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Outrigger Konotta Maldives announces Easter programme

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has announced a thoughtful and varied program of activities for families looking for a fantastic beach holiday in the tropics this Easter.
The Outrigger in the Maldives has also introduced a new semi-submarine for underwater viewing.
The staff have also created an ‘OZONE’ (Outrigger’s zone) marine education space from recycled materials under supervision of the resort’s full-time marine biologist.
“This Easter the Outrigger is a one-stop retreat for tropical holiday beach relaxation with an optional marine education twist,” says the resort’s General Manager John Allanson.
An ‘egg-selent’ Easter program
The Outrigger has hatched an egg-selent Easter program of activities April 14-17. The activities have been designed to satisfy adults, teens and kids alike.
The resort’s Coral Kids Club will invite youngsters to partake in Easter face painting, egg hunts, egg and spoon races, banana boat rides, Easter egg decoration, and kids’ movies on the beach.
Adults can chill and do sweet nothing or get in the Easter spirit with body and soul activities such as morning meditation or yoga, couples massage workshop, dolphin quest, sunrise or sunset fishing, Asian food festival on the beach, sunset cruises, and marine education talks at the pool bar with the resort’s marine biologist.
Teens may also like activities such as discover scuba diving, beat the management at foosball, try the stand-up board balance challenge, or join water polo with guests and staff.
And there is great food from Executive Chef Christopher Long and his kitchen, including an Asian food festival on the beach, a surf and turf BBQ and an introduction to Japanese food at Nala Rah with Chef Endar.
There’s also a full list of ‘out of the ordinary stuff’ such as local island excursions, equator cruises, surfing, renewal of vows, a castaway island experience and more.
See the underwater world of the Maldives – while staying dry
The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has introduced a 14-seat semi-submarine for viewing coral reefs and spotting local marine life such as manta rays, Hawksbill turtles, large shoals of fusiliers and the occasional friendly shark.
The daylight tour explores the beautiful house reef of Konotta. During the night tour, fish camouflage themselves reducing the brightness of their color, assuming the hues of the barrier reef. With the semi-submarine’s fluo-light, guests have the possibility to observe sea creatures usually invisible to the naked eye. Once back to the reef, schools of fish attracted by the night lights will surround the vessel: fusiliers, sometimes sharks or even some squid can be seen.
The semi-submarine makes its local excursions at the Outrigger at Konotta every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and costs USD$95++ for the day-time trip and USD$110++ for the night trip.
For guests: A special place for marine knowledge created by staff
Outrigger Resorts has a global marine conservation program called OZONE (Outrigger’s zone). Inspired by the initiative, staff at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort have created The OZONE Hut, an educational workspace to organise environmental campaigns and give presentations about the importance of preserving the underwater habitat of the Indian Ocean.
The OZONE Hut was built by the resort’s hosts in their spare time using recycled items such as used plywood, dried thatch from palm trees and old glass bottles. There are displays on the wall of different kinds of marine life.
“It’s a home-grown initiative to boost understanding and spread appreciation for the beauty of the underwater world of the Maldives,” says Caterina Fattori, the marine biologist of Best Dives Maldives who is based full time on the island.
The new OZONE Hut will be used for talks and presentations to guests interested in the marine ecology of the Maldives.
Excursions
COMO Maalifushi launches freediving with Maldivian pioneer Fahd Faiz

COMO Maalifushi has announced the launch of its new freediving programme, developed in collaboration with Fahd Faiz, the first Maldivian freediving instructor and a prominent advocate for marine conservation in the country. This initiative reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformative guest experiences while promoting sustainability, education, and professional development within its team.
Running from 27 July to 10 August 2025, Fahd Faiz’s residency marks the official introduction of freediving training at COMO Maalifushi. The programme centres on equipping the resort’s marine team with advanced skills in breath-hold diving, safety protocols, and heightened underwater awareness. These freediving techniques are set to be incorporated into the resort’s PADI offerings, providing guests with an opportunity to engage with the ocean in a more mindful and unrestricted manner.
Fahd Faiz is the founder of Freedive Maldives, the country’s first locally owned freediving centre, established in 2015. A world record holder in static apnea, he has trained more than 1,000 students and currently serves as President of the Maldives Freediving Association. As the country’s sole PADI Instructor Trainer, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the freediving landscape both in the Maldives and internationally.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Maldives, remarked, “Having Fahd with us at COMO Maalifushi has been an inspiring experience for the team. His passion for the ocean, combined with his exceptional expertise and dedication to education, aligns perfectly with our brand’s ethos of holistic wellness, sustainability, and authentic connection to place. This new freediving initiative not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also enriches the experience we offer our guests, allowing them to encounter the marine world in a deeper and more tranquil way. We are proud to support Fahd’s mission and delighted to introduce freediving at COMO Maalifushi.”
During his residency, Fahd is leading immersive training sessions with the resort’s marine team, focusing on breath control, rescue techniques, equalisation, and mental conditioning—skills essential to freediving and valuable in ensuring guest safety and engagement.
This new freediving experience at COMO Maalifushi is poised to become a signature offering, inviting guests to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean on a single breath, amidst vibrant coral gardens, tropical reef fish, and the meditative silence of the sea.
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Fast, fun, and fearless: Jet Car rides arrive at Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Vilu Reef

