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Coco Collection to mark World Oceans Day with freediving world champion Herbert Nitsch

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Coco Collection has announced a series of activities with freediving world record champion Herbert Nitsch to mark World Oceans Day.

In an announcement, Coco Collection said Tuesday that Herbert will be in Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi for World Oceans Day, which falls on June 8. During Herbert’s time at the resorts, he will conduct a programme that takes guests through interactive talks and practical sessions, it added.

The programme starts with a talk, titled The Deepest Man on Earth, sharing Herbert’s story about freediving as a discipline and hobby. He is able to relate how freediving can be enjoyed by anyone of any age as he touches on his passion to conserve the seven seas.

Day two will see Herbert take guests through a multimedia talk on efficiently preparing the body to freedive at shallow depths, followed by a hands-on in-water session. A screening of Back from the Abyss, the award-winning documentary about his world record dive and the aftermath of decompression sickness and the unbelievable way back to freediving again, will follow on the same evening.

The final day of the programme takes guests through freediving with marine life, a multimedia talk together with the marine biologist on the island to touch on marine life and ocean preservation, highlighting some more advanced freediving tips. After the talk, Herbert and the resident marine biologist will take guests out on a dive in deeper waters.

The final bit of the programme ends with a screening of The Last Frontier, a documentary broadcasted in over a dozen countries about Herbert, his freediving competitions and the adaptation of the body to severe depths.

During one of the days at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Herbert will be joined by school children from the nearby local island of Thulhaadhoo, ready to pick up some first hand tips on freediving. Over at Coco Bodu Hithi, a group of seasoned Maldivian freedivers will gather for a day to join Herbert for a talk and a dive, sharing the Maldivian side of freediving with him.

“The Maldives is an amazing place and I am very excited to be coming back; this time to collaborate with a renowned local brand for World Oceans Day, a cause close to my heart. I am eager to explore the vibrant life around both islands, and what I am most looking forward is to share my journey with guests and join them in the water to test their limits. Another interesting aspect of this visit will be the day spent with some local free diving enthusiasts, definitely a highlight I am going to enjoy!” Herbert was quoted in the announcement as saying.

An Austrian individual, Herbert is the current freediving world record holder and The Deepest Man on Earth, a prestigious title that was given to him when he set the world record for freediving at an incredible depth of 702 feet in 2007 and 830.8 feet in 2012. Self-taught, Herbert is a pioneer in terms of developing his own techniques over the years and has set a total of 33 freediving world records so far.

The Ocean Project has announced “Our Oceans, Our Future” as the theme for this year’s World Oceans Day.

Coco Collection’s portfolio comprises three distinct brands; Coco Resorts and Retreats, Coco Palm and Coco Privé. The Coco Resorts and Retreats includes the luxury resort of Coco Bodu Hithi Maldives, while the Coco Palm brand features the environmentally conscious escape of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Maldives and Coco Privé consists of the private Coco Privé Private Island Maldives.

Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu are both members of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, representing the finest and most diverse global portfolio of independent hotel and resort experiences.

Photo courtesy: ©herbertnitsch.com

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Discover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026

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Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a new collection of curated dive packages, inviting guests to explore the exceptional underwater world of the Maldives through programmes designed for beginners, aspiring divers and certified enthusiasts alike.

Located in the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides access to vibrant house reefs, calm lagoon conditions and several of the region’s most celebrated dive sites, including the renowned Ifuru Thila. The newly launched dive packages are crafted to combine professional training, guided exploration and the convenience of a premium island stay.

The collection begins with an introductory diving experience tailored for first-time divers seeking to discover the underwater world in a safe and relaxed setting. Guests undergo lagoon-based training before progressing to the house reef, offering an ideal entry point into scuba diving with no prior experience required.

For guests ready to advance further, the resort offers a globally recognised scuba certification course. Designed for confident swimmers and snorkellers, the programme includes professional instruction, open water dives and an internationally valid certification, opening access to dive destinations worldwide.

Certified divers can choose a three-day dive escape that highlights the best sites in Raa Atoll. Featuring guided morning dives across renowned locations, the experience showcases the atoll’s rich marine biodiversity, striking reef structures and clear waters.

“Diving is an essential part of the Maldivian experience, and we wanted to create a collection that feels both accessible and exceptional,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether it marks a guest’s first dive or their next significant underwater journey, these packages are crafted to offer confidence, comfort and memorable experiences beneath the surface.”

All dive packages may be booked alongside the resort’s premium accommodation offerings, including the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal plan, daily resort touches, complimentary non-motorised water sports, snorkelling equipment and return domestic flight transfers for qualifying stays.

The dive packages are available for booking and travel throughout 2026 and must be confirmed ahead of arrival. Package rates apply in addition to accommodation and are subject to availability.

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Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue

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Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.

Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.

Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.

Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.

While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.

Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.

“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”

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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season

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Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.

Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.

Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.

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