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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.

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Art, gastronomy and island adventure headline Easter at JOALI Maldives

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JOALI Maldives, the Maldives’ first and only art-immersive resort, has officially unveiled its 2026 Easter theme: ‘Painted in Spring.’ From 1–12 April 2026, the island will transform into a vibrant tribute to Claude Monet, blending the natural beauty of the Maldives with world-class art, Michelin-starred gastronomy, and award-winning hospitality. As the most vibrant season at JOALI, Easter offers families a getaway that is as meaningful as it is memorable.

A Vision of Renewal Led by Maldivian Hospitality

The 2026 season at JOALI Maldives is centred on the promise of spring as a time for renewal, connection, and celebration. This Easter, the island invites guests to awaken their curiosity through art-led experiences and signature island rituals.

“Easter is a cherished season at JOALI, a time when families gather to create memories that last,” says General Manager Shifaz Hassan. “With our newly reimagined Muramas Kids Club and a calendar full of creative discovery, we have curated an environment where every generation can find joy, whether through spirited competition on the field or quiet reflection in our gardens.”

Villas and Residences Made for Families

Designed to be a home-away-from-home, the resort’s expansive villas and residences provide the ultimate sanctuary for family getaways. From multi-bedroom beach residences with private infinity pools to sprawling overwater villas, each space is crafted to balance privacy with shared family moments. These high-design sanctuaries offer dedicated areas for relaxation and play, ensuring that every generation can experience the island in total comfort and luxury.

World-Class Culinary Artistry and Rare Vintages

The Easter season features a sophisticated palette of flavours, headlined by an exclusive “Table in Bloom” dinner by Chef Alex Dilling of London’s two-Michelin-star Hotel Café Royal. Oenophiles can look forward to the Sogno d’Italia Wine Dinner, a prestigious evening hosted by Master Sommelier Kamal Malik, featuring rare Italian vintages.

The island’s diverse culinary landscape further enriches the season: Saoke offers overwater Nikkei cuisine; TUH’U serves authentic Levantine flavours; Bellinis captures the essence of Italy; and Vandhoo presents a vibrant palette of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Indian dishes.

Classic Island Holiday Meets Creativity and Play

JOALI Maldives merges high-energy adventure with an artistic soul, offering a balanced holiday of discovery and play. Guests can explore the Raa Atoll through Turtle and Dolphin Quests and eFoil surfing or tap into their creativity at the Ceramic and Painting Studio with the Resident Artist. The island’s vibrant spirit extends to friendly competition, from the highly anticipated Annual Easter Football Cup and Padel matches to spirited family games. The experiences offer a lively contrast to the island’s serenity, ensuring a balanced and energetic holiday.

Whimsical Wonders at the Newly Revamped Muramas Kids Club

This season, young explorers will discover a world of reimagined magic at the newly revamped Muramas Kids Club. In addition to its existing world-class facilities, the club now features an all-new water slide, adding a splash of excitement to the daily program. The Easter schedule is packed with imagination-led activities, including Carrot Hunts, Family Treasure Hunts, and the island’s famous bubble parties, ensuring the Island of Joy lives up to its name for the youngest guests.

JOALI Maldives has villas starting from USD 4,315 per night for two guests sharing a Luxury Water Villa with Pool on Bed and Breakfast basis. For additional details on JOALI Maldives’ Easter programme, please visit joali.com or contact reservations.jomv@joali.com.

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Pay 4, Stay 6: Grand Park Kodhipparu rewards guest loyalty with new summer offer

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At a time when holidaymakers are choosing more carefully than ever, Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has been rated 9 out of 10 by verified guests on Booking.com and 9.1 “Superb” on HalalBooking, a powerful endorsement of trust, consistency and meaningful island luxury.

Building on this guest-approved recognition, the resort is inviting travellers to stay longer in paradise with an exclusive direct booking offer – Night on Us – Pay 4, Stay 6. Open to new bookings made by 30 April 2026 for stays between 1 April and 31 October 2026, guests receive two complimentary nights when booking four.

Under the campaign message “Rated 9/10. Ready When You Are.”, the resort is placing guest trust at the centre of its spring and summer communications.

“Today’s guest values reassurance as much as beauty,” says Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives. “A 9/10 guest rating is not simply a score, it is a reflection of trust, consistency and emotional connection. We are incredibly proud that our guests recognise the care we place into every moment of their stay.”

Liz Smailes, Director of Marketing, adds: “In 2026, marketing is no longer about broadcasting features, it is about reinforcing trust. When verified guests rate us 9 out of 10, that becomes one of our strongest messages. The ‘Night on Us’ campaign is intentionally built around that endorsement. It removes hesitation, adds tangible value, and encourages guests to stay longer – because time together is the non-tangible luxury travellers are seeking. This is about shifting from selling villas to curating meaningful island experiences.”