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, guests can now glide across the pristine turquoise lagoons aboard a sleek, high-performance Jet Car — a new water adventure that seamlessly blends excitement with elegance. This latest addition invites guests to experience the Maldives from an entirely fresh perspective, all while immersed in the refined comfort and distinctive style for which both resorts are renowned. A striking combination of speed, scenic beauty, and luxury, the Jet Car experience encapsulates the resorts’ dedication to delivering unforgettable moments for discerning travellers.
Powered by a high-performance Yamaha engine, the Jet Car offers a thrilling ride over the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Guests may select from various packages, including guided excursions where a professional driver navigates the route, or private hire options that allow guests to take control, accompanied by a jet ski guide for added safety and assistance.
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the experience is marked by a sleek white Jet Car that creates a dramatic contrast against the deep ocean hues, while Sun Siyam Iru Veli introduces a vibrant pink Jet Car that brings a playful splash of colour to the horizon. With intuitive controls, the Jet Cars cater to both seasoned water sports enthusiasts and beginners alike. Built-in Bluetooth speakers further personalise the journey, allowing guests to curate their own soundtrack for the ride.
To mark the launch of the Jet Car, both resorts are offering exclusive summer packages. At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, guests staying a minimum of seven nights will receive complimentary round-trip seaplane transfers for two, a veranda breakfast, a Lucky Dolphin Cruise, a USD 100 spa credit on selected treatments, and a welcome bottle of wine with signature bed decoration. Meanwhile, the offer at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef includes complimentary transfers, a sparkling wine and fruit basket on arrival, the choice of a floating or in-villa breakfast, a 30-minute couple’s spa treatment, a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), access to selected non-motorised water sports, and free accommodation for children under 12.
Available for bookings made until 31 August, these seasonal offers present a perfect opportunity for guests to pair barefoot luxury with exhilarating new experiences on the water.
Excursions
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO hosts Dive Month for female journalists

PADI Women’s Dive Day, observed globally on 19th July, serves as an invitation for more women to engage with the underwater world, gain new skills, and become stewards of the ocean. At OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, this vision was extended into a month-long celebration, welcoming solo travellers, adventurous women, and families to take part.
As part of its inaugural International Women’s Dive Month, the resort hosted seven international female journalists for three days of scuba diving, storytelling, and shared experiences. The initiative was held in collaboration with dive centre TGI Maldives and ELE|NA Ayur Spa, a leader in wellness within the Maldives.
Alain Trefois, General Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, noted the significance of the occasion, stating that the belief in diving being accessible to all was brought vividly to life. He described the gathering of journalists from London to Almaty as a powerful meeting of East and West, united by encouragement and camaraderie both above and beneath the waves—an atmosphere the resort strives to cultivate.
Set against the backdrop of a vibrant house reef just steps from the shore and world-renowned dive sites nearby, Helengeli provides an ideal environment for both novice and experienced divers. For many of the visiting journalists, it marked their first time experiencing life beneath the surface—and it was only the beginning. Through a thoughtfully curated programme blending scuba diving with ocean-inspired wellness treatments, rejuvenating spa rituals, and insightful marine conservation talks, the resort created an immersive and holistic journey that left a lasting impression.
The heartfelt hospitality, expertise, and dedication of the resort’s operations team played a central role in the experience, ensuring that every element ran seamlessly and with sincere warmth.
Joining the journalists on their dives was Greta Marcelli, Operations Manager at TGI Maldives, who reflected on the joy of witnessing first-time divers. She described diving with such a diverse and pioneering group of women as profoundly inspiring and shared that Women’s Dive Month was introduced not only to celebrate women in diving but to foster connection, confidence, and a sense of community.
The media group, comprised entirely of women, brought together voices from across Europe and Central Asia. Among them were Ms. Dorothee Elisabeth Pfaffel of Augsburger Allgemeine and Allgäuer Zeitung (Germany), Ms. Camilla Rocca of Forbes and StyleCorriere (Italy), Ms. Irina Buchnaya of STEPPE (Kazakhstan), Ms. Míra Németi of Marie Claire (Hungary), Ms. Ivana Bednářová of Prestige Magazine (Czech Republic), Ms. Tamara Rybicka of Zwierciadlo (Poland), and UK-based freelance journalist Ms. Monica Daisy Meade. Their varied backgrounds in luxury, lifestyle, travel, and culture journalism brought a rich and global perspective to the occasion.
As the final dives came to a close, it was clear that the gathering had evolved beyond a press trip. It became a movement, a meaningful moment, and a memory in motion—one that each journalist will carry forward, with salt in their hair, stories in their hearts, and a lasting connection to the sea.
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