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Six Senses Laamu strengthens marine conservation efforts and introduce turtle code of conduct

Published

9 years ago

January 24, 2017

Six Senses Laamu is surrounded by the infinite blue waters of the Indian Ocean and every day the resort is committed to making the operation more sustainable while simultaneously raising awareness, to guests and hosts alike, about the importance of marine conservation. Staying true to the commitment of protecting the marine life of the Laamu Atoll, Marine Biologists Jenni Choma and Oscar Ignetik have started new projects on turtle identification and coral health and recovery.

In July 2016, Jenni and Oscar began identifying the Laamu turtle population. A mere six months later, the database currently stands at 138 unique individuals: 67 Hawksbill and 71 Green turtles. Each turtle can be recognized as an individual via photo identification as the pattern of scutes on their face is unique. The sightings database created will allow the Resident Marine Biology Team at Six Senses Laamu to estimate the total populations of both Green and Hawksbill turtles in Laamu and to better understand the movements and behaviors of these species. To ensure the identification process and the interaction with turtles does not have a negative impact on their environment, behavior and movements, the Resident Marine Biology Team has created the Six Senses Laamu turtle code of conduct. Having been trend setters in the Maldives with the creation of the first code of conduct in for Dolphin Watching, the team is hopeful that the turtle code of conduct will also become widely adopted in the Maldives ensuring that every encounter is a positive interaction and does not negatively impact the turtles, their movements and their environment.

In addition to this project, the Resident Marine Biology Team at Six Senses Laamu has created a detailed coral reef survey to monitor the recovery rates post the El Niño bleaching event in 2016. This will allow the team to evaluate both short- and long-term ecological impacts on the entire reef ecosystem and the data will be used to ensure more bleaching resistant species are planted on the artificial reefs and in the coral nursery in the future.

Six Senses Laamu continues to support the research of Manta Trust and this relationship continues to grow from strength to strength. One of the highlight of the partnership in 2016 was another first in the Maldives; a six-week intense study conducted with Dr. Mark Deakos, founder of HAMER (Hawaii Association of Marine Education and Research) in which nearly half of the resident population of 117 manta rays were accurately sized via paired laser photogrammetry. The technique, never before used in the Maldives, is highly championed for its non-invasive nature and is highly accurate for measuring wild free ranging manta rays effectively. The project results were submitted to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN ) and were accepted for presentation at the country’s first ever Marine Symposium in October 2016.

Six Senses Laamu has also partnered with Blue Marine Foundation (BMF), a charity organization dedicated to creating marine reserves and establishing sustainable models of fishing. In the Laamu Atoll, the focus is on the grouper fishery as the populations of groupers throughout the Maldives are suffering from mismanagement and overfishing. Two members of BMF and the Marine Research Center team are on site gathering baseline data on the grouper fishery within the Laamu Atoll and studying grouper spawning aggregations. The team will be the first to identify length-maturity relationships of grouper species within the Maldives, which will then be used to inform policy makers of sustainable catch size limits. They are also fostering local support for sustainable fishing and conservation through an educational and environmental awareness (EEA) program.

Jenni and Oscar have also begun a dolphin sightings database to see patterns in their movements, understand the local population better, and in the long term try to identify individuals and family pods.

The underwater world and the reefs surrounding Six Senses Laamu has had a busy and exciting 2016. The good and hard work of the team has not gone unnoticed and they were honored to have been the only hotel in the world to make the shortlist for the 2017 Ocean Awards, the preeminent prizes for marine-conservation initiatives administered by Boat International and the Blue Marine Foundation. Six Senses Laamu is excited about the many marine and environmental protection related projects on course and in development at the resort and the Resident Marine Biology Team looks forward to sharing more exciting news and data collected from these ongoing projects.

Related Topics:Marine Conservation Six Senses Laamu

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

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Nestled in the pristine waters of the Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces Swim with Nurse Sharks, a new guided marine experience offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural lagoon habitat.

Located just minutes from the island, the calm, shallow waters provide ideal conditions for observing nurse sharks at rest and in motion. The one-hour experience operates three times a week by speedboat and is designed for small groups, making it suitable for families and confident swimmers seeking a meaningful connection with the ocean.

Guided with care and respect for the environment, the experience reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife. Guests gain insight into the behaviour of nurse sharks while exploring one of the region’s few accessible snorkelling sites dedicated to this species.

