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Four women complete unprecedented ‘Stand Up For Our Seas’ paddleboard expedition, raises awareness on plastic pollution
In February 2019, four women completed an unprecedented stand up paddle boarding (SUP) expedition in Baa atoll in the Maldives, raising awareness of the need to protect marine life, and the necessary actions to do so.
Dr Claire Petros and Dr Cal Major, veterinarians from the UK, and Shaaziya ‘Saazu’ Saeed and Dhafeena ‘Dhafy’ Hassan Ibrahim, Maldivian ocean advocates, paddled a gruelling 100km over eight days, the likes of which has never been done before in the Maldives. The women paddled in the beating sun, fighting dehydration and exhaustion, through unseasonal headwinds and waves and against strong currents, between 16 islands of the atoll.
The team — supported by environmentalist Rob Thompson of Odyssey Innovations, Videographer James Appleton, and Shameel Ibrahim of the Olive Ridley Project — visited schools, local islands and resorts along the way to give presentations, run beach and harbour clean-ups, and investigate the myriad of solutions to plastic pollution and climate change already in place in the country, with the aim of inspiring further positive change.
“This expedition was so different to my previous expeditions; one of the biggest challenges, and the most rewarding aspects, was working as a team, discovering our complimentary strengths and support, and creating a successful campaign as a unit,” Cal Major, who has previously completed world-record SUP expeditions, said.
The women were privileged enough to encounter turtles, dolphins and manta rays during the paddling, bringing home the importance of protecting the oceans around the world. They also encountered uninhabited islands covered in plastic bottles, enormous ghost fishing nets on beaches regularly used by turtles for nesting, and harbours packed with plastic.
Plastic pollution is a huge issue with recent global media attention. It is a global problem, and experiencing it here, juxtaposed by wildlife, highlighted the importance of the need to tackle this problem urgently and globally. The oceans are all connected and are vital to support life on Earth, producing over 50 per cent of the oxygen in the atmosphere.
“Having treated sea turtles with life threatening entanglements caused by plastic pollution and ghost fishing gear, I have witnessed first hand just how much suffering and damage each animal affected by this man made problem has to endure,” Dr Claire Petros, Lead Veterinarian of the Olive Ridley Project which is involved in protecting turtles in the Indian Ocean from ghost fishing gear, said.
The Maldives is renowned for its pristine marine environment and abundance of wildlife, but it is also vulnerable to plastic pollution, coral bleaching and climate change. Thousands of marine creatures every year are entangled in lost or discarded fishing nets. Thousands more ingest plastic fragments, causing starvation and poisoning the food chain.
The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, made up of more than 1100 islands surrounded by coral reefs which support the ocean ecosystem. Due to warming seas, these corals are becoming bleached, with progressively less ability to regenerate. The rising sea levels are severely threatening the islands, with estimates projecting that they will be under water in 12 years if current trends continue.
The reception to the team was phenomenal, with local islands and resorts alike excited to share the positive changes they already had in place, proud to protect the local marine life, and eager to learn more. Many schools were working towards becoming plastic free, and as well as receiving the team’s presentations, were encouraged to give their own accounts of the waste management practices being initiated on their home islands.
The expedition was supported by Coco Collection, and the start and end points were Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu resort, home to the Olive Ridley Project Marine Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. As a locally-owned resort brand that’s part of the beautiful natural environment of the Maldives, Coco Collection is aware of their impact and they strive to make their impact positive, protective, and nurturing towards their surroundings.
“We are proud to invest time, money, expertise, and energy in playing our part. Beyond what we do at our resorts, we partner with and support initiatives such as Stand Up for Our Seas, in order to have the biggest lasting positive impact on our corner of the world and beyond,” Siraj Ali Waseem, General Manager of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, said.
The team met with the Maldivian environment minister Dr Hussain Rasheed before setting out on their voyage, and his message was a clear global call to action: The Maldives is taking responsibility for its own carbon emissions, aiming to become the first carbon-neutral country. They are supporting plastic free schools programmes, and helping islands to become plastic free. Resorts are answering consumer demands to use less plastic, and most have desalination plants to produce drinking water, removing the need for plastic water bottles. Fishing with nets is not permitted in the Maldives; pole and line methods are widely used instead, and the nets arriving in ocean currents into the Maldivian waters, entangling the megafauna here, are usually from further afield.
Even with the Maldives making all the changes within their power, it is up to the global community to take action to prevent carbon emissions and climate change from irreparably destroying this country. The expedition received copious in-country media attention and support, and was used as a vehicle to encourage continued positive change, and to inspire global action.
