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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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St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort curates timeless Valentine’s experiences with IVAR Jewellery

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has unveiled an intimate celebration of love through an exclusive collaboration with IVAR Jewellery, bringing together craftsmanship, emotion, and timeless romance in a refined island setting. Rooted in shared values of artistry and enduring beauty, the partnership invites guests to experience love as something continuous, evolving, and deeply personal.

Central to the collaboration is IVAR’s Infinity Collection, inspired by the circle as a symbol with no beginning and no end. Each piece reflects a quiet and enduring expression of love, designed to preserve fleeting moments in lasting form. The collection speaks to intimacy, connection, and the promise of forever, offering jewellery that is both meaningful and timeless.

IVAR’s creations draw on the rich traditions of Indian craftsmanship, reinterpreted through a contemporary design approach. Crafted by skilled artisans using time-honoured techniques, each piece balances heritage with modern elegance. Designed for daily wear and long-term appreciation, the jewellery is intended to accompany life’s most significant milestones and be treasured across generations.

Inspired by this philosophy, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has curated a series of romantic experiences that reflect the elegance and symbolism of the Infinity Collection. At Iridium Spa, couples are invited to enjoy a Romantic Spa Escape, an immersive sensory journey infused with rose geranium and rose quartz. Each treatment is designed to restore balance, deepen connection, and create moments of calm intimacy that extend beyond the spa.

As evening approaches, romance continues with Valentine’s dining experiences set beneath open skies and framed by the island’s natural beauty. Soft lighting, refined menus, and an unhurried atmosphere encourage couples to linger, connect, and celebrate togetherness. Every detail is composed to honour shared moments and the quiet luxury of presence.

For couples preparing to begin their next chapter, IVAR’s Solitaire Collection offers a classic expression of commitment. Defined by diamonds of exceptional brilliance and clarity, each piece reflects the purity of the promise it represents. Set within the surroundings of The St. Regis Maldives, weddings become personal celebrations where elegance, emotion, and artistry come together.

Through this collaboration, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and IVAR Jewellery invite guests to experience a love that is both effortless and profound, fleeting yet enduring, creating memories inspired by the infinite symbol that lies at the heart of the partnership.

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Fushifaru Maldives unveils festive programme for Chinese New Year 2026

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Fushifaru Maldives has announced a special programme to mark Chinese New Year 2026, with a series of festive activities and dining experiences scheduled from February 15 to 17.

The resort said the celebrations are designed to offer guests a relaxed island escape focused on togetherness, wellness and shared dining. Throughout the three-day period, guests will be able to enjoy a daily Chinese Tea Corner at Fanihandhi Bar, providing a dedicated space to gather and unwind during the festivities. Selected spa treatments will also be offered with special savings during the celebration period.

The main event is planned for Lunar New Year’s Eve, when the resort will host a family BBQ dinner at Raakani Restaurant. The evening will conclude with a fire show, intended to mark the arrival of the Year of the Horse and symbolise renewal and prosperity.

In addition to the scheduled events, Fushifaru Maldives will make its signature dining experiences available throughout the holiday period. Options include private beach dinners, in-villa dining, sandbank picnics and sandbank hut experiences, offering guests a range of settings for family gatherings and couples.

The celebrations will conclude on Lunar New Year Day with family-oriented activities, including a Red Packet Hunt, followed by a Lunar New Year Hot Pot Night at Raakani Restaurant.

Fushifaru Maldives said the programme has been designed to suit both family holidays and romantic escapes, combining dining, leisure and island experiences in a festive setting. Further details on the full programme and offerings are available through the resort’s Chinese New Year brochure and online gallery.

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‘Endless Summer’ brings wellness and family escapes to Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

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Known for its turquoise lagoons and impossibly soft white sands, the Maldives continues to rank high on the bucket lists of travellers in search of an ideal island escape. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites travellers to plan their next escape through its exclusive ‘Endless Summer’ offer, designed for those seeking perpetual sunshine, effortless island living, and holistic wellness.

For a limited time, guests can escape to this year-round summer paradise and recharge in the resort’s wellness sanctuary with a comprehensive package that transforms an ordinary vacation into an extraordinary wellness journey. This exclusive offer is valid for two guests and available to book from now until February 28, 2026, with a minimum four-night stay, for stays through December 20, 2026.

The Endless Summer offer features a Full Board meal plan that ensures guests are nourished throughout their stay, with daily breakfast at Island Kitchen and their choice of lunch and dinner at either Island Kitchen or Hawker. The culinary experience is further elevated with a one-time dinner at The Pearl, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, where guests can savour expertly crafted dishes while taking in breathtaking ocean views.

Families are especially welcome with this offer, as children under 12 eat free, making it an ideal choice for memorable multi-generational getaways. Each stay also includes USD 150 in resort credit, allowing guests to personalise their experience with spa treatments, excursions, or special dining.

The wellness-focused package invites guests to embrace the resort’s complimentary recharging activities, including rejuvenating Yoga sessions, invigorating scenic running routes, and fun-filled water volleyball. Young travellers can enjoy enriching experiences at the Westin Family Kids Club, while fitness enthusiasts have 24/7 access to the state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, ensuring wellness routines remain uninterrupted.

For those drawn to the Maldives’ legendary marine life, the package includes complimentary snorkelling equipment and one-hour kayaking sessions, perfect for exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of Baa Atoll. Guests can also enjoy the multipurpose court, offering additional opportunities for active recreation during their stay.

Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort presents a holistic wellness retreat inspired by nature and designed for shared moments of restoration. Contemporary overwater and beach villas provide generous space for couples and families, while nearby Hanifaru Bay draws marine enthusiasts each year with its seasonal gatherings of manta rays. Those seeking cultural immersion can join the resort’s weekly Liye Laajehun workshops, discovering traditional Maldivian craftsmanship as part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy.

Whether planning a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a restorative solo retreat, the Endless Summer offer delivers an unforgettable island experience in one of the Maldives’ most pristine locations. Begin your journey at westin-maldives.com.

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