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Manta rays, eagle rays, whale sharks… Oh my! – Tips from Centara Maldives experts and enthusiasts

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Manta Ray

Maldives.net.mv – There is no denying it, the pristine turquoise waters of the Maldives captures everyone’s attention.  But for many, it is all about what is found in the waters in the Maldives that have them swimming.  With healthy coral and a serious abundance of marine life such as manta rays, eagle rays and a variety of sharks that includes whale sharks, scuba divers are flocking to feast their eyes on the underwater playground that some are very lucky to call home.  Centara Hotels & Resorts is very familiar with what is happening underwater in the Maldives with two properties from shipwrecks to underwater weddings.  The enthusiastic team from Centara Maldives – CENTARA GRAND ISLAND RESORT & SPA and CENTARA RAS FUSHI RESORT & SPA – have shared some wonderful tips and experiences to further entice you to come and dive.

“The sun plays a huge role in how vibrant the colours of the coral and the fish are. The sun rays illuminate the waters highlighting all the action, creating a perfect environment for photographers and divers” shares Nicha Duanglaithong, Centara Maldives Sales Coordinator, who has spent a great deal of time in the water.

The Dive Centre (Best Dive) Operation Manager, Mark Stevens, from Centara Grand Island has some great tips to share.  We asked Mark a few questions.

Q: What is the best advice you have for beginners to get them started? A: “If you are a beginner, just try it!  It is normal to be a little scared at first but once you have mastered a few basic skills you will love it.”

Q: What is the best part about diving in the Maldives?  A: “The coral and fish.  There is a lot of diversity with a lot of different and equally amazing dive sites.  There is a dive for everyone – from easy dives to current dives for all skill levels.”

Whale Shark - Centara

Mark Stevens also encourages divers to “become very familiar with your dive equipment. This familiarity is vital to assist in your confidence and safety while underwater.”

“We understand how important and precious this underwater ecosystem is and we want to ensure that it continues to thrive,” comments Mark Stevens.  In order to best facilitate the diving experience for you while protecting marine life and the ecosystem, our instructors, through Best Dives Maldives, provide a clear briefing on responsible diving practices that reminds snorkelers and divers to respect their underwater surroundings.

Mohamed Saajid nickname – Saitte’, Reservations Agent at Centara Grand Island and expert diver, share with us one of the best diving experiences he has had recently…”one of the perks of working in the Maldives – diving!” comments Saitte’.  “A few days back I went on a night dive to MV Kudhima wreck, located near the house reef of Centara Grand Island.  I saw a huge Moray Eel getting ready for his dinner. He located a huge parrot fish, stayed patiently waiting for his chance to grab his meal. Once the right moment came, he grabbed his meal and ate the whole fish within minutes. It was truly incredible and stunning to see these amazing predators actively seeking for their pray.”

Many will never experience the quiet moments underwater, interacting with some of the world’s most majestic creatures and Mr. Damantha Sanjeewa, Front Desk Agent at Centara Grand Island always reminds guests that “Diving is fun.  It is exhilarating.  Remember to relax while you dive.  And maybe most important enjoy the moment…and take pictures!”

While mantas, whale sharks, turtles, reef and hammerhead sharks can be found in the Maldives all year round, there are no guarantees about what will be seen on any given dive.  Diver encounters are dependent on a variety of environmental factors, however, our team of experts have creating experiences to heighten your chances of the dive of a lifetime.

Enjoying the invigorating diving that the Maldives has to offer has never been more accessible with the new additions to our ALL-INCLUSIVE packages at both properties.  Diving is now an everyday option with these amazing packages and allows you to explore all the depths of the waters.

There are a variety of courses available for you and your family while staying with us.  “We always advise beginner divers to start off with our Discover Scuba Diving programme which provides the basic knowledge and training that they need,” added our dive expert from Best Dives at Centara Ras Fushi, Ibrahim Shaan. “This is followed by gently introducing beginners into shallow water.  After this programme, divers are confident and comfortable to start exploring.”  Before you leave, you may have developed a new skill and a new love for the ocean.  Sounds pretty great to us!  See you soon in the Maldives.

Culture

Maagiri Hotel celebrates Independence Day with special dining offers

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Maagiri Hotel is set to celebrate the Independence Day of the Maldives with a series of special dining experiences, inviting guests, families, and the local community to come together and commemorate this significant national occasion.

To mark the celebrations, the hotel will host an Independence Day Special Breakfast Buffet from 24 to 26 July 2026. Guests can enjoy a generous selection of local and international breakfast favourites in a warm and welcoming setting, making it the perfect way to begin the holiday celebrations with family and friends.

The festivities will continue on 26 July 2026 with a Special Maldivian Dinner Buffet at Faru Restaurant. The dinner will feature a variety of authentic Maldivian dishes, carefully prepared by the hotel’s culinary team to showcase the rich flavours and traditions of the Maldives. From local delicacies to beloved national favourites, the buffet offers a memorable dining experience that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage.