Photography: James Appleton
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa continues its ongoing marine conservation journey with the identification of Six Individual Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks along the resort’s house reef. The sharks were documented through photographic observation and submitted to the MIYARU, the Maldives’ national non-profit organisation and research network focused on collaborative shark research and conservation.
The six identified sharks namely Atlas (LS081), Aurelian (LS083), Kikongo (LS090), Ambala (LS091), Ingwe (LS096), and Fowler (LS097) – can each be recognized by their distinctive patterns of dots and spots. Similar to a human fingerprint, these natural markings are unique to every shark, enabling marine researchers to identify individuals when they are encountered again.
By documenting these individual sharks, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is contributing to a growing body of knowledge about the species and how it uses local reef habitats. Each sighting adds another piece to the wider picture of leopard shark presence and movements in the Maldives, supporting continued awareness, research and conservation.
For Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, conservation is about creating meaningful connections with the natural world. From a passing encounter with a leopard shark to learning how individual animals can be recognized beneath the surface, every discovery can offer a new perspective on the living reef.
The identification of these six leopard sharks reflects the resort’s continued approach to marine conservation through attentive observation, responsible marine experiences and collaboration with conservation partners.
As monitoring continues, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to discover its house reef not simply as a destination beneath the surface, but as a living environment shared with an extraordinary diversity of marine life.
With every sighting, every photograph and every new record, the resort continues to build a deeper understanding of the waters surrounding Maamutaa – inspiring greater appreciation for the wildlife that calls the Maldives home.
Kayla Shortt is Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s in-house Marine Biologist and PADI IDC Staff Instructor, who coordinated the in-water observations, photographic documentation and identification submissions that resulted in the six individual records.
Originally from South Africa, she has worked across five-star resorts in the Maldives since 2021, bringing together her experience in marine tourism and practical conservation.
Her expertise spans reef-health monitoring, turtle rehabilitation and shark behavior, with a particular focus on creating greater awareness and understanding of the marine environment.
At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Kayla makes marine science engaging and accessible, connecting guests with the underwater world while supporting the resort’s ongoing conservation efforts. Through her work, she contributes to a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ marine environment and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home.
This festive season, Siyam World Maldives, part of the Lifestyle Collection at Sun Siyam, is entering The Age of Legends, as ancient kingdoms, dragons, warriors, enchanted forests and Viking seas find their way to the Maldives. Inspired by the worlds of Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, The Witcher andVikings, The Age of Legends creates a story entirely of its own, with experiences unfolding across the island and guests becoming part of the action.
Because at Siyam World, simply watching was never really going to be enough. Beginning December 15th, the festive programme brings together fantasy-inspired entertainment, family adventures, sport and storytelling, with former Manchester United and Serbia captain Nemanja Vidić, an original production inspired by one of the Maldives’ best-known legends, and a New Year’s Eve celebration where four worlds collide. And there are still a few things Siyam World is not revealing just yet. Consider that your first quest.
Legends on the field
From 18 December, the football pitch gets its own chapter. Former Manchester United and Serbia captain Nemanja Vidić joins the festive line-up with a football camp focused on skill, confidence, discipline and teamwork. For young players, it is a rare opportunity to train with someone who spent years competing at the very highest level of the game.
Every great battle has its decisive moment. From 25–27 December, former AC Milan and Italy striker Alessandro Matri takes to the pitch with young players for three days of skill, confidence and teamwork, bringing a goalscorer’s instinct to the festive realm.
For parents, it is also a remarkably effective way to ensure football dominates the conversation for the rest of the holiday. Possibly the flight home, too.
When a Maldivian legend takes the stage
On 21 December, the story turns closer to home. Dhonhiyala and Alifulhu, one of the Maldives’ best-known legends, will be brought to life through an original musical inspired by its timeless tale of love, courage and destiny.Passed down through generations, the story finds a new stage and a new audience at Siyam World, bringing a distinctly Maldivian legend into a festive season inspired by legendary worlds from near and far. Because long before dragons and Vikings reached these shores, the Maldives had legends of its own.
Christmas Even
On 24 December, word arrives from the North. A certain Legend is making his way across the sea, carrying gifts after what we can only assume has been a very long journey. Exactly when and how he will arrive remains a closely guarded secret. The North has many Legends. This one wears red.
Four worlds. One midnight.
New Year’s Eve brings The Age of Legends to its biggest night. Four fantasy worlds come together as ancient magic, fearless warriors, unexpected alliances and just the right amount of Siyam World chaos take over the island on the final night of 2026. Exactly what happens when those worlds collide is staying firmly under wraps. Mostly because spoilers are punishable by exile from the realm. Let’s just say Siyam World will not be entering 2027 quietly.
