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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.
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Dive into conservation: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi introduces snorkelling with a purpose
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has introduced an exciting new activity for ocean enthusiasts: Conservation Snorkelling. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, Mohamed Shah, this immersive experience allows participants to contribute to marine conservation efforts while exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of the Maldives. Combining education, exploration, and action, the initiative offers an enriching opportunity for visitors of all ages.
Participants engage in collecting critical data on coral health and fish populations using underwater fish guides, coral health charts, and writing slates, while learning to identify various fish species. They assess reef conditions and contribute to the protection of the local marine environment. The findings are then discussed with Mohamed Shah, providing deeper insights into the marine life of the Iru Fushi lagoon and house reef.
This activity is a key component of Sun Siyam Cares, the resort’s initiative focused on environmental protection and community support. Families, young couples, and other guests can participate in global conservation efforts through the Coral Watch citizen science project. The activity is open to strong swimmers aged eight and above who feel comfortable snorkelling.
“At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we strive to protect the stunning natural environment around us,” said Abdullah Atham, Resort Manager. “Through activities like Conservation Snorkelling, we encourage guests to explore and actively contribute to ocean conservation.”
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Game, set, paradise: Petra Kvitová and Hideaway Beach Resort elevate luxury sports experiences
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa recently hosted legendary tennis player Petra Kvitová, captivating guests with her remarkable presence and inspiring passion for tennis. During her stay, the two-time Wimbledon champion conducted exclusive tennis classes, giving guests a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s top athletes.
Petra Kvitová, a celebrated Czech tennis star, has had an illustrious career highlighted by two Grand Slam titles and numerous accolades on the WTA Tour. Known for her powerful left-handed game and extraordinary resilience, she has inspired fans worldwide. Her tennis classes at Hideaway were dynamic and filled with invaluable insights, creating memorable experiences for tennis enthusiasts and guests alike.
The festive season at the resort commenced with Padel professional Hernan Flores offering Padel lessons for both guests and staff, followed by consecutive tennis workshops led by tennis stars Petra Kvitová and Elena Vesnina. Both athletes conducted specialised tennis sessions for adults and children, helping participants enhance their skills and deepen their appreciation for the sport.
Nestled in the pristine beauty of the Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is renowned for its exceptional service, luxurious villas, and world-class amenities. Boasting immaculate beaches and exclusive experiences, the resort provides an idyllic escape for discerning travellers. With professional tennis courts and wellness facilities, including a Bali-inspired spa and in-house yoga instruction, Hideaway offers tennis enthusiasts the perfect setting to refine their game while enjoying the serene paradise.
As one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, located in the remote Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway offers an extensive range of activities. These include a 5-hole golf putting green, an indoor golf simulator, Padel courts, indoor badminton, table tennis, and a state-of-the-art gym. Guests can also explore the island’s lush vegetation and scenic pathways by bicycle, combining leisure with exercise. For joggers, the island features excellent routes, approximately 1.4 kilometres long and 500 meters wide, providing a natural and invigorating fitness option.
Steve Cook, a fitness professional and former guest, remarked, “How often do you get a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, cycle along sand pathways, and run through lush tropical landscapes? Hideaway Beach Resort is not just a retreat—it’s a paradise for fitness and adventure enthusiasts looking to embrace challenges in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.”
As an award-winning luxury resort, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa continues to set the standard for recreation and relaxation in the Maldives. It offers guests more than just a vacation—delivering an unparalleled hideaway experience.
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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives presents Active Escapes 2025
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of the Active Escapes retreats in 2025. The week-long Active Escapes Maldives Festival will be held from 27 April to 4 May 2025 at the private island resort. This event is set to be the largest Active Escapes event of the year, attracting those who enjoy combining energetic recreation with a serene holiday atmosphere. Prices for the retreat start from US$2,600++ per person, twin share.
Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, expressed excitement about collaborating with Active Escapes again in 2025. “The week-long retreat-style festival offers a unique mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s perfect for individuals who prioritise health and fitness while on vacation or are looking to start fresh,” she said.
Garrett further noted, “It’s not a boot camp where you feel deprived of all the enjoyable aspects. On an Active Escapes retreat, guests can indulge in delicious cuisine prepared by the resort’s talented chefs and enjoy an impressive drinks list. The concept is to work out hard during the day and reward yourself in the evening.”
Active Escapes curates experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences, from water-based activities like snorkelling and kayaking to scuba diving and more. In addition to aqua-centric pursuits, there is also time for holistic well-being. This includes yoga sessions against the backdrop of breathtaking sunrises or sunsets, visiting the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala in the resort gardens, or simply taking a moment to relax and reflect by the beach with the soothing sounds of the waves. Active Escapes emphasises both the thrill of leisure pursuits and group fitness activities, as well as the tranquility and balance that can be achieved by embracing nature’s beauty and being present in this island paradise.
The Active Escapes Maldives Festival 2025 is all about having fun and attracting people from all around the world. It’s not solely for fitness enthusiasts; on the contrary, it offers a welcoming environment where the goal is for participants to leave a bit fitter than when they arrived in the Maldives, although the ultimate decision on participation level is up to them. There are varying degrees of difficulty in the program to ensure that those seeking a more intense workout feel challenged, while those needing a less intense workout are well catered for.
Active Escapes are particularly popular with solo travellers, who make up half of their bookings globally. The main age group is 20-40 years, although there have been guests in their late 50s on occasion.
The seven-night Active Escapes Maldives Festival 2025 hosts have been confirmed as the highly popular Peter Day and Nathan Ryles. ‘Second Release’ Packages start from US$2,600 per person twin share (excluding flights) and US$3,500 for a single room, and include:
- Shared speedboat transfer airport-island-airport (Day 1 and Final Day)
- 7 nights accommodation at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
- Daily brunch at Kandooma Cafe (except on arrival day)
- Nightly dinner at Kandooma Cafe (except on departure day)
- Fitness, yoga, and other activities daily (starting on Day 2)
- Choose your activity (surfing, SUP, shark snorkelling)
- Snorkel Maldives Reef boat trip
- Free scuba dive (certified divers only, terms and conditions apply)
- Breath work and ice baths
- Live music and DJs
- Open mic night
- Themed party day
- Reverse raffle – lots of prizes to be won!
- Photo package
- Active Escapes welcome pack
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