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Fairmont Maldives offers new marine-inspired experiences for families

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi has curated a new menu of experiences designed to entertain and inspire families.
After embarking on a boat trip to discover local marine life or snorkelling the expansive coral house reef, travellers can take inspiration from their verdant island environment and create their own marine-inspired masterpiece; paint, sculpt or draw in the beachside art studio, under the watchful eye of a resident artist.
The on-site Art Studio offers all of the tools and materials for art-enthused travellers to try their hand at coconut, canvas and wood painting, sculpturing, and an array of crafting activities; from designing a dream catcher and weaving authentic Maldivian rugs, to crafting bespoke jewellery from seashells. Here, guests are encouraged to create unique keepsakes inspired by the tropical island surroundings to treasure for a lifetime in the Art Studio, or even in the privacy of their own villa.
Fairmont Maldives also offers an array of immersive activities to promote eco-education. Having initiated a coral regeneration project, the resort has created unique semi-submerged sculptures constructed from non-toxic, pH neutral material, which encourage the settlement of underwater life and act as an artificial reef patrolled by manta rays and over 250 species of tropical fish. Aiming to educate the next generation of eco-conscious travellers, Fairmont Maldives also offers undersea exploration, coral and coconut tree planting, turtle release programmes and exploration of the manta ray cleaning station, all guided by the resort’s resident marine biologist.
Additionally, adventure loving families can head out on a sunset dolphin tour, sail to an uninhabited island for a castaway picnic, snorkel the thriving coral house reef or head out on a traditional Maldivian dhoni for a sunset fishing experience, before immersing themselves in the local island culture with a family cooking class and cultural tours. Tiny travellers can participate in thrill-seeking activities offered at the Kids Club and Teen Club, ‘Majaa’, from kayaking or jet-skiing the lagoon and cycling sandy walkways, to making a splash in the resort’s 200m infinity pool – the largest in the Maldives.
The New Family Holiday Package starts from USD1,450++ and includes:
- Round-trip transfers for two adults and two children (below 12 years old) by seaplane from Male airport to Fairmont Maldives
- Daily breakfast in Raha Market for two adults and two children below 12 years old
- Dinner for two adults and two children below 12 years old. Choice of buffet dinner in Raha Market or three-course meal at Kata or Azure.
- A day in the Art Studio with the Arts & Crafts team.
- Ocean discovery programme with marine biologist, including a marine life educational presentation and turtle protection activity
- Family cooking class at Raha Market
- Family activities: 20-minute dolphin and snorkelling trip by speedboat, 20-minute fun tube and 20-minute fishing excursion on board a Dhoni. This is a one-time activity during the entire stay.
- Complimentary access to the Kids Club
- Complimentary kids’ amenities
- Baby-sitting facilities are provided upon request
Embodying an earthy elegance, flowing from the shore to every detail of design, the resort is constructed to stimulate creativity. Fairmont Maldives is home to 112 lavish villas with private pools, authentic Maldivian furnishings and a designated Villa Host on hand to cater to guests’ every need. Families can stay in the Overwater Villas with see-through floors and oversized copper bathtubs, perched overlooking the Indian Ocean, Beach Villas with luxurious outdoor bathrooms and private tropical gardens, or in the new Tented Jungle Villas for a true castaway experience in the heart of the Maldivian jungle.
Having opened its doors in May 2018, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is an idyllic island paradise dedicated to reinventing family holidays in the Maldives, and inspiring both the artist and adventurer in every traveller.
Fairmont Maldives is located in the northern Shaviyani atoll. The resort is accessible by domestic flight in 50 minutes from Male International Airport followed by speedboat from Hanimaadhoo Airport to the resort. Alternatively, guests can book a 50-minute scenic seaplane flight directly to the resort.
The New Family Holiday Package by Fairmont Maldives requires four nights minimum length of stay, with blackout dates from December 20, 2019 to January 10, 2020. For reservations, please email reservations.maldives@fairmont.com or contact +960 654 8888. Visit www.fairmont-maldives.com for more information.
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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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

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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Maldives welcomes first PADI TecRec Dive Center

The Maldives has reached a new milestone in its diving industry with the launch of the country’s first PADI TecRec diver training center. Established by Aquaventure Dive Center in Addu City, the facility marks the beginning of a new era for technical diving in the Maldives, creating opportunities for divers to explore greater depths beyond recreational limits.
As the first of its kind in the region, the PADI TecRec center is fully equipped to offer a wide range of technical diving courses, from entry-level Discover Tec programs to advanced Tec 50 certifications. The center’s team of PADI-certified technical instructors are prepared to guide both recreational divers who are curious about technical diving and experienced divers looking to challenge their skills.

With access to some of the most spectacular underwater environments in the world—including deep wrecks, current-swept channels, and uncharted reefs—the Maldives is now firmly positioned on the global map as a destination for serious technical divers.
“This is more than just a certification—it’s an opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before,” said Marc Kouwenberg of Aquaventure Dive Center.
In addition to courses, Aquaventure offers technical diving equipment and custom expedition packages designed for those ready to take the plunge into the Maldives’ most adventurous underwater landscapes.
Contact:
Marc Kouwenberg
WhatsApp / Viber: +960 797 4310
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