Little legends
For younger adventurers, The Dragon Rider Academy transforms Kidz World into a training ground for future dragon riders, with games, challenges and plenty of opportunities to prove themselves worthy of the realm. Judging by previous Siyam World adventures, they are likely to take their training extremely seriously. The dragons, thankfully, remain under control. For now.
One more legend
And there is still one name missing from the story. One final Legend is yet to be revealed to those following @siyamworld, joining an already packed festive line-up when the time is right.
Because some entrances deserve their own moment.
Now it is your turn
Guests will also have the chance to create a legend of their own through the Share Your Siyam Legend Challenge.Throughout the season, guests can capture their own legendary Siyam World moment and share it as a Reel or carousel, tagging @siyamworld and using #ShareYourSiyamLegend and #AgeOfLegends.
The entry combining the most imagination, genuine engagement and a point of view all its own could win a seven-night stay for two at Siyam World, including WOW! Inclusive, applicable taxes and return shared seaplane transfers.Create the moment. Share the story. Become a Legend. The Age of Legends begins at Siyam World Maldives on 15 December 2026.
The realm is ready. The Legends are coming. Ready to enter The Age of Legends? Discover Siyam World’s latest offers and book your festive escape at sunsiyam.com/siyam-world/offers.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa successfully concluded the second edition of the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026 on Friday September the 18th as part of World Wellness Weekend, bringing together running, wellness and the spectacular natural surroundings of the beautiful all-natural Island of Dhonakulhi.
The event welcomed 68 runners, with esteemed athletes Sunny Schippers leading the 10K race and Clara Abbona leading the 5K race, inspiring participants through three scenic island runs (including a relaxing shake out run) surrounded by the turquoise waters and lush tropical landscape of Hideaway.
Held in line with World Wellness Weekend, the programme extended beyond running to embrace a more holistic approach to wellbeing. Participants enjoyed a series of wellness experiences, including sound healing with Naga Healing, Yoga with in-house instructor Shubham, alongside fitness sessions led by Shaffa – Fitness Expert from TfG, and Ask a PT and Physio sessions with Yoosuf as the Personal Trainer Consultant.
The second edition celebrated movement in all its forms, combining physical activity with recovery, mindfulness, and connection with nature. From the energy of the starting line to restorative wellness experiences, the event brought guests and participants together through a shared appreciation for healthier living.
Following another successful edition, the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run continues to build its identity as a unique resort island running and wellness experience, bringing together sport, community and the beauty of the Maldives at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
The initiative is endorsed by Visit Maldives and delivered in partnership with TFG as race partner, with race consultation, registration, timing, and bib services powered by TFG Races. Maldivian joins as transport partner, Coral Glass as content partner, and Sporting Vacanze as agent partner. This partnership reflects continued collaboration between tourism, aviation, media, sports, and lifestyle stakeholders in supporting wellness tourism in the Maldives.
Participants received a race timing bib powered by TfG Races, a partner goodie bag compiled of little treats by the partners, and the official Flora & Fauna Greenery Run T-shirt. Trophies were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K categories. And the esteemed 1st place winners all received a scaled Maldivian Flight model kit by Maldivian Airways.
“Following the success of the historic inaugural edition in 2025, we are delighted to run the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run in 2026,” said Mohamed Muzaffar Ahmed, Business Development Manager of Lily Hotels. “With the continued endorsement of Visit Maldives and the support of our partners, this event reflects the growing opportunity to position the Maldives as a destination for luxury wellness, sports, and active travel. Our ambition is to develop the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run into one of the country’s and inevitably the world’s leading luxury destination running events, offering participants an experience that is truly unique to the Maldives. I am proud of the fact that we are the first luxury running event focused on the sporting tourism niche which has trophies, timing, and medals making Lily Hotels yet another pioneer in experiences in the tourism sector.”
Maldives Hideaway Resort Run – The 2nd Edition might be over, but its revelry carries on with celebrating the runners on social media. In addition to that the resort is looking to clear the remaining stock of the runner’s kit which consists of a goodie bag, t-shirt, and medal via any resort guest running at least a 5k in the official mhrr2026 route at the resort during this year. More details will be available on their social media.
As an intended annual event after celebrating sunrise in the original run in 2025 and flora and fauna in this year, the resort aims to launch its theme for Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2027 – Visit Maldives Year Edition in February next year so stay tuned for any teasers about what they have got in store for the next edition of this spectacular destination running event with amazing views to be experienced by being there and experiencing running in a destination like no other.
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