardens, or raising a glass beneath the stars, summer living at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is a mood, a memory, and a moment all rolled into one.

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Glamping by beach this Eid at Sirru Fen Fushi Maldives

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This Eid, experience a one-of-a-kind beachfront and/or jungle glamping escape at Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, home to the Maldives’ only Safari Tented Villas with Pool. Tailored for families and couples from the GCC seeking novelty, privacy, intuitive service and Maldivian quintessential experience, this secluded sanctuary blends nature-inspired experience with curated comforts.

Nestled within one of the Maldives’ most untouched atolls, Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi stands apart as a resort of firsts, featuring the nation’s one of the longest infinity pools, its only Coralarium Coralarium, the world’s first semi-submerged art gallery, rises as a powerful symbol of ocean awareness and marine life regeneration, and the Maldives’ one of the first safari-style tented villas. Perfect for those craving space, halal dining, and their own private pool, it’s a destination that goes beyond the overwater cliché.

A Rare Glamping Experience

Sirru Fen Fushi’s Safari Tented Villas are thoughtfully designed for larger groups and families looking for something offbeat yet refined. Shaded by banyan trees and lush foliage, these villas feature natural textures, freestanding outdoor bathtubs, and translucent walls that invite the jungle in. Inside, guests will find underfloor air conditioning, Each villa has its own sun deck and plunge pool for total privacy under the canopy.

The Ideal Eid Getaway for Middle Eastern Travellers

With direct flights from the Gulf and a bucket-list-worthy scenic seaplane transfer over turquoise atolls, Sirru Fen Fushi offers GCC families effortless access to one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary and secluded escapes. From halal dinings and spacious one-bedroom and multi-bedroom villas to women-only wellness offerings and private experiences, the island speaks to the cultural preferences of Middle Eastern guests. Add to that an engaging Kids’ Club, marine explorations, and full-family stargazing experiences, and you have an Eid break that’s both meaningful and magical.

Eid 3-Night Package Highlights (Starting from USD 2,000 per night):

  • Return seaplane transfers for two adults
  • A Jet Lag Recovery massage (30 minutes)
  • Two à la carte dinners (three courses)
  • A Beach BBQ dinner: sandpit-cooked delicacies wrapped in banana leaves
  • A Maroshi Island Expedition with local guide Fazir: mangrove walk, beachfront picnic, and coconut class
  • A private Jungle Cinema night under the stars, with snacks and custom movie set-up
  • A traditional Dhoni fishing cruise at sunset, with drinks and snacks
  • A Stargazing Spectacle on the Sustainability Lab rooftop with telescope, constellation guide, and family-friendly Q&A

Reconnect With Nature, Rediscover Wonder

Beyond its eco-chic villas and immersive experiences, the nine-kilometre house reef which is one of the largest in the Maldives offers world-class snorkelling and diving. When night falls, the island’s remote northern location transforms into a natural planetarium, free from light pollution and full of awe.

This Eid, leave the ordinary behind and embrace an extraordinary escape marked by true exclusivity and purpose.

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