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Soneva Fushi welcomes world-famous freedivers

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Soneva is set to welcome two of the world’s most celebrated freedivers at Soneva Fushi resort in the Maldives.

In January, Alexey Molchanov, who holds the record for the deepest competitive freedive, will be leading courses for adults and children, giving presentations and telling stories and anecdotes about his career at the Talkers Table. From February 20-26, Umberto Pelizzari, considered amongst the best freedivers of all time, will be running courses for all ages and giving a lecture and a Q&A session about his experiences in the sport.

Alexey, from Russia, holds the deepest competitive freediving record – he has also set five world records throughout his career. He has earned a combined total of 15 gold, silver and bronze medals for both individual and team world championship events.

“Guests can take freediving lessons from Alexey in both Russian and English. He will be hosting a Talkers Table – an incredible opportunity for guests to get to know a World Champion and hear his stories. At Cinema Paradiso guests can catch him giving presentations, a Q&A session and a chance for photos and autograph signing,” an announcement by the world-leading luxury resort operator read.

Pelizzari is an Italian freediver, known as one of the best in the history of the sport. He is the only athlete to have world records across all the freediving disciplines that existed at that particular time. Umberto and his then rival, Pipin Ferreras, were the focus of the 2001 IMAX production Ocean Men: Extreme Dive.

At Soneva Fushi, Umberto will also host freediving courses for guests, as well as a Q&A session, lectures, presentations and autograph signing at Cinema Paradiso.

Meanwhile, Soneva Fushi’s resident instructor Ken Kiriyama has been holding freediving courses from December.

Ken has been a practitioner of Yoga and Pranayama since the young age of 16. He uses these techniques and knowledge as the foundation and mental preparation for freediving – ensuring guests are calm, relaxed and focused while on dives. This results in a meditative experience where guests feel a ‘oneness’ with the ocean.

Freediving is one way to discover the underwater world on a single breath, without supporting equipment.

Soneva said the freediving courses at Soneva Fushi consist of theory lessons, breathing and relaxation techniques, stretching, confined water and open water practice.

“This is a chance for guests to learn the essential aspects of freediving directly from World Champions who currently hold or have held multiple world records. They will learn about what happens in the human physiology while freediving, about the physics of water, about mental capacities, deep relaxation and breathing techniques to improve their health and wellbeing. The breathing techniques are a key factor and can be used anytime, anywhere,” the announcement read.

“In the water guests will learn how to move and save energy, how to use fins with the correct technique and how to be calm and relaxed in the water. The course is open to all ages, 12 and above, and participates will receive a diploma upon completion.”

According to Soneva, the children’s freediving experience is a two-hour journey on the reef that involves having fun and learning from a World Champion. The basic techniques of swimming, finning, snorkelling and easy dives while holding the breath will be covered.

Established in 1995, Soneva Fushi is the original Soneva. The No News, No Shoes blueprint for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways is located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 65 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, hidden amongst dense foliage.

The iconic resort has bagged several international awards for eco-friendly tourism and green initiatives, including the 2017 Green Hotelier Award for the Asia Pacific region and the Sustainable Hotel Award by the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) as well as a spot in the Gold List compiled by Condé Nast Traveler China as the Best Hotel in the Maldives and amongst the best resorts in the world in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2017.

Soneva also operates the Soneva Jani resort and Soneva in Aqua luxury yacht in the Maldives.

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Game on! Upcoming Meyyafushi unveils Maldives’ first overwater padel court

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Get ready for a unique sporting experience in paradise! Meyyafushi Maldives, the highly anticipated new resort from the owners and operators of Fushifaru Maldives, has teased an extraordinary amenity on its social media channels: an overwater padel tennis court. Set to open in October 2025, Meyyafushi Maldives is already generating buzz, and this innovative addition is sure to elevate its appeal.

