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Outrigger Konotta Maldives announces Easter programme

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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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From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

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Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.

Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.

The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.

Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.

“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.

For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.

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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’

Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.

The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.

“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”

Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.

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Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

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Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.

With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).

“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”

As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.

By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.

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