Between April and October, the Maldives reveals a particularly atmospheric side. Ocean conditions during this period increase the likelihood of memorable marine encounters, from graceful manta rays to playful dolphins. The skies become more expressive, shifting from dramatic cloudscapes to luminous sunsets that cast ever-changing hues across the lagoon. Warm, inviting waters create ideal conditions for snorkelling directly from the beach or overwater villas, while the boutique scale of the island ensures a sense of space and calm that contrasts sharply with many crowded mainland summer destinations.

Guests consistently praise Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives’ expansive overwater villas, thriving house reef and the theatrical open-kitchen dining experience at FireDoor. Throughout each stay, dedicated Lifestyle Hosts provide intuitive, personalised service designed to make every moment feel seamless.

For couples, families and friends, six nights provides the rhythm needed to move beyond a short escape and into something truly restorative. The Night on Us direct booking offer has been thoughtfully curated to enhance both value and experience. Mornings begin with a generous buffet breakfast at The Edge, while sunrise and sunset yoga sessions frame the day with moments of reflection. Guided snorkelling excursions allow guests to engage more deeply with the surrounding reef, and additional privileges extend across dining venues, spa treatments and selected experiences.

Complimentary island-wide Wi-Fi and personalised host service ensure a seamless stay from arrival to departure. Rates for this direct-only offer begin from USD 399 per villa per night, creating an invitation to stay longer and experience more of the Maldives at its most spacious and serene

In addition to its 9/10 guest rating, the resort has received nominations and accolades across multiple regional and international award platforms this year reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ leading boutique island resorts. As many global summer destinations contend with increasing density and price inflation, Grand Park Kodhipparu offers a different narrative:

  • A private island
  • Guest-approved excellence
  • Space to reconnect
  • Avery shade of blue as far as the eye can see.
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Sheraton Maldives to host ‘Soft Horizons’ themed Easter festivities for families

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Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites families and travellers to experience an enchanting Easter escape in the Maldives from April 1-7, 2026, with a “Soft Horizons” themed celebration. Designed to inspire togetherness, creativity, and playful discovery, the week-long festivities unfold in soft pastel hues of lagoon blues, shell pinks, warm sands, and coral tones, creating a dreamy atmosphere across the island.

Throughout the week, Sheraton Maldives transforms into a whimsical Easter playground where each day brings a new experience for guests of all ages. The celebration begins on April 1 with the charming Easter Bunny & Mermaid Meet Up, inviting families to capture magical photo moments by the pool as beloved characters appear in playful island style. As the sun sets, the island’s festive spirit continues with evening entertainment and performances under the Maldivian night sky.

The celebrations continue on April 2 with the lively Full Moon Beach Party, where guests can dance barefoot on the sand beneath the glowing moonlight. Set along the shoreline with DJ beats, tropical cocktails, and vibrant island energy, the evening promises a joyful gathering of music, ocean breezes, and unforgettable moments by the sea.

Creativity takes centre stage on April 3 as young guests express their artistic side during the Kids’ Bunny T-Shirt Painting session. Guided by the resort’s Recreation & Activities team, children can design their own Easter-inspired keepsake, transforming simple T-shirts into colourful works of art that capture the playful spirit of the holiday.

On April 4, the spotlight turns to the youngest trendsetters during the charming Easter Kids’ Fashion Show, where little guests can step onto the runway in festive attire and showcase their creativity in a joyful, family-friendly celebration. The evening atmosphere blends laughter, music, and island elegance as families gather to cheer on the mini models.

The highlight of the week arrives on Easter Sunday, April 5, with a spectacular Easter Buffet Lunch, where guests can indulge in a vibrant feast featuring seasonal delicacies and global flavours crafted by the resort’s culinary team. Later in the day, excitement builds during the much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Parade, as children follow hidden clues across the island and celebrate alongside the beloved Easter Bunny in a colourful parade.

The joyful festivities continue on April 6 with Cupcake Decorating with the Easter Bunny, a sweet and interactive experience where young guests can decorate delicious treats with the island’s most famous bunny. The day blends creativity, flavour, and family fun in a relaxed island setting.

The celebration concludes on April 7 with a vibrant Beach Foam Party, where families and friends gather along the shore for an afternoon of music, foam, and carefree laughter. With the Indian Ocean as the backdrop, the finale captures the joyful essence of Easter in paradise.

The weeklong Easter celebration allows guests to immerse themselves in the gentle rhythm of island life while enjoying wellness activities, cultural experiences, ocean adventures, and sunset entertainment. From sunrise yoga and marine discovery sessions to live performances and beachfront celebrations, every moment is crafted to create lasting memories in the Maldives.

Families looking to celebrate Easter in a truly unforgettable setting are invited to plan their island escape at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Guests can also enjoy a special benefit of complimentary stay and dining for children aged 11 and under, making the celebration more memorable for families traveling with little ones.

To book your stay or discover exclusive offers, email Sheraton.Maldives@sheraton.com or visit www.sheratonmaldives.com. To explore the full Easter program, click here.

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