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

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.”

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.
News
Cinnamon Maldives offers up to 80% off stays in 11.11 booking promotion
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced its 11.11 offer, available only to guests who book direct. Guests who book by 14th November 2026 receive up to 80% off the rate and choose three of four book direct benefits at their chosen resort, with stays valid until 30th November 2027. Stays of three nights or more also come with resort credits.
The offer spans all four of its Maldives resorts, each with its own character and its own set of book direct benefits. Whether guests are planning a holiday with children, a quiet escape for two, or a week spent mostly underwater, there is an island and a combination of experiences to match. From beach dinners to dolphin watching, guests pick the three benefits that suit their holiday best, so no two stays need look the same.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
Just 20 minutes from Malé in the North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is a lively tropical island where days move easily between the beach, the lagoon, and the reef. It is an easy choice for holidays with little ones, with short transfers and plenty to keep every age busy. Book direct guests can choose any three of a dinner set up on the sand under the stars, a spa treatment to unwind after a day in the sun, a visit to a nearby local island to see everyday Maldivian life up close, and a swim and snorkel session to meet the reef and its residents.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
In the Vaavu Atoll, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is made for slowing down. Warm white sand, clear water, and the steady sound of the waves set the pace, making it a natural fit for couples and travellers looking for a quieter stay. Book direct guests can choose any three of a beach dinner for two by the water, a spa treatment designed to help them switch off completely, a day of island hopping across the atoll, and a dolphin watching trip on the open sea.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
An adults only island in the Meemu Atoll, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is where romance moves to the rhythm of the waves. With water villas set over the lagoon and long, unhurried days, it is a favourite for honeymoons, anniversaries, and couples who simply want time together. Book direct guests can choose any three of a sunset fishing trip as the sky turns gold, a day of island hopping, a bottle of bubbly to toast the occasion, and a kayaking experience across the calm lagoon.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
In the North Ari Atoll, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens up a new world underwater. Its house reef sits just steps from the shore, so divers and snorkellers can slip into the water from the beach and be among the reef life within minutes, any time of day. Book direct guests can choose any three of a beach dinner after a day in the ocean, a Balinese massage to ease tired muscles, a sunset fishing trip, and a dolphin safari to spot pods in the wild.

For bookings and enquiries, visit cinnamonhotels.com and the offer is available only on direct bookings made by 14th November 2026.
News
Bandos Maldives strengthens food safety and sustainability standards with dual recognition
Bandos Maldives continues to strengthen its commitment to responsible hospitality, quality and excellence with Food Safety Management System complaint with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards, and the achievement of its Green Globe Certification.
These accomplishments reflect the resort’s ongoing dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences while upholding high standards of food safety, environmental responsibility and sustainable operations.

The HACCP recognition reflects the resort’s dedication to maintaining high food safety and quality standards across its food and beverage operations, ensuring guests enjoy safe and quality dining experiences. It also recognises the collective efforts of the culinary, food and beverage, and stewarding teams in upholding these standards.
Complementing this commitment to quality, the resort’s Green Globe recertification marks another important milestone in its sustainability journey. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives, Bandos Maldives recognises its responsibility to protect its island environment and the marine ecosystem that makes the destination so unique. With 1,330 solar panels generating 744.8 kWp of electricity and meeting approximately 30% of daily energy requirements, Bandos Maldives continues to invest in more sustainable operations. Through its desalination plants and refillable glass bottle initiative, the resort has also eliminated more than 250,000 single-use plastic water bottles annually. Marine conservation also remains another important focus.