Adding a sweet touch to the celebrations, Maagiri Hotel also features a selection of locally crafted artisan ice cream flavours with the support of Iceto, highlighting the creativity of local artisans and celebrating Maldivian craftsmanship through unique, handcrafted treats at the Rooftop Restaurant.

As part of the hotel’s commitment to celebrating national occasions, the Independence Day promotions are designed to bring people together through exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a shared appreciation for Maldivian culture and traditions.

Maagiri Hotel warmly welcomes guests to join the Independence Day celebrations and enjoy a memorable dining experience while honouring the spirit of the nation’s independence.

For reservations and bookings, please call 3318484 / 7228484 or text (Viber) 7228484.

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DJ Liliana Reagan returns to headline Niva Dhigali’s New Year’s Eve celebration

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As the year draws to a close, there’s nowhere quite like a private island in the Maldives to leave the old one behind. Niva Dhigali has unveiled its 2026 festive season programme, and the countdown to midnight comes with a familiar, electrifying face; Hungarian DJ Liliana Reagan is returning to headline the resort’s New Year’s Eve party.

A Festive Escape, Niva Dhigali Style

The season begins December 21 with a beachfront Tree Lighting Ceremony – barefoot, sun-warmed sand standing in for snow – followed by a Starlight Beach Dinner where the only ceiling is the night sky. Christmas brings its own island magic, with Santa making his arrival amid palm trees and turquoise water.

Where Freedom Celebrates

The season’s grand finale is New Year’s Eve itself, an event billed as “Where Freedom Celebrates.” The night unfolds slowly: a lavish gala dinner gives way to a beach party in full swing, fire dancers weaving through the crowd as the countdown builds. At the centre of it all is DJ Lili, spinning her soundtracks into the starlit night sky

It’s a homecoming of sorts for DJ Lili as she previously electrified the resort’s East Beach for its “Elemental” New Year celebration in 2025, wrapping her illusory, house-inflected sets around fire rituals and pyrotechnics for a night guests are still talking about.

Who Is Liliana Reagan?

Blue hair, boundless energy, and a sound that moves effortlessly between dreamy and galvanic. Known professionally as Regán Lili, she has been one of Hungary’s most in-demand DJs since 2016. From Sziget Festival to Balaton Sound, and a standing radio residency on Rádió 1 where listeners have crowned her DJ of the Year multiple times over. She has built a career on turning a night out into an unforgettable occasion.

For the full festive lineup and more on Niva Dhigali’s signature experiences, visit the resort’s website.

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ELE|NA, Mandara Spa and RIU RENOVA SPA join World Wellness Weekend activities in Maldives

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Forty-seven venues across the Maldives will take part in World Wellness Weekend from 18 to 20 September 2026, offering complimentary wellness activities for resort guests and local communities.

The three-day programme forms part of the 10th edition of World Wellness Weekend, a global initiative bringing together hotels, resorts, spas, fitness centres, municipalities and wellness professionals. The 2026 edition is expected to involve venues across 187 countries, with organisers targeting 15,000 participating venues and more than 20,000 free wellness experiences worldwide.

In the Maldives, all ELE|NA properties have confirmed their participation in the event. ELE|NA operates wellness facilities at several resorts in the country and will organise activities across its participating properties during the weekend.

Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, recognised as a Wellness Champion by World Wellness Weekend, will conduct a programme combining physical activity, wellness education and environmental action.

Its scheduled activities include an Island Rhythm Zumba session and an Art of Touch session focused on relieving tension, improving circulation and supporting general wellbeing.

The spa will also organise a herbal oil blending workshop, introducing participants to essential oils used for relaxation and rejuvenation. A beach clean-up challenge will connect the resort’s wellness programme with environmental responsibility and community participation.

RIU RENOVA SPA will also participate through Hotel Riu Atoll. The programme will include aquagym, aqua relaxation, aquafit, aqua boxing and sun salutation sessions.

Family-oriented activities, including yoga for children and dance classes, will also be offered. Hotel Riu Atoll is among more than 35 RIU properties expected to participate in World Wellness Weekend internationally.

The 2026 campaign is being held under the message, “Connect. Recharge. Wellness is Energy: Turn your Wellness ON.” Its programmes are structured around five areas: vitality and movement, serenity and mindfulness, nutrition and immunity, sleep and creativity, and purpose and solidarity.

World Wellness Weekend said the initiative seeks to make wellness activities accessible beyond spa and fitness services by encouraging participation in movement, mindfulness, education, nature experiences and community gatherings.

The event has also partnered with World Cleanup Day, linking personal wellbeing with environmental action. Participating venues around the world are expected to organise clean-ups in beaches, parks, neighbourhoods and other public areas alongside relaxation or meditation sessions.

Founder Jean-Guy de Gabriac said the initiative viewed wellness as a shared responsibility rather than an exclusive service.

“Wellness is not a luxury, but a collective responsibility. We need to think Global, act Local and make wellness Social,” he said.

The participation of resorts and spa operators across the Maldives reflects the hospitality sector’s increasing integration of wellness into guest experiences, employee programmes and community initiatives. The country’s natural environment also allows participating properties to combine fitness, mindfulness and wellness education with outdoor and marine-based activities.

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