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World champion freediver Christian Redl returns to LUX* South Ari Atoll – Maldives for the 5th edition of the island’s Underwater Festival

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Maldives.net.mv – To live a life where gravity and time are relative is every freediver’s dream. This year’s LUX* South Ari Atoll Underwater Festival gets up-close and personal with world record holder Christian Redl set to host apnea courses from the 3rd to 9th of April 2016 and reveal how this life-changing sport has irreversibly shaped his life. When the Austrian-born athlete is not engaged in action-packed underwater filming projects to raise awareness on the endangered population of sharks, he holds his breath daring the low temperatures of lakes in the Austrian Alps partaking in ever-challenging extreme sports events. ‘Freediving changed completely my life’ says Christian, ‘and the Underwater Festival in the Maldives is where I am able to share what I love the most while being in my element’.

The resort’s diving center operated by Euro-divers enhances the weeklong event with the expertise of German photographer Marc Hillesheim. Underwater photography workshops, freediving photo sessions and guided photography dives are just few of the exciting additions to the Festival. But in today’s world no photo goes unnoticed! That’s why the Underwater Festival hosts an Instagram contest for guests wanting to share their underwater discoveries on the social network and invites in-house participants to tag their images with the hashtags #LUXUNDERWATER #LUXONEBREATH and #NOGRAVITYMALDIVES to win a great deal of prizes.

Besides being able to refer to the Marine Biology Center as source of information on the resident population of whale sharks, guests will also be involved in the exciting findings of Olive Ridley Project’s team and Senior Project Scientist Doc. Jillian Hudgins. Often appointed as marine consultant by the Maldivian Government, Doc. Hudgins co-founded O.R.P. in 2013 with the intent to promote marine ecosystem health and resiliency in the Indian Ocean and its sea turtles. ‘Sustainable tourism is a community effort that starts with small steps and goes a great length’ says General Manager Glenn Daniels, ‘this is why we endeavor to combine healthy water sports with light learning and offer a week of underwater adventures that is as exhilarating as it is enlightening’.

During the day, freediving classes, underwater photography courses and guided expeditions to responsible snorkeling with whale sharks and sea turtles enrich the fifth edition of the Underwater Festival. At night, our passionate experts conduct presentations and underwater-themed movies screened under the stars. Having recently unveiled the resort Signature Pool Water Villas, guests booking those adults-only overwater cocoons with infinity pools during the Festival period, are entitled to one complimentary freediving course per person.

Excursions

From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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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

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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.

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Featured

Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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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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