Commenting on these achievements, General Manager Ismail Rasheed said: “We are delighted to achieve these important milestones, which reflect our team’s dedication to quality, guest wellbeing and environmental sustainability. While we are proud of our progress, we recognise that responsible hospitality is an ongoing journey. We remain committed to continuously improving our practices and protecting our island environment for future generations.”
Guided by its Island of Hospitality brand promise, Bandos Maldives believes that exceptional guest experiences go beyond warm service and comfortable accommodation. They also mean ensuring guest safety, maintaining quality and protecting the natural beauty of the island and its surrounding marine environment.
News
Nova Maldives embraces ‘Headspace Holidays’ trend with wellness experiences
Travel’s new benchmark for luxury isn’t showing off, but showing up rested, with KAYAK’s global travel forecast calling this shift the pursuit of “Headspace Holidays” and “Wellth trips,” where next-gen travellers measure a good trip by how recovered they feel, not how much they were able to cram into an itinerary.
Here’s our take on how you could build an escape around a Dopamine Menu at Nova Maldives, sampling little nuggets of joy daily rather than having one big thing to cross off and nothing left to anticipate afterwards, to suit your appetite for happiness.
Starters — Dipping into Softness
- Grounding Steps: Barefoot strolls around the island at mornings and sunsets, with group yoga sessions to drop into as they suit: Inner Strength for gentle asanas and breathwork, Hatha Yoga for an alignment-focused practice, and Surya Namaskar for building flexibility.
- House Reef Exploration: Snorkel alongside baby reef sharks in the shallows for a quiet, close-up glimpse of Nova’s underwater world just steps from shore.
- Breakfast, Two Ways: A Lagoon floating breakfast enjoyed within the villa, followed by an easy swim, or a buffet spread stocked with ‘Maldivian Flavours’ special small-bites, nourishing juices and smoothies at Soul Kitchen.

Mains — Gentle Landings for the Day
- The Deep Blue Plate: Embark on whale shark encounters within the waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), and dive with turtles and sharks at Broken Rock’s natural canyon, the sunken cargo ship turned artificial reef at Kudhi Maa wreck, and Madivaru Rangali’s Manta Point, one of the Maldives’ best-known manta cleaning stations
- Social Circles at Holhuashi: Held every Friday, gather beneath the banyan tree for Maldivian food pop-up stalls, bodu beru drumming, a Basmagu-Dhivehi language class, and a coconut harvesting demonstration.
- Soothing Island Remedies: Block time-off for Maldivian treatments that nourish the body and soul from within, choosing between the ‘Ruhgalu’ Herbal Bolus Therapy that makes use of heated herbal poultices to soothe the body, the Kaashi Naashi Ritual, using gliding warm coconut oil and shells across the body for deep relaxation, and the ‘Unbuli Veyo’ Island Healing Ritual, which melts tension away with a warm herbal leaf compress and full-body massage.

Sides & Specials — Curious Additions
- Coral & Reef Meanderings: Help plant your own coral frame on Nova’s house reef, with the option to name it, and join a guided reef clean-up alongside the resort’s marine team, leaving a small, lasting mark on the island long after checkout.
- Cooking on the Atolls: Learn to cook with the island’s own pantry, working hands-on with local ingredients like breadfruit, green mango, plantain, cassava, bitter gourd, coconut, wax gourd and banana blossom, guided by Nova’s culinary team.
- Sensual Frequencies: Sink into a guided sound bath using singing bowls, gongs, chimes, rain sticks and ocean drums, or crystal reiki healing session, channelling the cleansing energies of crystals for chakra alignment, both echoing the island’s own natural stillness.
- A Surprise Getaway: Reach a private sandbank by boat, left completely undisturbed, and watch the sunset melt into the horizon in total solitude, or share an intimate evening as a couple beneath an open, star-filled sky.

Specials — A Little Indulgence
- The Weightless Hour: For a softer introduction to diving, Nova’s signature Wellness Diving experience blends underwater yoga, floating meditation, buoyancy and breathwork sessions, a house reef exploration, and a PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty certification.
- Mizu Overwater Evenings: Dine above the water at Nova’s overwater pavilion, choosing from five multi-course sets (Umi Kara Shinsen, Nojo Shinsende Oishi, Kaiso and more) built around farm and ocean freshness, from sushi, temaki and teppanyaki grill to seaweed and vegetarian options.

Dessert — Sweet Endings
- Nightcap at Wink: Settle in at Wink Bar as live acoustic and jazz performances from the house bands set the mood, choosing from timeless classics to contemporary favourites, including a Peach & Rosemary Blossom (bourbon whisky, peach syrup, lemon wedges, rosemary syrup) and an Espresso Martini (vodka, Kahlúa, espresso shot, sugar).
Build a stay entirely to taste, with your own made-to-order holiday at Nova. With villas from £314/night on Full Board, and soulcation and advance-purchase offers available when booking direct at www.nova-maldives.com.
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