Available at USD 95++ per person, with special rates for children under 12, Swim with Nurse Sharks adds a distinctive new chapter to the resort’s immersive ocean experiences.

For more information on “Swim with Nurse Sharks” at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, please visit the resort’s website.

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Avani+ Fares Maldives to host Michael Owen’s football camp for second year

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1 day ago

February 9, 2026

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Michael Owen’s Football Camp is returning to Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort for a second year, running from 31 March to 3 April 2026 as part of the resort’s Easter holiday programme. Following a strong debut in 2025, the camp will once again see children and teens join the former England striker for hands-on coaching sessions on Fares Island in Baa Atoll.

Designed for kids and teens aged 5 to 13, the four-day camp combines daily training sessions, skills development and team challenges, led by Michael Owen. The programme ends on a high with a celebratory finale, with certificates, medals and jersey signings for every participant. The camp is complimentary for all guests staying at Avani+ Fares Maldives during the event, and each registered participant will receive an official Football Kit, including two sets of customised jerseys, shorts and socks.

Building on the strong response from families last year, the 2026 Football Camp sits within Avani+ Fares Maldives’ broader Easter line-up, pairing structured sports sessions with relaxed island time. Beyond the pitch, younger guests can dip in and out of island adventures at AvaniKids and the Teens Club, with creative arts and crafts and dedicated spaces designed around their age group. Mealtimes are part of the fun too, with Petit Bistro, the resort’s kids-only restaurant, created just for younger guests.

For families keen to get out on the water together, Avani+ Fares Maldives is set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, with snorkelling along the house reef right off the island and a full menu of water sports and dive experiences at this award-winning dive resort.

Commenting on the upcoming camp, Michael Owen said: “Coming back to Avani+ Fares Maldives feels like a natural next step after the energy and enthusiasm we saw at the first camp. It is a special environment for families and the camp is all about helping kids build confidence, develop their skills and most importantly enjoy the game together. I am really looking forward to being back on the island in 2026.”

Avani+ Fares Maldives is designed with families in mind, with a wide mix of accommodation styles to suit different group sizes and travel plans. Options range from interconnecting Pavilion rooms for easy togetherness, to Beach Pool Villas with outdoor space for daytime downtime, alongside over water villas set above the lagoon. For families travelling as a bigger group, the resort also offers spacious two and three bedroom Over Water Pool Residences, with generous living areas and room to spread out between activities.

Package rates start from USD 3,500 for a family of four, including accommodation, seaplane transfers and football camp registration. Based on two adults and two children sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, includes taxes and fees. To book, visit www.avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives, email fares@avanihotels.com or call  +960 660 1660.

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Simply summer at Milaidhoo: Invitation to slow living in the Baa Atoll

Published

7 days ago

February 4, 2026

m@ldives

In a destination often defined by excess, Milaidhoo Maldives offers a different summer narrative: one of restraint, rhythm and rare stillness. Introducing Simply Summer, a seasonal escape that celebrates the art of slowing down within the UNESCO-protected waters of the Baa Atoll.

An intimate island sanctuary, Milaidhoo is designed for travellers who value time as the ultimate luxury. Days unfold unhurriedly, beginning with relaxed oceanfront breakfasts and shaped entirely by choice, from sunrise yoga and snorkelling in pristine coral gardens to long, private hours spent within the calm of one’s villa. Evenings are defined by elegant à la carte dining, inspired by seasonal flavours and served with effortless grace.

The Simply Summer offer enhances this experience with considered privileges rather than excess. Guests are invited to explore the Maldives’ natural wonders through manta ray encounters in the legendary Hanifaru Bay, indulge in restorative rituals at the overwater Serenity Spa, or discover the atoll through curated island adventures, all with exclusive seasonal savings.

A chilled bottle of Ruinart Champagne awaiting guests in their villa sets the tone on arrival, while flexible early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) ensures that time is never hurried. Dining remains a central pleasure, with daily breakfast and à la carte dinners at Ocean Restaurant, complemented by generous dining credits across the island’s culinary venues.

Available for stays from 1st May to 31st October 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights, Simply Summer is an understated invitation to experience the Maldives at its most refined, quietly luxurious, deeply personal and guided by the gentle pace of island life.

Simply Summer – Key Inclusions: