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Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to swim with manta rays
In the southern Baa atoll of the Maldives, the summer months of June to November mean only one thing; manta ray season. This is when hundreds of majestic manta rays migrate to the atoll’s plankton-rich waters for astounding animal-viewing opportunities unequalled anywhere else on the planet.
The recently-opened Milaidhoo Maldives is perfectly located for prime manta ray viewing, being only about 12 minutes by speedboat from Hanifaru Bay, which is known as the biggest manta feeding station in the world.
During the season, Milaidhoo offers trips to snorkel with mantas up to three times a week, with the timings being coordinated with Hanifaru Bay park rangers to ensure guests enjoy the most rewarding sighting opportunities. According to the resort, guests can go in group trips or book a private excursion, perhaps adding on a picnic on a deserted sandbank or a cruise to a local island for a truly memorable day. The resort’s resident marine biologist will be happy to join excursions to make this a meaningful learning experience.
Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is carefully managed with entry limited to a small number of visitors every day to conserve the environment. Known as the world’s largest manta ray feeding station, it is also famous for being nursery grounds for grey sharks and sting rays and is one of the very few places in the world where whale sharks congregate to mate. It is best known for its concentration of reef manta rays, where on good days it is possible to see and swim alongside a hundred mantas.

Feeding manta rays at Hanifaru Bay. PHOTO/ MALDIVES FINEST
For the newly opened Milaidhoo, this is particularly exciting as this will be the luxury resort’s first year to greet these spectacular seasonal visitors.
According to the resort, preparations to make this as meaningful an experience as possible for guests are being made with passion, from arranging personalised alerts to creating bespoke manta watching tours. The staff at the Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre are ready to teach guests about the gentle giants of the ocean and how to ensure encounters are safe for the animal, it said.
“The team have identified several secret spots outside of the marine reserve for yet more private and personal one-on-one manta snorkelling. Divers can enjoy spectacular scuba diving at special dive sites within Baa atoll where manta rays can also often be found,” an announcement by the resort read.
To make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity even more tempting, Milaidhoo has also launched a special summer offer of 40 percent off its published rates.

Manta rays with wing-like pectoral fins that stretch to a length of 13 to 15 feet (4 to 4.5 metres) move gracefully through the water while feeding with their enormous mouths. Having one of the largest comparable brain sizes of any marine animal makes them highly curious, resulting in some very close snorkelling encounters.
Maldivian-owned Milaidhoo Maldives, which is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, opened in November, and is proudly rooted in the local island traditions, curating a bespoke selection of experiences to showcase the destination. Set on a tiny island in the Baa atoll, each of Milaidhoo’s 50 private villas have been designed by a Maldivian architect and each thatched-roof villa features generous private pools and is serviced by Island Hosts. The villas are just a short, barefoot stroll away to three world-class restaurants, incredible water sports, fitness, spa, yoga and world-class diving.
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Siyam World Maldives to host international football camps this Easter
This Easter, Siyam World Maldives, part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection, is clicking its ruby slippers and transforming into the magical World of Oz from From March 31st – April 17th, 2026 with not one, not two, but three international football legends arriving on island. Yes, while the Wizard may rely on smoke and mirrors, Massimo Ambrosini, Javier Saviola and Gary Cahill are very real, and they will be hosting exclusive football camps throughout April for young players and fans ready to sharpen their skills in paradise.
But that is only the beginning because, unlike Dorothy, you might not want to go home.
Alongside these star-studded camps, Siyam World’s Easter celebrations invite guests to follow the Yellow Brick Road into the World of Oz, where the island comes alive with magical shows, playful races, kid-friendly carnivals, and high-energy island adventures.
The journey begins with Dorothy’s Arrival, a sunset gathering at Together Beach where emerald lights glow, music fills the air, and the first clues of the Oz adventure begin to unfold. Guests are then invited to follow the Yellow Brick Road across the island, discovering surprises along the way. The highlight of the Easter programme is the spectacular Journey to the Emerald City Stage Show, featuring dazzling dance performances, aerial artistry, fire acts, and immersive visuals that bring the magic of Oz to life.

Young adventurers can explore the Wizard’s Kidz Carnival, packed with games, face painting, and playful characters, while guests ready for a challenge can join The Amazing Race – Wizard of Siyam Edition, racing around the island in a series of fun challenges inspired by brains, heart, and courage.
Meanwhile, the SW 3K Easter Run adds an extra splash of fun with bubble tunnels, misty surprises, and plenty of laughter along the way.
And for football lovers, the island’s pitch becomes the ultimate training ground with three exclusive camps:
- Massimo Ambrosini Football Camp (2–4 April) – The AC Milan midfield legend known for leadership and tactical brilliance
- Javier Saviola Football Camp (5–10 April) – The lightning-fast Argentine forward “El Conejo,” famed for creativity and clinical finishing.
- Gary Cahill Football Camp (13–17 April) – The England international and former Chelsea captain celebrated for his defensive strength and leadership.
With world-class football, magical storytelling, and island adventures around every corner, The World of Oz at Siyam World promises an Easter celebration where fantasy, sport, and pure fun collide.
Because at Siyam World, the adventure never ends, it simply follows the Yellow Brick Road.
For more information and to book your stay or check out the full Easter programme, please visit the resort’s website.
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Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives expands sustainability efforts with coral restoration
The vibrant coral reefs surrounding Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives play a vital role in sustaining the island’s rich marine biodiversity. Recognising the growing threats faced by coral ecosystems worldwide, the resort has introduced a coral restoration initiative aimed at supporting the long-term recovery of its house reef.
Coral reefs are among the most sensitive and fragile ecosystems on the planet and are increasingly affected by environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, and human activity. These ecosystems not only support thousands of marine species but also play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and protecting coastlines.

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has taken proactive steps to assist reef regeneration through a structured coral restoration programme. The initiative recently saw the installation of 25 coral frames, each carefully planted with coral fragments collected from naturally broken corals found within the surrounding lagoon and reef areas.
Over time, these fragments will grow and fuse with one another, gradually forming new coral colonies that contribute to rebuilding the reef structure. As the corals mature, they create shelter and feeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life, helping restore the ecological balance of the reef ecosystem.

The restoration project also serves as an important platform for raising awareness among guests and team members about the importance of marine conservation. By nurturing these coral frames and monitoring their progress, the resort contributes to strengthening the resilience of its surrounding reef while supporting broader efforts to safeguard the Maldives’ underwater ecosystems.
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Sun Siyam Olhuveli invests in staff wellbeing with upgraded sports facilities
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has unveiled newly upgraded volleyball and futsal grounds for team members, reaffirming its commitment to employee wellbeing while advancing responsible, future-focused operations. The renovated volleyball grounds were officially inaugurated on 14 February, while the upgraded futsal ground opened earlier this year—together creating dedicated spaces for recreation, connection, and healthy competition across the island.
Designed to encourage regular physical activity and camaraderie beyond the workplace, the improved sports facilities represent a thoughtful investment in social infrastructure. They reflect a belief that wellbeing is fundamental to long-term performance, nurturing morale, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging among team members.

Alongside these developments, the resort has implemented NO BIN DAY every Tuesday, a practical initiative aimed at minimising food waste across operations. By encouraging mindful planning and responsible consumption, the initiative challenges teams to rethink habits around food—transforming sustainability into a shared, everyday discipline.
“Taking care of our people and the environment must go hand in hand. By investing in spaces that support our team’s wellbeing and introducing simple disciplines like NO BIN DAY, we are building a culture where responsibility is lived every day—naturally, collectively, and with purpose,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

Both initiatives form part of Sun Siyam Care, the group’s corporate social responsibility platform, and align with the Social Infrastructure and Responsible Consumption and Production pillars under the GDS framework. Together, they reflect a people-first approach to sustainability—where everyday actions create lasting impact for teams, operations, and the wider community.
Sun Siyam Care is committed to creating a positive impact for people, communities, and the environment through responsible operations, social investment, and long-term sustainability actions across its destinations in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Guests are encouraged to learn more about these initiatives by visiting the Sun Siyam Care website at sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-care.
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