Building on the established success of Fushifaru Maldives, known for its intimate atmosphere and stunning natural beauty in Lhaviyani Atoll, Meyyafushi Maldives promises a similar commitment to exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences. While details about the new resort have been gradually unfolding, the recent reveal of the overwater padel tennis court marks a significant and exciting development.

Padel tennis, a popular racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton, is gaining traction globally. However, Meyyafushi Maldives is taking the game to a whole new level – literally. Imagine the thrill of a friendly (or perhaps a fiercely competitive!) match with the breathtaking backdrop of the turquoise Maldivian waters stretching out beneath the court. The social media post showcasing the court hints at a truly exceptional spot to engage in some active fun with loved ones while soaking in the unparalleled scenery.

This pioneering amenity underscores Meyyafushi Maldives’ dedication to offering distinctive and memorable experiences for its guests. It signals a resort that is not only focused on relaxation and natural beauty but also on providing unique and engaging activities. The overwater padel tennis court is poised to become a signature feature, attracting sports enthusiasts and those seeking novel ways to enjoy their Maldivian getaway.

As Meyyafushi Maldives gears up for its October 2025 opening, the introduction of the first overwater padel tennis court in the Maldives adds another compelling reason to anticipate its arrival. This innovative amenity promises a memorable and picturesque sporting experience, further solidifying the resort’s position as a noteworthy addition to the Maldivian hospitality landscape. 

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Ifuru Island Maldives takes part in Burunu Boma sport fishing tournament 

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Ifuru Island Maldives has announced its participation in the inaugural Burunu Boma Sport Fishing Tournament, taking place from 2 to 4 May 2025. Organized by the Visit Maldives Club (VMC), this premier event aims to position the Maldives as a leading destination for sustainable sport fishing.

As one of the select resorts competing in this prestigious tournament, Team Ifuru Maldives will showcase its commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism. The competition emphasizes “catch and release” practices, aligning with global efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.

Participants will target species such as marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, swordfish, and bigeye tuna, with a grand prize of USD 25,000 awarded to the top-performing team. The event also features live entertainment and a festive atmosphere, celebrating the Maldives’ rich fishing heritage.

“We are thrilled to be part of Burunu Boma and to represent Ifuru Island Maldives in this landmark event,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Our participation underscores our dedication to sustainable practices and our passion for the ocean that surrounds us.”

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Sirru Fen Fushi to host ‘One Ocean, One Breath’ with Freedive Maldives to mark World Oceans Day

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, invites ocean lovers and adventure seekers to a purposeful World Oceans Day celebration in partnership with Freedive Maldives, Guinness World Record Holder for the Most People Performing Static Apnea held last October 2022.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the largest natural lagoons and house reefs in the Maldives, the event promises a deep connection to the ocean through expert-led PADI Freediving courses, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Participants will have the opportunity to earn their freediving certification, explore Sirru’s 9-kilometer-long house reef, and admire vibrant marine biodiversity, including manta ray cleaning stations, nurse shark points, flourishing coral gardens, and turtle habitats, home to 93 resident turtles and 11 successful hatchings this year alone.

“Our house reef, one of the longest and most vibrant in the Maldives, is a sanctuary for marine life and a symbol of our deep commitment to ocean conservation,” said Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “We are honoured to collaborate with Freedive Maldives in celebrating World Oceans Day, not only to offer our guests an unforgettable underwater journey, but also to empower local talents and inspire our community to protect what lies beneath the surface.”

The initiative aligns with the resort’s ongoing sustainability commitments, including regular lagoon cleaning programs and support for local marine conservation efforts. This collaboration further emphasizes a shared mission to preserve the Maldives’ rich underwater heritage and engage the local community in meaningful environmental action.

In a broader commitment to sustainable tourism, Freedive Maldives has also signed a partnership agreement with the Baa Atoll Council to host another record-breaking freediving event in October 2025, coinciding with World Tourism Day, reinforcing Baa Atoll’s position as a leader in eco-conscious marine tourism.

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